Lowering heart inflammation to reduce atrial fibrillation risk in people with diabetes
Resolution of inflammation and atrial fibrillation
Seeing whether blocking a pro-inflammatory enzyme or boosting the heart's natural inflammation-resolving signals can lower 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-11512008 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare atrial heart tissue and cells from people and mice with and without diabetes to measure pro-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid signals linked to atrial fibrillation. In lab and animal models they will test three approaches: inhibit the enzyme 12-LOX to reduce pro-inflammatory lipids, increase the receptor LGR6 to boost resolving signals, and decrease 15-PGDH to slow breakdown of resolving molecules. The team will measure effects on the NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1β production, mechanisms known to trigger abnormal heart rhythms. Results will guide whether these molecular changes can reduce the triggers for atrial fibrillation and inform future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with diabetes who have atrial fibrillation or are at high risk of developing atrial fibrillation would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People whose atrial fibrillation is unrelated to diabetes or inflammatory pathways, or individuals without diabetes, may be less likely to benefit from these specific approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatments that lower inflammation-driven atrial fibrillation in people with diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies show NLRP3/IL-1β can promote AF and that specialized pro-resolving mediators can calm inflammasome activity, but targeting 12-LOX, LGR6, or 15-PGDH for AF is a novel translational direction.
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.