How sleep and body clock affect inflammation and colon cancer risk
Role of Circadian Factors in Inflammation and Colorectal Adenoma Risk
This study is looking at how our sleep patterns and body clocks might affect the risk of developing certain growths in the colon that can lead to cancer, especially in African Americans, and it hopes to find ways to improve sleep and reduce cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10691871 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between circadian rhythms, sleep patterns, and the risk of developing colorectal adenomas, which can lead to colorectal cancer. It focuses on understanding how disruptions in sleep and circadian timing may increase inflammation and alter DNA methylation, particularly in African American populations who may experience these issues more acutely. By examining patients undergoing screening colonoscopies, the study aims to identify molecular mechanisms linking circadian factors to adenoma risk. The findings could provide insights into how improving sleep and circadian health might reduce cancer risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include African American and European American individuals who are undergoing screening colonoscopies.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have adenomatous polyps or are not undergoing screening colonoscopies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing colorectal cancer by addressing sleep and circadian rhythm disruptions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that circadian rhythm disruptions can influence inflammation and cancer risk, suggesting that this approach has potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burch, James — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Burch, James
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.