How obesity in mothers affects the health of their children
Official title: Immunometabolic dysregulations in the offspring of obese mothers
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11116535 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being overweight during pregnancy can affect the health of children later on, especially regarding heart and metabolic issues, using mice to understand the effects of a high-fat diet on both moms and their babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $234,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD118370-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11116535 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include children and young adults whose mothers were obese during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by maternal obesity or do not have a family history of metabolic diseases may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of maternal obesity on the health of their offspring, particularly focusing on metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Using a mouse model, the study examines how a high-fat diet during pregnancy leads to inflammation and metabolic dysregulations in the offspring, even when they consume a normal diet. The research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of these health issues, which could help in developing preventive strategies for affected children. By analyzing bone marrow cells and other biological markers, the study seeks to provide insights into the long-term health consequences of maternal obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of obesity-related health issues in children born to obese mothers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using similar animal models have shown significant insights into the effects of maternal diet on offspring health, indicating a promising avenue for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maloyan, Alina — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Maloyan, Alina
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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.