How air pollution affects cholesterol levels and heart disease through gut bacteria

Role of Intestinal Microbiota in Dyslipidemia and Atherosclerosis Induced by Ambient Ultrafine Particles

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10475819

This study is looking at how breathing in tiny air pollution particles might affect your cholesterol and heart health by changing the bacteria in your gut, and it aims to find new ways to help people at risk for heart problems due to air pollution.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-10475819 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of air pollution, specifically ultrafine particles, on cholesterol levels and heart disease by examining changes in gut bacteria. The study aims to understand how inhaling these particles can lead to dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis, conditions that increase cardiovascular risk. By exploring the relationship between air pollution exposure and gut microbiome alterations, the researchers hope to uncover new pathways that contribute to these health issues. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to novel therapeutic strategies targeting gut health to mitigate cardiovascular risks associated with air pollution.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with cardiovascular conditions or those living in areas with high levels of air pollution.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have cardiovascular issues or are not exposed to significant air pollution may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve heart health by targeting gut bacteria in patients exposed to air pollution.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown a link between air pollution and cardiovascular diseases, but this specific approach focusing on gut microbiota is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseaseatherosclerotic disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.