The impact of alcohol on gut health and heart disease
Official title: Alcohol-induced Gut Dysbiosis and Cardiovascular Disease
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-11043342 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how drinking too much alcohol can harm your gut health and increase your risk of heart problems, helping us understand how changes in gut bacteria might lead to issues like high blood pressure and heart failure, so we can better support people in managing their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | August 8, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $412,392 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA029984-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043342 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who consume alcohol and may be experiencing related health issues, particularly those with cardiovascular concerns.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no cardiovascular risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how hazardous alcohol use affects gut health and contributes to cardiovascular disease. It focuses on the relationship between alcohol-induced changes in gut bacteria and the production of harmful metabolites that may lead to heart problems. By examining these connections, the study aims to uncover how gut dysbiosis can worsen conditions like hypertension and heart failure. Patients may be involved in understanding how their alcohol consumption affects their overall health and cardiovascular risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve gut health and reduce the risk of heart disease in individuals with alcohol use issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut microbiome's role in cardiovascular health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharp, Thomas E. — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Sharp, Thomas E.
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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.