How early-life arsenic exposure affects biological aging and health risks

Programming of Epigenetic Clocks and Biomarkers from Early-life Arsenic Exposure

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-10922810

This study is looking at how drinking water with arsenic can affect your health over time, especially how it might speed up aging and lead to diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart problems, and it's for people who have been exposed to high levels of arsenic in places like Antofagasta, Chile.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-10922810 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the long-term health effects of arsenic exposure from contaminated drinking water, particularly focusing on how it influences biological aging and the development of chronic diseases. By analyzing samples from a large epidemiological study in Antofagasta, Chile, where residents experienced high arsenic levels for over a decade, the researchers aim to understand the epigenetic changes that may link arsenic exposure to health issues like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The study will track participants over time to assess the persistence of these changes and their clinical relevance.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who were exposed to high levels of arsenic in their drinking water during early life, particularly those from the Antofagasta region.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to arsenic or who are not from the affected regions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for chronic diseases linked to arsenic exposure.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown significant associations between arsenic exposure and various health outcomes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, 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.