How leptin affects the growth of visceral fat
Official title: Paracrine effects of leptin in regulating visceral fat expansion
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11056708 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a hormone called leptin, which comes from fat cells, affects the growth of belly fat and its connection to health issues like metabolic syndrome, with the goal of finding new ways to treat obesity and related problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $387,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138035-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056708 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are experiencing obesity, particularly those with a high amount of visceral fat.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or do not have issues related to visceral fat may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells, in the expansion of visceral fat, which is linked to metabolic syndrome. By using advanced techniques like single cell sequencing, the study aims to understand how different types of fat cells interact and how leptin influences their behavior during obesity. The researchers will explore the mechanisms behind the increased leptin levels in visceral fat and how this contributes to fat cell growth and inflammation. This knowledge could lead to new treatment strategies for obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new insights into treating obesity and its associated metabolic conditions by targeting the mechanisms of visceral fat expansion.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of hormones like leptin in fat metabolism, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Shangang — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Shangang
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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.