Understanding how mechanical stress affects bowel function after surgery
Official title: Enteric Glial Mechanotransduction and Mechanical Stress Induced Postoperative Ileus
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11029259 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how surgery can affect your bowel movements afterward, specifically how a special sensor in your body responds to pressure during the operation, with the goal of finding better ways to help you recover and feel better after gastrointestinal surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $524,837 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK141842-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11029259 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgeries who are at risk for postoperative ileus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone gastrointestinal surgery or those with unrelated gastrointestinal disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind postoperative ileus (POI), a common complication after gastrointestinal surgeries. It focuses on how mechanical stress during surgery impacts bowel motility through a specific glial mechanosensor called Piezo-1. By using advanced models and techniques, including genetically modified mice and human tissue studies, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies to improve recovery and reduce complications. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to better management of bowel function post-surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that reduce the incidence of postoperative ileus and enhance recovery after gastrointestinal surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding mechanotransduction in other contexts, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Christofi, Fedias Leontiou — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Christofi, Fedias Leontiou
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How gut support cells react to surgery and cause slow bowel recovery
This project looks at whether calming a gut-supporting cell's response to mechanical stress can prevent the slow bowel recovery (postoperative ileus) some patients have after intestinal surgery.
-
Investigating how glial cells affect gut movement after surgery
This study is looking at how certain cells in the gut might affect digestion problems that can happen after surgery, and it aims to find ways to help patients recover better after gastrointestinal surgeries.
-
Bowel Sounds and Day-to-Day Recovery After Colorectal Cancer Surgery
This study will test whether monitoring bowel sounds before and after colorectal cancer surgery can predict how quickly patients recover bowel function and resume eating.
-
Liposomal Bupivacaine TAP Block Plus Pain Control to Help Gut Recovery After Major Abdominal Surgery
This trial tests whether adding liposomal bupivacaine TAP block to a sufentanil or oxycodone-based pain plan helps people recover gut function after major abdominal surgery.
-
Restrictive versus liberal IV fluids during elective cesarean with spinal anesthesia
This trial will test whether giving less versus more IV fluids during spinal anesthesia reduces nausea and speeds bowel recovery for women having an elective cesarean.
-
Chewing gum to speed bowel recovery after open gastrointestinal surgery
This trial will test whether chewing glucose-containing gum after open gastrointestinal surgery helps adults' intestines start working sooner.
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.