Investigating the link between inflammation and atrial fibrillation related to alcohol use.
Official title: The JNK2-NLRP3 nexus in atrial fibrillation and its anti-AF therapeutic potentials
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11094898 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking too much alcohol can make heart rhythm problems, like atrial fibrillation, worse in older adults, and it hopes to find new ways to help treat this condition by understanding how alcohol causes inflammation in the heart.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $583,602 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA031056-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094898 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults who have experienced atrial fibrillation and have a history of excessive alcohol consumption.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol and have no history of atrial fibrillation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how excessive alcohol intake contributes to atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart rhythm disorder, particularly in older adults. It aims to explore the mechanisms by which inflammation, triggered by alcohol consumption, exacerbates AF risk. By studying the interactions between specific inflammatory pathways and stress kinases, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes for patients suffering from AF. The approach includes analyzing human heart tissue to observe the effects of alcohol on inflammation and heart function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for atrial fibrillation, particularly for patients with a history of alcohol use.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting inflammation can be beneficial in other cardiovascular conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ai, Xun — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Ai, Xun
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This NIH grant explores how a heart protein called JNK2 may drive atrial fibrillation, blood clots, and stroke, and whether it could serve as a biomarker and new treatment approach.
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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.