How sex and stress hormones affect immune cells in the adrenal glands
Sex and stress hormones control adrenal gland macrophage development and function"
This research explores how stress and sex hormones influence immune cells in the adrenal glands, which are important for understanding heart and metabolic conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11092725 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Chronic stress often leads to inflammation throughout the body, contributing to heart and metabolic diseases, and even short periods of intense stress can worsen these conditions. Eating a diet high in fat and cholesterol is a common factor that drives these chronic stress responses in people. This project looks at how stress and sex hormones affect specialized immune cells, called macrophages, within the adrenal glands. By understanding these basic mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to help people manage stress-related health problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to adults aged 21 and older who experience chronic stress, consume high-fat diets, or have conditions like atherosclerosis and hypertension.
Not a fit: Patients will not receive direct medical benefit from this basic science research, as it focuses on understanding disease mechanisms rather than immediate treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating cardiovascular and metabolic diseases linked to chronic stress.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has shown that cold stress can worsen atherosclerosis, and this project builds on observations of lipid accumulation in adrenal gland macrophages in disease models.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Jesse Warren — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Williams, Jesse Warren
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.