How obesity in pregnancy affects the metabolism of offspring

Mitochondria mediated changes in obese pregnancies

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11057293

This study is looking at how being overweight during pregnancy might affect the health of babies by changing how their cells work, and it aims to find out if certain treatments can help prevent weight problems in their future.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11057293 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how maternal obesity impacts mitochondrial function in the offspring, which may lead to obesity and metabolic syndrome later in life. The study focuses on the role of extracellular vesicles produced by adipose tissue during pregnancy, which may carry damaged mitochondrial components to the developing embryo. By using a murine model, researchers will explore how these vesicles influence metabolic health in male embryos and their offspring. The goal is to understand the molecular mechanisms behind these changes and how antioxidant treatment during pregnancy might prevent obesity in the next generation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who are classified as obese and are interested in understanding the implications of their condition on their offspring's health.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or who have a normal weight may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing obesity and metabolic disorders in children born to obese mothers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that maternal obesity can negatively affect offspring health, but the specific mechanisms involving mitochondrial function and extracellular vesicles are still being explored.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.