Helping World Trade Center Lung Injury with Gut Bacteria
Microbiome Targeted Treatment of WTC- Lung Injury
This research explores how a specific gut bacteria might help improve lung health for firefighters exposed to World Trade Center dust.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159359 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work builds on a successful dietary program for firefighters exposed to World Trade Center dust, which showed that weight loss was linked to better lung function and higher levels of a gut bacteria called Bacteroides ovatus. We want to understand if increasing this specific gut bacteria could be a way to improve lung health. To do this, we will look closely at blood samples from the original program to see how Bacteroides ovatus relates to inflammation and overall health. We will also use a mouse model to further explore if Bacteroides ovatus can act as a helpful supplement for lung disease caused by dust exposure. Our goal is to uncover how gut bacteria can play a role in promoting healthier lungs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The findings from this research would be most relevant to firefighters and others who have experienced lung injury due to World Trade Center dust exposure.
Not a fit: Patients whose lung conditions are not related to World Trade Center dust exposure or similar environmental factors may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new ways to use beneficial gut bacteria to improve lung health for individuals affected by World Trade Center dust exposure and similar conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary findings from a previous dietary program suggest a correlation between weight loss, Bacteroides ovatus levels, and improved lung function, providing a foundation for this current investigation.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kwon, Sophia S — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Kwon, Sophia S
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.