NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating how DDE exposure affects fat tissue function and weight loss after bariatric surgery

Official title: Effects of DDE exposure on adipose tissue function, weight loss and metabolic improvement after bariatric surgery: A new paradigm for study of lipophilic chemicals

Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10745676 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a chemical called DDE, which can build up in body fat, affects health after weight loss surgery, especially in teens, to see if it changes how well they lose weight and manage insulin.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project startFebruary 1, 2020
Project endNovember 30, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$626,692
NIH project number5R01ES030364-05
Project IDNIH-10745676 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone or are considering bariatric surgery and have concerns about metabolic health.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not been exposed to DDE or similar environmental pollutants may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research explores how exposure to a chemical called DDE, which accumulates in body fat, impacts metabolic health, particularly after bariatric surgery. By analyzing clinical data and fat tissue samples from a previous study on adolescents who underwent bariatric surgery, the researchers aim to understand the mechanisms by which DDE disrupts metabolic processes. The study will assess how DDE levels in fat tissue may influence weight loss and insulin sensitivity following surgery, providing insights into the effects of environmental pollutants on health.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of weight loss and metabolic health in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that environmental pollutants can disrupt metabolic health, but this specific approach to studying DDE's effects in humans is novel.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Southern California
    Los Angeles, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Chatzi, Vaia Lida — University of Southern California
  • Study coordinator: Chatzi, Vaia Lida

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.