Investigating how traffic-related air pollution may worsen metabolic disorders.
Official title: Does traffic-related air pollution accelerate the development of the metabolic syndrome by impairing the resolution of neurogenic inflammation?
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11241194 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how air pollution from busy roads might affect our bodies and lead to problems like obesity and diabetes, using rats to see how it impacts their health over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $483,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R56ES035798-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11241194 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over 21 years old who are at risk for or currently experiencing metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have metabolic disorders or are not exposed to significant levels of traffic-related air pollution may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the link between traffic-related air pollution and the development of metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes. Using a unique model, rats will be exposed to real-world air pollution collected from a major freeway, allowing researchers to study the long-term effects of this exposure. The focus is on understanding how this pollution may interfere with the body's ability to resolve inflammation, which could lead to worsening metabolic health. By examining the impact on various organs, including the lungs and adipose tissue, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these health risks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for metabolic disorders linked to air pollution.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown a correlation between air pollution and metabolic disorders, but this research aims to provide novel insights into the underlying mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taha, Ameer — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Taha, Ameer
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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.