How social stress affects heart health in children and adolescents
Social Stress, Epigenetics and Cardiometabolic Health Among Youth
This study is looking at how stress from social and economic challenges affects heart health in Latino kids and teens, and it hopes to show how these stresses can change their bodies at a cellular level, which could help us understand how early life experiences impact their health later on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11023040 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of social and economic stressors on cardiovascular health among children and adolescents, particularly focusing on Latino youth. It aims to understand how these stressors may influence biological processes at the cellular level, specifically through DNA methylation and mitochondrial DNA damage. By analyzing existing data from 1,200 participants in the Hispanic Community Health Study, the research seeks to uncover the connections between stress, biological changes, and cardiometabolic health. This could provide insights into how early life experiences shape long-term health outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Latino children and adolescents who have experienced social or economic stressors.
Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as Latino or who have not experienced significant social or economic stressors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for cardiovascular diseases in youth, particularly among Latino populations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small studies have shown that stressful experiences can alter DNA methylation, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suglia, Shakira Franco — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Suglia, Shakira Franco
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.