Imaging biomarkers of brain toxicity in welders
Official title: Imaging Biomarkers of Neurotoxicity in Welders
Funded at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center · NIH-11129734 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how welding exposure affects brain chemistry and imaging findings related to movement disorders in workers who have metal exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Phoenix, United States) |
| Project start | February 11, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $42,835 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES021488-11 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129734 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with a history of welding exposure and suspected manganese-related brain effects who are able to undergo PET imaging.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without manganese exposure or who cannot participate in PET imaging may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
Welders exposed to manganese may develop brain changes and symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, and this project uses brain PET imaging to track these changes over time. Researchers will analyze how manganese exposure relates to dopaminergic brain markers, including nerve pathways in the striatum and related regions. The study builds on years of imaging data to understand how exposure amount and duration influence brain biology and potential inflammation. Participants would contribute imaging scans and health information to help clarify links between exposure and brain changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could improve understanding of manganese-related brain toxicity and guide safer work practices and monitoring for welders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous imaging studies have shown exposure-related changes in dopaminergic brain systems, supporting the relevance of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
Phoenix, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Racette, Brad a — St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Racette, Brad a
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.