Investigating how gut health affects liver disease caused by alcohol and the potential benefits of Betaine treatment.

Gut-Liver Axis in the Pathogenesis of Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: Protection by Betaine Treatment

NIH-funded research Omaha VA Medical Center · NIH-11003730

This study is looking at how the health of your gut can affect liver problems in people who drink alcohol, and it will explore whether a compound called Betaine can help protect your liver by improving gut health.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOmaha VA Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Omaha, United States)
Project IDNIH-11003730 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the connection between gut health and liver disease in individuals with alcohol use disorder. It aims to explore how components from the gut microbiome contribute to liver inflammation and injury, particularly in alcoholic hepatitis. The study will investigate the protective effects of Betaine, a compound that may help restore gut barrier integrity and reduce liver damage. By examining these mechanisms, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from alcohol-associated liver disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder who are experiencing liver inflammation or injury.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have alcohol use disorder or those with other unrelated liver diseases may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with alcohol-associated liver disease, potentially improving their health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-liver axis and its implications for liver disease, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.

Where this research is happening

Omaha, 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.
Conditions alcohol induced hepatic injuryalcohol induced liver disorderalcohol induced liver injury
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.