Investigating how age, sex, and hormones affect inflammation in heart disease
Official title: Age, sex, hormonal status, and anti-inflammatory therapy for atherosclerosis
Funded at Saint Louis University · NIH-10999643 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Saint Louis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $416,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG089957-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999643 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, particularly postmenopausal women, who are at risk for cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have risk factors for cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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 University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baldan, Angel — Saint Louis University
- Study coordinator: Baldan, Angel
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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.