Using MRI to study liver microstructure changes
Official title: in vivo MR characterization of pathological changes in liver microstructures
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11017821 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new, safe MRI techniques to better understand liver problems, especially for people with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), so that doctors can avoid the discomfort of liver biopsies while still getting accurate information to help manage your health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $355,538 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135950-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017821 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or those at risk due to obesity or type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver diseases that are not related to NASH or those who have already undergone liver transplantation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates non-invasive MRI techniques to characterize changes in liver microstructures associated with various liver diseases, particularly focusing on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). By developing methods to assess liver inflammation, the study aims to provide a safer alternative to liver biopsies, which are currently the standard diagnostic tool but carry risks and discomfort for patients. The research will utilize advanced imaging to differentiate between types of liver conditions, potentially improving patient management and outcomes. This approach is particularly relevant given the rising prevalence of liver diseases linked to obesity and diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer, non-invasive diagnostic methods for liver diseases, reducing the need for biopsies and associated risks.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using non-invasive imaging techniques for liver disease assessment, but this specific approach to measuring inflammation in NASH is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jiang, Xiaoyu — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Jiang, Xiaoyu
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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.