How air pollution affects cholesterol levels and heart disease through gut bacteria
Official title: Role of Intestinal Microbiota in Dyslipidemia and Atherosclerosis Induced by Ambient Ultrafine Particles
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10475819 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2018 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $375,314 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES029395-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10475819 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with cardiovascular conditions or those living in areas with high levels of air pollution.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cardiovascular issues or are not exposed to significant air pollution may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Araujo, Jesus Antonio — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Araujo, Jesus Antonio
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.