The role of steatosis in promoting cellular injury and fibrogenesis in human liver disease [ 2005 - 2007 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Elizabeth Powell (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Julie Jonsson ,  Prof Andrew Clouston

Brief description Lay Description Fatty liver (steatosis) is important because it increases the vulnerability of the liver to factors that trigger inflammation and fibrosis. Patients with steatosis may develop steatohepatitis spontaneously and this increases the risk and rate of progression to cirrhosis, with consequent liver-related morbidity and mortality. In addition, steatosis significantly potentiates the severity of liver damage that is caused by other agents such as drugs or infections. To improve the prognosis of patients with fatty livers, it is important to understand why hepatic steatosis increases the risk for more serious liver disease. To date, much of our understanding of mechanisms of liver injury in fatty liver disease comes from animal models, and these findings have not been systematically evaluated in the human disease. Apart from optimizing body weight, there is no established treatment of fatty liver disease. Delineation of the mechanisms involved in liver injury will allow the development of specific protective strategies for steatotic livers.

Funding Amount $AUD 414,375.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant