SUMMARY
The research of Vijay Shah, M.D., focuses on several interrelated areas broadly relating to chronic liver disease. These include both alcohol- and nonalcohol-based forms of liver cirrhosis and its complications. Studies span from laboratory-based studies on mechanisms of disease to clinical trials.
Focus areas
- Mechanisms of portal hypertension. Dr. Shah is investigating why pressure behind the liver is elevated in cirrhosis and how this leads to complications.
- Mechanisms of liver fibrosis. Research focuses on how scar formation occurs in response to liver injury and how fibrotic scar can be reversed.
- Alcohol liver disease. Dr. Shah's work focuses on clinical trials and translational studies on how to better treat severe forms of alcoholic 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.
Professional highlights
- Mr. and Mrs. Ronald F. Kinney Executive Dean of Research Honoring Ronald F. Kinney, Jr., Mayo Clinic, 2024-present.
- Chair, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 2020-present.
- Associate editor, Journal of Hepatology, 2014-present.
- Associate director, Center for GI Cell Signaling, Mayo Clinic, 2009-present.
- Research Award, Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics, 2022.
- Inductee, Association of American Physicians, 2020.
- Chair, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 2013-2020.
- Carol M. Gatton Professor of Digestive Diseases Research, Mayo Clinic, 2019.
- Distinguished Investigator Award, Mayo Clinic, 2019.
- Associate editor, Hepatology, 2006-2011.
- Associate editor, American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2003-2006.