How inhaled nanoparticles worsen inflammation in people with metabolic syndrome
Official title: Compromised Resolution of Inflammation following Nanoparticle Exposure in Metabolic Syndrome
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11254906 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how breathing tiny airborne particles affects inflammation and its natural resolution in people with metabolic syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $337,723 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES033173-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11254906 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with metabolic syndrome or related conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes are the most relevant group for this work.
✕Less likely to help
People without metabolic syndrome or those with unrelated medical conditions are less likely to receive direct benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
This work focuses on why people with metabolic syndrome have stronger and longer lung inflammation after inhaling very small particles. The team will use controlled inhalation exposures in laboratory models and analyze lung and airway fluids to measure inflammatory signals and specialized pro-resolving mediators. They will also examine how nanoparticles pick up biological coatings (biocoronas) and how metabolic syndrome changes omega-3 fatty acid metabolism that helps turn off inflammation. The goal is to understand the mechanism so future treatments or prevention strategies can restore normal inflammatory resolution.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to ways to reduce prolonged pollution-driven inflammation in people with metabolic syndrome and guide new prevention or treatment approaches.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal and lab studies show air pollution can worsen inflammation and that enhancing pro-resolving mediators may help, but applying these ideas to nanoparticle exposure in metabolic syndrome is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shannahan, Jonathan Henry — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Shannahan, Jonathan Henry
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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.