Investigating how toxic lipids and vitamin B12 depletion affect liver disease progression.
Toxic lipid intermediate accumulation and cobalamin depletion promote AHR-mediated hepatotoxicity and the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-like pathologies
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 ID | NIH-10391942 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or those at risk due to environmental exposures.
Not a fit: Patients with liver diseases unrelated to environmental factors or those not diagnosed with fatty liver disease may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
East Lansing, United States
- Michigan State University — East Lansing, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zacharewski, Timothy R. — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Zacharewski, Timothy R.
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 below.