Using special particles from probiotics to help the liver in alcohol-related disease
Intestine FXR activation by LGG-derived nanoparticles in alcohol-associated liver disease
This project explores how tiny particles from a common probiotic might help improve liver health for people with alcohol-associated liver disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11089430 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) currently lacks widely effective treatments, and patients often experience liver damage due to an accumulation of toxic bile acids. This research aims to understand how special nanoparticles derived from the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) can help. We believe these nanoparticles work by influencing a specific pathway in the intestine, which then helps regulate bile acid levels in the liver. By uncovering these molecular details, we hope to develop new and effective strategies to treat ALD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for patients diagnosed with alcohol-associated liver disease, particularly those experiencing liver injury and bile acid accumulation.
Not a fit: Patients without alcohol-associated liver disease or those with other forms of liver disease may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new probiotic-based treatments that reduce liver damage and improve outcomes for individuals with alcohol-associated liver disease.
How similar studies have performed: While probiotics have shown some general efficacy for ALD, this research specifically explores the molecular mechanisms and the use of LGG-derived nanoparticles to target the FXR pathway, which is a novel focus.
Where this research is happening
New Orleans, United States
- Tulane University of Louisiana — New Orleans, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feng, Wenke — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Feng, Wenke
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 below.