How benzene exposure affects heart health
Benzene Exposure and Heart Failure
This study looks at how breathing in benzene, a common air pollutant, might affect heart health and increase the risk of heart failure, and it's designed for people who want to understand how air quality can impact their hearts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10652663 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of long-term exposure to benzene, a common air pollutant, on heart function and the risk of heart failure. It focuses on understanding how inhaled benzene can worsen cardiac conditions by studying its effects in controlled animal models and preliminary human data. The study will utilize echocardiography and other methods to assess cardiac function and the underlying biological mechanisms involved in benzene-induced heart damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with existing cardiovascular conditions who have been exposed to high levels of benzene.
Not a fit: Patients without any cardiovascular issues or those not exposed to benzene may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of heart failure related to environmental pollutants, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that exposure to air pollutants can negatively impact cardiovascular health, suggesting that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
Louisville, United States
- University of Louisville — Louisville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zelko, Igor N. — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Zelko, Igor N.
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 below.