Smoking rates are disproportionately high in disadvantaged populations, particularly in emerging economies, and increasing in women of child bearing age.
North Shore - Kolling Institute of Medical Research
Masters/PHD
Epidemiological studies have shown that maternal smoking is associated with a number of adverse fetal outcomes including intrauterine growth retardation and increased risk of obesity, hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes later in life. We hypothesize that maternal smoking leads to oxidative stress and fetal epigenetic mitochondrial DNA mutations resulting in intrauterine growth retardation and predisposition to chronic kidney disease (CKD). A mouse model will be used to address this hypothesis. Interventions will be tested in both pregnant mothers and offspring changes with the aim being to prevent future renal dysfunction. The project will address two of the national health strategic initiatives which focus on a healthy start to life and chronic disease and its impact on the Australian health burden. We anticipate that our outcome will be highly relevant for the prevention of CKD in offspring from smoking mothers and will also have a potential for therapeutic interventions that will translate into clinical practice.
The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 1557