Investigating how cholesterol affects brain function in liver disease
Official title: Role of cholesterol in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-10812086 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cholesterol levels in the brain might affect brain problems in people with liver cirrhosis, hoping to find new ways to help those who are dealing with these serious issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $556,767 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK135995-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10812086 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and are experiencing symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver disease who do not have cirrhosis or those without neurological symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between cholesterol levels and hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a serious complication of liver cirrhosis that leads to neurological issues. The study aims to understand how cholesterol dysregulation in the brain contributes to HE, particularly in patients with liver cirrhosis. By using models of liver cirrhosis, researchers will assess changes in cholesterol homeostasis and neurosteroid synthesis, which could reveal new therapeutic targets. The findings may help improve treatment options for patients suffering from liver-related brain dysfunction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve neurological function and quality of life for patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of cholesterol in liver disease is being explored, this specific investigation into its effects on brain function during cirrhosis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Demorrow, Sharon — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Demorrow, Sharon
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Cholesterol and brain health in liver cirrhosis leading to hepatic encephalopathy
Researchers will study how cholesterol in the brain may contribute to brain problems seen in people with liver cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy.
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POEM: a pharmacist-led plan to optimize liver-bleed HE management
A pharmacist-driven program helps people with hepatic encephalopathy manage lactulose use and safely reduce unnecessary medications to improve thinking and reduce hospital stays.
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How cholesterol affects brain problems from cirrhosis
This research looks at whether cholesterol builds up in the brain and changes neurosteroids, contributing to hepatic encephalopathy in adults with liver cirrhosis.
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Investigating how gut bacteria affect brain function in liver disease
This study is looking at how gut bacteria might affect brain function in people with liver disease, specifically those with and without symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy, to find new ways to help improve their health.
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Coil-assisted small-diameter stent shunt reduction for refractory HE after TIPS
A coil-assisted, small-diameter covered-stent technique is being tested to see if it can safely and effectively reduce shunt flow and lessen recurrent hepatic encephalopathy in people with a prior TIPS.
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Fecal transplant plus standard therapy for refractory hepatic encephalopathy after TIPS
This study tests whether adding fecal microbiota transplantation to usual medicines helps people with recurrent hepatic encephalopathy after TIPS implant.
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.