Exercise to improve vascular health and reduce arterial fibrosis in adults with diabetes
Official title: Exercise Modulates Neuro-Immune-Vascular Interaction to Mitigate Arterial Fibrosis
Funded at VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System · NIH-11188881 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in adults with adult-onset diabetes will test whether aerobic exercise can improve blood vessel health and reduce fibrosis in arteries by influencing the immune system and nervous system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 1I01BX007201-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11188881 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with adult-onset diabetes mellitus who are able to participate in an aerobic exercise program.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who cannot safely perform aerobic exercise or have conditions that preclude participation may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds on finding that regular exercise triggers blood flow signals that promote anti-inflammatory changes in blood vessels and also modulates nervous system activity. It will examine how exercise affects immune-cell interactions in the artery wall and whether these changes lessen arterial stiffness and fibrosis. The team plans to use exercise training as a non-drug strategy to improve vascular function in veterans with metabolic risk factors, including obesity and diabetes. Participants will engage in a supervised aerobic program and undergo assessments to measure vascular health, immune activity, and fibrosis markers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could offer a low-cost way to protect arteries and reduce cardiovascular risk for people with diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed exercise improves vascular health and anti-inflammatory pathways, with ongoing exploration of immune and autonomic interactions in the arterial wall.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hsiai, Tzung K — VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Hsiai, Tzung K
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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.