How early life stress affects blood vessel function
Official title: Early Life Stress Induced Reprogramming of Vascular Function by the Endothelium and Macrophage Systems
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11010886 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tough experiences in childhood might lead to heart problems later in life, using a rodent model to understand the biological changes that happen in boys and girls, with the hope of finding ways to help improve blood vessel health for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $287,514 |
| NIH project number | 5P01HL158500-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010886 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced significant stress or trauma during childhood.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced early life stress or those with pre-existing severe cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how traumatic experiences during childhood can lead to cardiovascular disease later in life. By studying a rodent model that simulates early life stress, researchers aim to uncover the biological mechanisms that cause vascular and immune dysfunction. The study will explore how these changes occur differently in males and females, and seeks to identify potential strategies to reverse the negative effects of early life stress on blood vessel health. The findings could provide insights into preventing cardiovascular issues in individuals who experienced early life trauma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease in individuals who have experienced early life stress.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that early life stress is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, suggesting that this approach has a foundation in established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pollock, Jennifer S — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Pollock, Jennifer S
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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.