Investigating how gut bacteria affect brain function in liver disease
Official title: The role of the microbiome in hepatic encephalopathy pathogenesis and treatment
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11166551 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,720 |
| NIH project number | 5K23DK138239-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11166551 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cirrhosis, particularly those with a history of hepatic encephalopathy or those at high risk for developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver disease who do not have cirrhosis or those without any risk factors for hepatic encephalopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of gut bacteria in hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a serious complication of liver disease that affects cognitive and motor functions. The study will involve enrolling 150 patients with cirrhosis, half of whom have experienced HE and half who are at high risk but have not yet shown symptoms. Researchers will collect data on both the patients' gut microbiomes and their overall health to identify potential new treatments targeting these bacteria. By exploring how gut bacteria influence brain function in liver disease, the research aims to develop more effective therapies for HE.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from hepatic encephalopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting the microbiome for various health conditions, suggesting that this approach could be beneficial for hepatic encephalopathy as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bloom, Patricia Pringle — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Bloom, Patricia Pringle
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
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POEM: a pharmacist-led plan to optimize liver-bleed HE management
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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 cholesterol affects brain function in liver disease
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.
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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.