Understanding How Weight Changes Impact Inflammation in Heart Disease and Diabetes
Official title: Resolving Macrophage Inflammation in Atherosclerotic Plaques and Other Sites in Insulin Resistance
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11323534 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant research looks at how dieting and weight regain affect inflammation in arteries, fat tissue, and the liver in people with adult-onset diabetes and related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2017 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $419,428 |
| NIH project number | 5P01HL131481-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11323534 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or at risk for obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and related cardiovascular and liver conditions who may contribute clinical samples or participate in related analyses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cardiometabolic disease or those not contributing samples or data related to obesity, diabetes, or liver disease may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
If funded, researchers at NYU School of Medicine will study how caloric restriction and subsequent weight regain influence inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques, abdominal fat, and the liver, using clinical samples and integrated data to connect molecular changes with human disease. The project combines laboratory analysis with human data to uncover which pathways drive inflammatory signals during weight loss and regain, and how to interrupt harmful processes to promote tissue health. There are two main aims: first, to understand how CR reduces plaque and adipose tissue inflammation and why these benefits fade with weight regain; second, to examine the role of LX receptor signaling in the liver and its relation to NASH. The work involves collaboration across multiple project components to translate findings toward strategies that could improve cardiometabolic outcomes for patients with obesity and diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal targets to sustain beneficial inflammation resolution during weight management and potentially inform new therapies for heart disease and liver disease in people with diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in related areas has shown that weight loss can alter inflammatory processes in metabolism-related tissues, suggesting the approach is promising but still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fisher, Edward a — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Fisher, Edward a
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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.