Understanding how brain changes in obesity lead to high blood pressure
Official title: Brainstem glial senescence and dysfunction in obesity-induced hypertension
Funded at Oklahoma State University Stillwater · NIH-11167557 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain cells might play a role in high blood pressure caused by obesity, and it hopes to find new ways to help manage blood pressure for people dealing with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma State University Stillwater NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stillwater, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $392,320 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL163775-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11167557 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are obese and experiencing hypertension.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not obese or do not have hypertension may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of brain cells, specifically astrocytes and microglia, in the development of high blood pressure associated with obesity. The study focuses on how oxidative stress affects these cells in a brain region that controls sympathetic nerve activity, which is linked to cardiovascular health. By examining the changes in these non-neuronal cells, the research aims to uncover new mechanisms that contribute to obesity-induced hypertension. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments targeting these brain cells to manage blood pressure more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing hypertension in obese patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on astrocytes and microglia in this context is novel, previous research has shown that targeting brain mechanisms can effectively influence blood pressure regulation.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma State University Stillwater
Stillwater, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Subramanian, Madhan — Oklahoma State University Stillwater
- Study coordinator: Subramanian, Madhan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting brain support cells to fight obesity-related high blood pressure
A study from the University of Iowa is looking at how brain cells called astrocytes may influence obesity-related hypertension and whether targeting them could help lower blood pressure.
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A study explores whether blocking a specific enzyme in blood vessels can prevent stiffness and high blood pressure that often come with obesity.
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Brainstem glial aging and dysfunction in obesity-related high blood pressure
This NIH grant explores how support cells in the brainstem (glia) become dysfunctional in obesity and contribute to high blood pressure, with findings that could lead to better treatments.
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This work looks at whether a natural hormone called angiotensin-(1-7) can lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel and metabolic health in people with obesity-linked hypertension.
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How brain signals link obesity to high blood pressure
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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.