Metabolic tricks to prevent and heal dangerous blood clots in the leg
Official title: Metabolic Reprogramming in Experimental Deep Vein Thrombosis and Resolution
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11375490 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at a university aims to see if shifting how certain blood cells use energy can stop leg clots from forming and help bodies clear clots faster, reducing future complications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $742,299 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL174460-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11375490 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with or at risk for deep vein thrombosis and post-thrombotic syndrome may benefit from future applications of this research.
✕Less likely to help
This research is focused on basic mechanisms and may not directly benefit patients in the short term.
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Iowa will test whether changing metabolism in platelets, neutrophils, and macrophages can both prevent acute venous thrombosis and promote faster resolution of clots. By targeting a specific metabolic protein called PKM2, the project hopes to slow clot formation and boost cleanup by immune cells, potentially reducing long-term vein damage. The work combines lab experiments with designs that could translate into future patient treatments to limit inflammation and improve healing of the vein wall. If successful, this approach could lead to safer therapies for deep vein thrombosis and prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have safer treatments that reduce clot formation and speed up healing, lowering the risk of long-term vein damage.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests metabolic targets can influence immune cell behavior and clot dynamics, making this a promising but still exploratory approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chauhan, Anil Kumar — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Chauhan, Anil Kumar
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how DVT forms and heals to prevent vein scarring
This NIH grant supports a physician-scientist to study why deep vein clots form and how vein walls get scarred, with the goal of improving long-term outcomes for patients who develop DVT.
-
Oscillatory blood flow and vein valve health to prevent clots
Aimed at understanding how the natural rhythmic blood flow in leg veins protects against clots and whether restoring that flow can prevent dangerous vein clots in hospitalized patients.
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Local anti-inflammatory therapy to help dissolve clots and prevent vein damage in DVT
Aims to test a local anti-inflammatory treatment to help resolve deep vein clots and reduce long-term vein problems in people with DVT.
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Neutrophil integrin α9 and blood clots after stroke in aging
This project looks at how a molecule on white blood cells called neutrophil integrin α9 might cause dangerous vein clots after a stroke, especially in older adults.
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Stopping long-term leg damage after deep vein clots by giving anti-inflammatory medicine around the vein
This will try giving anti-inflammatory medicine around the affected vein to lower the chance of long-term swelling, pain, and skin problems after a deep vein clot (DVT).
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Understanding how blood clots in deep veins can lead to long-term complications
This study is looking into how deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affects healing and can lead to long-term problems like post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), with the goal of finding better treatments for people dealing with these issues.
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.