How fat cells contribute to inflammation and artery disease

NKA/CD36 signaling in adipocytes promotes oxidative stress and drives chronic inflammation in atherosclerosis

NIH-funded research Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11160522

This study is looking at how fat cells in your body can cause problems in your arteries that might lead to heart attacks or strokes, especially when they get stressed out and trigger inflammation, and it hopes to find new ways to help people understand and manage these issues better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Milwaukee, United States)
Project IDNIH-11160522 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of fat cells, known as adipocytes, in the development of atherosclerosis, a serious condition that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. It focuses on how these fat cells can become dysfunctional under stress, leading to the release of substances that activate immune cells and promote inflammation in the arteries. By studying the molecular mechanisms involved, particularly the interactions between fat cells and immune cells, the research aims to uncover new insights into how chronic inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to atherosclerosis. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how their body processes fat and inflammation, potentially leading to new treatment strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as obesity, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have risk factors for atherosclerosis or those with advanced cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that reduce inflammation and improve heart health for patients at risk of atherosclerosis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of fat cells in inflammation and cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Milwaukee, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.