Actively Recruiting
Placental Biology in Health and Disease
Led by University of Oxford · Updated on 2026-03-13
360
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how tiny particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs), released by the placenta, contribute to pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia (PET), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and fetal growth restriction (FGR). These conditions are linked to problems with the placenta and can cause serious health issues for both mother and baby. The study aims to better understand the role of EVs in these complications to identify potential early detection markers and treatment targets. This is an observational study without any treatments or interventions. Participants include pregnant women with healthy pregnancies, those with PET, GDM, or FGR, women predisposed to PET, and healthy non-pregnant women as controls. Researchers will collect various biological samples like blood, urine, breath, placenta, umbilical cord, and amniotic fluid to analyze EV content and function in relation to different pregnancy conditions. Participants will provide samples and clinical data at baseline and at delivery. The study will measure molecular and cellular changes in EVs and immune cells to understand their connection to inflammation and pregnancy complications. Researchers will also assess the ability of EVs to predict these conditions. The study is conducted over the pregnancy period, focusing on comparisons across different participant groups to improve knowledge about maternal and fetal health.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Placental Biology in Health and Disease
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Female, aged 18 years or above
- Willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study
- Able to read and understand written and spoken English to comprehend study materials and give informed consent
- Non-pregnant women in good general health OR pregnant women with: healthy pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, fetal growth restriction, or predisposed to pre-eclampsia
You will not qualify if you...
- Non-pregnant participants with active health conditions that could confound study outcomes
- Pregnant participants with conditions unrelated to pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus or fetal growth restriction that could influence extracellular vesicle profiles, such as active infections or malignancies
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - From baseline through delivery
Participants provide biological samples for laboratory-based analyses to investigate placental extracellular vesicles and soluble factors related to maternal and fetal health.
1 baseline visit and 1 visit at delivery
Duration - From baseline through delivery
Participants are observed to understand molecular mechanisms and identify biomarkers linked to pregnancy complications.
Visits coincide with sample collection at baseline and delivery
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Oxford, United Kingdom
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
P
Professor Manu Vatish
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
6
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