How nitrite exposure during pregnancy affects embryo development
Official title: Maternal transfer factors and offspring development defects induced by nitrite
Funded at Texas State University · NIH-11094807 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how low levels of nitrite, a common pollutant from farming, might affect the growth and development of embryos during pregnancy, helping expectant parents understand the potential risks of nitrite in drinking water.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Marcos, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $145,643 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM153659-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094807 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who may be exposed to nitrite through their drinking water.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have exposure to nitrite in their drinking water may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of nitrite, a pollutant from agricultural runoff, on the development of embryos during pregnancy. It focuses on how chronic exposure to low levels of nitrite in drinking water can disrupt the transfer of essential factors from mother to embryo, potentially leading to developmental defects. Using a live-bearing fish model, the study aims to measure the effects of nitrite on steroid and immune factor transfer, as well as the overall growth and neurological development of the embryos. Patients can benefit from understanding the risks associated with nitrite exposure during pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved guidelines for safe drinking water during pregnancy, potentially reducing developmental defects in offspring.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research on chronic nitrite exposure during pregnancy, studies on related pollutants have shown significant impacts on fetal development, suggesting this research could yield important insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas State University
San Marcos, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huertas, Mar — Texas State University
- Study coordinator: Huertas, Mar
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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.