Cardiovascular changes after AV fistula creation and how autophagy affects it
Official title: BCCMA: Cardiovascular Remodeling following Arteriovenous Fistula Creation: Autophagy Contributes to Adverse Arteriovenous Fistula Remodeling
Funded at Birmingham VA Medical Center · NIH-11640677 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A VA-led project looks at how blood vessel remodeling after AV fistula surgery may be helped by understanding and targeting autophagy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Birmingham VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX006077-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11640677 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are Veterans with end-stage kidney disease who are planning or have an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not considering AV fistula placement or those not at risk for fistula maturation issues may not benefit.
What this research studies
If you or a loved one has end-stage kidney disease and relies on a fistula for dialysis, this project examines why the fistula sometimes fails to mature and stay open. Researchers at Birmingham VA Medical Center will study aging, a collagen change in vascular smooth muscle, and how endothelial cell autophagy influence the vein remodeling after fistula creation. The aim is to uncover new therapies that reduce scarring and promote healthy outward remodeling so the fistula can function reliably. This work could pave the way for treatments that improve dialysis access for Veterans. The project emphasizes collaboration among VA investigators to translate findings into clinical options for patients who need durable fistulas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new strategies to improve fistula maturation and longevity for dialysis patients.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work suggests that vascular remodeling and autophagy pathways influence AVF outcomes; this study builds on those insights within a VA patient population.
Where this research is happening
-
Birmingham VA Medical Center
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Timmy C — Birmingham VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Lee, Timmy C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Nanoparticle delivery to prevent AV fistula narrowing
A new nanoparticle-based approach aims to prevent AV fistula narrowing in people with kidney failure who rely on dialysis.
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Molecular control of arterial-to-vein remodeling in fistula maturation
This study explores how vein cells change to help arteriovenous fistulas mature, with the aim of improving outcomes for people needing hemodialysis.
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How the protein calprotectin affects healing of dialysis fistulas
Looking at whether a protein called calprotectin causes narrowing that keeps new dialysis fistulas from becoming usable for people with kidney failure.
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Improving AV fistula longevity by guiding vein remodeling
A research project is exploring how to help veins adapt better when used for hemodialysis access so patients have fewer costly procedures.
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Bioabsorbable wrap to improve AV fistula outcomes
A new bioabsorbable wrap is being studied to help AV fistula surgery heal better and stay open longer for people needing hemodialysis.
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AI tool to screen AV fistula stenosis using stethoscope sounds in dialysis patients
A new AI tool uses sound recordings from a digital stethoscope to screen for narrowing in dialysis fistulas, helping clinicians catch problems earlier.
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.