How smoking affects heart disease through specific proteins
Official title: Extracellular matrix-derived chemokines mediate smoking-associated coronary atherosclerosis
Funded at Birmingham VA Medical Center · NIH-10975919 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how smoking affects heart health by changing the structure of blood vessels, and it aims to find out if certain proteins linked to smoking can help us understand and possibly improve treatment for heart disease in people who smoke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Birmingham VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002495-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975919 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are individuals with a history of smoking who are at risk for coronary artery disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not smoke and have no history of cardiovascular issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between smoking and coronary artery disease (CAD), focusing on how smoke exposure leads to changes in the extracellular matrix of blood vessels. The study aims to understand the role of specific proteins, known as matrikines, that are produced in response to smoking and may contribute to inflammation and vascular damage. By examining these mechanisms, the research seeks to uncover potential targets for preventing or treating CAD in individuals with a history of smoking. Patients may be involved in providing samples to help identify the presence of these proteins and their effects on heart health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating coronary artery disease in smokers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting inflammation and extracellular matrix changes can be effective in managing cardiovascular diseases, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Birmingham VA Medical Center
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Payne, Gregory Allen — Birmingham VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Payne, Gregory Allen
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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.