How infections affect growth in children
Signaling mechanisms linking infection, endocrine dysfunction, and growth failure
This study is looking at how certain infections in kids, even if they don’t have obvious symptoms, can affect their growth, and it aims to find ways to help those children grow better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10749950 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how infections and inflammatory diseases during childhood can lead to growth failure. It focuses on the effects of chronic infections with pathogens like Campylobacter and E. coli, which can occur even when children do not show symptoms like diarrhea. The study aims to understand the signaling mechanisms that cause growth hormone resistance in these children, using both genetic models and mouse studies to explore the underlying biological processes. By examining these mechanisms, the research seeks to identify potential interventions to improve growth outcomes in affected children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are experiencing growth failure due to chronic infections or inflammatory conditions.
Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing growth issues or who do not have infections or inflammatory diseases may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help improve growth in children suffering from infections and inflammatory diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of infections on growth, but this specific approach using genetic models is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bland, Michelle L — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Bland, Michelle L
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.