Investigating the effects of PFAS on liver health in Latino youth
Research Project 2: PFAS and Liver Health in Latino Youth: A Longitudinal Multi-Omics Study
This study is looking at how exposure to certain environmental chemicals called PFAS affects liver health in Latino kids and teens, using advanced imaging and tests to see how these substances might lead to liver problems over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10939227 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), common environmental contaminants, affects liver health in Latino youth. By employing advanced imaging techniques and analyzing biological samples over time, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which PFAS contribute to liver disease, particularly metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The research will involve repeated assessments of liver fat using MRI and integrate various biological data to provide a comprehensive view of PFAS impacts. This longitudinal approach will help identify vulnerable populations and the specific effects of PFAS mixtures on liver health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Latino youth aged 12 to 20 who may have been exposed to PFAS.
Not a fit: Patients who are not Latino or those outside the age range of 12 to 20 may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for liver disease in youth exposed to PFAS.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on PFAS and liver health in humans, animal studies have shown significant hepatotoxic effects, indicating a need for further investigation in human populations.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chatzi, Vaia Lida — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Chatzi, Vaia Lida
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 below.