How high altitude and cell energy impact blood flow to the placenta and baby's growth
Effects of chronic hypoxia and AMPK activation on uteroplacental perfusion, placental metabolism and the regulation of fetal growth
This project explores how living at high altitudes affects blood flow to the placenta and the baby's growth during pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11097228 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to understand why babies born at high altitudes are more likely to have restricted growth. We believe that reduced blood flow to the placenta and changes in how the placenta uses energy, involving a molecule called AMPK, might play a key role. Our team will compare pregnant women at high altitudes who have babies with normal growth to those whose babies have restricted growth. We will also conduct studies in sheep to further investigate these important connections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Pregnant women living at high altitudes, both those with normal fetal growth and those experiencing fetal growth restriction, could be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or do not live at high altitudes would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to help prevent or treat restricted fetal growth, especially for mothers living at high altitudes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team suggests that AMPK is involved in regulating uterine blood flow and fetal growth, providing a foundation for this current approach.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Julian, Colleen Glyde — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Julian, Colleen Glyde
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.