How certain environmental chemicals affect fat development and metabolic health in zebrafish

Environmental ethoxylated surfactants and metabolic health dysregulation in zebrafish

NIH-funded research Wayne State University · NIH-11125099

This study is looking at how certain chemicals found in everyday products might affect our body's ability to manage fat and stay healthy, using zebrafish to see what happens when they're exposed to these substances during their growth.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWayne State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Detroit, United States)
Project IDNIH-11125099 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of environmental chemicals, specifically polyethoxylated surfactants, on metabolic health and fat development using zebrafish as a model organism. The study aims to understand how these chemicals, commonly found in household products, may contribute to obesity and metabolic disorders by affecting energy balance and fat accumulation. By exposing zebrafish to these chemicals during their development, researchers will assess changes in adipose tissue and overall metabolic function. The findings could provide insights into the risks posed by these contaminants to human health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals, particularly children and adults, who are affected by obesity or metabolic disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by obesity or metabolic disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of how environmental chemicals contribute to obesity and metabolic disorders, potentially informing public health policies and consumer safety regulations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that environmental contaminants can disrupt metabolic health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into the effects of polyethoxylated surfactants.

Where this research is happening

Detroit, 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.
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.