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

• Can COVID-19 change your gut microbiome?

• Is the gut microbiome an indicator of susceptibility or Long Covid?

Participate in Clinical Research studying the oral and gut microbiome in COVID-19

Exploring the role of the gut microbiome in COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019（COVID-19）is an emerged infection raised wide concerns for pneumonia and respiratory manifestations. Also, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms are frequently observed in COVID-19 patients, but the significance remains undetermined.

The objective of this study is to analyze the oral and gut microbiome from participants who have been tested for SARS-CoV-2 (with positive or negative results). Also, we will analyze the viral RNA sequencing in the saliva samples. We will use the Nanopore system to perform the microbiome analysis.

The Villapol Lab’s mission at Houston Methodist Research Institute is to look for novel neurorestorative treatments for brain recovery through the lens of the periphery.

Currently, we are using our resources and expertise to focus on understanding SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19.

Collect and analyze patient samples to better understand disease progression and susceptibility.

Understand the role of the gut and oral microbiome in COVID-19 infection and prognosis.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

We are requesting the self-collection of saliva and stool samples.

VOLUNTEERS:

Over 18 years-old, tested positive for COVID-19.