How different types of dietary protein may change immune cells and artery plaque in heart disease
Dissecting the Impact of Dietary Protein on Macrophage mTOR Signaling and Atherosclerosis
This project looks at whether eating more protein—especially animal protein—changes immune-cell behavior and makes artery plaque worse in adults with or at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11311852 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are using lab and animal experiments to see how high-protein diets influence macrophages, a type of immune cell that helps shape artery plaque. They focus on the amino acid leucine and a cell pathway called mTORC1 that may block cleanup processes in macrophages and make plaques larger and more likely to rupture. The team will compare effects of protein from animal versus plant sources and study plaque composition and cell behavior in detail. Results could point to dietary recommendations or new ways to target macrophage pathways to reduce dangerous plaques.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older who have established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or are at high risk for it would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Children and people without atherosclerosis or cardiovascular risk factors are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could inform safer dietary advice and suggest new targets to reduce plaque growth and rupture risk in people with atherosclerosis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies, including preliminary data from this team, have shown high dietary protein can worsen plaque in mice, but the mechanism and relevance to humans remain unconfirmed.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Razani, Babak — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Razani, Babak
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.