Understanding how liver inflammation affects alcohol consumption and liver disease

Identifying an immunoregulatory axis for FGF21 in alcohol consumption

NIH-funded research Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11048195

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUt Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dallas, United States)
Project IDNIH-11048195 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with alcohol use disorder or those experiencing liver complications related to alcohol consumption.

Not a fit: Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no history of alcohol-related health issues may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Dallas, 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 Alcoholic Liver Diseases
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.