Understanding how aging and diabetes affect blood vessel growth and healing in legs

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

If you are over 65 and living with diabetes and PAD, this research looks at how the immune system changes VEGF-A, a key molecule for new blood vessel growth, and how aging might alter this process. The team uses a mouse model that mimics PAD in aged versus young subjects to understand why older individuals have poorer blood flow recovery after arterial injury. By uncovering the immune triggers that shift VEGF-A165 toward pro- or anti-angiogenic forms, the project aims to identify new ways to reprogram macrophages and promote healing in ischemic legs. This work could lay the groundwork for future therapies that enhance blood vessel formation where it is most needed.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Ocean State Research Institute, INC.
  Providence, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Mantsounga, Chris S — Ocean State Research Institute, INC.
• Study coordinator: Mantsounga, Chris S

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About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.