How statins affect the contraction of arteries
Official title: Novel mechanisms of arterial contractility regulation by statins
Funded at Mercer University Macon · NIH-10292097 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cholesterol-lowering medications called statins affect the way arteries contract, which could help us understand their benefits for heart health beyond just lowering cholesterol, and it's aimed at people interested in better treatments for cardiovascular diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mercer University Macon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Macon, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $424,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R15HL156138-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10292097 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases who are currently prescribed statins.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cardiovascular conditions or are not taking statins may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the direct effects of statins, commonly used cholesterol-lowering medications, on the contraction of arteries. It aims to understand how these drugs influence arterial contractility at therapeutic concentrations, rather than the high doses typically used in previous studies. By examining fresh isolated arteries and myocytes, the research seeks to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind statin action, which could lead to more effective and personalized treatments for cardiovascular diseases. The findings may help clarify the vascular benefits of statins beyond their cholesterol-lowering effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved statin therapies that enhance arterial function and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
How similar studies have gone: While statins have been widely studied, this research focuses on a novel approach to understanding their direct vascular effects, making it a potentially groundbreaking investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Mercer University Macon
Macon, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hasan, Raquibul — Mercer University Macon
- Study coordinator: Hasan, Raquibul
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How statins affect blood pressure and artery function
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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.