Alcohol, gut health, and butyrate: a new approach to reduce pain and withdrawal effects
Official title: Alcohol and gut-brain axis and the role of butyrate on neuroinflammation and pain sensitivity
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11420507 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks at how the gut microbiome and a key molecule called butyrate might influence pain, alcohol withdrawal, and brain inflammation in people who struggle with alcohol use and chronic pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $554,953 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA031885-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11420507 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with alcohol dependence experiencing chronic pain or withdrawal symptoms who consent to participate in studies related to gut health and neuroinflammation.
✕Less likely to help
People without alcohol dependence or chronic pain, or those unable to participate in studies involving gut microbiome analysis, may not benefit.
What this research studies
Chronic pain and alcohol use often occur together, and this study examines whether butyrate, a substance produced by gut bacteria, can lessen neuroinflammation and change pain sensitivity during alcohol withdrawal. The team will explore how butyrate affects the brain and nerves through gut-brain signaling and its potential to modify immune and inflammatory responses. By focusing on how the gut microbiome relates to withdrawal symptoms and pain, the research aims to identify new avenues for safer, more effective treatments. The work spans preclinical insights and potential pathways that could translate into human applications in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new approaches that reduce pain and withdrawal symptoms by targeting gut health and butyrate pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that gut-derived butyrate can influence brain function and inflammation, but applying this to alcohol withdrawal and chronic pain is a newer, promising area.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cresci, Gail Ann — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Cresci, Gail Ann
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.