Nitric oxide and high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension)
Nitric Oxide in Pulmonary Hypertension
This work looks at whether natural mitochondrial gene differences that boost nitric oxide and arginine help protect people from pulmonary arterial hypertension, especially those exposed to low oxygen.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11295656 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, the team compares mitochondrial DNA from healthy high-altitude residents in Ethiopia and Nepal who tolerate low oxygen with people who develop pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). They sequence mtDNA and measure blood markers like nitrite (a stand-in for nitric oxide) and arginine, plus tests of cellular oxygen use and heart pressure. The researchers found several mtDNA variants in electron transport chain genes, including one (8701G) linked to higher arginine and nitrite levels and lower cellular oxygen consumption. They also examined PAH patients carrying that variant and saw links to better markers of right heart pressure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension or people exposed to chronic low oxygen (for example living at high altitude) who can provide blood samples and clinical information.
Not a fit: People without PAH, without relevant mitochondrial variants, or those unwilling to provide samples or clinical follow-up may not get direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If confirmed, the findings could point to new markers or therapies that boost nitric oxide/arginine pathways to protect or treat PAH.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research supports nitric oxide and arginine as important in PAH, but using mtDNA variants from high-altitude populations to find protective mechanisms is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Erzurum, Serpil C. — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Erzurum, Serpil 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.