GLP-1 receptor drugs to protect lymphatic health in obesity-related swelling
Official title: Mechanisms of Cholesterol Induced Lymphatic Dysfunction: Can GLP-1R Agonism Improve Lymphatic Function in Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome?
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11347315 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to see if GLP-1R agonists can improve lymphatic vessel function and reduce swelling risk in people affected by obesity and lymphedema.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $499,736 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL185906-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11347315 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with obesity and/or high cholesterol who are at risk for or have lymphedema, including cancer survivors affected by lymphatic complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without obesity or cholesterol-related lymphatic issues may be less likely to benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
This project explores how high cholesterol and obesity affect the lymphatic system and whether GLP-1 receptor agonists can improve the function of lymphatic vessels and valves. Researchers will study how these drugs influence lymphatic muscle cell contraction and vessel permeability in obesity and cholesterol-loaded models, with a focus on translating findings to patients who have or are at risk for lymphedema after cancer treatment. The work builds on prior animal data showing worsened lymphatic function with cholesterol and obesity and tests whether GLP-1R agonists could mitigate these effects. If successful, the study could pave the way for pharmacological therapies to protect or restore lymphatic health in at-risk patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new drug options to prevent or lessen lymphedema in cancer survivors and others with obesity-related lymphatic dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in animal models showed cholesterol and obesity worsen lymphatic function, and GLP-1R agonists have potential to improve metabolic and vascular health; translation to humans is being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Castorena, Jorge Augusto — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Castorena, Jorge Augusto
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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.