Improving muscle and bone health in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy using dietary nitrite.
Official title: Targeting Nitrate-Nitrite-NO pathway for Ameliorating Muscle and Bone Comorbidities in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10906805 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special dietary supplement called nitrite might help improve muscle and bone health in people with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) by boosting a key molecule that helps with muscle function, especially when there's not enough oxygen.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $322,931 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR076357-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906805 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, particularly those experiencing muscle and bone deterioration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of muscular dystrophy or those without significant muscle and bone involvement may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how dietary nitrite can restore nitric oxide levels in patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a condition that severely affects muscle and bone health. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which nitrite improves muscle function and bone integrity, particularly in the context of low oxygen conditions. By using a mouse model that mimics DMD, researchers will assess the effects of nitrite on muscle and bone pathology, providing insights that could lead to new treatment options for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary interventions that significantly improve muscle and bone health in patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results using dietary nitrite in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Hongshuai — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Li, Hongshuai
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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.