How breast milk IgA influences the gut bacteria in preterm infants
Breast Milk IgA Exerts Selective Pressure on the Preterm Gut Microbiome
This study is looking at how a special part of breast milk called IgA helps protect the gut health of preterm babies by keeping harmful bacteria away, which could help lower the chances of them getting a serious intestinal problem called NEC.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11233143 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of breast milk IgA in shaping the gut microbiome of preterm infants, which is crucial for their health. It focuses on how this component of breast milk helps prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing the gut, thereby reducing the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious intestinal disease. The study will analyze the interactions between breast milk IgA and gut bacteria over time to understand how these factors contribute to a healthy gut microbiome. By examining the differences in gut bacteria between infants who develop NEC and those who do not, the research aims to uncover important insights into gut health in preterm infants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants who are receiving breast milk.
Not a fit: Patients who are full-term infants or those not receiving breast milk may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing NEC in preterm infants, enhancing their overall health and survival.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of breast milk components in infant gut health, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tin, Christine Melody — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Tin, Christine Melody
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.