Targeting PARP Proteins in vaping-related heart trouble
Official title: Targeting PARP Proteins in electronic cigarettes-induced cardiac dysfunction
Funded at Charles R. Drew University of Med & Sci · NIH-11377211 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how nicotine from e-cigarettes may hurt the heart and whether a drug called acipimox can protect it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Charles R. Drew University of Med & Sci NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $144,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM153622-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377211 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with a risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who use or have used e-cigarettes, particularly those with lipid or metabolic concerns.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without cardiovascular risk factors or those not exposed to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes may derive little direct benefit.
What this research studies
Vaping is linked to heart problems, potentially through fat-related stress and DNA damage in heart tissues. The study uses mice fed a high-fat diet and exposed to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes to see how heart function is affected and whether acipimox can prevent damage. Researchers examine heart function measurements, blood fats, inflammatory signals, and gene activity related to DNA damage and metabolism. Findings could point to a way to shield people who smoke or vape from cardiovascular harm by repurposing or clarifying acipimox’s role.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to strategies that protect the heart in people exposed to e-cigarette nicotine or high-fat diets.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal studies have shown that metabolic drugs can mitigate vaping-related cardiac changes, but human confirmation is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Charles R. Drew University of Med & Sci
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Espinoza-Derout, Jorge — Charles R. Drew University of Med & Sci
- Study coordinator: Espinoza-Derout, Jorge
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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.