NIH-funded research R01 grant

How dietary fats affect light therapy for skin inflammation

Official title: Impact of dietary lipid components on phototherapy used to treat inflammatory skin conditions

Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11065116 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain healthy fats in our diet can make light therapy work better for people with skin conditions like psoriasis, helping to reduce inflammation and improve skin health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project startApril 10, 2025
Project endMarch 31, 2030
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$673,729
NIH project number1R01AR084311-01A1
Project IDNIH-11065116 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from inflammatory skin conditions, particularly psoriasis.

Less likely to help

Patients with skin conditions not related to inflammation or those who do not respond to phototherapy may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of dietary lipids, particularly unsaturated fatty acids, in enhancing the effectiveness of phototherapy for treating inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis. By examining how these fatty acids interact with light therapy, the study aims to understand their potential to reduce inflammation and improve skin health. The research will utilize animal models to explore the biochemical pathways involved and assess the therapeutic benefits of specific fatty acids in conjunction with UV light treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with inflammatory skin conditions, enhancing the effectiveness of existing therapies.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using dietary fatty acids to enhance anti-inflammatory responses, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Schopfer, Francisco Jose — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
  • Study coordinator: Schopfer, Francisco Jose

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Elastomeric membranes for safer pelvic organ prolapse repair

    A new 3D-printed elastomeric membrane made from polycarbonate urethane is being tested to replace stiff polypropylene meshes for pelvic organ prolapse in women, aiming to reduce complications.

    NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11668074

  • Role of hyaluronan in egg development and ovarian reserve

    This grant studies how the hyaluronan matrix in the ovary affects the aging of the female reproductive system and the pool of eggs available.

    NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11668041

  • Regulatory switches that control imprinting in early human development

    This grant studies how certain genes stay “one-copy” active in early development and what goes wrong in assisted reproduction, with a focus on imprinting disorders.

    NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11668004

  • Identifying molecular signs of imprinting errors linked to fertility treatments

    This grant studies how assisted reproductive technologies may cause imprinting errors in embryos and how these errors relate to certain birth conditions, with implications for families using infertility treatments.

    NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11667742

  • Bioadhesive vaginal film for 7-day protection against HIV, HSV, and pregnancy

    A vaginal film that slowly releases antibodies to prevent HIV, HSV, and unintended pregnancy for about a week from a single use.

    NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11645331

  • Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation and culture in patients

    Researchers are testing a way to transplant or grow sperm-producing cells back in boys and men who stored tissue before cancer treatment, to help them have biological children in the future.

    NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11645297

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.