Understanding how lactate affects intervertebral disc health and function
Metabolic Symbiosis: Lactate as an Epigenetic Regulator and a Biofuel in Age-dependent Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
This study is looking at how a substance called lactate, which is usually thought of as waste, might actually help keep the discs in your spine healthy, with the hope of finding better ways to treat back pain and disc problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10898901 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of lactate in the health of intervertebral discs, which are crucial for spinal function. It explores how lactate, often seen as a waste product, may actually serve as a vital energy source and regulator for disc cells. By examining the metabolic interactions between different cell types within the disc, the study aims to uncover new mechanisms that could lead to improved treatments for back pain and degeneration. Patients may benefit from insights into how to better manage or prevent disc-related issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing back pain or those at risk for intervertebral disc degeneration.
Not a fit: Patients with acute spinal injuries or those without any history of back pain may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating back pain and preventing intervertebral disc degeneration.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic processes in spinal health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vo, Nam V — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Vo, Nam V
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.