# Sodium Nitrite Supplementation for Improving Physiological Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

> **NIH NIH K01** · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO · 2023 · $75,600

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
AWARDEE: Matthew J. Rossman, Ph.D., is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Integrative
Physiology at the University of Colorado (CU) Boulder. With his K01 award, Dr. Rossman aims to test the
efficacy of daily inorganic nitrate supplementation for improving vascular, motor and cognitive function in
patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). His immediate goal is to obtain the research training and
professional skills needed to transition to an independent, extramurally funded investigator. His long-term goal
is to establish a research program with a focus on identifying novel interventions that improve vascular, motor
and cognitive function to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other comorbidities in CKD.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Dr. Rossman’s career development plan consists of: 1) acquiring new
research skills associated with the proposed research plan; 2) training in renal physiology, CKD, motor and
cognitive function, clinical trials and biostatistics; and 3) professional skill development.
ENVIRONMENT: The environment for Dr. Rossman’s training plan is outstanding. Dr. Rossman’s primary
mentor Dr. Douglas Seals and his co-mentor Dr. Michel Chonchol are internationally recognized, NIH-funded
scientists with strong records of successful mentoring. Dr. Chonchol is a board-certified nephrologist and
Director of Clinical Research in the Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension at CU Anschutz. Dr.
Rossman’s mentorship team also includes experts in biostatistics; motor and cognitive function in patients with
CKD; and nitrate/nitrite/NO biology and improving physiological function via nitrate supplementation.
RESEARCH: CVD is the leading cause of death in patients with CKD. Increased CVD risk in CKD is largely
attributable to vascular dysfunction, primarily vascular endothelial dysfunction and large elastic artery
stiffening. Reduced motor and cognitive function are also common in CKD and increase the risk of disability
and mortality in CKD. Targeting the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide (NO) pathway with inorganic nitrate represents a
novel, safe and innovative approach for enhancing NO and improving multiple domains of physiological
dysfunction in CKD. Dr. Rossman’s research is testing the efficacy of supplementation with nitrate-rich beetroot
juice for improving vascular, motor and cognitive function in patients with CKD in a randomized clinical trial.
NEED FOR RESEARCH CONTINUITY SUPPLEMENT: Dr. Rossman is in the final two years of his K01
award and, as such, transitioning to full research independence. Dr. Rossman is expecting a child in January
of 2023. To sustain his research productivity and allow Dr. Rossman to devote his time to activities critical for
remaining competitive in biomedical research, Dr. Rossman is requesting salary support for a clinical research
coordinator for 1 year. The clinical research coordinator will handle key logistical, technical and administrative
responsibilities for Dr....

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10764142
- **Project number:** 3K01DK115524-05S2
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO
- **Principal Investigator:** Matthew J Rossman
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $75,600
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2018-08-20 → 2024-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10764142

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10764142, Sodium Nitrite Supplementation for Improving Physiological Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (3K01DK115524-05S2). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-29 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10764142. Licensed CC0.

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