How early life stress affects aging and health through mitochondria

Mechanisms of Accelerated Aging: Stress, Health Behaviors, and the Role of Mitochondria

['FUNDING_R21'] · BUTLER HOSPITAL (PROVIDENCE, RI) · NIH-10745729

This study looks at how tough experiences in childhood, like trauma, can affect how we age and develop health issues like heart disease and diabetes, while also exploring how our eating and exercise habits interact with stress to influence our health as we get older.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBUTLER HOSPITAL (PROVIDENCE, RI) (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10745729 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how early life adversity, such as childhood trauma, influences aging and the development of health conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. It examines the role of health behaviors, including diet and exercise, and how they interact with stress to affect aging processes. The study focuses on mitochondrial function, which is believed to play a crucial role in the body's response to stress and aging. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential interventions to improve health outcomes for affected individuals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who have experienced childhood adversity and are at risk for aging-related health conditions.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced early life adversity or do not have age-related health concerns may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or mitigating age-related diseases linked to early life stress.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the impact of early life stress on health outcomes, particularly in relation to mitochondrial function, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

PROVIDENCE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Anxiety Disorders, Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease, atherosclerotic disease, atherosclerotic vascular disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.