How naphthalene in air pollution can harm the lungs
Metabolic Mechanisms of Naphthalene Toxicity in Lung
This research looks at how naphthalene — a common pollutant in vehicle exhaust and wildfire smoke — is changed in the body and how those changes can damage people's lungs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11240318 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses genetically modified mouse models and controlled exposure systems to track how naphthalene is metabolized and which reactive byproducts reach the lung. They measure specific chemical metabolites and DNA damage (adducts) in mouse tissues and compare those findings to analyses of human blood and lung biopsy samples. The project follows whether liver-produced metabolites travel to the lung and contribute to cell injury and DNA changes linked to cancer. Findings combine lab animal work with human biospecimen measurements to connect exposure, metabolism, and potential harm.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with higher exposure to naphthalene such as firefighters, people frequently exposed to vehicle or wildfire smoke, or patients undergoing lung biopsy may be appropriate for sample donation or related studies.
Not a fit: People without meaningful exposure to naphthalene or with unrelated health conditions are unlikely to see direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify blood or tissue markers of harmful exposure and help guide prevention of pollution-related lung injury and cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies and detection of related DNA adducts in firefighter blood and some human lung samples support the approach, but translating these findings into clear human risk markers is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ding, Xinxin — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Ding, Xinxin
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 below.