Understanding how insulin resistance affects heart disease development
Official title: Role of Smooth Muscle Cell Insulin Resistance and Systemic Metabolic Dysfunction in Atherosclerosis Development and Late Stage Lesion Pathogenesis
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10883716 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how insulin resistance and metabolic problems, especially in people with type-2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, can lead to dangerous plaque buildup in blood vessels that might cause heart attacks or strokes, and it hopes to find new ways to help improve heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $785,723 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166161-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10883716 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with type-2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome who are at risk for cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or metabolic syndrome, or those with other unrelated cardiovascular conditions, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction in the development of atherosclerosis, a condition that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The study focuses on how these metabolic issues, particularly in patients with type-2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, contribute to the formation of unstable plaques in blood vessels. By examining the cellular mechanisms involved, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve heart health. Patients may be involved in providing samples or data to help understand these processes better.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce the risk of heart disease in patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the link between metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular disease, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Owens, Gary K — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Owens, Gary K
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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.