Understanding and treating metabolic issues in the brain after mild traumatic injuries
Official title: Investigating and treating metabolic deficits in the neurovascular unit following mild traumatic brain injury
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11077863 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how mild brain injuries can impact brain health by affecting the blood-brain barrier and causing metabolic problems, with the goal of finding new treatments that could help people recover better after such injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $263,668 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM148326-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077863 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have suffered a mild traumatic brain injury and are experiencing cognitive or metabolic symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a mild traumatic brain injury or those with advanced neurodegenerative diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) affect the brain's neurovascular unit, which is crucial for maintaining brain health. It focuses on the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and the resulting metabolic imbalances that can lead to conditions like Alzheimer's disease. By analyzing the metabolic deficits in brain cells and blood vessels, the study aims to identify potential therapeutic approaches using specific compounds that may restore normal function. Patients may benefit from insights into new treatments that target these metabolic issues following a mild TBI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve recovery and reduce the risk of dementia in patients who have experienced mild TBIs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic dysfunctions in the brain, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hubbard, William Brad — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Hubbard, William Brad
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A High-Tech Look Inside the Brain with Diffusion MRI
Researchers are using advanced brain imaging to find biological clues in people who have mild traumatic brain injuries.
-
How neuromodulation may help headaches after a mild brain injury
A small study tests whether stimulating the brain with a noninvasive technique can lessen persistent headaches in people who recently had a concussion.
-
New ways to treat chronic pain after mild brain injuries
A research team is studying why some people develop long-lasting pain after a mild head injury and how brain inflammation contributes to it.
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Retraining brain pathways to boost thinking after a mild head injury
A clinical trial tests a brain-training program to improve thinking and memory in people who have had a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
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Neurobehavioral effects of childhood brain injuries and addiction risk in twins
This grant studies how mild traumatic brain injury in childhood might influence behavior and the chance of developing addictive behaviors later in life, using twins to understand what’s due to injury versus other factors.
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Understanding and improving reactive balance after mild traumatic brain injury
This grant tests how people recover their balance after a mild brain injury and how targeted training could help prevent falls.
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.