Understanding Hydrogen Sulfide's Role in Diabetes and Heart Health
Circulating hydrogen sulfide, diabetes and diabetes-related cardiovascular disease
This project looks at how a natural gas in our bodies, called hydrogen sulfide, might be connected to developing type 2 diabetes and heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171476 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Type 2 diabetes affects many people and often leads to serious heart conditions. This project aims to understand if hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gas important for cell function, plays a role in the development of diabetes and its related heart issues. In laboratory settings, H2S has shown promise in protecting cells in the pancreas and liver, and in animal models, it has helped prevent heart damage. This research will conduct new studies in people to see how H2S levels relate to developing diabetes and heart disease over time, building on limited existing human data.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with or at risk for type 2 diabetes and related heart conditions may be ideal candidates for future studies stemming from this research.
Not a fit: This foundational research aims to understand disease mechanisms, so direct patient treatment benefits are not immediate.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Learning more about hydrogen sulfide could lead to new ways to prevent or treat type 2 diabetes and its related heart complications.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies in animals have shown protective effects, but human studies are limited and mostly cross-sectional, making this a novel prospective approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Totah, Rheem Angela — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Totah, Rheem Angela
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 below.