How insulin affects asthma in people with obesity
Official title: Insulin increases nerve-mediated bronchoconstriction in obesity-related asthma
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10985008 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how insulin levels might affect asthma symptoms in people who are obese, and it hopes to find ways to help manage asthma better for those individuals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $550,404 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL163087-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985008 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with obesity who also suffer from asthma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without obesity or those who do not have asthma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between insulin levels and asthma severity in individuals with obesity. It focuses on how increased insulin may enhance airway hyperreactivity through changes in nerve function. By studying obese mice, the researchers aim to understand the mechanisms by which insulin influences sensory and parasympathetic nerves that control airway responses. The findings could lead to better management strategies for asthma in obese patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for asthma in patients with obesity, potentially reducing symptoms and hospitalizations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between obesity and asthma severity, but this specific approach to understanding insulin's role is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nie, Zhenying — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Nie, Zhenying
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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.