Understanding Sex Differences in How Our Bodies Handle Fats After Meals
Sex Differences in Postprandial Lipid Metabolism
This project looks at how men and women process fats differently after eating, which could affect heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11093912 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our modern diets often contain a lot of saturated fat, which can increase the risk for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. After a fatty meal, our bodies experience a temporary rise in fat levels and inflammation that can last for hours. This project aims to understand why men often have higher and more persistent fat levels and inflammation after meals compared to women. We are exploring the specific biological reasons, including the roles of hormones and genetics, that contribute to these differences in how bodies handle fats.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients, but future studies building on this work might seek individuals interested in cardiometabolic health, particularly regarding sex differences in metabolism.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not find benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or manage heart disease and related conditions by considering sex-specific differences in diet and metabolism.
How similar studies have performed: Previous human and animal studies have indicated that biological sex plays a significant role in how the body handles fats after eating, suggesting this is a promising area for further investigation.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reue, Karen — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Reue, Karen
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.