The role of maternal obesity-driven inflammation and adverse pregnancy outcomes in a mouse model of preeclampsia

Jennifer Sones, PhD
Jennifer Sones, PhD, DVM, in lab

This project seeks to understand how reproductive fat tissue in obese women contributes to preeclampsia, a condition of fatally high blood pressure in pregnancy. Worldwide, greater than > 75,000 women and 500,000 infants die as a result of preeclampsia each year, and the numbers are rising. While the only cure for preeclampsia is early delivery, several risk factors are known, including maternal obesity. Therefore, reversal of obesity in women may help prevent preeclampsia. 

The goals of this project include how, when, and why maternal weight loss improves outcomes for both mom and baby.