DMU Professor Awarded NIH Grant to Investigate Sleep Apnea Risks in Postmenopausal Women

This research aims to explore why sleep apnea is linked to higher incidences of high blood pressure and kidney disease in postmenopausal women. Marcus noted that population health studies indicate a significant rise in these health issues as women approach perimenopause and menopause. “Before menopause, women tend to have fewer cardiovascular and kidney complications from sleep apnea than men, but this protective advantage lessens after menopause,” Marcus stated. Understanding the mechanisms behind this transition could lead to new prevention and treatment strategies.

The study builds on Marcus's prior research into sleep apnea’s effects on cardiovascular and renal function and focuses on the changes that occur with the decline of ovarian hormones post-menopause. According to Marcus, there has historically been a lack of emphasis on female health in disease risk studies, but this perspective is gradually changing.

The project will also enhance research opportunities for DMU students. Marcus expressed enthusiasm for involving students in this research and indicated that the funding allows for greater student participation. "There are more things to be done, so it creates more opportunities, and that has a multiplier effect," he noted.

For Marcus, receiving an NIH grant is a significant milestone that highlights the importance of his work and offers a chance to contribute to both student education and the university's research profile. Pravin Mishra, PhD MBA, chief research officer at DMU, praised the achievement, stating that NIH funding is highly competitive and underscores the significance of Marcus's research as well as DMU's commitment to impactful health research.