Investigating how air pollution affects obesity through gut health and fat tissue.
Official title: The Renin-Angiotensin System in Air Pollution-Mediated Exacerbation of Obesity.
Funded at University of North Texas · NIH-10654124 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how air pollution from traffic might be linked to obesity by affecting the bacteria in our gut and how our body handles fat, with the goal of finding new ways to help people living in polluted cities stay healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Texas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denton, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $435,982 |
| NIH project number | 2R15ES026795-02A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10654124 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults living in urban areas with high levels of air pollution who are experiencing obesity or metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in polluted urban environments or who are not affected by obesity or related metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between air pollution, specifically traffic-generated particulate matter, and obesity. It aims to understand how exposure to this pollution may alter gut microbiome profiles and affect signaling pathways related to fat tissue. By examining the interactions between short-chain fatty acids, gut hormones, and the renin-angiotensin system in adipose tissue, the study seeks to identify potential new therapeutic targets for individuals living in polluted urban areas. The research will involve both laboratory analyses and assessments of biological samples.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for obesity that consider environmental factors like air pollution.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of linking air pollution to obesity through gut microbiome changes is novel, related studies have shown that environmental factors can influence metabolic health.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Texas
Denton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lund, Amie Kathleen — University of North Texas
- Study coordinator: Lund, Amie Kathleen
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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.