DHA (omega‑3) protection for newborn brain after low oxygen
Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Acute Neuroprotection Via Mitochondria
This project looks at whether DHA-derived molecules like NPD1 can protect newborn brains from injury after low oxygen or neonatal stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123897 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If my newborn had a hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, this work studies whether giving DHA (an omega‑3) or its active metabolite NPD1 helps protect brain cells. Researchers use newborn rodent models, administer DHA emulsions or NPD1, and measure mitochondrial DHA levels, mitochondrial function, lipid mediator production, and cell-death signaling in the injured brain. The team focuses on whether NPD1 changes mitochondrial membrane properties to stop the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) from opening and to block BAX-driven apoptosis. This builds on earlier mouse studies that showed DHA and NPD1 dramatically reduced tissue damage after hypoxia-ischemia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The most relevant patients would be newborns who have experienced hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or neonatal stroke.
Not a fit: People without recent newborn brain injury or those with unrelated neurological conditions are unlikely to directly benefit from this primarily laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new therapies that protect newborn brains after hypoxia-ischemia and reduce long-term neurological disability.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown DHA and NPD1 reduce brain damage in rodent models, but translation to human newborns has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Chuchun Liz — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Chang, Chuchun Liz
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 below.