How high altitude affects blood vessel function in mothers and their babies during pregnancy
Official title: Gestational Hypoxia and Programming of Maternal, Fetal and Newborn Vascular Function
Funded at Loma Linda University · NIH-10650166 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how living at high altitudes with low oxygen affects the blood vessels of pregnant women and their babies, aiming to find out how these changes can lead to complications like preeclampsia and growth issues, so we can better support pregnancies in those conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loma Linda University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Loma Linda, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $763,189 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL149608-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10650166 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women living at high altitudes or those experiencing complications related to low oxygen levels during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those living at sea level may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how long-term exposure to low oxygen levels at high altitudes impacts the blood vessel function of mothers, fetuses, and newborns. It focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular changes that occur in response to gestational hypoxia, which can lead to serious complications such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). By studying both human and animal models, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these adaptations and their effects on health outcomes. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved management of pregnancies affected by high altitude conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better strategies for managing pregnancies at high altitudes, potentially reducing risks for mothers and their babies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown significant impacts of hypoxia on vascular function, indicating that this approach is grounded in established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Lubo — Loma Linda University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Lubo
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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.