Investigating how a compound can prevent obesity-related liver issues in young baboons.
Official title: Evaluating PQQ for preventing maternal obesity-induced fetal programming of juvenile NAFLD in Papio anubis
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11056011 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being overweight during pregnancy can affect the health of babies, especially their risk of developing liver problems later on, and it will test whether a special compound can help reduce these risks starting before birth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $559,845 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK139443-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056011 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals with obesity who are at risk of having offspring with metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or do not have a history of obesity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how maternal obesity affects the development of metabolic diseases in offspring, particularly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). By using a baboon model, the study aims to explore the impact of maternal diet on the microbiome and inflammation, which may lead to long-term health issues in the young. The researchers will evaluate the effectiveness of a compound called PQQ in mitigating these risks, potentially starting from the prenatal stage. This approach involves monitoring metabolic changes and health outcomes in juvenile baboons exposed to maternal obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing liver disease in children born to obese mothers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using similar dietary interventions in animal models, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jonscher, Karen R — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Jonscher, Karen R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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PQQ to prevent fatty liver in children of mothers with obesity
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Fat-tissue inflammation pathway linking obesity to fatty liver (NAFLD)
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RNA chemical tags and liver inflammation in obesity-related fatty liver disease
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Investigating the causes of liver disease in overweight children
This study is looking at how nonalcoholic fatty liver disease affects kids, especially those who are overweight, to find out what changes happen in their livers and how this is different from adults, so we can improve ways to diagnose and treat this condition in young people.
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Blocking a specific mitochondrial channel to improve obesity and liver health
This study is looking at how blocking a specific channel in our cells that helps manage magnesium might change how our bodies handle sugar and fat, which could help people with obesity and fatty liver disease find better treatments.
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.