NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how liver fat affects heart health and blood pressure

Official title: Novel liver-mediated mechanisms in hypertension and cardiac dysfunction

Funded at University of Mississippi Med Ctr · NIH-11129414 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how extra fat in the liver might affect heart health, especially for people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, even if they aren't overweight, to find new ways to help improve their heart function.

More Hypertension research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Mississippi Med Ctr
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Jackson, United States)
Project startMay 15, 2025
Project endFebruary 28, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$604,818
NIH project number1R01HL174521-01A1
Project IDNIH-11129414 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, particularly those who may not be overweight but are at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Less likely to help

Patients with cardiovascular disease unrelated to liver conditions or those without any liver fat accumulation may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between liver fat accumulation and cardiovascular disease, particularly in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It aims to explore how liver-mediated mechanisms contribute to hypertension and heart dysfunction, especially in individuals who may not be overweight. The study utilizes a unique animal model to examine the effects of specific genetic modifications on liver function and cardiovascular health. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets for improving heart health in affected patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve heart health and reduce cardiovascular risks for patients with liver fat accumulation.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding liver-related cardiovascular risks, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Mississippi Med Ctr
    Jackson, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Stec, David E — University of Mississippi Med Ctr
  • Study coordinator: Stec, David E

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.