The role of fat tissue around blood vessels in lupus-related heart disease
Official title: Perivascular adipose tissue in the pathogenesis of lupus vasculopathy
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11015813 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the fat around blood vessels might affect heart health in people with lupus, using a special mouse model to learn more about the inflammation in this fat and how it could lead to heart problems, with hopes of finding new ways to help lupus patients stay heart-healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $177,120 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AR082453-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015813 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, particularly those at risk for cardiovascular complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without systemic lupus erythematosus or those who do not have cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), which is the fat surrounding blood vessels, contributes to cardiovascular disease in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). By using a lupus-prone mouse model, the study examines the inflammatory characteristics of PVAT and its impact on vascular function. The researchers aim to understand the biological changes in PVAT that occur in lupus patients and how these changes may lead to increased cardiovascular risks. The findings could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for improving heart health in lupus patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease in lupus patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding the role of adipose tissue in vascular health can lead to significant advancements in treating cardiovascular diseases, suggesting this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shi, Hong — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Shi, Hong
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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.