Understanding how diabetes affects artery hardening
Role of Smooth Muscle Cell Insulin Resistance and Systemic Metabolic Dysfunction in Atherosclerosis Development and Late Stage Lesion Pathogenesis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · NIH-11094923
This project aims to understand how insulin resistance and other metabolic issues in people with type 2 diabetes make artery hardening worse.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11094923 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Heart attacks and strokes are often caused by hardened arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis, which is becoming more common, especially in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. We know that unstable plaques in the arteries, which are more common in diabetics, can rupture and cause these serious events. This work explores how problems with insulin in certain artery cells, called smooth muscle cells, contribute to these unstable plaques. By understanding these cellular changes, we hope to find new ways to prevent dangerous plaque rupture.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals with adult-onset diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Not a fit: Patients without diabetes or metabolic syndrome may not directly benefit from this specific research focus on insulin resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that strengthen artery plaques and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes for people with diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has shown that smooth muscle cells and their metabolic pathways are critical for plaque stability, suggesting a promising direction for this research.
Where this research is happening
CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA — CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: OWENS, GARY K — UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- Study coordinator: OWENS, GARY K
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.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus, Arterial Injury, Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease