How ceramide affects blood vessel function in heart disease
Dual Functionality of Ceramide in Human Microvascular Endothelial Function
This study is looking at how a fat molecule called ceramide affects the tiny blood vessels in your heart, especially how too much ceramide can make it harder for these vessels to relax and allow blood to flow properly, which could help us find better ways to treat heart conditions like coronary artery disease and heart failure.
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 ID | NIH-10880250 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of ceramide, a type of fat molecule, in the function of small blood vessels in the heart. It focuses on how elevated levels of ceramide can lead to problems with blood vessel dilation, which is crucial for healthy blood flow. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which ceramide influences both nitric oxide production and inflammation in the blood vessels, potentially leading to better treatments for heart diseases like coronary artery disease and heart failure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with elevated ceramide levels or those diagnosed with coronary artery disease or heart failure.
Not a fit: Patients without cardiovascular issues or normal ceramide levels may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating cardiovascular diseases by targeting ceramide pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting ceramide pathways can have significant effects on cardiovascular health, suggesting a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Freed, Julie K — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Freed, Julie K
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.