Summary
The research of Vijay Shah, M.D., focuses on several interrelated areas broadly relating to chronic liver disease.
Focus areas
One major focus of the laboratory-based program relates to signaling pathways that lead to portal hypertension. Another major focus of the laboratory-based program relates to mechanisms of liver fibrosis. A third major focus of the clinical-based research program relates to alcohol-based liver disease.
Significance to patient care
Liver disease is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and the world, especially liver disease relating to excess alcohol consumption. While many advances have been made, unfortunately, curative treatment options outside of liver transplantation are limited.
The work of Dr. Shah and his colleagues targets several aspects of liver disease where better therapies are needed and could develop. This includes new treatments for alcohol-related liver disease and treatments for liver cirrhosis and its complications, such as portal hypertension.