Sex differences in brain injury biomarkers after repeated head impacts
Official title: Sex-Specific Hormonal and Head Kinematic Effects on Blood Biomarker Responses to Repeated Head Impacts
Funded at University of Texas San Antonio · NIH-11453534 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how sex hormones affect blood biomarkers after repeated head impacts, helping to understand why women may have different symptoms after brain injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas San Antonio NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $169,476 |
| NIH project number | 1R03NS145040-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11453534 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals at risk of or having experienced repeated head impacts or mild traumatic brain injury, with attention to sex and hormonal status.
✕Less likely to help
People without a history of head impacts or brain injury are unlikely to benefit from this study.
What this research studies
If you or someone you care for experiences repeated head impacts, this study examines how hormones like progesterone, estradiol, and testosterone might influence brain injury markers in the blood. By using controlled head-impact scenarios and advanced blood tests, researchers aim to link hormone levels with biomarker changes and potential outcomes. The findings could clarify why females often report longer-lasting symptoms and guide future care tailored to sex and hormonal status.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could inform personalized monitoring and treatment strategies after head injuries, potentially improving recovery for patients with sex-specific risks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown sex differences in TBI and biomarker responses, supporting the relevance of this approach, though biomarker-guided sex-specific insights remain developing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas San Antonio
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Memar, Marzieh — University of Texas San Antonio
- Study coordinator: Memar, Marzieh
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.