How early life lead exposure and stress affect heart and metabolic health over time

The joint effects of early life lead exposure, and psychosocial co-exposures, on physiological stress and cardiometabolic health across the life course

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11051938

This study is looking at how being exposed to lead and experiencing stress when you're young can affect your heart and overall health as you get older, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how these early life experiences might impact their well-being later in life.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11051938 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the combined effects of lead exposure and psychosocial stressors during early life on heart and metabolic health as individuals grow older. It aims to understand how these factors interact to influence physiological stress responses, potentially leading to increased health risks later in life. By examining both negative and positive exposures, the study seeks to identify risk and protective factors that could inform future health interventions. Participants may undergo assessments to evaluate their exposure history and health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children and adolescents aged 0-20 who have experienced lead exposure or psychosocial stress.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to lead or psychosocial stressors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing cardiometabolic diseases in individuals exposed to lead and psychosocial stressors during childhood.

How similar studies have performed: While the individual effects of lead exposure and psychosocial stress have been studied, this research is novel in examining their combined impact on health outcomes.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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 2026-06-10 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.