The impact of dietary fructose on liver disease and cancer progression
Official title: Dietary fructose and NASH/HCC progression
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11047739 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how eating too much fructose might worsen nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and possibly lead to liver cancer, and it’s exploring whether a certain enzyme could help protect your liver from these issues, with the goal of finding better diet tips and treatments for people with liver problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $182,909 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA290420-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047739 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or those at risk of developing liver-related complications due to high fructose consumption.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver disease caused by factors other than dietary habits, such as viral hepatitis or alcohol consumption, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how dietary fructose contributes to the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its potential transformation into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study focuses on the role of ketohexokinase (KHK) in metabolizing fructose and how its deficiency may protect against liver disease. By examining the mechanisms behind fructose metabolism and its effects on liver health, the research aims to uncover new insights that could lead to better dietary recommendations and treatments for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary guidelines and therapeutic strategies for patients with liver disease, potentially reducing the risk of cancer development.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the metabolic pathways of fructose and its implications for liver health, indicating that this area of study is both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Song, Ming — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Song, Ming
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.