Understanding how eCigarette exposure affects inflammation in the lungs
Official title: Dissecting inflammatory outcomes following eCigarette exposure
Funded at Brigham Young University · NIH-11041654 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how vaping affects lung health, especially in teenagers, by exploring how certain harmful substances in e-cigarettes cause inflammation, and it hopes to find ways to reduce these negative effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham Young University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Provo, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2020 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $428,639 |
| NIH project number | 2R15HL152257-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11041654 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents and young adults who use eCigarettes and may be experiencing respiratory issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use eCigarettes or have no history of lung-related health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular pathways involved in inflammatory responses caused by electronic cigarette (eCig) exposure, particularly focusing on the role of the RAGE receptor. The study aims to understand how eCig aerosols, which contain harmful substances, impact lung health, especially in adolescents who are increasingly using these products. By using animal models, the research will explore the effects of eCig exposure on inflammation and potential treatments that could mitigate these harmful effects. The findings could lead to better understanding and management of lung diseases associated with vaping.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for lung inflammation caused by eCigarette use.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been some research on tobacco smoke exposure, this study is pioneering in its specific focus on eCigarette exposure and the RAGE signaling pathway.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham Young University
Provo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reynolds, Paul R — Brigham Young University
- Study coordinator: Reynolds, Paul R
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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.