How gut bacteria affect pain from bone fractures
Official title: The contribution of the intestinal microbiota to fracture-induced pain
Funded at Phoenix VA Health Care System · NIH-10978191 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might affect pain and healing after bone fractures, especially for Veterans, and it will also test if taking probiotics can help make recovery easier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Phoenix VA Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Phoenix, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK1RX003783-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978191 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced bone fractures, particularly Veterans who may be disproportionately affected by such injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic pain conditions unrelated to bone fractures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of intestinal microbiota in regulating pain associated with bone fractures, particularly in Veterans. It aims to understand how gut bacteria influence inflammatory responses and pain perception during the healing process. The study will involve experiments on mice to assess pain levels and functional recovery after fractures, comparing outcomes with and without the presence of specific gut bacteria. Additionally, the research will explore whether dietary probiotics can help alleviate pain during recovery from fractures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary interventions that help manage pain and improve recovery for patients with bone fractures.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on gut microbiota and fracture pain is novel, there is emerging evidence supporting the role of gut bacteria in pain modulation in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Phoenix VA Health Care System
Phoenix, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roberts, Joseph Lewis — Phoenix VA Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Roberts, Joseph Lewis
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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.