Investigating how gut bacteria affect health after metabolic surgery

The Gut Microbiota in Metabolic Surgery: A Multi-Ethnic, Multi-Omic, Longitudinal Study

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11014423

This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut can affect your health after weight loss surgery, especially for people with type 2 diabetes and heart issues, and it includes a diverse group of patients, including many African Americans, to make sure everyone’s experiences are understood.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11014423 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the relationship between gut microbiota and health outcomes in patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery. By studying a diverse group of patients over time, the research aims to uncover how changes in gut bacteria and their metabolites influence conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The approach includes advanced techniques to analyze the microbiota and their functions, considering factors such as diet and medication use. This study is particularly important as it includes African American patients, who are often underrepresented in similar research.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals planning to undergo metabolic or bariatric surgery, particularly those from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including African Americans.

Not a fit: Patients who are not candidates for metabolic surgery or those with unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new microbiota-based therapies that improve health outcomes for patients undergoing metabolic surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on gut microbiota in relation to metabolic surgery, similar studies in other areas have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

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.
Conditions adult onset diabetesAdult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
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.