Understanding how gut microbes and hormones affect abdominal pain
Microbial reactivation of sex steroids and visceral pain
['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11089321
This work explores how gut bacteria might naturally control pain signals by reactivating certain hormones, aiming to find new ways to relieve abdominal discomfort.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11089321 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many people experience abdominal pain from digestive issues, and current treatments often fall short. While probiotics are popular, their effectiveness for pain has been limited. This project looks at stimulating specific pathways of microbes already living in your gut that could help your body. We want to see if these gut microbes, by reactivating certain hormones, can influence the nerve signals that cause abdominal pain. If successful, this could lead to new, more targeted ways to manage your pain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients experiencing chronic abdominal pain related to digestive diseases may be ideal candidates for future studies stemming from this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose abdominal pain is not related to gut microbial activity or sex steroid pathways may not receive direct benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, more effective treatments for chronic abdominal pain by targeting specific gut microbial pathways.
How similar studies have performed: While probiotics have shown disappointing results for abdominal pain, this approach explores a novel strategy of stimulating existing microbial pathways rather than introducing new microbes.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RAO, MEENAKSHI — BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: RAO, MEENAKSHI
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.