Using omega-3 fatty acids to reduce lung inflammation caused by obesity
Official title: Reducing Pulmonary Inflammation in Obesity with Docosahexaenoic Acid
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10997998 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how adding more DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid found in fish, to the diet might help reduce lung inflammation in people who are obese, with the goal of finding new ways to improve lung health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | March 13, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $40,583 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HL176155-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997998 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing lung inflammation related to obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not obese or do not have lung inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how increasing dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, can help reduce pulmonary inflammation in individuals with obesity. The study focuses on understanding how DHA interacts with alveolar macrophages, which play a crucial role in lung health and inflammation. By examining the mechanisms through which DHA alters inflammatory responses, the research aims to establish a new therapeutic approach for managing lung diseases exacerbated by obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary recommendations or treatments that significantly improve lung health in obese patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using omega-3 fatty acids for reducing inflammation, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Virk, Rafia — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Virk, Rafia
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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.