Investigating the connection between gut health and brain injury recovery
Official title: Trauma, the gut, and the brain: the gut microbiota-microglia axis in traumatic brain injury
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10897173 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a traumatic brain injury can change the bacteria in your gut and how that might affect your brain health, with the hope of finding ways to help you recover better, including trying out some dietary supplements that could improve gut health and brain function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $591,788 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS127865-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897173 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have recently experienced a traumatic brain injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pre-existing severe gastrointestinal disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects the gut microbiome and its subsequent impact on brain health. By examining the relationship between gut bacteria and brain inflammation, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could improve recovery outcomes for TBI patients. The researchers will analyze changes in gut microbiota following TBI and test dietary supplements that may enhance gut health and cognitive function. Patients may be involved in trials assessing the effects of specific short-chain fatty acids on their recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary interventions that improve recovery and cognitive outcomes for patients with traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using dietary interventions to improve outcomes in neurological conditions, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwulst, Steven J — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Schwulst, Steven J
Related research
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-
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A multi-year study will look at gut bacteria and related markers in people with Parkinson’s disease to understand how the gut-brain connection may influence symptoms and progression.
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.