How obesity affects blood pressure differently in men and women
Official title: Origins of sex differences in the mechanisms of obesity-associated hypertension
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11076624 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being overweight can lead to high blood pressure, especially focusing on how this affects men and women differently, and it aims to understand how a hormone called leptin might play a role in this process for women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $42,512 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HL168963-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076624 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are obese women who are experiencing hypertension, particularly those under 21 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not obese or do not have hypertension may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind obesity-associated hypertension, focusing on how sex differences influence this condition. It examines the role of the adipokine leptin and its effects on blood pressure regulation in both males and females. The study aims to understand how female sex chromosomes may enhance the response of the adrenal glands to leptin, leading to higher aldosterone levels and hypertension in obese women. By exploring these mechanisms, the research seeks to fill critical gaps in knowledge about sex-specific responses to obesity and hypertension.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for hypertension in obese women, potentially improving their cardiovascular health.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms being investigated may be novel, previous research has shown that understanding sex differences in obesity-related conditions can lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barris, Candee — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Barris, Candee
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.