How exercise and parathyroid hormone affect calcium buildup in blood vessels
Role of intermittent activation of parathyroid hormone receptor in exercise-induced vascular calcification
This study is looking at how exercise affects a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium buildup in the heart's arteries, to help us understand why active people sometimes have more calcium deposits but still have fewer heart problems, with the goal of finding ways to improve heart health for those who stay active.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10753487 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between exercise, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and vascular calcification, particularly in the coronary arteries. It aims to understand why physically active individuals sometimes have more calcium deposits in their arteries despite lower cardiovascular event rates. The study will explore how intermittent activation of PTH may influence the structure of these calcium deposits, potentially making them less harmful. By using both human and animal models, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better cardiovascular health outcomes for active individuals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are physically active individuals, including athletes, who may be at risk for vascular calcification.
Not a fit: Patients who are sedentary or have existing severe cardiovascular diseases may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or managing vascular calcification in physically active individuals, ultimately improving cardiovascular health.
How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between exercise and vascular calcification is complex, preliminary findings suggest that similar approaches involving PTH have shown promise in animal models, indicating potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Demer, Linda L. — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Demer, Linda L.
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.