Understanding how dietary protein affects heart disease risk

Dissecting the Impact of Dietary Protein on Macrophage mTOR Signaling and Atherosclerosis

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11067791

This study looks at how eating a lot of protein, especially from animal sources, might affect heart health by contributing to the buildup of harmful plaques in your arteries, and it aims to find out how this happens so that better dietary advice can be given to help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11067791 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of dietary protein on the development of atherosclerosis, a condition that leads to heart disease and strokes. It focuses on how high protein intake, particularly from animal sources, may contribute to the formation of harmful plaques in arteries. By studying the mechanisms involved, including specific signaling pathways in immune cells called macrophages, the research aims to uncover how protein consumption influences heart health. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to dietary recommendations aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease risk.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are concerned about their cardiovascular health and dietary habits.

Not a fit: Patients who do not consume dietary protein or have no risk factors for atherosclerosis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary guidelines that help reduce the risk of heart disease for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that dietary factors significantly influence cardiovascular health, suggesting that this research could build on established findings.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions anti-cancer therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.