How exposure to flame retardants in early life affects obesity and diabetes later on
Official title: Developmental flame retardant exposure, gut microbiome, and obesity
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11064813 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being around certain flame retardants when you’re young might affect your chances of developing obesity and type-II diabetes later in life, and it hopes to find ways to help prevent these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2019 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $499,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES030197-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064813 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing obesity or related metabolic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by obesity or type-II diabetes may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of early life exposure to flame retardants, specifically polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), on the development of obesity and type-II diabetes in adulthood. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which these chemicals influence gut microbiome health and contribute to metabolic disorders. By examining the relationship between flame retardant exposure, gut inflammation, and obesity, the research seeks to identify potential risk factors and biological pathways involved. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to preventive measures or treatments for obesity and diabetes linked to environmental exposures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide critical insights into how early environmental exposures contribute to obesity and diabetes, potentially leading to new prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown links between environmental exposures and obesity, suggesting that this research could build on established findings, although the specific focus on flame retardants is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cui, Julia Yue — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Cui, Julia Yue
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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.