How inflammation differs between men and women as we age
Sex Differences in Inflammation Across the Lifespan
Researchers are looking at how immune and inflammatory reactions change between males and females across the lifespan to help people at risk for or recovering from stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11332494 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This program compares how inflammation, cell death, and repair differ by sex and age in the brain and other tissues like fat and the gut. The team combines animal experiments, genetic studies (including X chromosome genes), and analysis of tissues and blood to trace how these differences develop. They also study the gut microbiome and blood vessels to see how peripheral signals influence brain recovery. The work aims to find biological targets that could lead to treatments tailored for men and women.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who have had a stroke or are at elevated vascular risk—particularly older women—are the kinds of patients who could be eligible for future trials stemming from this work.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to vascular inflammation or those unable to take part in clinical studies are unlikely to get direct benefit from the laboratory-focused phases of this grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to sex-specific therapies that reduce stroke damage and improve recovery and quality of life, especially for older women.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown sex differences in stroke outcomes and inflammation, but this integrated lifespan and X-chromosome-focused approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccullough, Louise D. — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Mccullough, Louise D.
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.