Investigating how prenatal exposure to PFAS affects growth and metabolism in children and the role of maternal exercise.
Growth and metabolic programming from prenatal PFAS exposure: examining the roles of placental functional genomics and protection by maternal exercise
This study is looking at how being exposed to certain chemicals during pregnancy might affect a child's growth and health, especially regarding weight, and whether staying active while pregnant can help reduce any harmful effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10693261 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research examines the effects of prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are chemicals linked to obesity, on the growth and metabolic health of children. It focuses on how these substances can cross the placenta and potentially disrupt fetal development. The study also explores whether maternal exercise can mitigate these negative effects, aiming to identify preventive strategies for obesity linked to prenatal exposures. By analyzing placental function and growth outcomes, the research seeks to fill critical gaps in understanding the long-term impacts of PFAS exposure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals who may have been exposed to PFAS and their children.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or whose exposure to PFAS is not relevant to their health outcomes may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing obesity in children exposed to harmful chemicals during pregnancy.
How similar studies have performed: While there is existing research on PFAS and obesity, this specific approach examining prenatal exposure and maternal exercise is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pearson, Kevin Joseph — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Pearson, Kevin Joseph
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.