Understanding Brain Health in People with HIV and Fatty Liver Disease

Impact of NAFLD on Metabolic Brain Function via CEST MRI in HIV-Positive Individuals

NIH-funded research University of Rochester · NIH-11132946

This research explores how fatty liver disease might affect brain health in people living with HIV.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11132946 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many people living with HIV also develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can be influenced by both the virus and their medications. We believe that people with HIV and NAFLD might experience more changes in their brain, such as issues with the blood-brain barrier and metabolism, which could lead to poorer cognitive function. To explore this, we will use advanced, non-invasive MRI scans to look for signs of brain injury and changes in brain function. Our goal is to understand these connections better, especially in older individuals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of research would be people living with HIV who also have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Not a fit: Patients without HIV or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease would not directly benefit from this specific research focus.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand why some people with HIV and NAFLD experience brain health issues, potentially leading to earlier detection or new ways to protect brain function.

How similar studies have performed: This research uses state-of-the-art MRI techniques and develops a novel AI-based approach, building on existing knowledge while exploring new methods.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.