Novel alveolar factors driving low oxygen in liver-related lung disease
Official title: Novel alveolar mechanisms of hypoxemia in hepatopulmonary syndrome
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11401062 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-focused study will explore how high bile acids in cirrhosis may harm tiny air sacs in the lungs, causing breathing problems in hepatopulmonary syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $736,127 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL169509-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401062 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cirrhosis and hepatopulmonary syndrome or those undergoing related assessments who could contribute samples or participate in studies on lung function and bile acids.
✕Less likely to help
People without cirrhosis or hepatopulmonary syndrome or who do not have access to related clinical evaluations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project looks at how cirrhosis-related changes in the blood can affect the lungs’ air sacs (alveoli), potentially leading to worse oxygenation. Researchers will examine how bile acids interact with alveolar type 2 cells to alter surfactant and lung function. The team will link bile acid levels to HPS severity, study AT2 cell roles, and uncover how bile acids may cause AT2 cell loss, aiming to reveal new therapeutic targets. The work uses both experimental models and human data to bridge gaps between liver disease and lung outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new treatments that improve breathing and survival for people with hepatopulmonary syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown links between bile acids and lung cell function, but this project aims to clarify mechanisms specific to HPS, representing a novel but promising area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fallon, Michael B — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Fallon, Michael B
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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.