Understanding how fat buildup affects benign prostate disease
Official title: Identifying the role of lipid accumulation and foam cells in benign prostate disease
Funded at Old Dominion University · NIH-10981211 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fat buildup and certain immune cells might affect urinary problems in older men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and it hopes to find new ways to help manage this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Old Dominion University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Norfolk, United States) |
| Project start | August 27, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $448,833 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK139114-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10981211 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are aging males experiencing lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have benign prostatic hyperplasia or are not experiencing urinary symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of lipid accumulation and foam cells in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that causes urinary issues in aging men. By examining clinical samples and using mouse models, the study aims to uncover the relationship between inflammation, fat buildup, and urinary dysfunction. Researchers will explore how specific cytokines influence the immune environment in the prostate and assess the effects of increased lipid synthesis in prostate cells. The goal is to identify new therapeutic strategies for managing BPH.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve urinary symptoms and quality of life for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown that understanding the cellular mechanisms of BPH can lead to meaningful advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Popovics, Petra — Old Dominion University
- Study coordinator: Popovics, Petra
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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.