# In Utero Third-Hand Smoke Impact on Platelet Function and Thrombogenesis

> **NIH NIH R21** · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR · 2020 · $189,219

## Abstract

While the involvement of in utero exposure to first-hand smoke (FHS) and second-hand smoke (SHS) in the
pathogenesis of thrombotic diseases is well documented, the contribution of the newly “discovered” third-hand
form (THS) in such disease processes remains unknown. This derives, in part, from: (1) initial lack of knowedlge
of THS existence; (2) lack of appreciation for its “real” negative health consequences; (3) lack of a THS-exosure
animal model that mimics real-world scenarios; and (4) lack of studies regarding such consequences on platelet
biology. The present application proposes experiments that address fundamental, mechanistic, epigenetic and
clinically-relevant translational aspects of the adverse-health effects of the newly “realized” form of smoking,
THS, in utero and in the context of thrombotic disease and platelet biology, and gender. Studies are also
proposed to investigate, in a similar fashion, the toxicants that underlie THS effects on platelets and associated
diseases. These studies are of paramount significance given that the dangers of THS are
underestimated/unappreciated, despite evidence that it is more toxic than SHS, especially in vulnerable
populations such as children and minorities (e.g., Hispanic Americans). The Aims of our proposal are:
Aim 1. Investigate the impact of in utero THS-exposure on platelet-dependent diseases. While in utero
exposure to the well-known FHS and SHS was found to contribute to the genesis of myocardial infarctions,
whether in utero exposure to THS is also associated with an increased risk of thrombotic disorders, is yet to be
determined. To address this issue, we will determine the ramifications of in utero THS exposure on normal
hemostasis, platelet counts, as well as on clotting factors and other thrombosis mediators, in a dose-, and time-
dependent fashion. Subsequent studies will examine whether in utero THS participates in the development of
thrombotic disorders.
Aim 2. Investigate the mechanism by which in utero THS-exposure modulates platelet function. Our
recently published findings show, for the first time, that adult THS exposure modulates physiological hemostasis,
and increases the risk of thrombogenesis, via enhancing platelet activation. However, whether in utero THS is
associated with similar effects, and if so, the mechanism by which it modulates platelet function remain to be
investigated. Thus, the overall goal of the experiments proposed in this section is to determine the significance,
toxicants and mechanism of the impact of in utero THS-exposure on various platelet functional responses,
platelet epigenetics, its effect on other blood cells (e.g., leukocytes) and thrombosis “markers”, as well as its
major route of exposure.
Collectively, these experiments will make significant contributions to our understanding of the
consequences of in utero THS exposure on platelet activation and cardiovascular human health, its
epigenetics, and the mechanism and toxicants by which THS ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10169638
- **Project number:** 7R21ES029345-02
- **Recipient organization:** TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Fadi T Khasawneh
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $189,219
- **Award type:** 7
- **Project period:** 2020-05-22 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10169638

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10169638, In Utero Third-Hand Smoke Impact on Platelet Function and Thrombogenesis (7R21ES029345-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10169638. Licensed CC0.

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