How prenatal exposure to PFAS affects adolescent heart and metabolic health

Gestational PFAS Mixture Exposures, Longitudinal Metabolomic Profiles, and Adolescent Cardiometabolic Health

NIH-funded research Brown University · NIH-11146028

This study is looking at how being exposed to certain chemicals during pregnancy might affect the heart and metabolism of kids as they grow up, especially in terms of weight and insulin levels, by checking blood samples from moms and their children.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrown University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Providence, United States)
Project IDNIH-11146028 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on the cardiometabolic health of adolescents. It focuses on understanding how these chemical mixtures, commonly found in food packaging and cleaning products, may influence health outcomes like obesity and insulin resistance. By analyzing blood samples from mothers and their children, the study aims to identify biological markers that link PFAS exposure to long-term health effects. The research utilizes advanced metabolomics techniques to explore these associations over time.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women and their children, particularly those living in areas with known PFAS contamination.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or who do not have a history of PFAS exposure may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for cardiometabolic diseases in adolescents exposed to harmful chemicals during pregnancy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown concerning links between PFAS exposure and health outcomes, but this specific approach to studying PFAS mixtures and their long-term effects is relatively novel.

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.
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.