How e-cigarettes may affect the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysms across generations

E-cigarettes Epigenetically Augment Transgenerational Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

NIH-funded research Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research · NIH-11105516

This study is looking at how using e-cigarettes and being exposed to nicotine might lead to a serious condition called abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), and it aims to understand how these factors could cause changes in genes that might affect not just the person using e-cigarettes, but also their children.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPalo Alto Veterans Instit for Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Palo Alto, United States)
Project IDNIH-11105516 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of e-cigarette use and nicotine exposure on the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), a serious vascular condition. The study focuses on understanding how these exposures can lead to genetic changes that may affect not only the individual but also their offspring. By using animal models, the researchers will explore the mechanisms behind these epigenetic alterations and their potential transgenerational effects. The goal is to uncover new insights that could inform future therapeutic strategies for AAA prevention.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of smoking or e-cigarette use, especially those concerned about their cardiovascular health.

Not a fit: Patients who have never smoked or used e-cigarettes may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new prevention strategies for abdominal aortic aneurysms, particularly for individuals with a history of smoking or e-cigarette use.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific transgenerational effects of e-cigarettes on AAA are novel, previous studies have shown that tobacco exposure can lead to significant epigenetic changes, indicating a potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

Palo Alto, 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 2026-06-14 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.