Lactobacillus probiotics to protect the gut after radiation
Mitigation of GI-ARS by Lactobacillus species
Seeing if specific Lactobacillus probiotics can protect the gut in people exposed to high levels of radiation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237573 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how certain Lactobacillus bacteria might prevent intestinal damage after large radiation exposures. Researchers use lab-grown intestinal cells and animal models to identify which gut microbes are sensitive to radiation and how that leads to barrier breakdown. They are testing Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum given after radiation to restore Paneth cell defensins, reduce gut leakiness, and lower inflammation. The goal is to develop probiotic-based medical countermeasures that could help people with gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People exposed to high doses of radiation that threaten the gut, or volunteers enrolled in trials testing probiotics after radiation exposure, would be the main candidates.
Not a fit: People with unrelated digestive problems, very low-dose exposures, or those who are severely immunocompromised may not benefit from these probiotic approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to probiotic treatments that reduce intestinal injury, prevent infections, and lower inflammation after radiation exposure.
How similar studies have performed: Animal and laboratory studies, including the team's preliminary work, show these Lactobacillus strains can lessen radiation-related gut damage, but human clinical evidence is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rao, Radhakrishna — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Rao, Radhakrishna
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 below.