Understanding how obesity affects platelet activity through fatty acids
Official title: Unraveling Fatty Acid-driven Mechanisms of Platelet Hyper-Activation in Obesity
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-10947816 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being overweight affects the way your blood cells, called platelets, behave, especially by seeing how certain fats from your diet change them, with the hope of finding better ways to treat heart problems related to obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $125,658 |
| NIH project number | 1K99HL175037-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947816 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with obesity who may be at risk for cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not obese or do not have cardiovascular risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how obesity influences platelet behavior, particularly focusing on the role of fatty acids in altering platelet membranes. By examining how dietary saturated fatty acids are incorporated into platelets, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind increased platelet reactivity in obese individuals. The research involves both laboratory experiments and studies in animal models to explore these changes at a cellular level. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments for cardiovascular issues linked to obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better strategies for managing cardiovascular risks in obese patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding platelet behavior in relation to obesity, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barrachina, Maria N. — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Barrachina, Maria N.
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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.