Investigating how menopause affects gut health and bone density
Official title: Menopause-related increase in gut leak and its relation to immune activation, bone density decline and fractures
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10767899 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how menopause might affect gut health and bone strength in women, specifically to see if a condition called 'leaky gut' during menopause could lead to weaker bones, and it aims to help find ways to prevent bone loss and fractures for women going through this change.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | January 25, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $659,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR081794-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10767899 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women undergoing the menopause transition who may be experiencing changes in gut health and bone density.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in the menopause transition or those with pre-existing severe gastrointestinal disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between menopause, gut health, and bone density in women. It aims to determine if an increase in gut permeability, known as 'leaky gut', occurs during menopause and whether this condition leads to immune system activation and a decline in bone mineral density. The study will utilize biomarkers to assess gut barrier integrity and the presence of microbial antigens in the bloodstream, comparing data from premenopausal and postmenopausal women. By understanding these connections, the research seeks to identify potential pathways for preventing bone loss and fractures in menopausal women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing bone loss and fractures in menopausal women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results regarding the relationship between gut health and bone density, suggesting that this research could build on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shieh, Albert — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Shieh, Albert
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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.