Effects of gut bacteria on brain health after traumatic injury
Official title: Impact of microbiota-derived metabolites on traumatic brain injury-related neurodegeneration
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11034043 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in gut bacteria after a traumatic brain injury might affect thinking and memory over time, and it hopes to find ways to help improve brain health by boosting the good bacteria that support brain function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $508,868 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS127372-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034043 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have experienced a traumatic brain injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a traumatic brain injury or those with pre-existing severe gastrointestinal disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in gut bacteria after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may contribute to long-term cognitive decline. It focuses on the role of beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, particularly acetate, which are important for brain and immune function. By analyzing the gut microbiome of TBI patients and animal models, the study aims to understand how restoring these bacteria or their metabolites could potentially reverse negative effects on brain health. This collaborative effort involves leading research centers specializing in TBI and microbiome studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve cognitive function and overall brain health in individuals who have suffered a traumatic brain injury.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain connection, suggesting that similar approaches may yield beneficial outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simon, Dennis William — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Simon, Dennis William
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Fecal microbiome therapy to help older adults recover after brain injury
A trial explores giving a healthy gut microbiome to help people, especially older adults, recover better after a traumatic brain injury.
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Trauma, the gut, and the brain: how gut microbes and microglia affect brain injury
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How gut microbes affect brain healing after traumatic brain injury
Exploring whether changing gut bacteria or giving short-chain fatty acids can help people recover thinking and mood after a traumatic brain injury.
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Investigating the connection between gut health and brain injury recovery
This study is looking at how a traumatic brain injury can change the bacteria in your gut and how that might affect your brain health, with the hope of finding ways to help you recover better, including trying out some dietary supplements that could improve gut health and brain function.
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A new AI-powered virtual reality tool helps non-experts in low-resource areas get real-time remote guidance for emergency traumatic brain injury surgery.
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How head injury affects the heart and blood vessels
This project aims to find out whether traumatic brain injuries make people more likely to develop hardened arteries and heart problems, especially among veterans.
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.