Understanding Methamphetamine Use and Lung High Blood Pressure
Case-Control Study of Methamphetamine in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11167444
This research explores the connection between methamphetamine use and a serious lung condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension, and how genetics might play a role.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11167444 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project aims to understand if methamphetamine use is linked to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a condition where blood pressure in the lungs is too high. Researchers will compare people with PAH who have used methamphetamine to those who haven't, looking for patterns. They also want to see if a specific gene, CES1, influences this connection. Additionally, the project will follow patients with methamphetamine-associated PAH to identify factors that make their condition worse, comparing them to those with PAH from unknown causes. This work also includes laboratory studies to see if reduced CES1 activity harms lung cells when methamphetamine is present.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who have been diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension, particularly those with a history of methamphetamine use, or individuals without PAH who can serve as a comparison group, may be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose pulmonary arterial hypertension is clearly linked to other known causes and who have no history of methamphetamine use may not directly benefit from this specific line of inquiry.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us better understand the causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension, identify individuals at higher risk, and potentially lead to new ways to prevent or treat this serious lung condition.
How similar studies have performed: While preliminary findings exist, this specific epidemiological association between methamphetamine use and pulmonary arterial hypertension has not been rigorously studied in a large, multicenter setting before.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KAWUT, STEVEN M — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: KAWUT, STEVEN M
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.