The impact of early life stress on heart and metabolic health in teenagers
Early life stress and cardiometabolic health in adolescence
This study looks at how stress from early childhood can affect heart and health in teenagers, especially focusing on kids adopted from orphanages compared to those raised by their biological families, to help us understand how early experiences shape long-term health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10609454 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how stress experienced during early childhood affects heart and metabolic health in adolescents. It focuses on children adopted from orphanages into supportive homes, comparing their health outcomes to those of peers raised in their biological families. The study aims to identify critical periods when stress impacts health and to explore the biological mechanisms involved. By assessing cardiometabolic functioning in teenagers, the research seeks to understand long-term health risks associated with early life stress.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who were adopted from orphanages and are now living in well-resourced homes.
Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced significant early life stress or who are not within the specified age range may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in adolescents who have experienced early life stress.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that early life stress can significantly impact long-term health, indicating that this study builds on established findings rather than exploring a completely novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gunnar, Megan R — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Gunnar, Megan R
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.