Investigating adrenal insufficiency as a risk factor for sepsis
Official title: Relative adrenal insufficiency as a risk factor and an endotype for sepsis
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11075836 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how low levels of certain hormones from the adrenal glands might affect people with sepsis, a serious illness, to see if better treatments can be developed to help them recover.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $382,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM141478-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075836 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients diagnosed with sepsis who may also exhibit signs of adrenal insufficiency.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sepsis or adrenal insufficiency are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how relative adrenal insufficiency affects patients with sepsis, a severe condition with a high mortality rate. It focuses on understanding the role of glucocorticoids, hormones produced by the adrenal glands, during sepsis and how their insufficient production can impact patient outcomes. By using a unique animal model, the study aims to clarify the relationship between adrenal function and sepsis severity, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies. The findings could help determine the effectiveness of glucocorticoid therapy in septic patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatment protocols for sepsis, potentially reducing mortality rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using similar approaches in understanding adrenal function in sepsis, but this specific model is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Xiang-an — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Li, Xiang-an
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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.