About
Christopher A. Lowry is an Associate Professor and the Associate Chair of Faculty Affairs in the Department of Integrative Physiology at the University of Colorado Boulder. His research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying emotional behavior and the stress-induced control of physiology and emotional responses. He has a background in integrative physiology, with a B.A. Hons. from the University of Wyoming and a Ph.D. from Oregon State University. Lowry's professional experience includes postdoctoral research at the University of Bristol in the UK, where he held positions such as Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Neuroendocrinology Charitable Trust Research Fellow, and Wellcome Trust Intermediate Level Research Fellow. His work has contributed to understanding the neuroendocrinology of stress, anxiety, and related behaviors, with a particular interest in psychoneuroimmunology and the microbiome's role in depression and resilience. He has received numerous honors and awards, including the NSF CAREER Award and the ADAA Donald F. Klein Early Career Investigator Award.
Research topics
- Biology
- Psychology
- Bioinformatics
- Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Immunology
- Psychiatry
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Intensive care medicine
- Internal medicine
- Pathology
- Microbiology
Selected publications
The role of gut microbiome in the pathophysiology of PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders
Gut Microbes Reports · 2026-04-14
articleOpen accessPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety disorders are prevalent and often overlapping mental health conditions with complex, multifactorial etiologies. Growing evidence implicates the gut microbiome in their pathophysiology through immune modulation, neurotransmitter regulation, and bidirectional gut-brain signaling. Findings remain fragmented and difficult to reconcile due to differences in study populations, clinical contexts, and analytic methods. This structured narrative review synthesizes current evidence on gut microbial alterations in PTSD, depression, and anxiety, while examining methodological sources of heterogeneity. We searched four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, and identified 64 eligible studies assessing the gut microbiome composition in these disorders. Sample sizes ranged from small, exploratory cohorts (≈20 participants) to large population-based datasets (>1000 participants), with most studies conducted in China. Stool sampling and DNA extraction protocols varied widely, although 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of the V3-V4 region on Illumina platforms predominated. Alpha-diversity results were inconsistent, whereas beta-diversity analyses distinguished cases from controls. Across these disorders, alterations in microbial composition was observed, including enrichment of proinflammatory and depletion of beneficial bacterial taxa. The current findings indicate that that the gut microbiome represents a promising avenue for biomarker discovery and therapeutic innovation.
Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative · 2026-04-06
articleOpen accessSenior authorCorrespondingThe prevalence of obesity is increasing in modern urban societies, resulting in a significant burden on public health systems globally. The current review explores research supporting the premise that chronic consumption of a Western diet alters the diversity and community composition of the gut microbiome, promotes “leaky gut”, systemic low-grade inflammation, and neuroinflammation, enhancing risk for obesity and stress-related psychiatric disorders. Specifically, consumption of a Western diet promotes metabolic endotoxemia by altering the gut microbiome, disrupting the mucus layer, and increasing permeability of the mucosal barrier. Specifically, increased permeability of the mucosal barrier leads to translocation of gut contents, including bacteria and bacterial metabolites, across the mucosal barrier. Translocation of gram-negative bacteria or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can promote metabolic endotoxemia, heightened inflammation, and disruption of physiological function, leading to metabolic diseases. The review explores a novel approach to counteracting the metabolic effects of the Western diet by utilizing “Old Friends”, i.e., anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory microbes that humans co-evolved with, but are reduced or absent in modern urban societies. Particularly, Mycobacterium vaccae ATCC 15483, one of these “Old Friends”, has showcased promising results by protecting against Western diet-induced systemic inflammation, obesity, and anxiety-like defensive behavioral responses associated with stress-related psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, M. vaccae ATCC 15483 decreases biomarkers of hippocampal microglial priming, suggesting a potential mechanism underlying stress resilience effects. While more research is warranted, harnessing the therapeutic potential of “Old Friends” like Mycobacterium vaccae ATCC 15483 may offer a novel strategy to combat modern diseases associated with consumption of a Western diet. • Chronic consumption of a Western diet promotes a leaky gut • Excessive development of visceral adipose tissue increases peripheral inflammation • Chronic consumption of a Western diet enhances neuroinflammation • Western diet-associated inflammation increases risk for psychiatric disorders • “Old Friends” counteract the effects of chronic consumption of a Western diet
Research Square · 2026-04-21
preprintOpen accessBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health · 2026-03-27
articleOpen accessSenior author-value) of <0.05) representing biological processes (BPs) including those related to heat-shock responses and immune responses, including "interleukin 6 production", which has been identified as a potential mediator of the antidepressant effects of WBH. These results are consistent with previous analyses identifying effects of WBH on heat shock response and interleukin (IL) 6 and, furthermore, identify novel genes and BPs that warrant further investigation as potential mediators of the antidepressant effects of WBH.
Frontiers in Neuroscience · 2025-01-29 · 4 citations
articleOpen accessStress-protective effects have been reported for M. vaccae NCTC 11659 and M. vaccae ATCC 15483 T . However, it remains to be investigated whether also closely related rapidly growing environmental saprophytic non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species have protective effects against the negative consequences of chronic psychosocial stress. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to assess whether repeated i.g. administrations of a heat-inactivated preparation of Mycobacterium aurum DSM 33539 prior to 19 days of chronic subordinate colony housing (CSC) are able to ameliorate the negative effects of this preclinically validated mouse model for chronic psychosocial stress on subsequent dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis in male C57BL/6N mice. The results of the present study show that repeated i.g. administrations of M. aurum DSM 33539 have stabilizing effects on the composition of the gut microbiome, indicated by the findings that M. aurum DSM 33539 prevented CSC-induced increases in the relative abundances of the colitogenic phyla Desulfobacterota and Deferribacterota. Indeed, the relative abundance of Deferribacterota on day 19 was strongly correlated with histological damage to the colon. In line with the latter, M. aurum DSM 33539 was further protective against the aggravating effects of stress on subsequent DSS colitis. Collectively, our findings confirm and extend previous findings from our group and suggest that the stress-protective effects reported for M. vaccae NCTC 11659 and M. vaccae ATCC 15483 T are generalizable also to other NTM species.
BMC Public Health · 2025-11-18
articleOpen accessBACKGROUND: In an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, cross-sector public health collaborations facilitated emergency hotel room placements for people experiencing homelessness (PEH). To inform a Health-in-All-Policies approach to future disasters, the study objective was to assess the impact of the disaster response on the unhoused communities surrounding Sacramento. METHODS: Our interdisciplinary team-based convergent parallel mixed methods study included quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, followed by integrated analyses. The quantitative primary outcome was number of self-reported primary care physician visits. Semi-structured in-person interviews focused on perspectives of the COVID-19 pandemic and public health interventions, experiences with healthcare access and preventative measures, and personal priorities. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using thematic analysis. Integration was guided by the "following a thread" approach. RESULTS: We surveyed 100 people living outdoors ("outside PEH") and 100 people in temporary hotel room placements ("hotel PEH"), and we conducted and transcribed interviews with 19 outside PEH and 16 hotel PEH for qualitative thematic analysis. Hotel PEH reported significantly more primary care physician visits compared to outside PEH (p < 0.05). Mobile health clinics were viewed favorably by both outside PEH (93%) and hotel PEH (85%). Four qualitative themes emerged: (1) Access to resources; (2) Social connection as empowerment; (3) Exacerbation of pre-existing conditions; and (4) Impact of systems and policy on safety. Integrated comparison demonstrated that hotel placements improved access to information, healthcare, resources, hygiene, hope, and safety. This informed four disaster response guidelines: (1) Prioritize housing; (2) Maintain safe and healthy living environments; (3) Improve health and access to integrated healthcare services; and (4) Promote social and emotional well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive disaster responses require understanding vulnerable populations' experiences, perspectives, and priorities. Student-led team science addresses complex questions, revealing pandemic response lessons and informing Health-in-All-Policies approaches to ongoing and future disasters.
SLEEP · 2025-05-01
articleOpen accessAbstract Introduction Suicidal self-directed violence (SSDV) has been previously associated with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) IgG positivity and intensity, blood levels of quinolinic acid (QUIN, positively), picolinic acid (PIC, negatively) and kynurenic acid (KYNA, negatively), and sleep disturbance (insomnia, daytime sleepiness, positively). We examined associations between T. gondii IgG serointensity, excitotoxic and neuroprotective kynurenines and their ratios, and sleep disturbance in U.S. Veterans enrolled in mental health treatment. Methods Veterans from three Veterans Affairs Medical Centers participated in the study (N=407, mean age = 45.6 ± 11.6 years; 74.7% men). Of these, 203 had a history of SSDV, while 204 had no history of self-directed violence (SDV). T. gondii IgG was measured with ELISAs. QUIN and PIC were analyzed with GC-MS, KYNA with UPLC-MS/MS. Sleep disturbance was estimated using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality index (PSQI). Statistics included ANCOVAs and logistic regressions. Results High T. gondii serointensity (classified as high-top quartile) was significantly associated with daytime dysfunction due to sleepiness (p &lt; 0.05) in SSDV positive Veterans. This relationship remained significant after adjusting for socioeconomic factors status. T. gondii seropositivity was significantly associated with QUIN positively and PIC/QUIN, and KYNA/QUIN negatively (p&lt; 0.05). In turn, QUIN was positively associated with daytime dysfunction due to sleepiness (p=0.007) and KYNA/QUIN and PIC/QUIN ratios were negatively associated with sleep disturbance, sleep latency, daytime dysfunction, and PSQI total score (p&lt; 0.05). Conclusion Limitations include the cross-sectional design, low seropositivity, lack of data on sleep apnea and actual recording of sleep, and multiple comparisons. Sleep- wake dysregulation was positively associated with T. gondii serointensity and QUIN, and negatively with neuroprotective kynurenine ratios. These findings warrant replication in larger, longitudinal studies with direct measuring of sleep parameters. Support (if any) Veteran Administration CSR&D Merit Award (grant number 1 I01CX001310–01), PI Postolache, with local PIs Duncan (Atlanta, GA), Brenner (Aurora, CO) and Postolache (Baltimore, MD).
Brain Behavior and Immunity · 2025-01-22
erratumOpen accessEditorial: The microbiome-gut-brain axis and posttraumatic stress disorder
Frontiers in Neuroscience · 2025-04-07 · 1 citations
editorialOpen accessSenior authorOne of the most promising areas of investigation into the role of the microbiome-gut-brain axis in responses to, and recovery from, trauma and stressors, is the role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are metabolic byproducts of gut microbial fermentation. These compounds, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate, act as crucial signaling molecules, influencing neuroinflammation and brain function. Studies within this issue suggest that imbalances in SCFA production, particularly reduced propionate levels, may contribute to PTSD pathophysiology. This is supported by findings in Beyond specific metabolites, the research in this special topic underscores the importance of a holistic approach to PTSD treatment. Traditional therapies, while effective for some, often fail to address the intricate interplay between physiological and psychological factors. This special topic illuminates the need to consider the impact of chronic stress, neuroinflammation, and lifestyle factors on the microbiomegut-brain axis. "Using Lifestyle Interventions and the Gut Microbiota to Improve PTSD Symptoms" (Sugden & Merlo) advocates for lifestyle changes as a vital part of a holistic treatment approach. Lifestyle interventions, including dietary modifications and the use of prebiotics, emerge as potential adjunct therapies for current treatment approaches, offering a more comprehensive strategy for symptom management.Furthermore, the exploration of novel therapeutic targets extends beyond conventional probiotics and prebiotics. A preclinical study investigates the effects of Mycobacterium aurum and demonstrates the potential of mycobacteria to modulate the gut microbiome and mitigate the negative effects of chronic stress. This is demonstrated in "Effects of repeated intragastric administrations with heat-inactivated Mycobacterium aurum DSM 33539 on the stress-induced aggravation of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis in C57BL/6N mice" (Langgartner et al.), opening up exciting possibilities for the development of new psychobiotic interventions, harnessing the immunomodulatory properties of diverse microbial species.The use of advanced methodologies, such as Mendelian randomization, provides valuable insights into the causal relationships between gut microbiota, psychiatric disorders, and related comorbidities like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These studies reveal that genetic predispositions to PTSD and other psychiatric conditions can influence gut microbial composition and increase the risk of IBS, highlighting the shared pathophysiological pathways. This is shown in "Genetic Associations and Potential Mediators Between Psychiatric Disorders and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Mendelian Randomization Study with Mediation Analysis" (Zhang et al.).Finally, "The importance of the gut microbiome and its signals for a healthy nervous system and the multifaceted mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders" (Riehl et al.) provides a comprehensive overview of the communication between the gut microbiota and the brain, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach to understand and treat PTSD. By integrating research from microbiology, neuroscience, psychiatry, and genetics, we can unravel the complex interplay between the gut microbiome and the brain.In essence, this special topic illuminates the pivotal role of the microbiome-gut-brain axis in the pathophysiology and potential treatment of PTSD. From identifying distinct microbial signatures in persons with PTSD to exploring the therapeutic potential of SCFAs, prebiotics, and novel psychobiotics, the research presented here underscores the dynamic interplay between the gut and the brain. By integrating diverse methodologies, including systematic reviews, clinical trials, preclinical studies, and Mendelian randomization, we gain insights into the complex mechanisms underlying PTSD. Ultimately, this collection of studies advocates for a paradigm shift in PTSD management, emphasizing a holistic approach that considers the gut microbiome as a key player in mental health and paves the way for innovative, personalized interventions that may transform the lives of those suffering from the enduring effects of trauma.
Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health · 2025-10-01
articleOpen accessObjective To assess the acceptability of a randomized single-blind trial of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and whole-body hyperthermia (WBH) treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods All participants (N = 30) with MDD received CBT for depression and were randomized to also receive either: (1) WBH that raised core body temperature using an infrared sauna device, or (2) sham WBH of a similar duration that did not significantly raise core body temperature. Results Study acceptability was the primary outcome: of participants who completed the final assessment (n = 29; 96.7%), 22 (75.9%) reported that they would recommend participation to a friend or family member with MDD. Twenty-five (86.2%) participants reported that they would be likely or extremely likely to enroll in this study, given the experience they had in the study. All participants randomized to WBH correctly believed they received WBH, and 6 (43%) of participants randomized to sham WBH correctly believed they received sham WBH. Both arms achieved clinically meaningful and statistically significant reductions in depression symptoms. The average decreases in the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) were −19.07 (SE = 2.69, P < 0.0001) in the WBH arm (80.0% no longer meeting DSM-5 criteria, 60.0% achieving 50% or greater reduction in BDI-II) and −21.10 (SE = 2.41, P <0.0001) in the sham WBH arm (92.9% no longer meeting DSM-5 criteria, 78.6% achieving 50% or greater reduction in BDI-II). Conclusions Study procedures were acceptable. Participants in the WBH and sham WBH groups had substantial reductions in depressive symptoms that were greater than typically seen with CBT alone. The sham WBH arm was not fully credible and may have exerted antidepressant effects, thus raising concerns about its use in future trials. Further research to test whether adding WBH to CBT results in additional antidepressant effects is warranted.
Recent grants
NIH · $1.2M · 2013
CAREER: Afferent Thermosensory Mechanisms and Social Behavior
NSF · $518k · 2009–2014
NIH · $25k
Collaborative Research: Novel Corticosteroid Actions on Neurotransmitter Function
NSF · $350k · 2009–2014
Mycobacterium vaccae and stress resilience: Neural mechanisms
NIH · $424k · 2018–2021
Frequent coauthors
- 517 shared
Teodor T. Postolache
VA Capitol Health Care Network
- 317 shared
Lisa A. Brenner
Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers
- 248 shared
Andrew J. Hoisington
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
- 141 shared
John W. Stiller
St. Elizabeths Hospital
- 97 shared
Kelly A. Stearns‐Yoder
Veterans Health Administration
- 95 shared
Matthew W. Hale
La Trobe University
- 94 shared
Christopher E. Stamper
Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers
- 69 shared
Abhishek Wadhawan
St. Elizabeths Hospital
Labs
Education
- 1987
B.A.
University of Wyoming
- 1995
Ph.D.
Oregon State University
Awards & honors
- University of Wyoming Honors and Scholars Program (1983-1987…
- National Institute of Mental Health National Research Servic…
- Research Fellow, Neuroendocrinology Charitable Trust (2002-2…
- Research Fellow, The Wellcome Trust (2003-2007)
- Young Investigator Award, NARSAD (2007)
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