Stopping inflammation-driven muscle wasting (cachexia)
Innate Inflammatory Control of Cachexia
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · NIH-11089897
This research looks at how long-term inflammation causes muscle and weight loss in people with chronic illnesses and works to find safe ways to stop or reverse it.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11089897 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The lab uses the parasite Toxoplasma gondii as a model to recreate chronic inflammation that leads to cachexia, then traces the molecular signals that change metabolism and damage tissues. Researchers focus on the IL-1R/NF-κB signaling pathway and on oxidative stress metabolites that appear linked to ongoing muscle loss. Experiments use mouse models, genetic and biochemical techniques, and analysis of tissue and blood samples to map which inflammatory signals drive wasting. The aim is to identify targets that can be blocked to reverse cachexia without increasing vulnerability to infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic illnesses who are losing lean body mass or have been diagnosed with cachexia would be the ideal candidates for future clinical tests based on this work.
Not a fit: People with weight loss from dieting, short-term illness, or non-inflammatory causes, and those who need immediate clinical care, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that stop or reverse inflammatory muscle wasting without weakening infection defenses.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal-model work has shown blocking IL-1R/NF-κB can reverse cachexia in this system, but comparable approaches have not yet been proven effective in people.
Where this research is happening
CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA — CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: EWALD, SARAH E. — UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- Study coordinator: EWALD, SARAH E.
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.