Soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulation to protect organs after heart surgery
Official title: The effects of soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulation on perioperative vascular reactivity and organ injury in cardiac surgery trial
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11393334 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A doctor-led study in adults undergoing cardiac surgery tests whether boosting a key blood-vessel signal helps prevent kidney and brain injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $363,637 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL164909-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393334 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults undergoing cardiac surgery who are at risk for acute kidney injury or delirium.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cardiovascular risk factors or those not undergoing cardiac surgery may not benefit from this specific trial.
What this research studies
This project looks at how improved vascular reactivity, driven by soluble guanylyl cyclase signaling, might reduce postoperative organ injury after heart surgery. Researchers will explore how nitric oxide signaling affects blood vessel function and organ perfusion during and after surgery, and whether stimulating the enzyme helps preserve kidney and brain health. The team will collect clinical data and may use relevant models to understand mechanisms and potential protective strategies for patients. If successful, findings could guide new approaches to minimize delirium, kidney failure, and longer hospital stays after cardiac procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce delirium and organ injury after heart surgery, potentially shortening hospital stays and improving survival.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests vascular signaling abnormalities are linked to organ injury, but direct perioperative benefit from stimulating soluble guanylyl cyclase remains under investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lopez, Marcos G — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Lopez, Marcos G
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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.