How platelet stress affects blood vessel function in pulmonary hypertension

Platelet Metabolic Stress Induces Thrombo-Inflammation to Drive Endothelial Dysfunction in PH

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10896276

This study is looking at how platelets, which are tiny cells in your blood, can cause inflammation and damage to blood vessels in people with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and it hopes to find new ways to help improve blood vessel health for those living with this condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10896276 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of platelets in causing inflammation and damage to blood vessels in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It focuses on understanding how metabolic stress in platelets leads to the activation of inflammatory processes that harm endothelial cells, which line the blood vessels. By studying the mechanisms behind this process, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve vascular health in PAH patients. The approach includes analyzing platelet behavior and its effects on endothelial cell function in both laboratory settings and animal models.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension who may experience endothelial dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to pulmonary arterial hypertension or those without endothelial dysfunction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reverse blood vessel damage in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of platelets in vascular diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.