How prenatal exposure to flame-retardants affects childhood obesity
Prenatal Exposures to Flame-Retardants: Mitochondrial Signatures and Childhood Obesity
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-10670305
This study is looking at how being exposed to certain flame-retardant chemicals before birth might affect kids' weight as they grow up, and it’s for families who want to understand more about how the environment can influence childhood obesity.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10670305 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of prenatal exposure to poly-brominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a type of flame-retardant, on childhood obesity. It aims to understand how these chemicals may lead to increased fat accumulation in children by examining mitochondrial DNA and its role in energy metabolism. The study will utilize data from a longitudinal birth cohort, analyzing cord blood samples and tracking body mass index (BMI) and fat mass from ages 5 to 18. By combining toxicology with human population studies, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms linking environmental exposures to obesity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women and their children, particularly those exposed to PBDEs during pregnancy.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or whose children are older than 18 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing childhood obesity by understanding the role of environmental factors.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown associations between environmental exposures and obesity, but this specific investigation into PBDEs and mitochondrial effects is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KUPSCO, ALLISON — COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: KUPSCO, ALLISON
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 below.