Investigating how short-chain fatty acids affect eye health in premature infants
Official title: Short-chain fatty acid signaling in retinopathy of prematurity
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11170133 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called butyrate, found in certain foods, might help prevent a serious eye problem in premature babies, and it aims to find a new, gentle treatment to support their eye health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $385,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R56EY035336-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11170133 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants at risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity due to factors like high oxygen exposure and hyperglycemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not premature or do not have risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of short-chain fatty acids, particularly butyrate, in preventing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness in premature infants. The study aims to identify the mechanisms by which these fatty acids influence retinal development and vascularization in infants exposed to high oxygen levels and hyperglycemia. By using mouse models and analyzing gut bacteria, the researchers hope to develop a new, non-invasive therapy that could improve outcomes for affected infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel therapy that prevents blindness in premature infants by promoting healthy retinal development.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating that targeting gut bacteria and short-chain fatty acids may be effective in treating ROP.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jadeja, Ravirajsinh — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Jadeja, Ravirajsinh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Butyrate-based approach to prevent vision loss in premature babies with retinopathy
A study is exploring whether increasing butyrate levels can prevent vision-damaging retinopathy in premature infants by addressing gut bacteria and metabolic pathways.
-
TopoROP: Multi-View Analysis to Diagnose Retinopathy of Prematurity
A new AI-based tool analyzes retinal images to help doctors diagnose Retinopathy of Prematurity in premature babies and other patients at risk.
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Long-term endotypes of prematurity-related lung disease in former preemies
A long-term study looking at why some babies born very early develop lasting breathing problems and how their genes might explain these different paths.
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Deep learning tool to diagnose retinopathy of prematurity in newborns
A new AI-based diagnostic tool uses eye images from premature babies to help clinicians identify treatment-needed retinopathy of prematurity.
-
Cortical dystonia in kids born early
Researchers are studying why premature birth leads to dystonia in cerebral palsy and looking for new ways to help children and adults who have this condition.
-
AI-enhanced wide-field eye scans for detecting retinopathy of prematurity
Using faster handheld wide-field eye scans plus AI to find early signs of retinopathy of prematurity in premature babies and help guide treatment.
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.