Gary Craig Kanel

Dr. Gary Craig Kanel is a Clinical Professor of Pathology (part-time) at the University of Southern California. His research focuses on liver pathology, immunology, and metabolic disorders, with a particular emphasis on inflammatory mechanisms, drug-induced liver injury, and the pathogenesis of conditions like NASH and alcoholic hepatitis. He has contributed to understanding the role of immune cell interactions, mitochondrial dysfunction, and genetic factors in liver diseases.

Key research areas include:

• Inflammasome activation in immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced liver injury
• Macrophage dysfunction in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
• Drug toxicity mechanisms (e.g., niacin, antiretrovirals)
• Diagnostic criteria for alcoholic hepatitis and differential diagnosis of hepatic lesions

His publications span over four decades, addressing topics such as liver fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and the interplay between metabolic syndrome and liver pathology. He has also explored novel therapeutic strategies, including colchicine trials for alcoholic cirrhosis and the use of S-adenosylmethionine in hepatocarcinoma prevention.

Dr. Kanel’s work frequently involves experimental models and translational research, bridging basic science and clinical practice. He has collaborated on multi-institutional trials, such as the “hepatitis C 3” study evaluating histological grading systems.