Reducing inflammation in older adults to protect organs during sepsis
Official title: Downregulation of Inflamm-aging for Protection Against Organ Damage in Sepsis
Funded at VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System · NIH-10881666 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how getting older can make inflammation and organ problems worse in older adults with sepsis, and it explores how a special protein called Klotho might help improve recovery, aiming to find better treatments for these patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005163-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881666 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are at risk of or currently experiencing sepsis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or do not have a history of sepsis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging affects inflammation and organ damage in older adults suffering from sepsis. It focuses on understanding the mechanisms that lead to increased inflammation and prolonged organ dysfunction in elderly patients. By using an animal model, the study examines the role of a specific protein, Klotho, in regulating inflammation and its impact on organ recovery. The goal is to identify potential therapeutic strategies that could improve outcomes for older patients with sepsis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that protect older adults from severe organ damage during sepsis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting inflammation in older adults, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meng, Xianzhong — VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Meng, Xianzhong
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Immunometabolism and Aging in Sepsis and Sepsis Survivors
This grant explores how metabolism and immune health affect people who have survived sepsis, with the goal of improving long‑term health and reducing future infections.
-
Sepsis, aging, and brain changes in Alzheimer's disease models
This project studies how severe infections like sepsis might worsen brain changes linked to aging and Alzheimer’s disease, using mouse models to understand potential impacts on people who might be at risk.
-
Understanding the links between sepsis, aging, and healthcare access in the U.S.
This study looks at how things like age, other health issues, and access to good healthcare can affect the risk of getting sepsis, with the hope of finding ways to help people stay healthier and get better care.
-
Exploring circular RNAs in sepsis and organ failure related to aging
This study is looking at how special RNA molecules might help us understand and treat sepsis and organ damage in older adults, especially when they get infections, to find better ways to help them recover.
-
How sepsis-related inflammation affects the aging brain and Alzheimer-type changes
This research looks at whether the strong inflammation from sepsis speeds up Alzheimer-type brain changes or causes lasting thinking problems in older adults.
-
How severe infections affect brain health in older adults and those with Alzheimer's disease
This study looks at how serious infections like sepsis might affect brain health in older adults, especially those showing early signs of Alzheimer's, to see if the body's response to infection can lead to more memory problems down the line.
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.