Apelin receptor and long-term brain and blood-vessel effects after preeclampsia

Apelin receptor axis and long-term consequences of preeclampsia

NIH-funded research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11168703

Looking at whether the apelin signaling system can help protect the brain and blood vessels in people who had preeclampsia.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Winston-Salem, United States)
Project IDNIH-11168703 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research uses established pregnancy and preeclampsia laboratory models to study how the apelin/ELA–apelin receptor system affects the brain and blood vessels long after preeclampsia. The team will measure inflammation, brain swelling, oxidative stress, and other signs of cerebrovascular injury to see if apelin-related signaling reduces long-term damage. Findings will help determine whether targeting this pathway could lead to treatments to lower later-life risks of stroke, cognitive problems, and mood issues after preeclampsia. The work is primarily preclinical but is focused on a human condition and aims to guide future clinical trials.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People most relevant to this research are women with a prior history of preeclampsia who are interested in future treatments to lower long-term vascular and cognitive risks.

Not a fit: People without a history of preeclampsia, men, and those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new therapies that reduce stroke risk and protect thinking and mood in people with a history of preeclampsia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have shown apelin can lower blood pressure and reduce brain inflammation and injury in stroke models, but applying apelin signaling to long-term consequences of preeclampsia is a newer direction.

Where this research is happening

Winston-Salem, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.