How blood proteins like albumin affect PFAS buildup and harm
Supplement: The role of albumin and other serum factors in Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)accumulation and toxicity
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND · NIH-11412902
This project looks at whether common blood proteins make PFAS chemicals stay longer in the body and increase liver-related harm for people exposed to them.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (KINGSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11412902 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use laboratory mouse models (including mice that lack albumin) and biochemical binding tests to see how PFAS chemicals attach to albumin and other blood proteins. They will measure PFAS levels in blood and tissues and compare liver effects in animals with and without albumin. The team will also run in vitro experiments with purified proteins and immune proteins to identify other PFAS-binding partners. Results will help explain why PFAS persist in human blood for years and how that persistence relates to fatty liver and lipid changes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with known or suspected PFAS exposure, especially those with fatty liver, abnormal blood lipids, or a history of living near PFAS-contaminated sites.
Not a fit: People without PFAS exposure or with health issues unrelated to PFAS are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to speed PFAS removal or reduce liver injury from PFAS exposure.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier laboratory and animal work supports albumin binding to PFAS, but confirming this in physiological conditions and identifying other binding proteins is still novel.
Where this research is happening
KINGSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND — KINGSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SLITT, ANGELA L — UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND
- Study coordinator: SLITT, ANGELA L
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.