Investigating how brain differences between sexes affect symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Sex -related differences in structure, function and connectivity of central arousal and salience networks involving brainstem nuclei are involved in IBS symptom generation.
This study is looking at how differences in the brain, especially in the brainstem, might affect the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and it’s for people with IBS who want to understand more about how their brain and gut work together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10903908 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how structural and functional differences in the brain, particularly in the brainstem, contribute to the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). By using advanced imaging techniques like MRI, the study aims to identify sex-specific changes in brain connectivity and function that may influence IBS symptoms. The research will also explore the interactions between the brain, gut microbiome, and hormones, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of IBS. Patients with IBS will be compared to healthy controls to establish a clearer understanding of these differences.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, particularly those who may experience symptoms differently based on their sex.
Not a fit: Patients with IBS who do not have significant neurological or hormonal factors influencing their symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, personalized treatments for IBS based on individual brain and hormonal profiles.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the brain-gut connection in IBS, but this specific focus on sex differences is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Labus, Jennifer S — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Labus, Jennifer S
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.