Understanding how fats in the blood contribute to heart disease in diabetes
Project 3: Triglycerides, lipolysis, and vascular inflammation
This research aims to discover how high levels of certain fats in the blood, common in people with diabetes, lead to inflammation in blood vessels and worsen heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11096558 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people with diabetes experience high levels of fats called triglycerides in their blood, which can increase the risk of heart and blood vessel problems. This project explores how these fats cause inflammation in the lining of blood vessels and prevent the body from clearing away plaque. We are looking at specific ways that blood vessel cells take up these fats and how these processes might be different in people with diabetes. The goal is to uncover the exact steps that link high triglycerides to heart disease, which could lead to new ways to protect your heart.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding disease mechanisms, so it is not directly recruiting patients for a clinical trial at this time, but future studies based on this work may seek individuals with type 2 diabetes and high triglycerides.
Not a fit: Patients without diabetes or those whose cardiovascular disease is not linked to high triglycerides may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or strategies to prevent or reduce cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: While the link between high triglycerides and heart disease has been studied for decades, this research aims to define the specific mechanisms, building on existing human data and preliminary findings.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goldberg, Ira J — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Goldberg, Ira J
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.