How low levels of mercury exposure during pregnancy affect children's heart and metabolic health.
Maternal Exposure to Low Level Mercury, Metabolome, and Child Cardiometabolic Risk in Multi-Ethnic Prospective Birth Cohorts
This study is looking at how being exposed to small amounts of mercury during pregnancy might affect kids' heart and metabolic health as they grow up, helping us understand any long-term risks linked to this environmental pollutant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10763027 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of maternal exposure to low levels of mercury during critical developmental periods on the cardiometabolic health of children from birth to age 21. By analyzing data and biospecimens from birth cohorts in Boston and Shanghai, the study aims to understand the relationship between mercury exposure and outcomes such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases. The research will explore how mercury can cross the placenta and affect fetal development, providing insights into long-term health risks associated with environmental pollutants.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women and their children, particularly those exposed to environmental mercury.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or whose children are older than 21 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved guidelines for maternal health and reduced risks of cardiometabolic diseases in children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated potential links between mercury exposure and health outcomes, suggesting that this research could build on established findings.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Xiaobin — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Xiaobin
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.