High Salt and Kidney Metabolism Fueling Hypertension
Official title: High Salt Remodels Renal Cortical and Proximal Tubular Metabolism: Metabolic Fuels, Oxidative Stress, and Hypertension
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11252558 · Data updated 2026-11-12
High salt intake may change kidney metabolism and drive high blood pressure, especially in people of African American and Asian descent.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $655,193 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL151587-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11252558 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with salt sensitivity or a history of high blood pressure, especially African American and Asian populations, and patients at risk for salt-related kidney issues, who may participate in future studies or receive informed guidance.
✕Less likely to help
People without salt sensitivity or with well-controlled blood pressure may experience limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This NIH grant explores how very salty diets affect kidney metabolism and blood pressure. Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin will study metabolic changes in kidney tissue, focusing on energy pathways and oxidative stress, in salt-sensitive models and humans. The goal is to understand why some individuals develop hypertension and kidney disease when salt intake is high, and to identify potential targets for reducing risk. The work builds on prior findings that salt alters kidney energy pathways and may trigger harmful changes in susceptible groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal new strategies to prevent or treat salt-related hypertension and kidney disease.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work shows salt intake can shift kidney metabolism, suggesting this is a promising but complex area with potential for meaningful gains.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cowley, Allen W — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Cowley, Allen W
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
High salt diets affect kidney metabolism and blood pressure.
This study is looking at how eating too much salt affects the kidneys and can lead to high blood pressure, especially for people who are sensitive to salt, to help find better ways to manage these health issues.
-
HEARTS hypertension and diabetes care in Guatemala
This grant tests how well the HEARTS primary care model works in Guatemala to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for patients.
-
Integrated Heart Health: A HEARTS-based approach to hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala
A study tests a team-based, stepwise care model to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for people with both hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala.
-
Coaching and Navigation by Community Health Workers via Telehealth for High-Risk Hypertension
A program using telehealth and community health workers to help adults with severe hypertension connect to primary care and follow practical, heart-healthy lifestyle tips.
-
Community Health Worker–Led Hypertension Prevention and Control in Nepal
A community health worker–driven approach in Nepal aims to prevent and control high blood pressure among adults by bringing education and care directly to communities and homes.
-
Community health worker-led hypertension prevention and control in Nepal
A community health worker–led program in Nepal aims to help adults prevent and better control high blood pressure through home visits, education, and ongoing support.
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.