How lipoproteins and protease inhibitors interact in heart disease

Functional Interactions Between Lipoproteins and Protease Inhibitors in Atherosclerosis

NIH-funded research University of Kentucky · NIH-11133015

This study is looking at how certain proteins in your blood interact with others that help control inflammation, to see if these interactions can help prevent heart problems caused by plaque buildup in your arteries, which could lead to new treatments for heart disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Kentucky NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lexington, United States)
Project IDNIH-11133015 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the interactions between lipoproteins, which are fat and protein complexes in the blood, and protease inhibitors, which are proteins that prevent the activity of enzymes involved in inflammation. The study aims to understand how these interactions may influence atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaques in arteries that can lead to heart attacks. By examining the role of alpha-1-antitrypsin, a specific protease inhibitor found in lipoproteins, the research seeks to uncover new mechanisms that could help stabilize atherosclerotic lesions and reduce vascular inflammation. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for managing cardiovascular diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with atherosclerosis or those at high risk for cardiovascular diseases, particularly those with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.

Not a fit: Patients without atherosclerosis or those who do not have any known risk factors for cardiovascular diseases may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that stabilize atherosclerotic plaques and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of protease inhibitors in cardiovascular health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Lexington, 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 2026-06-10 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.