Improving health outcomes for children of obese mothers
Targeting opportunistic pathogens to improve maternal obesity-associated health outcomes in offspring
This study is looking at how being overweight during pregnancy might impact a child's thinking and learning, and it wants to find out how a mom's diet and gut bacteria play a role in this, so we can come up with ways to help kids grow up healthier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11099835 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how maternal obesity affects the cognitive development of children and aims to identify the underlying mechanisms. It focuses on the role of the maternal gut microbiome and how dietary factors may influence brain function and behavior in offspring. By exploring the relationship between maternal diet, gut bacteria, and child cognitive health, the study seeks to develop new preventative strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of maternal obesity on children. The research employs a combination of genetic and environmental assessments to understand these complex interactions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women with obesity and their children, particularly those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or do not have a history of obesity may not receive benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that improve cognitive health outcomes for children born to obese mothers.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of maternal health on offspring, but this specific approach focusing on gut microbiota and cognitive outcomes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buffington, Shelly a — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Buffington, Shelly a
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.