How benzene exposure affects heart health
Official title: Vascular Toxicity of Benzene
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11040320 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exposure to benzene, which is found in air pollution and tobacco smoke, can make heart problems like atherosclerosis worse, and it aims to find ways to protect your heart from these harmful effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | February 21, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $664,616 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES033531-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11040320 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of high benzene exposure, such as those living near industrial sites or with occupational exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have no history of benzene exposure or those with unrelated cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cardiovascular toxicity of benzene, a common environmental pollutant found in air pollution and tobacco smoke. It focuses on how benzene exposure can worsen atherosclerosis, a major cause of heart disease and stroke. The study employs advanced techniques like RNA sequencing to identify molecular targets affected by benzene, including specific proteins that may either contribute to or protect against heart damage. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for mitigating the harmful effects of benzene on cardiovascular health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating cardiovascular diseases linked to benzene exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated that environmental pollutants like benzene can have significant adverse effects on cardiovascular health, suggesting that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Srivastava, Sanjay — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Srivastava, Sanjay
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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.