How high insulin in obesity may make airways tighten in asthma
Insulin increases nerve-mediated bronchoconstriction in obesity-related asthma
['FUNDING_R01'] · OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11245698
This project looks at whether the higher insulin that comes with obesity makes airway nerves cause tighter breathing in people with obesity-related asthma.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PORTLAND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11245698 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use obese mouse models to study how insulin changes the nerves that control airway tightening. They will measure nerve activity, nerve density in the airways, and whether insulin acts directly on nerve insulin receptors. The team will test reflex bronchoconstriction responses and compare sensory versus parasympathetic nerve contributions. Results are meant to point toward nerve-focused ways to reduce asthma problems in people with obesity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with obesity and asthma, especially those who have frequent symptoms or poor control despite standard treatments, would be the main group who might benefit from related future trials.
Not a fit: Patients with asthma not related to obesity or those whose symptoms are well controlled with current therapies are less likely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal nerve-related targets that lead to better treatments for asthma in people with obesity who do not respond well to current medicines.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies from this group and others have shown that insulin can increase airway reactivity, but translating nerve-targeted approaches to people remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
PORTLAND, UNITED STATES
- OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY — PORTLAND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NIE, ZHENYING — OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: NIE, ZHENYING
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.