Exploring how activating the melanocortin system can protect the heart after a heart attack.
Official title: Cardiac protective mechanisms of melanocortin system activation
Funded at University of Mississippi Med Ctr · NIH-11003788 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a hormone called leptin can help protect the heart and improve its function after a heart attack, which could be really helpful for people who are at risk of heart failure after such an event.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Mississippi Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jackson, United States) |
| Project start | January 9, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $529,136 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL163076-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003788 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a myocardial infarction and are at risk of developing heart failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a heart attack or those with advanced heart failure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of the melanocortin system to protect the heart following a myocardial infarction (heart attack). By activating this system, the study aims to improve heart function and prevent the progression of heart failure, which affects many patients after a heart attack. The approach involves administering leptin, a hormone that activates the melanocortin pathway, to see if it can restore normal heart function and improve overall cardiac health. The research uses animal models to assess the effectiveness of this treatment and its impact on heart performance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve heart function and reduce the risk of heart failure in patients who have suffered a heart attack.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches targeting the melanocortin system for cardiac protection, indicating potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Mississippi Med Ctr
Jackson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Silva, Alexandre Alves Da — University of Mississippi Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Silva, Alexandre Alves Da
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.