Investigating heart disease in individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Cardiovascular disease in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
This study is looking at how being exposed to alcohol before birth might affect heart health later in life, especially focusing on adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), and it uses zebrafish to help understand the heart problems that can arise from this exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11086751 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the link between fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). It aims to identify the incidence of congenital heart defects and CVD in adults who were exposed to alcohol in utero. The study utilizes a zebrafish model to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to heart abnormalities associated with FASD. By analyzing patient data and biological markers, the research seeks to stratify individuals based on their risk for developing cardiovascular issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder who may be at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder or those who are not adults may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of cardiovascular risks in individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated a connection between fetal alcohol exposure and cardiovascular issues, but this specific approach is novel in its comprehensive analysis of adult outcomes.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burns, Caroline E — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Burns, Caroline E
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.