How the hormone leptin and repeated low-oxygen episodes affect the carotid body's oxygen sensors
Leptin and intermittent hypoxia interactions in the carotid bodies: mechanisms and consequences
['FUNDING_R01'] · GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11126920
This research looks at whether the obesity hormone leptin and repeated low-oxygen episodes change carotid body activity and contribute to high blood pressure in people with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11126920 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how leptin (a hormone raised in obesity) and intermittent low oxygen during sleep affect the carotid bodies, the small sensors in the neck that help control breathing and blood pressure. They use animal models and molecular lab methods to map signaling pathways in carotid body cells, focusing on leptin receptors and the TRPM7 channel identified in earlier work. The project compares the effects of obesity-like conditions and repeated low-oxygen exposures to find molecular differences that could be targeted. The goal is to identify targets that could lead to new treatments to reduce blood pressure linked to obstructive sleep apnea.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea, particularly those with elevated blood pressure, would be the most relevant group for future trials informed by this research.
Not a fit: People without sleep apnea or obesity, or whose hypertension has a clearly different cause, are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat high blood pressure caused by obesity and sleep apnea.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown that leptin acting on carotid body cells can raise nerve activity and blood pressure, but translating this into effective human treatments has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES
- GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: POLOTSKY, VSEVOLOD Y — GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: POLOTSKY, VSEVOLOD Y
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.