Treatments to slow brain-injury–linked hardening of arteries in Veterans
Official title: Treatments for Alleviating Repetitive Traumatic Brain Injury-Associated Acceleration of Atherosclerosis
Funded at Rlr VA Medical Center · NIH-11247016 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at people with a history of repeated mild traumatic brain injuries, this project tests potential therapies to prevent faster buildup of artery plaque that raises heart and stroke risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rlr VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 1I01RD000681-01A2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11247016 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Veterans or individuals with a history of repeated mild traumatic brain injuries and at risk for atherosclerosis.
✕Less likely to help
People without rmTBI history or without cardiovascular risk may not benefit.
What this research studies
If you’ve had multiple mild TBIs from military-related incidents, this research looks at why your arteries may harden faster and whether three new rehabilitation approaches can help slow or reverse that process. The study focuses on TRPC6 channels as a possible driver of this accelerated atherosclerosis and will explore how light-to-moderate rehabilitation strategies might change outcomes. Scientists will use existing data and animal/red-blood cell models to understand mechanisms and then test potential treatments for safety and effectiveness. If successful, these therapies could reduce cardiovascular risk and improve long-term health for Veterans living with rmTBIs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the treatments work, patients could experience lower risk of stroke and heart disease after rmTBIs and better overall health.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests targeting similar pathways may affect vascular changes after brain injury, but specific TRPC6-based strategies are exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Rlr VA Medical Center
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Obukhov, Alexander G. — Rlr VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Obukhov, Alexander G.
Related research
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This project aims to find out whether traumatic brain injuries make people more likely to develop hardened arteries and heart problems, especially among veterans.
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This project is looking at whether past traumatic brain injuries cause changes in blood vessels and raise the risk of heart disease for people who have had head injuries.
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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.