New imaging techniques to differentiate between types of fatty liver disease
Novel hyperpolarized 13C molecular imaging techniques for differentiating NAFLD and NASH
This study is testing a new, safer way to look at liver health using special imaging techniques to help people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its more serious form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), so that doctors can better understand how the disease is changing without needing to do invasive procedures like liver biopsies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10469466 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced imaging techniques using hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to non-invasively assess non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). By utilizing specific hyperpolarized probes, the study aims to monitor changes in liver metabolism in a preclinical model before translating findings to human studies. This approach seeks to provide a safer alternative to traditional liver biopsies, which are invasive and carry risks. Patients may benefit from improved diagnostic methods that can better inform treatment decisions.
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 for developing it, particularly those with obesity or type 2 diabetes.
Not a fit: Patients with liver diseases unrelated to NAFLD or NASH may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer, non-invasive diagnostic methods for monitoring liver disease progression.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise using hyperpolarized MRI techniques in cancer and cardiovascular disease, suggesting potential for success in liver disease applications.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ohliger, Michael — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Ohliger, Michael
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.