How body inflammation affects recovery after traumatic brain injury
Role of Peripheral Inflammation in TBI Pathobiology
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · NIH-11261099
This work looks at whether inflammation in the body makes brain injury worse and whether boosting signals from the vagus nerve can lower that inflammation to help people recover after a traumatic brain injury.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11261099 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient point of view, the team is studying signals from the vagus nerve and immune molecules in the body to see how they influence brain damage after TBI. They use laboratory models to measure inflammatory molecules, acetylcholine signaling, and neuropeptides in nerve cells that can control inflammation. The researchers test whether changing those signals reduces harmful inflammation that can leak into the brain after injury. Results could point to medicines or nerve-stimulation approaches to lower harmful inflammation and improve recovery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people who recently experienced a traumatic brain injury and are willing to participate in clinical research on inflammation-targeting approaches.
Not a fit: People with long-standing, fully recovered TBIs or whose symptoms are driven by non-inflammatory causes may be less likely to benefit in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to reduce inflammation after TBI and improve recovery and long-term brain health.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier animal studies have shown that vagus nerve stimulation and α7 nicotinic receptor signaling can lower peripheral inflammation, but translating those findings into effective human TBI treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DASH, PRAMOD K — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
- Study coordinator: DASH, PRAMOD K
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.
Conditions: Acquired brain injury