# Neural and Renal Contributions to Hypertension with Androgen Deprivation Therapy

> **NIH NIH K01** · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · 2023 · $166,201

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
CANDIDATE: Matthew C. Babcock, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz
Medical Campus (CU-AMC). Dr. Babcock aims to study the neural and renal contributions to hypertension with
androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). He has developed preliminary data indicating that 1) men with lower
testosterone concentrations have reduced baroreflex sensitivity compared to men with higher testosterone
concentrations; and 2) baroreflex sensitivity in these individuals is correlated with circulating concentrations of
the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6. In this proposal, he will translate these data by comprehensively
assessing neural control of blood pressure in men who undergo ADT, and extend his observations to include
renal control of blood pressure. The central hypothesis is that ADT increases inflammation and thereby reduces
baroreflex sensitivity, increases sympathetic reactivity, and increases renovascular resistance. CAREER
DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Dr. Babcock proposes to enhance his career development by: 1) acquiring new skills
in the assessment of renal plasma flow, assessment of renal function biomarkers, and assessment of pro-
inflammatory cytokines; 2) Advanced training renal diseases and physiology; 3) Working with a clinical population
by recruiting men diagnosed with prostate cancer and studying them while they undergo ADT under the guidance
of Dr. Elizabeth Kessler, a medical oncologist who specializes in prostate cancer; and 4) Refining his professional
skills through formal course work, attendance and presentations at weekly Scientific Advancement and Grand
Rounds, and at national scientific meetings. ENVIRONMENT: Dr. Babcock will train in an outstanding research
environment supported by a multi-disciplinary team of mentors. The primary mentor, Dr. Moreau, is an NIA-
funded professor at CU-AMC with a record of successful mentorship. She is an expert in the role of sex hormones
and inflammation on cardiovascular function. She has extensive experience in utilizing the gonadal suppression
study design proposed in the current study. Co-Mentor Dr. William Cornwell, III is also at CU-AMC and an expert
in autonomic control of the circulation. Co-Mentor Dr. Jessica Kendrick and advisor Dr. Petter Bjornstad are also
at CU-AMC and experts in studying renal function. Advisor Dr. Kessler is an expert in prostate cancer and ADT.
Advisor Drs. Joyner and Farquhar are experts in autonomic function and the exercise pressor reflex.
RESEARCH: ADT is a mainstay in the management of prostate cancer and the impressive survival rates among
with men diagnosed with prostate cancer is largely attributed to the effectiveness of ADT. However, ADT
increases the likelihood of developing hypertension and, accordingly, prostate cancer survivors who were treated
with ADT are more likely to die early from cardiovascular diseases compared to men treated without the use of
ADT. There is a critical need to elucidate the mech...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10662133
- **Project number:** 1K01HL164978-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- **Principal Investigator:** Matthew C Babcock
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $166,201
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-08-01 → 2028-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10662133

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10662133, Neural and Renal Contributions to Hypertension with Androgen Deprivation Therapy (1K01HL164978-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10662133. Licensed CC0.

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