How menopause-related hormone changes affect heart muscle in HFpEF
Sex-specific myofilament dysfunction in postmenopausal HFpEF
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA · NIH-11377668
Looks at how menopause-related hormone changes affect heart muscle function in women who have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11377668 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use a mouse model that mimics natural menopause by leaving residual ovarian tissue (using VCD) and add metabolic stress to produce HFpEF-like heart changes. They will examine heart muscle proteins (myofilaments) and hormone balances, especially the androgen-to-estrogen ratio, to see how these factors change muscle contraction. The team will compare male and female responses and test molecular pathways that could be targeted with new treatments. Findings aim to point to therapies tailored for postmenopausal women with HFpEF.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Postmenopausal women with HFpEF—especially those with metabolic risk factors like obesity or diabetes—would be the most relevant group for future clinical follow-up.
Not a fit: Younger people, premenopausal women, or patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction are less likely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to treatments tailored for postmenopausal women with HFpEF by targeting hormone-related changes in heart muscle.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work often used simple ovariectomy models or male-focused experiments, making this natural-menopause (VCD) approach novel and less tested for producing directly translatable treatments.
Where this research is happening
COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA — COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: METHAWASIN, MEI — UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA
- Study coordinator: METHAWASIN, MEI
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 below.