Understanding how malnutrition affects bile acid production
The metabolic basis for impaired bile acid synthesis in malnutrition
This project explores why severe malnutrition in children prevents the body from making enough bile acids, which are crucial for absorbing nutrients and growing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11098567 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Malnutrition in children can lead to serious health problems, including issues with blood clotting. This happens because the liver struggles to produce important substances like bile acids, which are essential for absorbing nutrients and also play a role in how the body makes clotting factors. This project uses models to understand why malnutrition specifically reduces the production of a key enzyme needed for bile acid creation. Researchers believe it might be due to a lack of a molecule called heme, which is vital for this enzyme to work properly. They are also looking into why heme production itself is impaired, possibly due to deficiencies in certain amino acids from the diet.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms of malnutrition, particularly in young children (0-11 years old) who experience severe forms of the condition.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to severe malnutrition or impaired bile acid synthesis would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat severe malnutrition and prevent related complications like blood clotting issues in children.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds on the researchers' own preliminary data and published findings, suggesting a novel approach to understanding the metabolic basis of malnutrition-induced complications.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Preidis, Geoffrey a — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Preidis, Geoffrey a
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.