Investigating how inflammation affects heart cell function differently in men and women
Official title: Sex-related differences in cardiac mitochondrial response to inflammation
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10984977 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation from serious conditions like sepsis and trauma affects heart cells differently in men and women, with the goal of finding out why women might have less heart damage than men, which could help create better treatments for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | December 22, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $376,927 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL155957-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984977 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced sepsis, trauma, or ischemia and are interested in understanding how these conditions may affect their heart health differently based on their sex.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of cardiac issues or those who are not affected by acute inflammatory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how acute inflammation from conditions like sepsis and trauma impacts heart cells, particularly focusing on the differences between male and female responses. The study examines the role of mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells, in mediating these responses and aims to identify sex-specific mechanisms that contribute to cardiac damage. By analyzing how certain proteins behave in male and female heart cells during inflammation, the research seeks to uncover why women may experience less cardiac dysfunction compared to men. This could lead to tailored treatments based on sex differences in cardiac health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for heart damage that take into account sex differences, potentially enhancing recovery outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on sex-related mitochondrial responses to inflammation is novel, previous studies have shown success in understanding sex differences in cardiac function and responses to injury.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Meijing — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Wang, Meijing
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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.