How a mother's high fat diet affects gut health in their babies
Mechanisms of maternal high fat diet induced susceptibility to gut inflammation in offspring
This study looks at how a high-fat diet during pregnancy might raise the risk of gut problems, like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), in newborns, especially those born early, by examining changes in gut bacteria and immune responses in baby mice.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10782470 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how a high fat diet during pregnancy can increase the risk of gut inflammation in newborns, particularly focusing on a serious condition called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) that affects preterm infants. The study uses a mouse model to explore how maternal diet alters the gut bacteria and immune responses in offspring, potentially leading to increased susceptibility to NEC. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify new strategies for prevention and treatment of this condition in vulnerable infants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women, particularly those who are obese or overweight, as well as their preterm infants.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or whose infants are not preterm may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of maternal diet on infant health, but this specific approach using a high fat diet model is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mirpuri-Hathiramani, Julie — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mirpuri-Hathiramani, Julie
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.