Low red blood cell enzyme linked to thinking and memory problems after stroke
Red Blood Cell BPGM Deficiency Contributes to Cognitive Impairment Following Ischemic Stroke
['FUNDING_R21'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11238913
This work looks at whether low levels of a red blood cell enzyme (BPGM) are connected to thinking and memory problems in people who have had an ischemic stroke.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11238913 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will compare BPGM enzyme levels in red blood cells from people who had an ischemic stroke and have thinking or memory problems to those who do not. They will use blood samples from patients alongside laboratory experiments in cells and animal models to see how low BPGM might reduce oxygen delivery to the brain, trigger hypoxia responses in blood vessel cells, and affect amyloid beta production and blood–brain barrier integrity. The team will link patient blood findings with measures of vascular and cognitive function to understand how red blood cells may influence post-stroke brain health. Findings could point toward blood tests or treatments that protect thinking after stroke.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who have had an ischemic stroke and are experiencing or at risk for thinking or memory problems would be the most relevant candidates and may be asked to provide blood samples and clinical information.
Not a fit: People without a history of ischemic stroke, or whose cognitive problems are clearly due to non-vascular causes, are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to blood-based tests to identify stroke survivors at higher risk of cognitive decline and new treatments that target red blood cells or vascular oxygen delivery.
How similar studies have performed: A prior pilot study by the team found lower RBC BPGM in stroke patients with cognitive impairment, but using RBC BPGM as a biomarker or treatment target is a new idea with limited prior clinical testing.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DENG, WENJUN — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: DENG, WENJUN
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 below.