Investigating how gut microbes affect heart disease risk
Official title: Gut microbial metabolites and risk of coronary heart disease: a prospective, multiethnic, metabolomic study
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10654667 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain substances made by gut bacteria from the food we eat might affect the risk of heart disease, and it aims to find new ways to help prevent it for people from different backgrounds and diets.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $822,424 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL149779-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10654667 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults from diverse ethnic backgrounds who are at risk for coronary heart disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any risk factors for coronary heart disease or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between gut microbial metabolites and the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). By analyzing metabolites like trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and equol, which are derived from diet and produced by gut bacteria, the study aims to identify new biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for CHD prevention. The research will involve diverse populations to ensure findings are applicable across different ethnicities and dietary habits, enhancing the understanding of how gut health influences heart disease risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing coronary heart disease through dietary and microbiome interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results linking gut microbial metabolites to cardiovascular health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Danxia — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Yu, Danxia
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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.