Investigating how body fat affects frailty in older patients with lung disease
Official title: Role of visceral adipose tissue in frailty among patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10912580 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how extra body fat might affect weakness in older adults with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and it hopes to find ways to help improve their health and well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $170,856 |
| NIH project number | 5K23HL150280-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912580 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who have been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the impact of body composition, particularly visceral adipose tissue, on frailty in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The study aims to identify how increased body fat may contribute to frailty, which is a significant concern for older adults with IPF. By using bioelectrical impedance analysis, researchers will assess body composition and its relationship to frailty, potentially leading to new insights into managing this condition. The findings could help in developing targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management strategies for frailty in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between body composition and frailty, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights, although the specific focus on visceral adipose tissue in IPF is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anderson, Michaela Restivo — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Anderson, Michaela Restivo
Related research
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-
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A high-profile NIH grant is testing whether an existing drug, vonoprazan, can be inhaled to slow or reverse lung fibrosis in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
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A study will look for blood protein patterns that predict how IPF lung disease will progress in patients.
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.