Investigating how formaldehyde and metabolism affect women's heart health

Role of formaldehyde, formate and one-carbon metabolism in the female heart

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10471171

This study is looking at how pre-menopausal women have special protections against heart disease that might change after menopause, focusing on how certain substances in the body could help keep their hearts healthy, with the goal of finding new ways to support women's heart health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10471171 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the unique biological mechanisms that protect pre-menopausal women from cardiovascular diseases, which seem to diminish after menopause. It focuses on the role of formaldehyde and its metabolism in the female heart, examining how higher levels of certain enzymes in women may contribute to heart health. By understanding these processes, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for improving cardiovascular health in women. The study employs a combination of biochemical assays and preclinical models to investigate these metabolic pathways.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women who are at risk for cardiovascular diseases.

Not a fit: Patients who are male or those who do not have cardiovascular risk factors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance heart health in women, particularly around menopause.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding gender differences in cardiovascular health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, 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 Cardiovascular Diseasescardiovascular disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.