Using adipokines to help recovery after brain injuries
Official title: Adipokines as novel therapy to promote functional recovery after experimental traumatic brain injury
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11130023 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a hormone called adiponectin might help people recover better after a brain injury by reducing inflammation and protecting brain cells, so if you’ve had a traumatic brain injury, you could be part of research that aims to improve your recovery and thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | May 30, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $571,404 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS138326-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11130023 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently experienced a traumatic brain injury and are at risk for cognitive impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not suffered a traumatic brain injury or those with pre-existing severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of adiponectin, a hormone that can penetrate the brain, to promote recovery following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study aims to understand how adiponectin can reduce inflammation and protect neurons, which are often damaged after TBI. By utilizing a small-molecule agonist of adiponectin receptors, researchers hope to mitigate cognitive impairments associated with TBI and reduce the risk of developing dementia. Patients participating in this research may receive treatments that could enhance their recovery and cognitive function after experiencing a brain injury.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve recovery and cognitive outcomes for patients with traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with adiponectin and its agonists in reducing inflammation and cognitive deficits, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Jun — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Chen, Jun
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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.