Investigating how severe neonatal jaundice affects the risk of intestinal disease in newborns
Severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (SNH) and the expression of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) play key roles in the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
This study is looking at how high bilirubin levels in newborns might be linked to a serious gut condition called necrotizing enterocolitis, and it’s exploring how human breast milk can help improve the situation by affecting a key enzyme that helps process bilirubin, all to find better ways to care for babies who are at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11089377 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the relationship between severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (SNH) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in newborns. It examines how human breast milk influences the expression of a key enzyme, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1), which is crucial for processing bilirubin. Using a specialized mouse model that mimics human conditions, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to elevated bilirubin levels and their connection to NEC. The findings could help identify protective factors in breast milk and improve care for vulnerable newborns.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns under 4 weeks old who are experiencing severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than 4 weeks or do not have severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for NEC in newborns, particularly those affected by jaundice.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of UGT1A1 in bilirubin metabolism, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tukey, Robert H — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Tukey, Robert H
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.