Investigating how malaria affects the placenta and causes cell damage

Exploring the etiology of oxidative damage and cell death in placental malaria

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-10894694

This study is looking at how malaria during pregnancy can harm the placenta and affect the health of babies, and it aims to find ways to help protect pregnant women and their little ones from these risks.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10894694 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how malaria infections during pregnancy lead to damage in the placenta, which can severely affect fetal health. The study will analyze placental tissue from areas where malaria is common, looking specifically at the role of immune cells and oxidative stress in causing cell death within the placenta. By examining these cellular mechanisms, the research aims to uncover why malaria leads to poor birth outcomes, such as low birth weight and infant mortality. The findings could provide insights into potential interventions to protect pregnant women and their babies from the harmful effects of malaria.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women living in malaria-endemic regions, particularly those experiencing complications related to malaria.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those living in non-endemic malaria regions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating malaria in pregnant women, ultimately reducing infant mortality rates.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been research on malaria's effects on pregnancy, this specific investigation into oxidative damage in placental malaria is novel and aims to fill significant gaps in current knowledge.

Where this research is happening

GAINESVILLE, 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 →

Conditions: Anti-Phospholipid Antibody Syndrome, Anti-phospholipid Syndrome

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.