Lymphatic drainage problems in COPD
Lymphatic Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of COPD
Researchers are looking at whether damage and clotting in the lung's lymphatic vessels cause inflammation and tissue loss in people with COPD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261756 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient view, this research follows clues that the tiny lymphatic vessels in the lung can be injured by cigarette smoke and form clots, which may start the inflammation seen in COPD. The team uses human lung samples alongside laboratory and animal models to map when and how lymphatic endothelial cells are damaged after smoke exposure. They compare lymphatic clotting in patient lungs with disease severity and probe the molecular steps that lead to lymphatic failure. The goal is to find points where treatments might protect or restore lymphatic function to slow or stop lung damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with diagnosed COPD—particularly current or former smokers—who might provide tissue samples or join related clinical studies in the future.
Not a fit: People whose lung problems are unrelated to lymphatic damage or who cannot provide samples or travel to participating centers may not directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that protect lymphatic vessels and slow or prevent COPD progression.
How similar studies have performed: The team has preclinical and human-tissue evidence linking lymphatic injury to COPD, but translating this into patient treatments is a relatively new and untested approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reed, Hasina Outtz — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Reed, Hasina Outtz
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.