Lung damage from phosgene and phosphorus trichloride exposure
Lipid and metabolic mechanisms responsible for phosgene and phosphorus trichloride exposure toxicity
This project looks at how exposure to industrial gases phosgene and phosphorus trichloride harms the lungs and causes breathing problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Saint Louis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144417 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how these gases create acidic products in the lung that change fats and other small molecules. They will use animal models and advanced 'omics' (wide-ranging chemical and metabolic analyses) to find the specific lipid and metabolic changes that follow exposure. The team will link those chemical changes to damage in the cells that line blood vessels and airways, which can lead to fluid in the lungs and breathing failure. Findings are meant to point toward targets for treatments or antidotes in future work.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People exposed to phosgene or phosphorus trichloride, or first responders involved in such incidents, would be the most directly relevant group for related patient-facing work or future trials.
Not a fit: People with lung injury from unrelated causes (like asthma, COPD, or viral pneumonia) are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this chemical-exposure–focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat life-threatening lung injury after toxic gas exposure.
How similar studies have performed: Related lab and omics studies have revealed harmful lipid products in other inhalation injuries, but applying these methods specifically to phosgene and PCl3 is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Saint Louis University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ford, David a. — Saint Louis University
- Study coordinator: Ford, David a.
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.