About
Associate Professor
University of Louisville
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center
Dr. Kirpich’s long-standing research interest is in understanding the molecular mechanisms of alcohol-associated liver disease development and progression, identifying new biomarkers of the disease and novel therapeutic targets. Dr. Kirpich’s laboratory has been focused on understanding the role of different types of dietary lipids, specifically n6 and n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in alcohol-associated alterations in the gut-liver axis. They explore the role of PUFA-derived bioactive lipid mediators in mechanisms underlying inflammation development and resolution. Dr. Kirpich’s group also has a particular interest in ethanol-induced changes of gut microbiota, bacteria-derived molecules, and their contribution to the intestinal permeability and liver injury.
Research Keywords: liver health, intestinal microbiome, dietary fatty acids