RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Placental Biology in Health and Disease

This study investigates pregnancy conditions like pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure) and gestational diabetes (blood sugar issues), which can affect both mother and baby. Researchers are focusing on tiny particles, called 'EVs', released by the placenta. These EVs act like messengers in the body, and their numbers and contents change in these conditions. By studying these EVs, scientists hope to better understand how these conditions develop. The goal is to find new and earlier ways to spot these problems and develop better treatments, ultimately improving health for pregnant women and their babies. The study involves collecting samples like blood and urine from pregnant women and non-pregnant controls.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

360

Start

16 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

31 May 2030

Pre-eclampsia Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR)Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH)Placenta Pregnancy

What is this study about?

This research project, called "Placental Biology in Health and Disease," aims to understand why some women develop serious health conditions during pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. Pre-eclampsia is when a pregnant woman develops high blood pressure and other organ problems, while gestational diabetes involves high blood sugar levels. Both can cause complications for mum and baby, and we don't fully understand why they happen.

The study focuses on tiny, bubble-like particles called 'extracellular vesicles' or EVs. These EVs are released by the placenta (the organ that connects mother and baby) and can travel through the mother's and baby's bloodstreams. They act like biological messengers, carrying important information that can affect how cells work throughout the body. Interestingly, the number and contents of these EVs change when conditions like pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes are present. Researchers believe these changes might play a key role in how these pregnancy complications start and develop.

By carefully studying these EVs from various samples (like blood and urine) taken from pregnant women with different health conditions, as well as healthy pregnant women and non-pregnant women, the researchers hope to gain a much clearer picture. The main goal is to find out if these EVs can act as early warning signals for these conditions and whether they could lead to new treatments. Ultimately, this research aims to improve the health and well-being of mothers and babies worldwide.

Key takeaways

This study investigates common pregnancy conditions like pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes.
It focuses on tiny messengers from the placenta called 'EVs' to understand these conditions.
The research aims to find new ways to detect and treat pregnancy complications early.
Participation involves providing samples (e.g., blood, urine) but no new treatments.
Your contribution could help improve health for mothers and babies in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you need to be a woman aged 18 or over. You must also be able to understand and agree to participate after reading about the study, and comfortable with written and spoken English.

The study is looking for both healthy women who are not pregnant, and pregnant women. If you are pregnant, you might be eligible if you have a healthy pregnancy, or if you have or are likely to develop pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, or if your baby has fetal growth restriction. These conditions will be identified using standard medical tests.

However, you wouldn't be able to join if you are not pregnant but have other serious health problems that might affect the study results. Similarly, if you are pregnant and have other health issues not related to pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, or fetal growth restriction – such as active infections or cancer – you would not be able to participate, as these could also affect the study's findings.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you female and aged 18 or older?
Can you read and understand written and spoken English well enough for study materials?
Are you able and willing to give your agreement to take part?
Are you currently not pregnant, or are you pregnant with either a healthy pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, fetal growth restriction, or at high risk of pre-eclampsia?
If you are not pregnant, are you generally healthy with no ongoing major health issues?
If you are pregnant, do you not have other serious health issues (like active infections or cancer) unrelated to the pregnancy conditions being studied?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, there are no medical treatments or interventions involved, as this is an observational study. Your involvement will primarily consist of providing various samples. This could include blood, urine, breath, and possibly samples of the placenta, umbilical cord, umbilical cord blood, amniotic fluid, and/or uterine vein blood. The exact samples collected will depend on your individual circumstances and whether you are pregnant or not, and your specific health condition. The study team will explain exactly what is needed for you. There is no set total duration for your participation; it will depend on the timing of your sample collections.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is that your contribution will help researchers better understand serious pregnancy conditions like pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. This could lead to earlier detection methods and improved treatments in the future, helping many mothers and babies. As this is an observational study with no experimental treatments, the main risks are minimal and typically associated with sample collection, such as slight discomfort or bruising from blood draws. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Oxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is pre-eclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy condition where a woman develops high blood pressure and signs of organ damage, often in the kidneys.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops or is first found during pregnancy when the body cannot make enough insulin.

What are 'EVs'?

EVs, or extracellular vesicles, are tiny bubbles released by the placenta that carry messages between cells. Researchers are studying how they relate to pregnancy complications.

Will I receive any new treatments in this study?

No, this is an 'observational' study. This means we are only collecting samples and information, not testing new treatments or medications.

How will my information be used?

Your information and samples will be used for laboratory analysis to better understand pregnancy complications. Your personal details will be kept confidential.

How to find out more

Professor Manu Vatish

manu.vatish@wrh.ox.ac.uk +441865 221009 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.