Investigating how vitamin D deficiency affects blood pressure through immune cells
Official title: The Role of Vitamin D Deficiency-induced Macrophage Renin Angiotensin System Activation in the Development of Hypertension
Funded at St. Louis VA Medical Center · NIH-11003729 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how low vitamin D levels might lead to high blood pressure by affecting certain immune cells, and it's especially aimed at helping veterans who often have vitamin D deficiency.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Louis VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (St. Louis, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2BX006205-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003729 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans or individuals with vitamin D deficiency who are experiencing hypertension.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have hypertension or vitamin D deficiency may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between vitamin D deficiency and hypertension, particularly focusing on how immune cells called macrophages contribute to high blood pressure. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which these macrophages activate a system that regulates blood pressure when vitamin D signaling is disrupted. By examining the role of macrophage renin, the research seeks to uncover new therapeutic strategies for managing hypertension, especially in populations like veterans who often experience vitamin D deficiency. The approach includes both laboratory experiments and potential implications for patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for hypertension that specifically target the immune system's role in blood pressure regulation.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting macrophage renin in the context of vitamin D deficiency is novel, related research has shown promise in understanding immune system contributions to hypertension.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Louis VA Medical Center
St. Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bauerle, Kevin T — St. Louis VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Bauerle, Kevin T
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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.