How e-cigarettes may affect the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysms across generations
Official title: E-cigarettes Epigenetically Augment Transgenerational Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Funded at Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research · NIH-11105516 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Palo Alto, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $355,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL179076-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11105516 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of smoking or e-cigarette use, especially those concerned about their cardiovascular health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never smoked or used e-cigarettes may not receive direct benefits from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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 Veterans Instit for Research
Palo Alto, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spin, Joshua M — Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research
- Study coordinator: Spin, Joshua M
Related research
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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.