Investigating how a specific receptor affects liver disease in women with alcohol use.
Official title: Human pregnane X receptor and sexual dimorphism in alcoholic liver disease
Funded at University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-10883611 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why women with alcoholic liver disease tend to have more severe symptoms than men, focusing on how certain biological factors and hormones affect liver health in women who drink alcohol.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $346,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA028806-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10883611 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women with a history of alcohol use who are experiencing or at risk for alcoholic liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have liver disease unrelated to alcohol may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding why alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is more severe in women compared to men. It examines the role of the human pregnane X receptor (PXR) and its influence on liver function and disease progression in females who consume alcohol. By studying the mechanisms behind alcohol metabolism and the impact of sex hormones, the research aims to uncover the biological differences that contribute to higher mortality rates in female alcoholics. The approach includes both human and animal models to explore the genetic and biochemical pathways involved in ALD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies and preventive measures for women suffering from alcoholic liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated significant differences in alcohol metabolism between sexes, suggesting that this area of investigation could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gyamfi, Maxwell Afari — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Gyamfi, Maxwell Afari
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.