Restoring bile acid metabolism to improve gut health after antibiotic use
Official title: Alleviating antibiotic-induced gut dysbiosis by restoring small intestinal bile acid metabolism
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11055772 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how antibiotics can throw off the balance of good bacteria in your gut by affecting bile acids, and it hopes to find ways to help restore that balance and improve gut health for people who have had gastrointestinal issues from antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | November 8, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $232,073 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI183146-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055772 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have recently taken antibiotics and are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not taken antibiotics or do not have gastrointestinal issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how antibiotics disrupt bile acid metabolism in the small intestine, leading to imbalances in gut bacteria. By understanding these changes, the study aims to develop methods to restore healthy bile acid levels and improve gut microbiome stability. Patients may benefit from interventions that target these metabolic pathways, potentially alleviating gastrointestinal issues caused by antibiotic treatments. The research employs a combination of microbiological and biochemical techniques to explore these interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that restore gut health and reduce complications associated with antibiotic use.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in restoring gut health through microbiome modulation, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Belenky, Peter — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Belenky, Peter
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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.