Understanding Uterine Fibroids and Racial Differences
Reactive Oxygen Species in the Initiation, Survival and Racial Disparity of Uterine Leiomyoma
['FUNDING_R01'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11079664
This project explores why uterine fibroids are common in premenopausal women and why they affect Black women more severely, looking at how certain molecules called reactive oxygen species might play a role.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11079664 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We want to understand why uterine fibroids are so common and why Black women often experience them earlier, with more and larger tumors. Our work suggests that molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important in how fibroids start and grow. We've also found that ROS levels and their effects on DNA are higher in the tissues of Black women compared to White women. We believe ROS might cause genetic changes that lead to fibroid formation and help existing fibroids survive, especially with the protection of hormones like estrogen and progesterone. We will conduct detailed analyses to test these ideas, including looking at genetic changes and how hormones interact with ROS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who have uterine fibroids, particularly premenopausal women and Black women, might find this research relevant to their condition.
Not a fit: Patients without uterine fibroids or those whose fibroids are not related to the mechanisms being studied may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat uterine fibroids, especially for Black women, by targeting the role of reactive oxygen species.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of reactive oxygen species in uterine fibroids is a newer area, understanding molecular pathways in fibroid growth has been explored in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KIM, JI-YONG JULIE — NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KIM, JI-YONG JULIE
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.