Protecting transplanted intestines from early injury
Mitigating Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury to Reduce Early Damage to Intestinal Allografts
A new organ-preservation approach aims to keep donated intestines healthier for people who need intestinal transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247113 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are working to reduce the damage that happens when a donated intestine is stored and then reconnected, focusing on keeping the organ functioning with warm blood-like flow rather than standard cold storage. They will examine how these approaches affect the intestinal lining, inflammation, and bacterial leakage using lab models and preserved donor tissues and may translate promising findings to transplant centers. The team aims to lower early injury after transplant that can lead to infections and graft loss. If successful, the work could allow longer, safer preservation of intestines and improve early transplant recovery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People of any age, including infants and children, with intestinal failure from causes like necrotizing enterocolitis, severe trauma, or inflammatory bowel disease who are candidates for intestinal transplant.
Not a fit: People without intestinal failure or those who are not transplant candidates are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could increase intestinal transplant success, reduce early infections and graft failure, and make transplantation a more reliable option for patients with intestinal failure.
How similar studies have performed: Machine perfusion has improved outcomes for heart, lung, and liver transplants, but its use for intestinal grafts is newer and still experimental.
Where this research is happening
Raleigh, United States
- North Carolina State University Raleigh — Raleigh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gonzalez, Liara M — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Gonzalez, Liara M
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.