Understanding how metformin affects liver fat metabolism through the small intestine
Official title: Investigating the involvement of small intestine in metformin's effect on hepatic lipid metabolism
Funded at North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-10907719 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the small intestine helps metformin work to reduce liver fat in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and it involves patients providing samples or information to help us understand this process better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $386,678 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150985-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10907719 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease who may benefit from metformin treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or those who do not respond to metformin may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the small intestine in how metformin influences liver fat metabolism, particularly in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study aims to clarify the mechanisms by which metformin activates specific proteins that regulate fat production and breakdown in the liver. By using advanced techniques like metabolomics and lipidomics, the research will quantitatively assess the effects of metformin on liver metabolism and explore the importance of the intestine in this process. Patients may be involved in providing samples or data to help understand these metabolic changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results regarding metformin's effects on liver metabolism, but this specific approach is novel and aims to fill existing knowledge gaps.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina State University Raleigh
Raleigh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Xiaojing — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Liu, Xiaojing
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.