How unhealthy diets affect gut health and heart disease risk

Obesogenic diet-induced intestinal epithelium repair responses link dysbiosis and cardiovascular disease

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10997320

This study is looking at how eating a high-fat Western diet can cause gut inflammation and change the bacteria in your gut, which might raise your chances of heart disease, and it aims to find out how these changes happen so we can better understand the connection between what we eat, our gut health, and heart health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10997320 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how a Western-style high-fat diet leads to gut inflammation and changes in gut bacteria, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study aims to understand the biological mechanisms behind these changes, focusing on how diet-induced damage to gut cells can lead to an imbalance in gut bacteria that promotes heart disease. By examining the role of specific gut bacteria and their metabolites, the research seeks to uncover potential pathways that link diet, gut health, and cardiovascular risk.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are at risk for cardiovascular disease and have dietary habits that may contribute to gut dysbiosis.

Not a fit: Patients who do not consume a Western-style high-fat diet or those without risk factors for cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease by targeting gut health and dietary habits.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the link between diet, gut microbiota, and cardiovascular health, suggesting that this approach has potential for significant findings.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, 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.