How low testosterone levels affect heart disease through brain mechanisms

Central regulation of atherosclerosis by testosterone-deficiency

NIH-funded research University of Washington · NIH-10910052

This study is looking at how low testosterone levels might affect heart health by causing a condition called atherosclerosis, and it's using mice to learn more about how the brain plays a role in this process, which could help find new ways to treat heart issues for people with low testosterone.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10910052 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how testosterone deficiency influences the development of atherosclerosis, a condition that can lead to heart disease. By studying mouse models, the research aims to uncover the brain mechanisms that contribute to increased cardiovascular risk associated with low testosterone levels. The project will utilize advanced techniques to analyze the role of specific brain cells in this process, providing insights that could lead to new treatment strategies. The principal investigator, Dr. Mauricio Dorfman, is leveraging his expertise in sex steroid biology and metabolism to explore these critical questions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are men experiencing testosterone deficiency who are at risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have testosterone deficiency or those with established cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients at risk of cardiovascular diseases related to testosterone deficiency.

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

Where this research is happening

Seattle, 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.
Conditions Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.