How maternal obesity affects fetal fat storage and health outcomes

Exposure to complement induced preeclampsia promotes fetal steatosis

NIH-funded research Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10740802

This study looks at how being overweight during pregnancy can affect a child's health, specifically how it might lead to fatty liver and other issues later in life, and it aims to find ways to help improve health for kids who might be impacted.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBaylor College of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10740802 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of maternal obesity during pregnancy on the development of fatty liver in offspring. It explores how an adverse intrauterine environment can lead to long-term health issues, including cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders. The study utilizes animal models to understand the mechanisms behind increased fat storage in fetuses exposed to maternal overnutrition, focusing on the transfer of nutrients across the placenta. By examining these processes, the research aims to uncover potential interventions to improve health outcomes for affected children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include pregnant women with obesity or those at risk of developing obesity-related complications.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those without a history of obesity may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to strategies that mitigate the negative health effects of maternal obesity on children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that maternal nutrition significantly impacts offspring health, indicating that this research builds on established findings in the field.

Where this research is happening

Houston, 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.
Conditions Cardiovascular Diseasescardiovascular disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.