Investigating how urolithin A affects liver disease related to alcohol use
Official title: Role of urolithin A in progression of alcohol-associated liver disease
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-10809651 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a natural compound called urolithin A, made by gut bacteria from certain foods, might help protect people with alcohol use disorders from getting serious liver disease, by comparing the gut bacteria of those who do and don’t develop liver problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $185,844 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AA030638-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10809651 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with alcohol use disorders who are at risk of developing alcohol-associated liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have alcohol use disorders or those who already have advanced liver disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of urolithin A, a compound produced by gut bacteria from certain foods, in preventing the progression of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). The study aims to understand how the gut microbiota and its metabolites differ between individuals with alcohol use disorders who do and do not develop severe liver disease. By examining these differences, researchers hope to identify protective factors that could help mitigate liver damage in at-risk patients. The approach includes both animal models and analysis of human gut microbiota.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary recommendations or treatments that help prevent severe liver disease in individuals with alcohol use disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with gut microbiota and their metabolites in relation to liver disease, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jala, Venkatakrishna Rao — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Jala, Venkatakrishna Rao
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.