How obesity may help protect against sepsis
Obesity-mediated protection in sepsis
This study is looking into how being overweight might actually help some people with sepsis, a serious illness, by understanding how it affects their immune system and metabolism, with the goal of finding new treatments to make sepsis safer for everyone.
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 ID | NIH-11122173 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the surprising link between obesity and improved survival rates in patients with sepsis, a severe and often deadly condition. By examining how obesity affects immune function and metabolism during sepsis, the study aims to uncover the biological mechanisms that provide this protective effect. Researchers will analyze patient samples and use animal models to explore these differences, ultimately seeking to develop new therapies that could reduce the risks associated with sepsis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with obesity who are at risk of or currently experiencing sepsis.
Not a fit: Patients who are not obese or those who do not have a history of sepsis may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that significantly lower the morbidity and mortality rates associated with sepsis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated a paradoxical association between obesity and improved outcomes in sepsis, suggesting that this area of research has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Starr, Marlene Elena — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Starr, Marlene Elena
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.