How gut bacteria affect muscle loss during sepsis

The Gut Microbiome and Acute Muscle Loss in Sepsis

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11141710

This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect muscle loss in people who are dealing with sepsis, with the hope of finding ways to help keep muscles strong and improve recovery.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11141710 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of gut microbiota in muscle loss experienced by patients suffering from sepsis. By examining the relationship between specific gut bacteria and body composition, the study aims to understand how these microorganisms influence the body's metabolic response during sepsis. The researchers will utilize advanced sequencing techniques to analyze gut bacteria in human patients and explore potential therapeutic interventions to mitigate muscle loss. The ultimate goal is to develop strategies that can help preserve muscle mass and improve recovery outcomes for sepsis patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include critically ill patients diagnosed with sepsis who are experiencing muscle loss.

Not a fit: Patients who are not critically ill or do not have a diagnosis of sepsis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help prevent muscle loss in patients with sepsis, improving their recovery and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of gut microbiota in muscle loss has been explored in animal models, this research is novel as it aims to investigate these interactions in human sepsis patients.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.