Exploring how cannabis use affects heart health in people living with HIV
Official title: Nothing Micro About It: Investigating the Role of miRNAs and Cannabis Use in Cardiac Dysfunction among People Living with HIV
Funded at Florida International University · NIH-11187584 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using cannabis might affect heart health in people with HIV by comparing heart-related markers in those who use cannabis to those who don’t, to see if cannabis could change the risk of heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida International University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $54,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R36DA062542-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11187584 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who either use cannabis or do not use cannabis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or who do not have concerns related to cardiovascular health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of cannabis use on heart health in individuals living with HIV by examining specific microRNA profiles associated with cardiac dysfunction. The study will compare these profiles between those who use cannabis and those who do not, focusing on how cannabis and its metabolites, like CBD and THC, may influence cardiovascular disease risk. By analyzing existing samples, the research aims to uncover potential biomarkers that could indicate pre-clinical cardiovascular disease risk in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of cardiovascular health in people living with HIV who use cannabis.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically examining the effects of cannabis on cardiovascular health in people living with HIV, studies on cannabis and cardiovascular risk factors have shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida International University
Miami, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Larson, Michaela — Florida International University
- Study coordinator: Larson, Michaela
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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.