New ways to fix metabolic issues in the hearts of people with diabetes

Novel strategies to resolve metabolic defects in the diabetic heart

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10816608

This study is looking at how a special substance called adropin might help improve how heart cells use energy in people with diabetes, aiming to find better treatments for heart problems related to diabetes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10816608 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding and addressing the metabolic problems that occur in the hearts of individuals with diabetes, specifically looking at how heart cells use energy. The study will explore the effects of a novel peptide called adropin, which may help improve the way heart cells utilize glucose and other fuels for energy. By investigating the cellular pathways involved in these processes, the research aims to identify new treatment options for diabetic cardiomyopathy, a condition that can lead to heart failure. The research will involve pre-clinical animal models to test the effectiveness of adropin in reversing these metabolic defects.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetes who are experiencing heart-related issues, particularly those diagnosed with diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Not a fit: Patients without diabetes or those who do not have any heart conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve heart function and quality of life for patients with diabetic cardiomyopathy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting metabolic pathways in heart disease, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions DisorderDisease
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.