Understanding how obesity causes high blood pressure
Official title: Neuronal Mechanisms of Obesity-Induced Hypertension
Funded at Iowa City VA Medical Center · NIH-11098489 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being overweight can affect blood pressure by exploring how the brain controls certain nerves that influence it, and it aims to find new ways to help people with high blood pressure who are also dealing with obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iowa City VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2019 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX004249-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098489 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are obese and experiencing hypertension or are at risk for cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not obese or do not have hypertension may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between obesity and hypertension, particularly focusing on how the brain regulates sympathetic nerve activity that leads to increased blood pressure. By studying specific brain mechanisms and signaling pathways, such as the role of leptin and mTORC1, the research aims to uncover the cellular and molecular processes that contribute to cardiovascular risks associated with obesity. The findings could help identify new therapeutic targets for managing hypertension in obese individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for hypertension in patients with obesity, potentially reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular events.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the brain's role in obesity-related hypertension, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Iowa City VA Medical Center
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rahmouni, Kamal — Iowa City VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rahmouni, Kamal
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting brain support cells to fight obesity-related high blood pressure
A study from the University of Iowa is looking at how brain cells called astrocytes may influence obesity-related hypertension and whether targeting them could help lower blood pressure.
-
Obesity, leptin, and immune system changes linked to high blood pressure in women with lupus
Aims to understand how obesity and leptin influence immune dysfunction and high blood pressure in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
-
Tissue transglutaminase as a target to reduce vascular stiffening and high blood pressure in obesity
A study explores whether blocking a specific enzyme in blood vessels can prevent stiffness and high blood pressure that often come with obesity.
-
Brainstem glial aging and dysfunction in obesity-related high blood pressure
This NIH grant explores how support cells in the brainstem (glia) become dysfunctional in obesity and contribute to high blood pressure, with findings that could lead to better treatments.
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Angiotensin-(1-7) for obesity-related high blood pressure
This work looks at whether a natural hormone called angiotensin-(1-7) can lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel and metabolic health in people with obesity-linked hypertension.
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How brain signals link obesity to high blood pressure
Looking at how brain signals in people with obesity cause high blood pressure to help find better ways to lower it.
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.