Understanding how inflammation causes weight loss in chronic diseases
Innate Inflammatory Control of Cachexia
This study is looking at how a condition called cachexia, which causes weight loss and muscle wasting in people with chronic illnesses, happens in mice, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with this condition by understanding how certain signals in the body affect metabolism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10845517 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex condition of cachexia, which involves the inflammatory loss of lean body mass often seen in chronic diseases. Using a novel animal model involving Toxoplasma infection in mice, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that lead to cachexia and explore potential interventions. The researchers will focus on the role of IL-1 signaling in driving cachexia and its effects on liver metabolism. By identifying specific cell types involved in this process, the research seeks to find ways to reverse cachexia and improve patient outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic diseases that lead to cachexia, such as cancer, heart failure, or chronic infections.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have chronic diseases or cachexia may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively reverse cachexia and improve the quality of life for patients with chronic diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in targeting IL-1 signaling to alleviate symptoms of cachexia, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ewald, Sarah E. — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Ewald, Sarah E.
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.