How early life stress affects heart disease risk through gut bacteria
Official title: Early Life Stress and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Identifying the Role of Microbial Metabolites
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10897062 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tough experiences in childhood, like abuse or neglect, might affect the good bacteria in our gut and increase the chances of heart problems later on, using mice to help understand these connections better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $170,532 |
| NIH project number | 5K99HL165091-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897062 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults who have experienced early life stress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced early life stress or have existing cardiovascular conditions unrelated to stress may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how experiences of early life stress, such as abuse or neglect, can influence the gut microbiota and potentially increase the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. By studying the interactions between gut bacteria and the body's immune and neurological systems, the research aims to identify specific microbial metabolites that may contribute to cardiovascular issues. The study utilizes a mouse model to explore these relationships and seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms that link early life stress to heart disease risk. The findings could provide insights into preventative measures for those affected by early life stress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease in individuals who experienced early life stress.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between gut microbiota and cardiovascular health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kemp, Keri — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Kemp, Keri
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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.