Understanding Carnitine for Chronic Chagas Disease
Deciphering the mechanism of action of carnitine, a novel treatment for chronic Chagas disease
This research aims to understand how L-carnitine works as a potential treatment for chronic Chagas disease, a condition that can lead to heart failure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Diego State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11121824 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Chagas disease, caused by a parasite, is a major cause of heart failure with limited treatment options and significant side effects. Our previous work suggests that L-carnitine, an affordable and FDA-approved supplement, could be a promising new treatment for both acute and chronic Chagas infection, showing improvements in heart damage and disease severity. This project focuses on figuring out exactly how L-carnitine helps fight the disease and protect the heart. By understanding its actions, we hope to speed up its development for use in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for future patients living with chronic Chagas disease who could benefit from improved treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients without Chagas disease or those seeking immediate treatment will not directly benefit from this specific mechanism-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of L-carnitine, potentially paving the way for a new, safer, and more effective treatment option for patients with chronic Chagas disease.
How similar studies have performed: Our prior work has shown L-carnitine to be a promising treatment for T. cruzi infection, but its exact mechanism of action in chronic disease is currently unknown.
Where this research is happening
San Diego, United States
- San Diego State University — San Diego, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccall, Laura-Isobel — San Diego State University
- Study coordinator: Mccall, Laura-Isobel
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.