The impact of environmental cadmium on inflammation and airway diseases
Environmental Cadmium, persistent inflammation and airways disease
This study is looking at how exposure to cadmium, a harmful pollutant, affects inflammation in the lungs and could lead to long-term breathing problems, and it's especially for people living near the North Birmingham Superfund site who want to understand how their environment might be impacting their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11043439 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to cadmium, a harmful environmental pollutant, affects inflammation and contributes to chronic airway diseases. By studying biological samples from residents near the North Birmingham Superfund site, the research aims to understand the mechanisms by which cadmium exposure leads to persistent inflammation and impaired resolution pathways. The study will analyze lung tissue and macrophages to assess cadmium levels and their effects on immune responses, particularly focusing on the role of specific proteins involved in inflammation. This work is conducted in collaboration with the local community to address real health concerns related to environmental pollution.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas with high cadmium exposure, particularly those experiencing chronic airway diseases.
Not a fit: Patients who do not live in contaminated areas or who do not have chronic airway diseases may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of chronic airway diseases linked to environmental pollutants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that environmental pollutants can significantly impact health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into chronic disease mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Surolia, Ranu — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Surolia, Ranu
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.