Investigating how gut health affects blood pressure differences between men and women
Official title: Sex Differences in Gut Metabolite-Immune Interplay in Hypertension and Renal End-Organ Damage
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11192958 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut and our immune system affect high blood pressure that’s sensitive to salt, especially how this might be different for men and women, to help find better treatments for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $639,151 |
| NIH project number | 1R56HL169434-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11192958 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with hypertension, particularly those who are salt-sensitive and may have a family history of cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have hypertension or those with other unrelated cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of gut microbiota and the immune system in salt-sensitive hypertension, particularly focusing on sex differences. By studying male and female Dahl Salt-Sensitive rats, the researchers aim to understand how these factors contribute to hypertension and related organ damage. The study will also include translational research using samples from opposite-sex twin pairs to further investigate these mechanisms in humans. The goal is to uncover why women may respond differently to hypertension compared to men, which could lead to more effective treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved blood pressure management strategies tailored to the unique needs of women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-immune connection in hypertension, but this specific focus on sex differences is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abais-Battad, Justine M — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Abais-Battad, Justine M
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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.