NIH-funded research R01 grant

Using estrogen therapy to improve kidney function after injury

Official title: Estrogen and Serms as Therapy for Renal Ischemia Reperfusion Injury

Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10905422 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how estrogen therapy might help keep your kidneys healthy after they’ve been injured, like during a transplant, by figuring out how different parts of the kidneys respond to estrogen, so we can find better ways to help patients like you recover.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project startSeptember 10, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$704,454
NIH project number1R01DK139679-01
Project IDNIH-10905422 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing kidney transplantation or those at risk of kidney injury due to conditions like cardiac arrest or trauma.

Less likely to help

Patients with stable kidney function who are not undergoing transplantation or at risk of ischemia reperfusion injury may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how estrogen therapy can help protect kidney function after ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI), which often occurs during kidney transplants and other medical emergencies. The study focuses on understanding the roles of different estrogen receptors in the kidneys and how they affect recovery from injury. By using animal models, researchers aim to identify the specific cells and tissues involved in the protective effects of estrogen, with the goal of translating these findings into better treatments for patients undergoing kidney transplantation or experiencing related conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved kidney function and longer-lasting transplants for patients who have experienced ischemia reperfusion injury.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with estrogen therapy in animal models, suggesting potential for success in clinical applications.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Levine, Matthew Howard — University of Pennsylvania
  • Study coordinator: Levine, Matthew Howard

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.