# Immune Dysregulation in Eating Disorders (ID-ED)

> **NIH NIH K23** · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · 2022 · $194,397

## Abstract

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric illness characterized by both distorted self-image and a
restriction of energy intake relative to requirements, leading to significantly low body weight, and
frequently resulting in severe medical complications. As such, numerous physiological changes
in people with AN have been observed, including differences in both immunological and
gastrointestinal function during the disease. However, these changes have not yet been related
to the cognitive and behavioral symptoms observed during AN. This K23 Mentored Career
Development Award proposal is a first step to address this gap in the literature. Our proposed
research project will evaluate both immune dysregulation and gut microbiome composition
in women with AN and healthy comparison participants. In Aim 1, we characterize the
molecular components of inflammation by assessing both basal and innate cytokine production
capacity. In Aim 2, we evaluate the composition of the gut microbiome and its relationship to
eating disorder symptoms. Lastly we will explore (Aim 3) whether alterations in gut microbiome
composition correlate with inflammatory marker levels. The career development portion of this
award provides the PI with detailed training in 1) gut microbiome-immune system research; 2)
psychopathology research methods necessary to conduct independent research investigating
biomarkers in eating disorders; 3) translational science design, implementation and
management; and 4) responsible conduct of research. An expert team of mentors and advisors
will oversee both research and training aims, including an on-site primary mentor with expertise
in eating disorders and translational science, Dr. Carrie McAdams, and an on-site co-mentor
with expertise in how gut microbiome modulates host immune responses, Dr. Andrew Koh. Dr.
Cynthia Bulik, a scientific advisor, will provide mentorship on relating biomarkers with complex
human behaviors seen in psychiatric illness. Two additional scientific advisors, Dr. Robert
Haley (expertise in biostatistics in relation to neuroimmunology) and Dr. Larry Borish
(expertise on immune function and inflammatory pathways) complete the mentorship team.
The research and training outlined in this proposal will provide crucial formal and experiential
training to allow the PI, a board certified internist with a strong research background in
gastrointestinal physiology and immunology, to develop into an independent translational
physician-scientist.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10364647
- **Project number:** 5K23MH119566-03
- **Recipient organization:** UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Brooks Barrett Brodrick
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $194,397
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-04-01 → 2025-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10364647

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10364647, Immune Dysregulation in Eating Disorders (ID-ED) (5K23MH119566-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10364647. Licensed CC0.

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