How blood fat particles may drive higher heart disease and diabetes risk in South Asians
Lipoprotein Metabolism and Excess Cardiometabolic Risk in South Asians
This research looks at detailed blood-fat and lipoprotein measurements to explain why people of South Asian background face higher risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11138656 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you take part, researchers will analyze detailed blood tests that measure different lipoprotein particles and how your body handles fats, using samples and clinical data from the MASALA study of U.S. South Asians and comparable participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). They'll link these advanced lipid measures to imaging, diabetes markers, and heart disease events collected over time to look for patterns tied to excess risk. The team uses existing blood samples and long-term follow-up on more than 1,000 South Asian participants to compare results across racial and ethnic groups. The goal is to find markers that could lead to better prediction and prevention for South Asian patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults of South Asian descent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal) who have or are at risk for type 2 diabetes or heart disease, or who are willing to contribute blood samples and medical information.
Not a fit: People not of South Asian ancestry or those whose cardiovascular risk is unrelated to lipoprotein differences may not see direct benefits from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify better blood tests and prevention strategies to reduce heart disease and diabetes risk in South Asian people.
How similar studies have performed: Advanced lipoprotein measures have improved risk prediction in European and African-descent groups, but this approach is less tested in South Asian populations.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rohatgi, Anand Kumar — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rohatgi, Anand Kumar
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 below.