Investigating how sleep apnea during pregnancy affects the immune system and brain development in male offspring.
Official title: Is gestational sleep apnea a previously unrecognized cause of maternal immune activation that predisposes male offspring to disease-relevant neural dysfunction?
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10817199 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how sleep apnea in pregnant moms might affect their babies' immune systems and brain development, especially in boys, to help us understand why it's important for pregnant women to get checked and treated for sleep apnea.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $187,715 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD112147-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10817199 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include pregnant women who experience sleep apnea or are at high risk for developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sleep apnea or are not pregnant may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the effects of maternal sleep apnea on the immune system during pregnancy and how it may lead to cognitive and social deficits in male offspring. The study uses an experimental model with pregnant rats to simulate the intermittent hypoxia experienced by humans with sleep apnea. By examining the offspring's brain development and behavior, the researchers aim to understand the long-term impacts of maternal sleep apnea on children's health and development. The findings could provide insights into the importance of screening and treating sleep apnea in pregnant women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved screening and treatment strategies for sleep apnea in pregnant women, ultimately enhancing the health and cognitive outcomes for their children.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, there is existing literature suggesting that maternal health conditions during pregnancy can significantly impact offspring development.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Watters, Jyoti J — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Watters, Jyoti J
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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.