How oxidative stress affects blood vessel growth in kidney dialysis patients
Official title: Differential redox regulation of vein and arterial smooth muscle cells in AVF stenosis
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11174188 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein might help improve the growth and function of blood vessels used in hemodialysis, which could make life easier for patients by reducing common problems with these vessels.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | September 16, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $200,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DK140967-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11174188 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with kidney failure who require hemodialysis and are at risk of AVF complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require hemodialysis or have alternative vascular access methods may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of oxidative stress in the maturation of arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs), which are crucial for patients undergoing hemodialysis. The study focuses on how activating a specific protein, Nrf2, in smooth muscle cells can potentially improve the growth and function of these blood vessels. By using a mouse model, researchers will assess whether this activation can reduce complications associated with AVF stenosis, a common issue that affects over half of AVFs within six months. The goal is to find new antioxidant therapies that could enhance AVF maturation and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved vascular access for dialysis patients, reducing complications and enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using antioxidant therapies to improve vascular health, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bahnson, Edward M — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Bahnson, Edward M
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.