How metabolic syndrome affects the severity of brain infections caused by viruses.
Official title: Changes in Cellular Metabolism Associated with Metabolic Syndrome Increase the Severity of Neurotropic Viral Infections
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11289064 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how metabolic syndrome might make viral infections that affect the brain, like West Nile Virus, worse, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding why people with this condition may have tougher battles with these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $262,588 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM148326-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11289064 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, particularly those living in areas with higher incidences of viral infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without metabolic syndrome or those not affected by viral infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the severity of viral infections that impact the brain, such as West Nile Virus. It focuses on understanding how metabolic imbalances in individuals with MetS can lead to worse outcomes during viral infections. By comparing brain metabolism in healthy mice and those with MetS, the study aims to identify specific metabolic changes that may increase viral activity and disease severity. This research could provide insights into why individuals with MetS experience more severe infections and longer hospital stays.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with metabolic syndrome who are at risk of severe viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: While the link between metabolic syndrome and viral infections is an emerging area, similar studies have shown that metabolic imbalances can influence disease outcomes, suggesting potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pinto, Amelia Kahler — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Pinto, Amelia Kahler
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Integrated biomarker study of metabolic syndrome in pregnant women with HIV on DTG-based ART
Researchers will look for biological signs in pregnant women with HIV on a DTG-based regimen to understand why weight gain and metabolic problems happen and how these affect pregnancy.
-
Biomarker profiling to understand metabolic syndrome in pregnant women with HIV on DTG-based ART
This project looks at why some pregnant women living with HIV on a common DTG-based therapy gain weight or develop metabolic problems, by studying their proteins and metabolites across four sites in the US and Nigeria.
-
Biomarker profiling to understand metabolic syndrome in pregnant women with HIV on DTG-based therapy
This project looks at markers in pregnant women living with HIV who are on a DTG-containing regimen to understand why some develop metabolic problems during pregnancy.
-
Metabolic syndrome and brain support cells: how it may lead to Alzheimer’s disease
A researcher is studying how midlife metabolic problems like diabetes and obesity may disrupt brain cells that support neurons, potentially leading to Alzheimer's disease and related dementia in later life.
-
GLP-1 medicines to improve heart, kidney, and metabolic health for people with HIV and type 2 diabetes
A real-world study will look at how GLP-1 receptor agonists affect heart and kidney health and lifetime costs for people living with HIV and type 2 diabetes.
-
A new metabolic risk score to predict heart disease in Yup’ik Alaska Native adults
A new, questions-free way to measure heart-disease risk in Yup’ik Alaska Native adults by combining everyday health clues with home-life factors.
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.