Investigating the impact of switching from menthol to non-menthol cigarettes on heart health markers.
Official title: Effect of Menthol to Non-Menthol Cigarette Switching on Subclinical Inflammatory Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Health: Simulating a Menthol Cigarette Ban
Funded at Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci · NIH-10884362 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changing from menthol to non-menthol cigarettes might help reduce inflammation and improve heart health for smokers, and it hopes to share helpful information that could guide decisions about menthol cigarette use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (North Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $177,714 |
| NIH project number | 5K01HL164670-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884362 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adult smokers aged 21 and older who currently use menthol cigarettes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not smoke or who exclusively use non-menthol cigarettes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how switching from menthol to non-menthol cigarettes affects inflammation and cardiovascular health. It aims to measure specific biomarkers in smokers to understand the potential health benefits of such a switch. By comparing the inflammatory responses of smokers using menthol versus non-menthol cigarettes, the study seeks to provide insights into the cardiovascular risks associated with menthol cigarette use. The findings could inform public health policies regarding menthol cigarette bans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cardiovascular health outcomes for smokers who switch from menthol to non-menthol cigarettes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated that switching from menthol to non-menthol cigarettes may reduce health risks, but this specific approach is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci
North Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jao, Nancy Chia Lei — Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci
- Study coordinator: Jao, Nancy Chia Lei
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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.