How a low-protein diet during pregnancy affects hormone levels in offspring
Official title: Gestational Low-Protein diet Programming on Sex Steroid Hormone Synthesis
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11139278 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a low-protein diet during pregnancy might affect the chances of developing lean Type 2 Diabetes in kids, using rats to see how this diet impacts hormone levels and metabolism, with hopes of finding ways to help prevent these issues in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $160,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD115894-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11139278 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of metabolic diseases or those who experienced nutritional stress during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of metabolic diseases or who were not affected by maternal nutritional conditions during pregnancy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of a low-protein diet during pregnancy on the development of metabolic diseases in offspring, particularly focusing on lean Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Using a rat model, the study examines how nutritional stress affects sex steroid hormone synthesis, including testosterone and estradiol levels. The researchers will explore the underlying mechanisms, particularly the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in metabolic functions and hormone production. By understanding these processes, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for preventing metabolic diseases in humans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing metabolic diseases linked to maternal nutrition during pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that maternal nutrition significantly impacts offspring health, suggesting that this research could build on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yallampalli, Chandrasekhar — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Yallampalli, Chandrasekhar
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.