How alcohol affects blood vessel health and disease progression

Biphasic Regulation of Endothelial Transdifferentiation by Alcohol and Its Impact on Vascular Disease

NIH-funded research University of Rochester · NIH-10931494

This study looks at how drinking alcohol in different amounts can affect your heart health by changing certain cells in your arteries, helping us understand both the good and bad effects of alcohol on conditions like arteriosclerosis, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-10931494 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex relationship between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease, focusing on how different levels of alcohol intake can influence the transformation of endothelial cells into other cell types that contribute to artery thickening and disease. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind both protective effects of moderate alcohol consumption and the harmful effects of heavy drinking. By examining how alcohol impacts arterial cells, the research seeks to uncover critical insights into the development of conditions like arteriosclerosis, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with varying levels of alcohol consumption, particularly those at risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Not a fit: Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no risk factors for cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies and treatments for cardiovascular diseases related to alcohol consumption.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown varying effects of alcohol on cardiovascular health, but this specific investigation into endothelial transdifferentiation is novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.