How smoke and toxic gases cause sudden severe lung injury
Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Chemical-Induced Acute Lung Injury
The team is tracing how breathing smoke chemicals like acrolein or industrial gases like phosgene causes rapid severe lung damage that can lead to ARDS, to help people exposed to these irritants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142474 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I had been exposed to smoke or a toxic gas, this project uses mouse models to follow the exact steps in the lungs after exposure to acrolein or phosgene over time. The researchers compare responses by sex, age, and genetic background to understand why some subjects worsen while others recover. They map the timing of cellular damage, immune cell influx, and barrier breakdown to identify critical points where treatments might stop progression. Findings in mice are intended to point toward targets and timing for future treatments or clinical trials in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People recently exposed to smoke, acrolein-containing fumes, or industrial gases like phosgene, and patients with early acute lung injury/ARDS would be most relevant for future related clinical work.
Not a fit: Patients with long-standing pulmonary scarring or chronic lung diseases unrelated to acute chemical inhalation are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify treatment targets and the best timing for interventions to prevent or reduce lung damage after chemical inhalation.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal work has shown that acrolein and phosgene cause lung injury, but the precise time-course and distinct mechanisms remain incompletely described and are the focus here.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- University of Cincinnati — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leikauf, George Douglas — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Leikauf, George Douglas
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.