How acute alcohol exposure during pregnancy affects heart defects in babies
Acute Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Potentiates Conotruncal Defects in the Setting of a Permissive Genetic Background
['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · NIH-11083033
This study is looking at how drinking alcohol for a short time during pregnancy might lead to heart problems in babies, especially certain types of heart defects, and it aims to find out how genetics might play a role in this risk.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11083033 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of acute prenatal alcohol exposure on the development of congenital heart defects, particularly focusing on outflow tract defects. By examining both clinical data and a mouse model, the study aims to understand how short-term alcohol consumption during critical periods of pregnancy can lead to heart malformations. The researchers will analyze genetic factors that may increase the risk of these defects when combined with alcohol exposure. This approach seeks to uncover the molecular pathways involved in these conditions, providing insights into prevention and treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who have consumed alcohol during the early stages of pregnancy.
Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to alcohol during pregnancy or those without congenital heart defects may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for congenital heart defects associated with prenatal alcohol exposure.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been extensive research on chronic alcohol exposure and its effects, this specific focus on acute exposure and its genetic interactions is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Los Angeles, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HARVEY, DRAYTON C — UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
- Study coordinator: HARVEY, DRAYTON C
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.