Inflammation in fat tissue may lead to liver disease in obese individuals

LIFR-alpha/JAK/STAT3-dependent Adipose Inflammation Contributes to Obesity-Associated NAFLD - Resubmissi

NIH-funded research Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11003679

This study is looking at how inflammation in fat tissue affects the liver in people with obesity, and it’s exploring a special molecule called LIF to see if it can help us find new ways to treat liver problems related to being overweight.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUt Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dallas, United States)
Project IDNIH-11003679 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how inflammation in adipose (fat) tissue contributes to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in individuals with obesity. It focuses on the role of specific signaling molecules, particularly leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), in altering fat cell behavior and promoting inflammation. By studying the interactions between different cell types in adipose tissue, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new treatments for obesity-related liver conditions. The approach includes using animal models to observe changes in fat mass and inflammation when specific pathways are manipulated.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are obese and at risk for developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Not a fit: Patients who are not obese or do not have any metabolic conditions related to obesity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating liver disease in obese patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting inflammatory pathways in adipose tissue can lead to significant improvements in metabolic health, suggesting a promising avenue for this study.

Where this research is happening

Dallas, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.