Investigating a new biomarker for postoperative atrial fibrillation
Official title: Atrial and blood JNK in Postoperative AF
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11046585 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a common heart issue that can happen after surgery, called postoperative atrial fibrillation, and is trying to find a way to predict and prevent it by focusing on a specific protein called JNK, which might help doctors better care for patients who are at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 14, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $616,206 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168728-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046585 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing open-heart surgery, particularly those at risk for postoperative atrial fibrillation due to factors like advanced age or alcohol use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing surgery or do not have risk factors for postoperative atrial fibrillation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), a common complication after open-heart surgery that can lead to increased mortality and healthcare costs. The study aims to identify the stress-response kinase JNK as a potential biomarker for predicting and preventing POAF in surgical patients. By exploring the effects of local JNK inhibition in the atria, the research seeks to develop new therapeutic strategies to mitigate the risk of developing POAF. The approach involves analyzing the relationship between JNK activation and various predisposing factors such as advanced age and alcohol consumption.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prediction and prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation, enhancing patient outcomes after heart surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in identifying biomarkers for atrial fibrillation, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ai, Xun — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Ai, Xun
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.