How maternal obesity affects asthma risk in children
Official title: Mechanisms of airway hyperresponsiveness in the offspring of obese mothers
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11078357 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being overweight during pregnancy might affect a child's chances of developing asthma, using mice to understand how changes in the lungs and nerves happen, with the hope of finding ways to help kids who might be at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $526,054 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL164474-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078357 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children whose mothers are classified as obese during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a family history of asthma or obesity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the link between maternal obesity and the development of asthma in offspring. Using a mouse model that mimics human metabolic conditions, the study explores how maternal obesity leads to changes in airway nerves and increased sensitivity in the lungs. By examining the role of insulin and neurotransmitters, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness in children born to obese mothers. The findings could provide insights into potential interventions for at-risk populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing asthma in children born to obese mothers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a correlation between maternal obesity and increased asthma risk in offspring, suggesting that this approach has a foundation in existing findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nie, Zhenying — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Nie, Zhenying
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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.