Investigating how age, sex, and hormones affect inflammation in heart disease

Age, sex, hormonal status, and anti-inflammatory therapy for atherosclerosis

NIH-funded research Saint Louis University · NIH-10999643

This study is looking at how aging, hormones, and inflammation might affect heart disease, especially in women after menopause, and it aims to find new ways to help prevent or treat heart problems as we get older.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSaint Louis University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10999643 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the relationship between age, sex, hormonal changes, and inflammation in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). It focuses on how the loss of ovarian hormones in women after menopause may increase inflammation and contribute to heart disease. By studying both male and female mice, the researchers aim to identify additional mechanisms that drive atherosclerosis beyond cholesterol levels. The ultimate goal is to discover new therapies that can better manage or prevent heart disease in aging populations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, particularly postmenopausal women, who are at risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger and do not have risk factors for cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that more effectively reduce the risk of heart disease in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting inflammation can be beneficial in managing cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield promising results.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.