IL‑6 signaling and stroke recovery in older women
Contribution of IL6 trans signaling in older females after ischemic stroke
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · NIH-11324200
This project looks at whether a specific inflammation signal called IL‑6 contributes to poorer recovery after ischemic stroke in older women.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11324200 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you've had an ischemic stroke, researchers will focus on a molecule called interleukin‑6 (IL‑6) to understand why older women often recover worse than men. They will examine how IL‑6 signals through its receptor on brain immune cells (microglia) and how that affects motor recovery and later vascular contributions to cognitive decline. The team will use experimental models that reflect aging and female biology to trace the IL‑6/JAK‑STAT3 pathway and its effects on brain injury and function. The goal is to generate findings that could guide treatments tailored to improve recovery and limit post‑stroke cognitive problems in elderly women.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for related future studies would be older women who have experienced an ischemic stroke or who are showing early post‑stroke motor or cognitive problems.
Not a fit: Men, younger stroke survivors, people with hemorrhagic stroke, or those whose problems are unrelated to IL‑6–driven inflammation may be less likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to targeted anti‑inflammatory treatments to improve motor recovery and reduce post‑stroke cognitive decline in older women.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research links high IL‑6 levels to worse stroke outcomes and IL‑6 blockers have helped inflammation in other diseases, but targeting IL‑6 trans‑signaling specifically in aged female stroke recovery is largely a new approach.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHAUHAN, ANJALI — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
- Study coordinator: CHAUHAN, ANJALI
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease