Clinical Reseach

• Gut Microbiome Markers of Sport-Related Brain Concussion

• Is the gut microbiome an indicator of brain damage?

Participate in Clinical Research studying the oral and gut microbiome in contact and non-contact sports

Exploring new biomarkers for concussions within the gut microbiome

Are you interested in advancing science? Join us in an exciting clinical research study to understand how the gut microbiome influences brain health, particularly in the context of sport-related brain concussion.

The Villapol Lab’s mission at Houston Methodist Research Institute is to look for novel diagnostic of brain inflammation.

How long will the research last, and what will I need to do ?

You are expected to be in this research study for about six months. During the study, blood and stool samples will be collected. You will also be asked to complete neuropsychological testing post-concussion.

Who Can participate?

• Age 18-30.
• Athletes who participate in contact (e.g. football and soccer) or non-contact sports (e.g., swimming, track and field, tennis) on a collegiate level.

Will I be paid for being in this study?

Participants will receive $100 dollars per study visit as compensation for their time and effort.

This study is supported by NFL PA.

For more information:

Sarah Schodrof (Rice Sports Medicine) sbs5@rice.edu

Sonia Villapol (Houston Methodist) svillapol@houstonmethodist.org

Publication:

Alterations to the gut microbiome after sport-related concussion in a collegiate football players cohort: A pilot study.

Soriano S, Curry K, Sadrameli SS, Wang Q, Nute M, Reeves E, Kabir R, Wiese J, Criswell A, Schodrof S, Britz GW, Gadhia R, Podell K, Treangen T, Villapol S.

Brain Behav Immun Health. 2022 Mar 1;21:100438. doi: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100438. eCollection 2022 May.

PMID: 35284846