Understanding Carnosine's Role in Leg Artery Disease
Role of carnosine in peripheral arterial disease
This project explores if a supplement called carnosine can help improve leg function for people with peripheral arterial disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11169978 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a serious condition affecting the arteries in the lower legs, often leading to pain and difficulty walking. Current treatments are often not very effective, and even surgical options like stents can sometimes fail. This project looks at how carnosine, a natural substance found in muscles, might help address the underlying muscle problems in PAD, such as poor metabolism and increased acidity. We believe carnosine could improve muscle function, reduce harmful substances, and help new blood vessels grow. We plan to give carnosine supplements to people with PAD to see if it improves their leg function and to understand exactly how it works.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be individuals diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease who experience defects in skeletal muscle metabolism and reduced limb function.
Not a fit: Patients without peripheral arterial disease or those whose condition does not involve the specific metabolic defects targeted by carnosine may not receive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a new, non-surgical treatment option to improve leg function and quality of life for individuals with peripheral arterial disease.
How similar studies have performed: While previous lab evidence suggests carnosine's benefits in buffering, chelation, and angiogenesis, its effectiveness as a therapeutic supplement for improving limb function in PAD patients is being directly tested here.
Where this research is happening
Louisville, United States
- University of Louisville — Louisville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baba, Shahid P — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Baba, Shahid P
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.