How estrogen affects blood vessel development in fetuses and its impact on insulin sensitivity in offspring
Estrogen Regulation of Fetal Microvessel Development During Primate Pregnancy: Impact on Insulin Sensitivity in Offspring
This study is looking at how estrogen helps build tiny blood vessels in unborn babies, using baboons to learn more about how this process might affect insulin and sugar levels, which can be important for preventing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10770987 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of estrogen in the development of microvessels in the fetus during pregnancy, specifically in non-human primates. It aims to understand how estrogen influences the formation of blood vessels that are crucial for insulin delivery and glucose regulation in the offspring. By studying baboons, the researchers will explore the mechanisms behind insulin resistance and glucose intolerance that may lead to type 2 diabetes in later life. The study will involve examining the morphological and functional development of microvessels in the skeletal muscle of the fetus.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be pregnant individuals, particularly those at risk for conditions affecting estrogen levels.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those whose conditions do not involve estrogen regulation or insulin sensitivity may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in children born to mothers with altered estrogen levels during pregnancy.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of vascular development in metabolic health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Albrecht, Eugene D. — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Albrecht, Eugene D.
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.