Understanding how oxygen exposure at birth leads to high blood pressure in the lungs later in life
Official title: Defining how neonatal hyperoxia causes pulmonary hypertension in adults
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10993632 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breathing oxygen as a baby can affect lung and heart health later in life for those born prematurely, and it aims to understand the reasons behind potential issues like high blood pressure in the lungs and heart failure as they grow up.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $602,931 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168812-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993632 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who were born preterm and may be experiencing symptoms related to pulmonary hypertension.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who were not born preterm or do not have a history of oxygen therapy at birth may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term effects of oxygen exposure on individuals born preterm, focusing on how it may lead to pulmonary hypertension and heart failure in adulthood. By examining lung tissues from preterm infants and adults who were born preterm, as well as using a mouse model, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which early oxygen therapy contributes to these conditions. The research will explore the role of specific enzymes and peptides that affect blood vessel function and heart health over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for pulmonary hypertension in adults who were born preterm.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between neonatal oxygen exposure and later cardiovascular issues, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'reilly, Michael a — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: O'reilly, Michael a
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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.