Grant: DRA : Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral Program (CGRS D)

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Research shows that problems during pregnancy not only affect the pregnant individual but can also increase the risk of health problems for the offspring later in life. One such problem in the pregnant individual is having excessive amounts of cholesterol, a waxy, fat-like substance, in the blood. While some cholesterol is needed for the fetus to grow, too much cholesterol during pregnancy can lead to complications such as preeclampsia. These complications can place both the pregnant individual and their offspring at higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions later in life. Offspring born from complicated pregnancies may also be more vulnerable to secondary challenges as they grow, such as an unhealthy diet or aging. These challenges can make their risk of heart and metabolic disease even greater. Importantly, the impact may differ depending on the sex. Indeed, previous research shows that the long-term health impact of pregnancy complications on the offspring can differ between males and females, but the reasons for this are still unclear. In this project, we will use a rat model to study how excessive amounts of cholesterol in pregnancy affect the offspring. We will measure growth, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and heart and blood vessel function in the young adult offspring. We will also assess the impact of a challenge with a "western-style" diet, which is high in fat and sugar, to see if they are more sensitive to this challenge when born from a complicated pregnancy. By studying both males and females, we will learn whether sex differences play an important role in how these risks develop. The goal of this research is to better understand how pregnancy health influences the lifelong risk of disease in the offspring. Our findings can support new ways to improve pregnancy monitoring, such as cholesterol screening, and help protect the long-term health of future generations.