Understanding how heme affects inflammation and tissue damage in the gut.
Characterizing the role of the heme catabolism in tissue damage and inflammation.
This study is looking at how free heme might cause inflammation and damage in the gut for people who have gastrointestinal issues after treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and it aims to find ways to help reduce this inflammation and promote healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10800685 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of free heme in causing inflammation and tissue damage, particularly in patients suffering from gastrointestinal syndrome (GIS) after treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The study focuses on how free heme interacts with immune cells in the gut, potentially leading to increased inflammation and cell death. By examining tissue samples and using animal models, researchers aim to identify therapeutic strategies that could mitigate the harmful effects of heme, such as using heme scavengers to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients experiencing gastrointestinal syndrome as a result of cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients without gastrointestinal issues or those not undergoing cancer treatments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that alleviate gastrointestinal damage and inflammation in patients undergoing cancer therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in targeting inflammation and tissue damage through similar mechanisms, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wegiel, Barbara — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wegiel, Barbara
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.