Investigating how gut bacteria affect liver disease progression in diverse populations
Official title: Longitudinal Study of Early NAFLD Progression and the Gut Microbiome in Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Whites
Funded at University of Hawaii at Manoa · NIH-10876975 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut and what we eat might affect the worsening of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) over time in Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Whites, and it involves tracking participants for almost ten years to learn more about these connections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Hawaii at Manoa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Honolulu, United States) |
| Project start | September 26, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $666,558 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MD018265-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10876975 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 60-77 years who are part of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or White populations and have or are at risk for NAFLD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 60 years or do not belong to the specified racial/ethnic groups may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the relationship between the gut microbiome and the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) over time in Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Whites. By following participants for nearly a decade, the study aims to identify specific gut bacteria and dietary factors that may influence liver health. Participants will undergo assessments that include gut microbiome analysis and evaluations of liver fat and fibrosis. The goal is to better understand how these factors interact and contribute to NAFLD progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating liver disease based on gut health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown associations between gut microbiome composition and liver disease, but this research aims to provide novel longitudinal insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lim, Unhee — University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Study coordinator: Lim, Unhee
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Long-term study of NAFLD progression and gut bacteria in diverse groups
We’re following people over time to see how the gut microbiome and diet relate to fatty liver disease progression in diverse racial/ethnic groups.
-
Long-term gut microbiome and NAFLD progression in diverse adults
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Understanding Liver Disease Progression and Gut Health in Diverse Communities
This research looks at how changes in gut bacteria might be connected to the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) over time in Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and White individuals.
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Understanding Liver Fat and Gut Health in Diverse Communities
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Investigating how diet and gut health affect liver disease and Alzheimer's risk in diverse populations
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Multi-agent AI to annotate enzymes in the human gut microbiome
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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.