Investigating how gut health affects blood pressure differences between men and women

Sex Differences in Gut Metabolite-Immune Interplay in Hypertension and Renal End-Organ Damage

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY · NIH-11192958

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

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorAUGUSTA UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (AUGUSTA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11192958 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with hypertension, particularly those who are salt-sensitive and may have a family history of cardiovascular disease.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have hypertension or those with other unrelated cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.