How lipoproteins and protease inhibitors interact in heart disease
Official title: Functional Interactions Between Lipoproteins and Protease Inhibitors in Atherosclerosis
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11133015 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $589,400 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL171111-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133015 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with atherosclerosis or those at high risk for cardiovascular diseases, particularly those with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without atherosclerosis or those who do not have any known risk factors for cardiovascular diseases may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gordon, Scott M — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Gordon, Scott M
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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.