Clinical Research Directory

Use of Bile Acid Binding Resins to Decrease PFAS Levels Via Colesevalem in Veterans Study

The goal of this study is to test the efficacy and feasibility of Colesevelam administration (50% of the recommended dose) to reduce serum PFAS concentration in the Veteran population who have serum PFAS levels that exceed the National Academies Science criteria (PFASsix \> 20 ng/ml) using a double blind-placebo controlled study. Based on PFAS prevalence in serum samples, we anticipate recruiting up to n=500 Veterans to meet the goal of n=50 study participants to receive intervention or placebo. The primary outcome will be initial and final PFAS content in serum (total and 7 individual PFAS). The secondary outcome will be initial and final serum biomarkers related to lipid metabolism. As an exploratory aspect to the proposal, we will also measure fecal PFAS, bile acids, and microbial diversity to examine associations between PFAS content and bile acid levels and microbiome. Fecal PFAS, bile acid content, and microbiome may also be measured.

Examining a Novel Gastrointestinal Intervention to Negate Environmental Toxicants (ENGINE)

This randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial will test the feasibility and acceptability of using colesevelam in male firefighters with high per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure. This trial will also explore whether colesevelam lowers blood PFAS levels and urine environmental toxicant and mold mycotoxin levels.

Chemical and Microbiological Exposure of Women on Dairy Cattle Farms

Although professionals working on dairy cattle farms come into contact with a wide range of chemicals and microbiological agents, little is known about this possible exposure, which occurs a priori via inhalation and skin contact. The aim of this research is to gain a better understanding of this chemical and microbiological exposure, and this research focuses in particular on professional women working on dairy cattle farms , who may be in charge of specific activities not commonly carried out by professional men. Exposure to pesticides, antiparasitic products and disinfectants will be the first substances to be investigated, followed by other chemical or particulate compounds present in everyday and professional environments. Exposure to these compounds will be measured by their presence in the urine, feces (if possible) and hair of around 60 participating women, as well as in bovine tuft/head hair and, if possible, air samples taken in milking buildings.