Understanding how gut bacteria affect muscle loss after sepsis

The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Post-Sepsis Skeletal Muscle Atrophy

NIH-funded research University of Iowa · NIH-11062387

This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect muscle loss after a serious infection called sepsis, and it's for people who are recovering from this condition to help find ways to keep their muscles healthy.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Iowa NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Iowa City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11062387 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between the gut microbiome and muscle atrophy that occurs after a patient experiences sepsis. The principal investigator, Dr. Kale Bongers, will utilize advanced techniques in metabolomics and metagenomics to explore how gut bacteria influence muscle health in critically ill patients. The study aims to identify potential therapeutic targets that could help mitigate muscle loss in individuals recovering from sepsis. By integrating knowledge from various fields, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of this complex relationship.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently survived sepsis and are experiencing muscle weakness or atrophy.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced sepsis or those with pre-existing muscle disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help prevent muscle loss in patients recovering from sepsis.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of the gut microbiome in health is a growing field, this specific investigation into its impact on post-sepsis muscle atrophy is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Iowa City, 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.
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.