For PatientsJoin a Health Study or Clinical TrialThe NIEHS supports and conducts studies to determine how exposure to chemicals or other agents in the environment may influence a variety of diseases. Please see Join a Health Study or Clinical Trial for more information. Clinical Research FacilitiesThe Clinical Research Program works with patients in two facilities:
Additionally, the Office of Human Research Compliance (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/clinical/join/ohrc/index.cfm) provides ethical and regulatory oversight of research that involves human subjects. For Investigators: About the Clinical Research ProgramThe Clinical Research Program encompasses the following branches and research groups:
Many human diseases result from environmental exposures that can affect individuals who are genetically susceptible to the development of a disease. The NIEHS has an active research program that investigates the mechanisms of such diseases. The mission of the Clinical Research Program is to enhance NIEHS-led research by:
The Clinical Research Program pursues this mission by:
The Clinical Research Program supports multiple NIEHS research groups that focus on a wide variety of environmental conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, reproductive diseases, neurological disorders, cancer and many others. The ultimate goal of the CRP is to combat environmentally-induced human disease in three substantive ways:
Research Programs in Clinical ResearchEnvironmental Cardiopulmonary Disease GroupThe Environmental Cardiopulmonary Disease Group (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/labs/lrb/enviro-cardio/index.cfm), led by Darryl Zeldin, M.D., is active in clinical research on asthma and the environment. The group has conducted large national cross-sectional studies which provide estimates of indoor allergen and endotoxin exposures in the U.S. population and which examine the relationship between those exposures and allergy and asthma. Currently, the group is conducting several asthma prevention trials to determine if environmental intervention aimed at reducing indoor allergen levels can prevent allergic sensitization and decrease asthma prevalence in high-risk children. Matrix Biology GroupThe Matrix Biology Group (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/labs/lrb/matrix-bio/index.cfm), headed by Stavros Garantziotis, M.D., studies cell-matrix interactions in the pulmonary response to environmental or alloimmune lung injury. The group has identified novel interactions and functions for a serum protein, called inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor, which can bind to extracellular components such as complement, hyaluronan and other extracellular matrix (ECM) elements. These interactions influence the development of inflammation, angiogenesis, and re-epithelialization after injury. Research performed by the Matrix Biology Group will expand these findings and investigate the framework in which ECM can influence the cellular response to environmental injury. Environmental Asthma & COPD GroupThe Environmental Asthma & COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Group, headed by William Martin II, M.D., focuses on the environmental and genetic causes of these two conditions with consideration to developing novel therapies for alleviating their symptoms. Environmental Autoimmunity GroupThe mission of the Environmental Autoimmunity Group is to understand the mechanisms for the development of autoimmune diseases so that group members can extend healthy life and reduce the burdens of illness and disability. It is led by Frederick W. Miller, M.D., Ph.D. Environmental Innate Immunity GroupMichael Fessler, M.D., is the principal investigator for the Environmental Innate Immunity Group. The group has two major research goals: 1) to study the role of endogenous regulators of cholesterol/membrane trafficking in initiation and regulation of TLR signaling and 2) to examine the regulatory influence of innate immunity in host cholesterol metabolism. Gene Environment Interactions GroupThe Gene Environment Interactions Group conducts diverse clinical research studies aimed at understanding the complex interaction between genes and the environment in polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes, asthma, autoimmune, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and neural tube defects and others. Perry J. Blackshear, M.D., D.Phil., heads the group. Oxidative Stress Mechanisms & Clinical Effects GroupThe Oxidative Stress Mechanisms & Clinical Effects Group utilizes genetic/genomic, molecular/cellular, and population-based experimental approaches to understand the mechanisms through which oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of disease. The group is directed by Steven Kleeberger, Ph.D. Reproductive Medicine GroupThe Reproductive Medicine Group, lead by Carmen J. Williams, M.D., Ph.D., examines the molecular basis of early reproductive events including gamete maturation and function, fertilization, and implantation. |
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