Understanding how thyroid hormones affect heart health differently in women and men

Unraveling tissue level regulation of thyroid hormone and its role in sex differences in cardiovascular health

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10947796

This study is looking at how thyroid hormones affect heart health, especially why women might be more at risk for heart failure than men, and it aims to find out how a specific protein helps manage these hormones in the heart to better protect women after heart problems.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10947796 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of thyroid hormones in cardiovascular health, particularly focusing on how these hormones may contribute to the higher risk of heart failure in women compared to men. The study will explore the regulation of thyroid hormones at the tissue level, specifically examining a protein called type 3 deiodinase (DIO3) that influences thyroid hormone levels in the heart. By using animal models, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind sex differences in heart health and how thyroid hormone regulation may protect female hearts after events like heart attacks.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women who have experienced heart-related issues, particularly those with a history of heart attacks or heart failure.

Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by cardiovascular diseases or those who do not have thyroid hormone-related conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for cardiovascular diseases in women, potentially reducing their risk of heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that understanding sex differences in cardiovascular health can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Cardiac Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.