How high cholesterol in pregnant women affects their children's liver health

Epigenetic Mechanisms in Developmental Programming of Hepatic Lipid Dysfunction by Maternal Hypercholesterolemia

NIH-funded research State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-10808606

This study is looking at how high cholesterol in pregnant women might affect their children's liver health and is exploring safe plant-based ways to help lower cholesterol during pregnancy, so that kids can have a better chance of staying healthy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionState University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Amherst, United States)
Project IDNIH-10808606 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of high cholesterol levels in pregnant women on the liver health of their children. It focuses on understanding how excessive cholesterol exposure during pregnancy can lead to changes in the liver's epigenome, potentially increasing the risk of conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in offspring. The study aims to explore safe plant-based treatments to lower cholesterol in pregnant women, addressing a significant gap in current treatment options. By examining these mechanisms, the research seeks to provide insights that could improve health outcomes for children born to mothers with high cholesterol.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women with elevated cholesterol levels and their children.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or do not have a history of high cholesterol may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management of cholesterol levels in pregnant women, reducing the risk of liver-related health issues in their children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing maternal health conditions can significantly impact offspring health, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Amherst, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.