Improving heart and blood vessel health by enhancing nerve activity
Official title: Enhancing parasympathetic activity to reduce vascular oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10857152 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a medication called galantamine can help improve heart health by reducing stress in blood vessels, especially for African Americans who often face higher risks of heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $747,710 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL157584-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10857152 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are African American individuals who are at risk for cardiovascular disease and have signs of endothelial dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have endothelial dysfunction or are not of African American descent may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how enhancing the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system can reduce oxidative stress and improve endothelial function, which is crucial for cardiovascular health. The study focuses on African Americans, who are known to have higher rates of cardiovascular disease and impaired endothelial function. By using an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor called galantamine, the research aims to block harmful oxidative stress and inflammation in blood vessels. Patients may be monitored for changes in vascular reactivity and overall cardiovascular health during the treatment period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve cardiovascular health and reduce disease risk for patients, particularly in African American populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in using similar approaches to enhance parasympathetic activity and improve cardiovascular outcomes, particularly in populations with known disparities.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shibao, Cyndya Adriana — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Shibao, Cyndya Adriana
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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.