Investigating how red blood cells affect high blood sugar after a stroke
Official title: The Role of Red Blood Cell in Stroke-Related Hyperglycemia
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11146718 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how high blood sugar affects red blood cells in stroke patients, to see if these changes make it harder for them to recover and to find new ways to help improve their healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $422,572 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS134819-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11146718 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently experienced an ischemic stroke and are also dealing with acute hyperglycemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a stroke or do not have issues with high blood sugar may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of acute hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, on red blood cells (RBCs) in patients who have suffered an ischemic stroke. It aims to understand how these RBCs, which are crucial for oxygen transport, are altered during episodes of high blood sugar and how these changes may contribute to poor recovery outcomes. The study will involve clinical assessments of stroke patients, focusing on the metabolic shifts in RBCs and their effects on brain endothelial cells, which are vital for brain health. By examining these mechanisms, the research seeks to uncover new insights into stroke-related injuries that are not resolved by standard glucose control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for stroke patients experiencing high blood sugar, potentially enhancing recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding the role of red blood cells in various conditions can lead to significant advancements, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deng, Wenjun — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Deng, Wenjun
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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.