Chive-derived nanoparticles to lower inflammation in obesity
Role of chive-derived exosome-like nanoparticles in suppressing inflammation in obesity
Tiny particles taken from chives are being used to try to lower the inflammation linked to obesity in people at risk for diabetes and heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290372 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research looks at tiny, food-derived particles from chives that may calm the low-grade inflammation common in obesity. Scientists are studying how these exosome-like nanoparticles affect immune cells in the lab and how they work when given by mouth to mice fed a high-fat diet. They identified a specific lipid in the particles that blocks a key inflammation trigger called the NLRP3 inflammasome. The goal is to develop a safe dietary or therapeutic approach that could reduce obesity-related inflammation and downstream diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity, especially those at risk for type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease, would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People without obesity or whose conditions are driven by causes other than NLRP3-mediated inflammation may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a safe dietary supplement or treatment that lowers obesity-linked inflammation and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical lab and mouse studies reported promising anti-inflammatory effects, but this approach has not yet been tested in people.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yu, Jiujiu — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Yu, Jiujiu
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 below.