Investigating low dose thyroid hormone for treating liver disease linked to obesity and diabetes
Official title: Low Dose Thyroid Hormone, Mitochondrial Fatty Acid Oxidation, and Treatment of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
Funded at Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital · NIH-11073121 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a low dose of thyroid hormone might help people with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a serious liver condition often linked to obesity and diabetes, by potentially improving liver health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002436-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073121 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans with biopsy-proven NASH who are also dealing with obesity or type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of NASH or those who do not meet the criteria for obesity or type 2 diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a severe liver disease often associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study aims to evaluate the effects of low dose thyroid hormone on patients with biopsy-confirmed NASH, specifically looking for improvements in liver histology. By administering thyroid hormone at a carefully monitored dose, researchers hope to enhance mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation in the liver, which may lead to better health outcomes. The approach is based on preliminary findings suggesting that thyroid hormone can positively influence liver function in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic option for patients suffering from NASH, potentially improving liver health and reducing the risk of severe complications.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary clinical studies have shown promise in using thyroid hormone for improving liver function in similar patient populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ibdah, Jamal a — Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ibdah, Jamal a
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.