Understanding gut health and metabolic syndrome in HIV-positive men

Gut microbiome effects on intestinal barrier function and metabolic syndrome in HIV positive men who have sex with men

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11092260

This work explores how gut bacteria and intestinal health might contribute to metabolic syndrome in men living with HIV who have sex with men.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11092260 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many people living with HIV, especially men who have sex with men, experience metabolic syndrome, which increases their risk for heart problems. We know that gut bacteria and a healthy intestinal barrier are connected to metabolic syndrome in other groups, but this connection hasn't been fully understood in HIV-positive men. This project aims to uncover how changes in gut bacteria and a weakened intestinal barrier might lead to inflammation and metabolic syndrome in this specific population. By understanding these links, we hope to find new ways to improve health for these individuals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant for HIV-positive men who have sex with men and are at risk for or experiencing metabolic syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV or metabolic syndrome, or who are not men who have sex with men, may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for preventing or managing metabolic syndrome in HIV-positive men by targeting gut health.

How similar studies have performed: While gut microbiome links to metabolic syndrome have been observed in other populations, this specific connection in HIV-positive men who have sex with men is not yet deeply understood.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.