PDE4 enzyme and alcohol-related liver damage
Phosphodiesterase 4 mediated pathogenic mechanisms in alcohol associated liver disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE · NIH-11379343
This work looks at how a liver enzyme called PDE4 changes with alcohol exposure and whether blocking it can protect livers affected by alcohol-related liver disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOUISVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11379343 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I have alcohol-related liver disease, this project studies why the PDE4 enzyme becomes more active in damaged livers. Researchers use lab-grown liver cells, animal models, and liver samples from patients to map how PDE4 affects fat handling and cell survival. They test drugs that block PDE4 in these models to see if that reduces fat buildup and liver injury. The team aims to trace the molecular steps from alcohol exposure to liver damage so new treatments can be developed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with alcohol-associated liver disease or alcohol-associated hepatitis would be the most relevant group for this line of research.
Not a fit: People whose liver disease is due to non-alcohol causes or those with very advanced disease requiring immediate transplant may not benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to PDE4-blocking treatments that reduce liver inflammation, fat accumulation, and cell death in people with alcohol-associated liver disease.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies in cells and animal models have shown that blocking PDE4 can reduce liver injury, but human benefit has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
LOUISVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE — LOUISVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GOBEJISHVILI, LEILA — UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
- Study coordinator: GOBEJISHVILI, LEILA
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.