Investigating the connection between gut health and liver disease in people with HIV
Official title: The Gut-Liver Axis in HIV-Related Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11097290 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut and your overall gut health might influence liver disease, especially non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), in people living with HIV, to help find new ways to spot and treat liver issues early.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $183,398 |
| NIH project number | 5K23DK135420-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097290 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are experiencing or at risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or those without liver disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how the gut microbiome and intestinal health affect liver disease, specifically non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), in individuals living with HIV. The study will analyze the differences in gut bacteria and metabolites in patients with HIV and NAFLD compared to those without liver disease. By examining these factors, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that contribute to liver disease in this population and identify potential biomarkers for early detection and treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of liver disease in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that gut health plays a significant role in liver disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gabriel, Curtis Lee — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Gabriel, Curtis Lee
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Role of fat droplets in liver fat and inflammatory signals in NAFLD
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Them1 Inhibitors to Help Treat Fatty Liver Disease
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-
How the TET1 gene affects non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Researchers are looking at whether changes in the TET1 gene and DNA 'tagging' (methylation) play a role in adult non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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Hepatocellular Genetic Clues for Fatty Liver in Hispanic Adults
A large NIH grant helps researchers study why fatty liver develops in Hispanic adults and how genetics interact with lifestyle to affect risk.
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Toxic fats, vitamin B12 loss, and AHR may drive fatty liver disease
This grant looks at how certain environmental chemicals may trigger liver damage linked to fatty liver disease and how a vitamin found in the blood could be affected.
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Glutamine and T cells in fatty liver disease
A study explores how liver glutamine levels affect inflammatory CD4+ T cells in fatty liver disease to find potential new ways to reduce liver inflammation.
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.