How tungsten exposure and the inflammation protein IL-1β may harm the heart
Defining the Role of IL-1? in Tungsten-Mediated Cardiovascular Disease
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR · NIH-11170377
This project looks at whether breathing tungsten particles causes lung inflammation driven by the protein IL-1β that can lead to heart damage, especially for people with workplace exposure.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11170377 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you breathe tungsten-containing dust at work, researchers will use controlled inhalation experiments in mice to follow where tungsten goes in the body and how the lungs and heart respond. They will measure levels of IL-1β and other inflammatory and fibrotic markers in lung and heart tissue and check for early signs of heart dysfunction. The team aims to define whether lung inflammation after tungsten exposure drives heart injury and to map the underlying molecular steps. Findings could guide workplace safety and point to targets for preventing heart effects in exposed people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of inhaling tungsten-containing dust, such as workers in heavy metal manufacturing or certain military occupations, would be the most relevant group for this line of research.
Not a fit: People with heart disease unrelated to inhaled metal exposure or without any history of tungsten exposure are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal how tungsten exposure leads to heart disease and suggest ways to prevent or treat exposure-related heart damage.
How similar studies have performed: Epidemiological studies have linked tungsten exposure to higher cardiovascular risk, but mechanistic animal and molecular studies are limited, making this a relatively novel approach with some promising preliminary mouse data.
Where this research is happening
ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR — ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BOLT, ALICIA M. — UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR
- Study coordinator: BOLT, ALICIA M.
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.