Investigating how inflamed fat around the heart affects heart rhythm problems.
The Role of Highly inflamed Epicardial Adipose Tissue in the Development of Atrial Fibrillation
This study is looking at how fat around the heart might cause heart rhythm problems, especially after surgery, and it aims to find ways to help prevent these issues for patients at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10908603 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of epicardial adipose tissue, which is fat located around the heart, in the development of atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder. The study will involve analyzing the molecular mechanisms by which these fat cells may contribute to inflammation and how this inflammation affects heart function, particularly after heart surgery. Patients will be monitored through echocardiographic assessments and blood tests to evaluate the relationship between inflammation and heart rhythm issues. The goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets for preventing atrial fibrillation in at-risk patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass graft surgery who may be at risk for developing atrial fibrillation.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have cardiovascular disease or are not undergoing heart surgery may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing heart surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that inflammation in adipose tissue can influence heart conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tran, Khanh-Van Thi — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Tran, Khanh-Van Thi
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 below.