Gut bacterial particles and PTSD after head injury
Investigating the role of gut-derived extracellular vesicles in PTSD following TBI
['FUNDING_R01'] · HENRY FORD HEALTH + MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11182489
This project looks at whether tiny particles released by gut bacteria influence PTSD and mood problems in people after traumatic brain injury.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HENRY FORD HEALTH + MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (EAST LANSING, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11182489 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will study tiny extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by gut microbes to see how they affect brain inflammation and serotonin-related pathways after TBI. They will work with human samples and clinical data from people with TBI and use animal models to test cause-and-effect and underlying mechanisms. The team will also explore whether EVs from beneficial bacteria can reduce inflammation or normalize serotonin metabolism. Results will help decide if targeting gut EVs could lead to new treatments for PTSD after head injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people (including veterans) who have had a traumatic brain injury and who have PTSD or related anxiety/depression symptoms.
Not a fit: People without a history of TBI or PTSD, or those seeking immediate established clinical therapies, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that target gut microbes or their vesicles to reduce PTSD and mood symptoms after TBI.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked gut microbiota changes to mood disorders and PTSD, but directly implicating bacterial extracellular vesicles is a newer approach with limited clinical testing so far.
Where this research is happening
EAST LANSING, UNITED STATES
- HENRY FORD HEALTH + MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — EAST LANSING, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LIU, XIANSHUANG — HENRY FORD HEALTH + MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: LIU, XIANSHUANG
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 below.