Investigating how gut microbes affect heart disease risk

Gut microbial metabolites and risk of coronary heart disease: a prospective, multiethnic, metabolomic study

['FUNDING_R01'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-10654667

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

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10654667 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults from diverse ethnic backgrounds who are at risk for coronary heart disease.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have any risk factors for coronary heart disease or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cardiovascular Diseases, cardiovascular disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.