Understanding how liver inflammation affects alcohol consumption and liver disease
Official title: Identifying an immunoregulatory axis for FGF21 in alcohol consumption
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11048195 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how liver inflammation affects how your body processes alcohol and aims to find new ways to help people with alcohol use issues by focusing on a protein called FGF21.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $537,587 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AA031460-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048195 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with alcohol use disorder or those experiencing liver complications related to alcohol consumption.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no history of alcohol-related health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between liver inflammation and alcohol consumption, particularly focusing on a protein called FGF21 that is influenced by liver conditions. The study aims to uncover how inflammation in the liver can alter the metabolism of alcohol and contribute to alcohol-related liver diseases. By examining the interactions between specific immune and metabolic pathways, the researchers hope to identify new treatment strategies for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder. Patients may be involved in clinical trials that explore these mechanisms and their implications for treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that help reduce alcohol consumption and improve outcomes for patients with alcohol-related liver diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the metabolic effects of liver inflammation, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patel, Suraj J — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Patel, Suraj J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Nicotine's effect on drinking sweetened alcoholic drinks
This project looks at whether nicotine makes people drink more sweetened alcoholic drinks, especially among people who smoke or drink heavily.
-
Discounted rideshares, alcohol use, and driving behavior
This trial gives some adults discounted rideshare trips to find out whether easier access to rides changes how often they drive after drinking, how much they drink, and how they get around.
-
Alcohol use patterns around the legal drinking age in young adults
This project follows 20-year-olds as they approach and reach legal drinking age to learn how drinking contexts and consequences change over time.
-
Technology-based tools to boost HIV viral suppression for people who drink alcohol in Florida
A Florida team is testing digital tools and an alcohol biosensor to help people with HIV who drink reduce alcohol use and achieve better HIV control.
-
Tracking how stress affects brain dynamics and drinking behavior
A study at Yale will use brain imaging and computer models to see how stress-related brain activity relates to risky drinking in adults.
-
ASPIRE to Change: text-message peer support to reduce risky drinking among non-college young adults
A texting program called ASPIRE helps non-college young adults, aged 18–25, cut back on hazardous drinking by using peer support and environmental tips.
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.