# Longitudinal changes in vascular and autonomic function in premenopausal women with PTSD

> **NIH NIH R03** · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · 2024 · $106,636

## Abstract

Project Summary
The ultimate objective of this R03 proposal is to enable Dr. Ida Fonkoue to launch her independent research
career by 1) expanding her current K01 research objectives; 2) providing additional support in her transition to
a future NIH R01 grant; and 3) generating sufficient preliminary results to support that R01 application. The
candidate’s long-term goal is to build an NIH-funded research program in clinical and translational research in
women’s health, studying longitudinal derangements of vascular, neural and hormonal control, that contribute
to the high rates of hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women living with chronic stress
exposure such as those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder or panic
disorder. Over 7 million U.S. adults have PTSD, a disorder associated with a greater risk for hypertension and
CVD. While healthy premenopausal women are relatively protected from CVD compared to men, a diagnosis
of PTSD increases CVD risk in women by up to 3-fold. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, over 60 million women in the United States are living with some form of heart disease.
Understanding the mechanisms underlying long-term CVD risk in women with PTSD is of paramount
importance to develop intervention strategies aiming at protecting the future health of this vulnerable
population. Based on our preliminary data, the working hypothesis of this project is that: Over time, PTSD
significantly inhibits nitric oxide bioavailability, resulting in accelerated autonomic and vascular dysfunctions in
premenopausal women; and that these changes are exacerbated by low estradiol (E2) levels and sleep
disturbances. Aim 1 will measure longitudinal alterations in sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity in
premenopausal women with PTSD and determine the extent to which these alterations are a function of low E2
levels and low sleep efficiency at two years follow-up. Aim 2 will measure longitudinal alterations in vascular
function in premenopausal women with PTSD and determine the extent to which these alterations are a
function of low E2 levels and low sleep efficiency at two years follow-up. We will use gold-standard in vivo
measures of sympathetic nerve activity (microneurography), endothelial (FMD) and vascular (applanation
tonometry) function to study young, traumatized women with and without PTSD. The university of Minnesota
University, where the project will be completed, boasts an intellectually rich research environment whose
resources will be used to carry out the proposed research, including an NIH-funded Clinical and Translational
Science Institute (CTSI). During this R03 award, the PI will devote 75% effort to this project and her current
K01 project. She recently achieved an important career-development milestone for her transition to full
independence by completing her Master of Science in Clinical Research. This research project, combined with
findings...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10950226
- **Project number:** 1R03HL174817-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- **Principal Investigator:** Ida Tchuisseu Fonkoue
- **Activity code:** R03 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $106,636
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-17 → 2026-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10950226

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10950226, Longitudinal changes in vascular and autonomic function in premenopausal women with PTSD (1R03HL174817-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10950226. Licensed CC0.

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