Low-level nitrite in pregnancy and baby development
Maternal transfer factors and offspring development defects induced by nitrite
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11345243
This research looks at whether low levels of nitrite in drinking water during pregnancy can harm embryos and affect newborn growth and brain development.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN MARCOS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11345243 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use a live-bearing fish species to model pregnancy and expose mothers to chronic, low concentrations of nitrite similar to contaminated drinking water. They will measure whether nitrite changes the transfer of steroids, immune factors, and transcripts from mother to embryo. Offspring will be tracked for growth and nervous-system development to identify defects linked to maternal exposure. The project focuses on mechanisms during the full gestational period rather than acute poisoning events.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Pregnant people or those planning pregnancy who are concerned about nitrite or nitrate contamination in drinking water would be most relevant to the implications of this work.
Not a fit: People without pregnancy or reproductive concerns, or those whose exposures are unrelated to nitrite, are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If confirmed, results could clarify risks of chronic low-level nitrite exposure during pregnancy and help shape water-safety guidance and prenatal health recommendations.
How similar studies have performed: Acute nitrite toxicity is well documented, but chronic low-level impacts on maternal transfer and embryo development are largely untested and this approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
SAN MARCOS, UNITED STATES
- TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY — SAN MARCOS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HUERTAS, MAR — TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: HUERTAS, MAR
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.
Conditions: Cancers, Cardiac Diseases