Understanding Blood Flow in Pregnancy and Preeclampsia
Official title: H2S and Uterine Vasodilation in Pregnancy and Preeclampsia
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11113857 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how a natural substance called H2S helps blood vessels in the uterus widen during pregnancy, especially in conditions like preeclampsia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | July 20, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $328,146 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD105699-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11113857 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is relevant for pregnant individuals, particularly those at risk for or experiencing preeclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not experiencing pregnancy complications related to uterine blood flow or preeclampsia would likely not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes significant changes to support the growing baby, including a dramatic increase in blood flow to the uterus. When this blood flow isn't sufficient, it can lead to serious conditions like preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. We are looking into how a natural gas, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), helps the blood vessels in the uterus expand. Our work suggests that H2S plays a key role in this process, and we are studying how its role might be different in pregnancies affected by preeclampsia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat preeclampsia and improve outcomes for mothers and babies.
How similar studies have gone: While nitric oxide has been studied for its role in uterine blood flow, this research explores H2S as another important, less understood mediator, building on initial findings that H2S production increases during pregnancy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Dongbao — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Chen, Dongbao
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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.