# Investigate The Impact of Third-Hand Smoke on Platelet Function and Thrombogenesis

> **NIH NIH R01** · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR · 2020 · $378,125

## Abstract

Even though smoking has been on the decline, there has not been a commensurate decrease in the mortality
and adverse effects associated with it, especially in vulnerable populations such as children and minorities (e.g.,
Hispanic Americans). While the involvement of the well-known 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 smoke (THS) form to 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-life 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 the context of thrombotic disease and platelet biology, and in a gender-
specific manner. 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 the skepticism
regarding THS existence and/or the fact that its dangers are/remain underestimated/unappreciated, despite
evidence that it is more toxic than SHS. The Aims of our proposal are:
Aim 1. Investigate the impact of THS-exposure on platelet-dependent disease states. While compelling
recent evidence revealed that exposure to THS does exert negative health effects, its impact on platelet-
dependent diseases and the contribution of gender to these effects are still unknown. To address this issue, we
will determine the ramifications of THS exposure on normal hemostasis and platelet counts, in a dose-, time-,
and gender-dependent fashion. Subsequent studies will examine whether THS participates in the development
of thrombotic disease, as well as investigate the role of the coagulation system in mediating its toxicity. Our
preliminary data shows, for the first time, that THS modulates physiological hemostasis, suggesting that it may
increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Aim 2. Investigate the mechanism by which THS-exposure modulates platelet function. While our
preliminary studies revealed that THS modulates hemostasis, the mechanism, by which it modules platelet
function remains to be investigated. Thus, the overall goal of the experiments proposed in this section is to
determine the significance of THS-exposure on the various platelet functional responses, cytokines, platelet
epigenetics, thrombosis “markers” and other blood cells. Studies are also proposed to investigate whether THS
effects are receptor mediated. It is noteworthy that our preliminary data shows that THS does enhance platelet
function (e.g., aggregation).
Aim 3. Define THS toxins with po...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10169644
- **Project number:** 7R01HL145053-02
- **Recipient organization:** TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Fadi T Khasawneh
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $378,125
- **Award type:** 7
- **Project period:** 2019-07-01 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10169644

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10169644, Investigate The Impact of Third-Hand Smoke on Platelet Function and Thrombogenesis (7R01HL145053-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10169644. Licensed CC0.

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