How muscle health affects blood vessel function in obesity
Official title: Skeletal Muscle Health Protects Vascular Function in Obesity
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11142101 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how keeping your muscles healthy can help your heart and blood vessels work better, especially for people with obesity who might find it hard to exercise due to age or past injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $766,920 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL176793-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11142101 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include obese individuals, especially older adults or those with prior injuries who may have difficulty exercising.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not obese or those who do not have cardiovascular health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between skeletal muscle health and vascular function in individuals with obesity. It aims to understand how preserving muscle mass and performance can improve cardiovascular health, particularly in those who may struggle to exercise due to age, obesity, or previous injuries. The study will explore specific mechanisms that link muscle metabolism to vascular health, potentially identifying new therapeutic targets that mimic the benefits of physical activity. By focusing on the metabolic state of skeletal muscle, the research seeks to uncover ways to enhance cardiovascular function without requiring increased physical activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve cardiovascular health in obese individuals, particularly those unable to engage in regular exercise.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of muscle health in cardiovascular function, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stepp, David W — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Stepp, David W
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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.