Iron deficiency and inflammation: how lack of iron worsens lung and kidney injury
Official title: Iron deficiency worsens inflammatory tissue injury: mechanisms and outcomes
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11378189 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant looks at how iron deficiency makes inflammatory organ injury worse, especially in lung and kidney, to help future patients who have anemia with inflammatory conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $576,296 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136691-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378189 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with acute inflammatory conditions (such as ARDS or kidney injury) who have iron deficiency or anemia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without iron deficiency or inflammatory conditions may see no direct benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
The project explores why iron deficiency amplifies tissue damage when inflammation is present, using models that mimic human disease to uncover the key biological pathways. Researchers will study how iron deficiency affects immune cells, blood vessel lining, and the release of inflammatory signals that drive injury in the lung and kidney. The findings aim to identify points where therapy could reduce harm and improve outcomes for patients with acute inflammatory conditions. This work could lay the groundwork for new treatments that help people with anemia or iron deficiency who develop serious inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to targeted strategies to prevent or lessen organ injury in patients with iron deficiency and inflammatory illnesses.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in animal models suggests iron status can modulate inflammation and tissue injury, supporting potential translational impact.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nemeth, Elizabeta — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Nemeth, Elizabeta
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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.