Investigating how environmental pollutants affect heart health
Official title: Identifying environmental pollutants detrimental to the cardiovascular system
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11072681 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain harmful chemicals in the environment can affect your heart and blood vessels, especially if they build up in your body, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how pollution might impact heart health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $705,279 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL173978-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072681 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of exposure to environmental pollutants or those with cardiovascular conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have no history of exposure to environmental pollutants or do not have cardiovascular health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the harmful effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on the cardiovascular system. It focuses on how these pollutants, which accumulate in human fat tissues, can lead to vascular dysfunction and inflammation, potentially causing heart disease. The study employs a variety of advanced techniques, including cellular imaging and RNA sequencing, to understand the mechanisms by which these toxicants disrupt normal vascular function. By examining both direct and indirect effects on blood vessel health, the research aims to uncover critical insights into how environmental factors contribute to cardiovascular issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of cardiovascular diseases linked to environmental pollutants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that environmental pollutants can negatively impact cardiovascular health, suggesting that this investigation builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gokce, Noyan — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Gokce, Noyan
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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.