Studying how certain chemicals affect cholesterol and liver health in humans.
Official title: Optimizing a human relevant mouse model to study adverse health effects of PFAS
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11047740 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain chemicals called PFAS, found in everyday products, might affect your cholesterol and liver health, using a special mouse model to see how these chemicals interact with the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 4, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $255,660 |
| NIH project number | 5R21ES035475-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047740 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been exposed to PFAS and are experiencing related health issues, particularly those with elevated cholesterol levels or liver disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to PFAS or do not have related health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the health effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are chemicals found in many consumer products. The study aims to understand how PFAS exposure can lead to increased cholesterol levels and liver disease by examining the mechanisms involved in lipid regulation. Researchers will use a human-relevant mouse model to explore how different PFAS compounds interact with specific receptors in the body that regulate lipid metabolism. By identifying these mechanisms, the research seeks to clarify the health risks associated with PFAS exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of health risks related to PFAS exposure, potentially improving patient outcomes related to cholesterol and liver health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the effects of environmental chemicals on health can lead to significant advancements in public health, suggesting that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schlezinger, Jennifer J — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Schlezinger, Jennifer J
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.