Equol, omega-3s, and artery‑clogging heart disease risk
Integrative Model of Metabolomics, Equol and Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (IMMEA)
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11166322
This project looks at whether making equol (a soy metabolite), levels of marine omega‑3s, and other blood metabolites link to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in people.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11166322 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
They will analyze blood samples and health data from two large Japanese cohorts that include people with and without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The team will determine who is an "equol producer" (a person whose gut makes equol from soy) and measure omega‑3 and other metabolite levels. Using probabilistic graphical models, they will build integrated models to see how equol, omega‑3s, and metabolites relate to ASCVD alongside other risk factors. The goal is to find combinations of blood markers and exposures that help explain lower ASCVD rates seen in Japan.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with or without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease—especially people of Japanese ancestry or those with measured soy and omega‑3 exposure—would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People whose heart disease is not caused by atherosclerosis or those outside the populations represented in the Japanese cohorts may not benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify blood markers or dietary traits (like equol production and omega‑3 levels) that help personalize ASCVD prevention.
How similar studies have performed: Observational studies in Japan suggest soy-related compounds are cardioprotective while a U.S. randomized trial was negative, so related evidence is mixed and this approach is partly supported but still unresolved.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SEKIKAWA, AKIRA — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: SEKIKAWA, AKIRA
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.
Conditions: Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease