Using zinc to protect the heart from damage during blood flow restoration
Official title: Zinc Protection Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Heart
Funded at University of Texas Arlington · NIH-10652915 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how zinc might help protect your heart from damage when blood flow is restored after being blocked, and it aims to find a safe way to deliver zinc to heart cells while understanding how certain genes can help with this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Arlington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Arlington, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $443,022 |
| NIH project number | 1R15HL168628-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10652915 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of ischemia-reperfusion injury, such as those with cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cardiovascular issues or are not at risk of ischemia-reperfusion injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how zinc can be used to protect the heart from injury caused by the restoration of blood flow after a period of reduced blood supply, known as ischemia-reperfusion injury. The study aims to find a safe and effective way to deliver zinc to heart cells without causing harmful side effects. Researchers will explore the role of specific genes in regulating zinc uptake in heart muscle cells and how enhancing these genes might help prevent damage during blood flow restoration. The ultimate goal is to develop a therapeutic approach that could lead to clinical trials for heart protection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce heart damage during critical medical situations like heart attacks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using antioxidants for heart protection, but the specific approach of using zinc in this manner is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Arlington
Arlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pan, Zui — University of Texas Arlington
- Study coordinator: Pan, Zui
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.