Work

Human fetal circulating factors from pregnancies complicated by obesity upregulate genes associated with pathological hypertrophy in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Obesity in pregnant women increases risk for heart problems in their children. This study treated heart cells growing in a dish with blood plasma from the umbilical cords of newborn babies. Plasma from babies of women with obesity activated genes linked to heart failure. This means we could design treatments targeting plasma molecules, like microRNAs, or the way the placenta releases them. This could improve children's heart health if the mother has obesity.

Source: American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology

DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00375.2025

Authors: Owen R. Vaughan, Andrew Goodspeed, Carmen C. Sucharov, Theresa L. Powell, Thomas Jansson

Institutions: University College London, University of Colorado Anschutz, University of Colorado Cancer Center

Language: English

Topic: Birth, Development, and Health

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: National Institutes of Health, Center for Women’s Health Research, University of Colorado, Medical Research Council