Xanthine oxidase gene differences and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Official title: Genetic variation in xanthine oxidase and heart failure preserved ejection fraction
Funded at Birmingham VA Medical Center · NIH-11213966 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at whether genetic differences in the xanthine oxidase enzyme are linked to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in people with high blood pressure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Birmingham VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005996-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11213966 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with HFpEF, particularly those with a history of hypertension or resistant hypertension and patients who can attend visits at the Birmingham VA or nearby sites.
✕Less likely to help
People with reduced ejection fraction heart failure (HFrEF) or those whose HFpEF is not related to xanthine oxidase activity are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project.
What this research studies
You may be asked to give a blood sample and have your medical records reviewed so researchers can measure xanthine oxidase activity and check related genes. The team will compare people with HFpEF—especially those with long-standing or resistant high blood pressure and many African American patients—to see if certain gene variants or higher enzyme activity are more common. They will use genetic testing, blood tests for urate and oxidative stress markers, and clinical information about heart function. The goal is to see if this enzyme pathway could explain some cases of HFpEF and point toward treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to a new drug target and lead to treatments that reduce heart damage and symptoms in people with HFpEF.
How similar studies have gone: Prior lab studies and small clinical reports show higher xanthine oxidase activity in failing hearts and that inhibitors can lower oxidative stress, but applying this approach specifically to HFpEF is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
Birmingham VA Medical Center
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dell'italia, Louis J. — Birmingham VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Dell'italia, Louis J.
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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.