How vagal dysfunction affects gut health and inflammation in people with HIV

Effects of Vagal Dysfunction on Gastrointestinal and Inflammatory Pathways in HIV

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10788387

This study is looking at how problems with a part of the nervous system called the vagus nerve might affect gut health and inflammation in people living with HIV, even if they're on treatment, and it will explore whether certain medications can help improve these issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10788387 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of vagal dysfunction on gastrointestinal and immune functions in individuals living with HIV. It focuses on how this dysfunction may lead to chronic inflammation and the development of serious co-morbid conditions, even when patients are on effective antiretroviral therapy. The study will explore the relationship between vagal dysfunction, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and inflammatory markers, using treatments like acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to assess their effects on gut health and inflammation. Patients may undergo assessments of their gastrointestinal function and microbiome composition as part of the research.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who experience gastrointestinal issues or have been diagnosed with vagal dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients who are not living with HIV or do not have gastrointestinal symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to reduce inflammation and improve health outcomes for people living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between vagal dysfunction and inflammation in HIV, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.