SGLT2 inhibitors to reverse age-related artery stiffening
SGLT2 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy to reverse arterial stiffening in aging
This project looks at whether SGLT2 inhibitors—a type of diabetes medicine—can soften stiff arteries that develop with aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11303248 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As people age, their arteries often become stiffer, which raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other heart problems. This project studies how age-related changes in vascular smooth muscle cells make arteries stiff at the molecular level, focusing on RhoA/ROCK and LIMK-driven changes to the cell's internal scaffolding. Researchers will test whether blocking these pathways with SGLT2-related approaches can prevent or reverse those changes using lab models and human-relevant tissue samples. The goal is to connect basic molecular findings to treatments that could help older adults with arterial stiffening.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be older adults with measurable arterial stiffness or age-related high blood pressure who might be considered for SGLT2-based therapies.
Not a fit: People without age-related artery stiffening, younger individuals, or those who cannot take SGLT2 medications (for example, some with type 1 diabetes or recurrent genital infections) are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that reduce arterial stiffness and lower cardiovascular risk in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Large clinical trials of SGLT2 inhibitors have shown heart and kidney benefits, but using these drugs specifically to reverse age-related arterial stiffness is a newer idea with limited direct human evidence.
Where this research is happening
Columbia, United States
- University of Missouri-Columbia — Columbia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Manrique Acevedo, Camila Margarita — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Manrique Acevedo, Camila Margarita
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.