Investigating how toxic lipids and vitamin B12 depletion affect liver disease progression.
Official title: Toxic lipid intermediate accumulation and cobalamin depletion promote AHR-mediated hepatotoxicity and the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-like pathologies
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-10391942 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a chemical called TCDD from the environment might make non-alcoholic fatty liver disease worse, and it hopes to find out how this happens so that people with liver issues can better understand what affects their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $1,565,100 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES033898-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10391942 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or those at risk due to environmental exposures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver diseases unrelated to environmental factors or those not diagnosed with fatty liver disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how certain environmental contaminants, particularly a compound known as TCDD, contribute to the development and worsening of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study aims to explore the mechanisms by which TCDD activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), leading to changes in liver metabolism and inflammation. By analyzing liver cell responses and metabolic changes, the research seeks to uncover how these factors promote liver damage and disease progression. Patients may benefit from insights gained into the environmental factors influencing their liver health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating liver diseases linked to environmental toxins.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that environmental contaminants can significantly impact liver health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zacharewski, Timothy R. — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Zacharewski, Timothy R.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Toxic fats, vitamin B12 loss, and AHR may drive fatty liver disease
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The impact of androgens on liver health in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
This study is looking at how high levels of certain hormones in women with PCOS might harm their liver and lead to fatty liver disease, and it hopes to find ways to help improve liver health for those affected.
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Role of fat droplets in liver fat and inflammatory signals in NAFLD
A study at Johns Hopkins will explore how fat droplets in the liver influence molecules that drive inflammation and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults.
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.