How binge drinking affects gut health and brain inflammation
Official title: Involvement of microglial α7AChR in binge alcohol modulation of gut dysbiosis
Funded at Seton Hall University · NIH-10705750 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how binge drinking affects your gut health and brain inflammation, especially how certain cells and receptors in your body respond, to find new ways to help people who struggle with alcohol use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seton Hall University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (South Orange, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $182,196 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AA029925-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10705750 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults who engage in binge drinking and may be experiencing related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have not experienced binge drinking may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of binge alcohol consumption on gut health and brain inflammation, particularly focusing on the role of microglial cells and a specific receptor called α7AChR. It aims to understand how excessive drinking alters immune signaling in the gut and brain, potentially leading to alcohol use disorder. By studying these interactions, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic approaches that could help mitigate the negative effects of binge drinking on health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder and related gut health issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain axis and its relation to alcohol consumption, indicating that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Seton Hall University
South Orange, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Sulie L. — Seton Hall University
- Study coordinator: Chang, Sulie L.
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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.