Collection of Term Placenta (COT) Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Impact of maternal lifestyle on normal development and function of the human term placenta.
IRAS ID
244156
Contact name
Paul A Fowler
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Grampian Research Governance
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
researchregistry4481, Research Registry UIN
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
What impact does maternal lifestyle have on normal development and function of the human term placenta?
The term placenta is largely regarded as a waste by-product however it contains a wealth of information about the pregnancy. The placenta will be subjected to multiple adverse environmental/lifestyle factors in some women, with concomitant alterations in fetal programming, resulting in an increase in developmental and health risks to the offspring. It is unclear through which mechanisms these exposures can cause these effects but placental dysfunction is thought to play a large role. Perturbed placental development and function has been seen when mother smokes, drinks alcohol or has a high pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI). We have shown that even a developing placenta in the early stages of pregnancy contains molecular signatures that can be related to maternal lifestyle. For the COT Study we seek to collect term placentas to extend our current gestational age range to investigate what happens when the placenta has reached the end of its lifespan. Further, to uncover biomarkers which could be used to help medical staff identify babies likely to need additional care/treatment. Women, over the age of 16 and with a good understanding of English undergoing elective Caesarean sections (C/S) at >39 weeks gestation are eligible. It is important that we collect non-laboured placentas so our molecular findings are not hindered by hormonal and other changes of labour. Interested women will be consented at the antenatal clinic (Foresterhill, Aberdeen), placenta biopsies and a cord blood sample will be collected during the C/S and samples will be processed in the Institute of Medical Sciences. The study will end after 3 years by which we will have collected enough placentas and cord blood to reach statistical power (~150-200 balanced for maternal smoking, BMI and fetal sex).REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
19/NS/0001
Date of REC Opinion
17 Jan 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion