Vancomycin affects gut bacteria to protect the heart.
Official title: Glycopeptide vancomycin reshapes gut microbiota to mediate cardioprotective effects via microRNA-204
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11051178 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the antibiotic vancomycin can change the bacteria in your gut to help protect your heart, especially if you have conditions like aortic stenosis or high blood pressure, and it aims to find new ways to keep your heart healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | March 10, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $463,272 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL167773-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051178 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that increase the risk of heart failure, such as aortic stenosis or chronic hypertension.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without heart conditions or those not affected by gut microbiota changes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the antibiotic vancomycin can change gut bacteria to provide protective effects for the heart, particularly in conditions like aortic stenosis and hypertension. It focuses on understanding the relationship between gut microbiota and heart health, specifically how certain bacteria can help prevent heart failure. The study will explore the role of microRNA-204, a molecule that is influenced by gut bacteria and is important for heart function. By manipulating gut microbes with vancomycin, the research aims to identify new ways to improve heart health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that use antibiotics to enhance gut health and protect against heart failure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in manipulating gut microbiota for health benefits, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vikram, Ajit — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Vikram, Ajit
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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.