How metabolism helps protect organs during sepsis
Official title: Mechanisms of metabolic disease tolerance in sepsis
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11260610 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at whether natural metabolic molecules can neutralize harmful hydrogen peroxide and help people with sepsis protect their organs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2019 |
| Project end | December 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $479,327 |
| NIH project number | 2R35GM133800-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11260610 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People hospitalized with sepsis or septic shock, particularly adults treated at participating hospitals, would be the most likely candidates for related clinical work.
✕Less likely to help
People without sepsis or those whose organ damage is already irreversible are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
What this research studies
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to infection that can damage organs, and this work focuses on how the body's metabolism may help tissues tolerate that damage. The team is studying specific metabolites called branched-chain ketoacids (BCKAs) that may neutralize excess hydrogen peroxide produced during sepsis. They will use laboratory experiments alongside analyses of patient-derived samples and preclinical models to see how these metabolites prevent cell death and tissue injury. The aim is to find metabolic strategies that could be translated into treatments to reduce organ failure in sepsis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that reduce organ damage and improve survival for people with sepsis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior laboratory and preclinical studies showed that BCKAs can act as antioxidants and protect tissues, but benefits in patients have not yet been demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nowarski, Roni — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Nowarski, Roni
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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.