Understanding how immune cells affect high blood pressure in the liver
Official title: Regulation of portal hypertension through neutrophil-platelet interactions in liver sinusoids
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-10814212 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells in the liver might be causing high blood pressure in the portal vein, which can happen in people with chronic liver disease, and it hopes to find new ways to help lower that pressure and improve treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $155,520 |
| NIH project number | 5K08DK127064-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10814212 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic liver disease who experience portal hypertension.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without liver disease or those not experiencing portal hypertension may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of neutrophils and platelets in causing portal hypertension, a serious condition related to chronic liver disease. By studying how these immune cells interact within the liver's blood vessels, the researchers aim to uncover new therapeutic strategies to lower portal pressure. The approach involves examining cellular signaling and the formation of structures that contribute to this condition, using advanced laboratory techniques and animal models. Patients with liver disease may benefit from insights gained through this research, potentially leading to new treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that effectively reduce portal hypertension in patients with liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of immune cells in liver conditions, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hilscher, Moira B — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Hilscher, Moira B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Noninvasive portal pressure estimation using ultrasound-based subharmonic signals
A noninvasive ultrasound method to estimate portal vein pressure in adults with cirrhosis to help manage varices and ascites.
-
Noninvasive MRI test to measure liver and portal blood pressure
An advanced MRI technique to measure pressure in the liver and portal circulation for people with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis.
-
How molecular changes in the liver cause portal hypertension
This project looks at how changes in proteins that control nitric oxide in liver blood vessel cells lead to portal hypertension in people with liver injury.
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Under-the-skin medicine for fluid buildup (ascites) from portal hypertension
A new injectable medicine given under the skin to help people with cirrhosis who have hard-to-treat fluid buildup in the belly.
-
Noninvasive method to measure portal vein pressure in cirrhosis
A noninvasive ultrasound technique called SHAPE could measure portal vein pressure in people with cirrhosis to help manage complications like variceal bleeding and ascites.
-
Noninvasive evaluation of liver pressure and health using advanced imaging techniques
This study is testing a new, painless way to check liver health and pressure using advanced imaging technology, which could help people with chronic liver disease get better and safer care without needing invasive procedures.
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.