# Nevada IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE)

> **NIH NIH P20** · UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA RENO · 2020 · $143,500

## Abstract

Project summary:
Inflammatory responses are essential to enable the body to defend against infection and repair damaged
tissue; however, abnormal inflammatory responses during pregnancy increase the risk of complications such
as pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, preterm labor, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The goal of
this supplementary proposal is to examine the potential benefits of inflammatory suppression on uterine
smooth muscle (Project 1) and the role of a lifestyle intervention involving diet and physical activity in reducing
hyperglycemia and inflammation in GDM in minority women (Project 2). Abnormal uterine distension is
associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery, and increased mechanical strain causes cellular stress
and increases the risk of preterm labor. Our central hypothesis is that mechanical strain activates p38 MAPK
signaling leading to cytokine secretion, myometrial activation, and increased risk of preterm labor. We expect
to identify mechanisms by which excess uterine strain could prematurely drive myometrial activation and labor.
GDM has been associated with elevated systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, and very few intervention
trials have assessed the role of a lifestyle intervention in alleviating these pathological processes. Our central
hypothesis is that dietary bioactive compounds and postprandial physical activity can improve GDM-related
hyperglycemia and inflammation. We expect lifestyle intervention to improve hyperglycemia, oxidative stress
and inflammation associated with GDM, and subsequently decrease the need for pharmacological intervention
in these women.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10150503
- **Project number:** 3P20GM103440-18S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA RENO
- **Principal Investigator:** Jonathan E. Baker
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $143,500
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2001-09-01 → 2021-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10150503

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10150503, Nevada IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) (3P20GM103440-18S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10150503. Licensed CC0.

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