Using Technology for Early Detection of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes from Maternal Obesity: improving outcomes for the next generation Grant uri icon

abstract

  • Due to increasing rates of maternal obesity, Eastern North Carolina has levels higher than the national average for adverse pregnancy outcomes: gestational diabetes (GDM), pre-eclampsia (PreE), and preterm birth (PTB). GDM, PreE, and PTB have been linked with maternal blood biomarkers of inflammation and mitochondrial insufficiency. Additionally, these APOs are linked with placental dysfunction, which is associated with increased placental inflammatory markers, decreased vasculogenesis, and decreased mitochondrial function. For GDM, PreE, and PTB, maternal metabolite biomarkers have not been fully characterized in early or late pregnancy, nor linked directly to placental function. Thus, in order to reduce GDM, PreE, and PTB, it is critical to 1) fully characterize placental changes, 2) identify maternal biomarkers, and 3) determine predictors. Using biobanked placentas and maternal blood samples with and without GDM, PreE, or PTB, the objective of this study to determine which placental metabolites and maternal biomarkers are altered in early and late pregnancy. We expect the placental and maternal vascular, metabolic, and inflammatory biomarker changes with GDM, PreE, and PTB will be observed in higher levels in late pregnancy but still measurable in early pregnancy. We will test this hypothesis with three specific aims to characterize 1) placental metabolites and function and 2) maternal metabolites and biomarkers, from GDM, PreE, and PTB in order to 3) find significant predictors. This study will be the first to provide a comprehensive evaluation of placental metabolites and function and maternal biomarkers. This work will provide critical preliminary data to uncover novel areas for exploration as we move the field forward to inform mitigation strategies for APOs. Ultimately, this study will be the first step in providing early predictors for GDM, PreE, and PTB.

date/time interval

  • January 2022 - December 2022