Investigating how tungsten exposure affects heart health
Official title: Defining the Role of IL-1? in Tungsten-Mediated Cardiovascular Disease
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-10810116 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breathing in tiny tungsten particles might affect heart health, especially for people who work in environments where they might be exposed to these particles, and it will help us understand how this exposure can lead to heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $228,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21OH012552-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10810116 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with occupational exposure to tungsten, such as workers in heavy metal manufacturing or military personnel.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to tungsten or similar environmental contaminants may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of inhaling tungsten particles on cardiovascular health, particularly in individuals exposed in occupational settings. It aims to understand the mechanisms by which tungsten contributes to heart disease, focusing on the inflammatory responses triggered by this exposure. The study will utilize animal models to assess the effects of tungsten inhalation on lung and heart health, measuring inflammation and other cardiovascular risk factors over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for cardiovascular diseases linked to environmental contaminants like tungsten.
How similar studies have gone: While there is emerging evidence linking tungsten exposure to cardiovascular issues, this research represents a novel approach to systematically investigate the underlying mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bolt, Alicia M. — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Bolt, Alicia M.
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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.