How sex affects breathing responses to wood smoke exposure

Impact of sex on respiratory response to wood smoke exposure

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10734060

This study is looking at how men and women’s lungs react differently to wood smoke, which can affect breathing, to help us better understand respiratory health and the effects of air pollution.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10734060 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how male and female bodies respond differently to wood smoke exposure, focusing on respiratory health. It aims to understand the physiological and immune responses in the lungs when exposed to air pollutants like wood smoke. The study will involve both in vivo assessments of lung function and ex vivo experiments with lung cells to explore the effects of sex hormones on these responses. By identifying these differences, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of respiratory health and the impact of air pollution.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been exposed to wood smoke and have respiratory issues, particularly those who identify as male or female.

Not a fit: Patients with respiratory conditions unrelated to air pollution exposure may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved respiratory health strategies tailored to the specific needs of different sexes exposed to air pollutants.

How similar studies have performed: While research on air pollution and respiratory health is extensive, the specific focus on sex differences in response to wood smoke exposure is relatively novel and underexplored.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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 2026-06-13 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.