How air pollution affects fetal heart development

Influence of Particulate Matter on Fetal Mitochondrial Programming

['FUNDING_R01'] · WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY · NIH-11078866

This study looks at how tiny particles in air pollution might affect the heart development of babies while they're still in the womb, helping us understand if breathing in these particles during pregnancy could lead to heart problems for kids later on.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MORGANTOWN, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11078866 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of engineered nanomaterials (ENM) found in air pollution on the development of fetal mitochondria, which are crucial for heart function. The study focuses on how exposure to these materials during pregnancy can lead to long-term health issues in offspring, particularly related to cardiac function. By examining the epigenetic changes that occur in the fetal heart due to maternal ENM inhalation, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these developmental disruptions. The findings could provide insights into how environmental factors influence fetal health and disease susceptibility later in life.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals exposed to air pollution, particularly those living in urban areas with high levels of engineered nanomaterials.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who have no exposure to air pollution may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention of cardiac dysfunction in children exposed to air pollution during pregnancy.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown that environmental factors can significantly impact fetal development, suggesting that this approach may yield important findings.

Where this research is happening

MORGANTOWN, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.