How brain signals link obesity to high blood pressure
Neuronal Mechanisms of Obesity-Induced Hypertension
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · IOWA CITY VA MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11264640
Looking at how brain signals in people with obesity cause high blood pressure to help find better ways to lower it.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | IOWA CITY VA MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11264640 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at brain pathways that make nerve signals rise and push blood pressure up in obesity. The team uses laboratory models and genetic tools to turn off specific brain signaling pathways (like mTORC1 in leptin-responsive neurons) and searches for molecules such as SerpinA3N that drive the effect. Much of the work is done in controlled lab models to map the cellular and molecular steps that lead to sympathetic overactivity and hypertension. Findings are intended to point to targets that could eventually lead to new treatments for obesity-related high blood pressure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity and high blood pressure, particularly veterans receiving care at the VA, would be the most relevant group for this line of research.
Not a fit: People without obesity-related hypertension, children, or anyone seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to get direct benefit from this preclinical work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify new drug targets in the brain that lower obesity-related high blood pressure without requiring weight loss.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have shown leptin and melanocortin brain pathways can raise sympathetic activity, and the mTORC1/SerpinA3N link is a newer, early-stage finding.
Where this research is happening
IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES
- IOWA CITY VA MEDICAL CENTER — IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RAHMOUNI, KAMAL — IOWA CITY VA MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: RAHMOUNI, KAMAL
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.
Conditions: Cardiovascular Diseases