Lowering heart inflammation to reduce atrial fibrillation risk in diabetes
Resolution of inflammation and atrial fibrillation
Testing whether blocking a pro-inflammatory enzyme and boosting inflammation-resolving lipids can reduce atrial fibrillation risk in people with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262239 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on inflammation in the atria that can trigger atrial fibrillation, especially in people with diabetes. Researchers will use human and mouse heart tissue and cells to test three approaches: inhibit the enzyme 12-LOX that makes pro-inflammatory lipids, increase the receptor LGR6 that responds to inflammation-resolving lipids, and decrease the enzyme 15-PGDH that breaks down those helpful lipids. They will measure NLRP3 inflammasome activity and IL-1β release and see whether changing these pathways lowers arrhythmia triggers in heart cells and animal models. The team may also use human atrial samples or biospecimens from patients to connect the lab findings to clinical disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with diabetes who have atrial fibrillation or are at high risk for AF would be the most relevant candidates for future clinical testing.
Not a fit: Patients whose atrial fibrillation is driven primarily by structural or genetic heart problems rather than inflammation may be less likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these approaches could lower the risk or severity of atrial fibrillation in people with diabetes by reducing heart inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work supports that pro-resolving lipids can reduce inflammasome activity, but clinical evidence in people with AF is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dudley, Samuel C — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Dudley, Samuel C
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.