Understanding how sex differences affect lung injury in premature infants

Mechanisms of sex differences in neonatal pulmonary oxygen toxicity

NIH-funded research Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-10641771

This study is looking into why premature baby boys are more likely to develop a serious lung problem called bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and it aims to find out how high oxygen levels after birth affect their lungs differently than baby girls' lungs, which could help create better treatments for these little ones.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionChildren's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10641771 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind why premature male infants are more susceptible to bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a serious lung condition. It focuses on how exposure to high levels of oxygen after birth impacts lung development differently in male and female neonates. By studying neonatal mice, the research aims to uncover the role of specific microRNAs and genetic factors that may protect female lungs from damage caused by oxygen exposure. The findings could lead to targeted therapies that improve lung health in premature infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants, particularly those who are at risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia due to oxygen exposure.

Not a fit: Patients who are not premature or do not have a risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and preventive strategies for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding sex differences in neonatal health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions chronic lung disease in infantschronic lung disease in neonatal infantschronic lung disease in neonates
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.