Neonatal brain blood-vessel protection in prolonged asphyxia
Official title: Neonatal cerebral vascular injury by prolonged asphyxia
Funded at University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-11370606 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests a new approach to protect the baby’s brain by strengthening blood vessels and reducing stress after a prolonged sleep-depriving event (asphyxia) in newborns.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $498,595 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS134659-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11370606 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research uses neonatal animal models and basic science approaches; patient involvement is not part of this grant.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation is involved in this grant as described.
What this research studies
The study focuses on how prolonged asphyxia in newborns harms brain blood vessels and the blood-brain barrier, and it aims to find therapies that support the neurovascular unit. Researchers will explore blocking a specific oxidant enzyme (Nox4) while boosting an antioxidant system (hydrogen sulfide) produced by astrocytes to preserve vessel function during injury. Using live newborn pig models, the team will measure vascular integrity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and overall brain health to identify potential therapeutic strategies. If successful, these findings could guide future treatments to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for affected infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lead to new therapies that better protect the neonatal brain after asphyxia and improve developmental outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical work in similar pathways suggests that targeting oxidative stress and vascular protection can reduce brain injury in neonatal models.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parfenova, Helena — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Parfenova, Helena
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.