Understanding how leptin affects preeclampsia during pregnancy
Official title: Regulation and role of leptin in preeclampsia
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11075242 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a hormone called leptin might affect the health of pregnant women and their babies when preeclampsia occurs, with the goal of finding new ways to help manage this serious condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $477,654 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL169576-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075242 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who are experiencing or are at risk for preeclampsia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have any risk factors for preeclampsia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of leptin, a hormone that regulates energy balance, in the development of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure. Using a mouse model, the study examines how increased levels of leptin may contribute to adverse outcomes for both mothers and their babies. The researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms by which leptin influences cardiovascular health and fetal development in preeclampsia, focusing on the relationship between leptin and other factors like soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1). By understanding these interactions, the research hopes to identify potential therapeutic targets for managing preeclampsia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for preeclampsia, potentially reducing risks for mothers and their babies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of adipokines in pregnancy complications, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Faulkner, Jessica L. — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Faulkner, Jessica L.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A digital health approach uses AI to spot early warning signs of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension from pregnancy data, so clinicians can tailor care for pregnant people.
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Folate Receptor Beta and its Role in Preeclampsia
This study explores how a protein called folate receptor beta on placental immune cells may drive or worsen preeclampsia in pregnancy, with hopes of finding new ways to prevent or treat the condition.
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.