Leaky gut after menopause and its link to bone loss and fractures
Menopause-related increase in gut leak and its relation to immune activation, bone density decline and fractures
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · NIH-11015870
This work looks at whether changes in the gut during menopause cause inflammation that makes bones weaker in midlife and older women.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11015870 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be followed through the menopause transition with regular blood tests to measure markers that suggest a 'leaky' gut and immune activation, such as FABP2 and sCD14, along with general inflammation tests. We will also measure bone strength using bone density scans and track any fractures over time. The research builds on animal studies and a small human pilot and uses a longer-term approach to see if the same pathway happens in people. If you join, expect clinic visits for blood draws, bone scans, and health questionnaires over several years.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women going through the menopause transition or recently postmenopausal who are willing to attend clinic visits for blood tests and bone density scans are the best fit.
Not a fit: People who are far from menopause, men, or those unwilling to undergo blood draws or bone scans are unlikely to be eligible or benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If confirmed, this could point to new ways to prevent or reduce bone loss and fractures after menopause by targeting gut health or inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies and a small human pilot have suggested this leaky-gut to bone-loss link, but larger, longer human studies like this are still novel.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHIEH, ALBERT — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- Study coordinator: SHIEH, ALBERT
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.