Activating certain brain neurons may improve heart health in type 2 diabetes.
Official title: Hypothalamic oxytocin neuron activation rescues cardiac metabolism through cardiac cholinergic signaling in type 2 diabetes
Funded at University of Hawaii at Manoa · NIH-11071250 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how turning on certain brain cells might help improve heart health for people with type 2 diabetes by focusing on a hormone called oxytocin, and it aims to find new ways to protect against heart problems related to diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Hawaii at Manoa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Honolulu, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $43,339 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HL174131-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071250 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who may be experiencing cardiac autonomic neuropathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without type 2 diabetes or those with other unrelated cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how activating specific neurons in the brain can help restore healthy heart function in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It focuses on the role of oxytocin neurons in the hypothalamus, which may enhance the heart's parasympathetic tone and reduce the risk of heart-related complications. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind cardiac autonomic neuropathy, a serious complication of diabetes that increases cardiovascular risk. By exploring this novel approach, the research hopes to identify new treatment strategies for improving heart health in diabetic patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly reduce cardiovascular risks for patients with type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is novel, similar mechanisms have shown promise in other conditions with autonomic dysfunction, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nilsson, Anna — University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Study coordinator: Nilsson, Anna
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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.