Investigating how sex differences affect brain-gut interactions in irritable bowel syndrome.
Official title: Sex related differences in Brain Gut Microbiome Interactions in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10903897 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how hormones, gut bacteria, and brain activity work together to affect symptoms in women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic constipation, hoping to find better treatments that fit each person's unique situation.
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 start | May 1, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,547,473 |
| NIH project number | 5U54DK123755-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903897 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome or chronic constipation, particularly those experiencing symptoms related to hormonal fluctuations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with IBS who are male or those whose symptoms are not influenced by hormonal changes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between sex hormones, gut microbiome metabolites, and brain function in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic constipation. It aims to understand how these factors contribute to the symptoms experienced, particularly in women who may have heightened sensitivity during certain hormonal phases. By utilizing advanced brain imaging techniques, the study will identify how these interactions influence brain activity and connectivity related to gastrointestinal symptoms. The findings could lead to better-targeted treatments for IBS based on individual hormonal and microbiome profiles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to personalized treatment strategies for IBS that consider hormonal and microbiome factors, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the brain-gut microbiome interactions, but this specific focus on sex differences is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mayer, Emeran a — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Mayer, Emeran a
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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.