Investigating how hormones affect the development of liver disease
Official title: Hormonal control of NASH development and progression
Funded at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center · NIH-11105815 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how hormones like estrogen and growth hormone affect liver health, especially in women after menopause who are more likely to develop a liver condition called NASH, and it hopes to find new ways to prevent or treat this disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jesse Brown VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2019 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX004448-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11105815 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are postmenopausal women and men who are at risk for NASH due to obesity or diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not postmenopausal or do not have risk factors for NASH may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of hormones, particularly estrogen and growth hormone, in the development and progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a serious liver condition. It aims to understand how these hormones interact at the cellular level in the liver, especially in women after menopause, who are at increased risk for NASH. By studying both male and female mice, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms that protect against liver disease and how these may differ between genders. The findings could lead to new insights into preventing or treating NASH and its associated risks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for liver disease, particularly in postmenopausal women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that hormonal factors play a significant role in liver disease, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kineman, Rhonda D — Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kineman, Rhonda D
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.