Placenta Study

Overview

About this study

The hypothesis of our research is that inflammatory mediators, including alarmins, are important cause of inflammation and poor functioning of the placenta.

Our overall objective is to obtain a better understanding of the mechanisms of action of inflammatory mediators on the placenta, as well as the mechanisms underlying these effects, and to identify new therapeutic targets and investigate their effectiveness in vitro.

More specifically we aim to:

  1. Determine in vitro the mechanisms and signaling pathways leading to inflammation and abnormal function of the placenta during exposure to alarmins and/or pathogenic agents (infections/pathogen associated molecular patterns) allowing the comparison between the two types of stimuli.

Following an uncomplicated cesarean delivery, the placenta will be acquired by the study team and approximately 40 grams of tissue will be collected by the study team and placed into maintenance medium. Samples will be transferred to the laboratory of Dr. Girard (Guggenheim 3) or Dr. Enninga (Guggenheim 6) for processing. Processing will include single cell isolation, explants, nucleic acid isolation and/or histology. If samples are to be kept, they will be stored deidentified in the lab of Dr. Girard (Guggenheim 3). Information regarding the samples will be kept in a password protected REDCap database.

Target patient accrual is 150 participants.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Women who will give birth at Mayo Clinic by caesarean-section at term following an uncomplicated pregnancy.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Multiple pregnancy.
  • Known presence of clinical infections (e.g., chorioamnionitis), congenital anomalies or maternal pathologies (i.e., diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia).
  • Intrauterine growth retardation or fetal macrosomia.
  • Maternal age under 18 or over 50.
  • Maternal body mass index (BMI) of less than 18 and more than 40.
  • Pregnancy less than 37 weeks of completed gestation.

Eligibility last updated 2/2/22. Questions regarding updates should be directed to the study team contact.

 

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status Contact

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Sylvie Girard, Ph.D.

Open for enrollment

Contact information:

Sylvie Girard Ph.D.

Girard.Sylvie@mayo.edu

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available