Actively Recruiting
NeuroFLiPP: Parametric PET of Neuroinflammation in Fatty Liver Disease
Led by University of California, Davis · Updated on 2025-06-15
12
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
113 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias (ADRD) affect about 6 million people in the U.S. and are the fifth leading cause of death for adults over 65. Recent research is investigating how chronic liver diseases like Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), which affects one-third of the U.S. population, might influence ADRD through the liver-brain axis. MASLD shares risk factors with Alzheimer's, such as diabetes and hypertension, and studies have linked MASLD to increased risks of cognitive decline and ADRD. Mouse-model studies suggest that chronic liver inflammation in MASLD can induce neuroinflammation and accelerate Alzheimer's pathology, highlighting the importance of studying the liver-brain connection to identify new therapeutic targets for ADRD. The goal of this research is to develop a practical PET imaging method using 18F-FDG to simultaneously assess liver and brain inflammation in patients with MASLD-related ADRD. This approach leverages dynamic FDG-PET scanning and advanced tracer kinetic modeling to quantify glucose transport, overcoming limitations of traditional imaging methods that cannot noninvasively assess chronic liver inflammation. The new method aims to enable comprehensive imaging of liver-brain inflammation crosstalk, validated against the 18F-DPA-714 radiotracer. Success in this project could provide a valuable imaging tool for linking liver inflammation with neuroinflammation and cognitive decline, advancing clinical research and potentially uncovering new pathways for ADRD treatment
CONDITIONS
Official Title
NeuroFLiPP: Parametric PET of Neuroinflammation in Fatty Liver Disease
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Participants aged 18 years or older
- Participants who have had or plan to have a liver biopsy for fatty liver disease with risk factors for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), as part of another clinical trial for MASH, or prior to bariatric surgery
- Liver biopsy must be within 6 months before planned study imaging
- Ability to provide informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- History of alcohol abuse, chronic hepatitis B or C, or other chronic liver diseases besides non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Uncontrolled claustrophobia
- Body weight greater than 225 kg
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Enrollment in another research study involving a PET scan within the last 12 months for research only
- Prisoner status
- Any other medical condition that might interfere with the study objectives
- Pre-existing neurodegenerative disorders or dementia
- Significant history of major skull concussion or repeated head trauma
- Current use of anticoagulant therapy
- Metal implants or claustrophobia preventing MRI scans
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
UC Davis EXPLORER Molecular Imaging Center
Sacramento, California, United States, 95816
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
Dana Little, MS
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
1
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