Alishba Humayun
Supervisor: David Olson
Project: Testing a new drug that blocks inflammation during pregnancy
"In real life situations, environmental factors and stressors can induce maternal-low grade inflammation and consequently impact the baby's development."
Blocking inflammation during pregnancy to prevent harm to newborns
The immune system protects our body from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses and heals damaged areas by releasing factors to start an inflammatory response. At times, however, inflammation can do more harm than good.
When a mother is pregnant with a child, the body maintains a low inflammatory state to create a safe and healthy environment for the baby to grow. In some cases, this low inflammatory state cannot be maintained, and the baby is delivered too early before its organs are fully developed. Even if the baby is born at the right time, the inflammation over time can still negatively impact its development. Therefore, blocking increases in inflammation during pregnancy can protect both the mother and the baby.
In this study, we will trigger low levels of inflammation in a pregnant animal model over a period of time, similar to what a pregnant person may experience. Then, we will see if any organs were damaged, specifically the brain, small intestine, and lungs. Our lab is testing a new drug that blocks this dangerous inflammation. We will then use our therapy to see if it can prevent inflammation and organ damage in newborns. This will be an exciting discovery because there are currently no useful drugs to prevent these harmful effects, so many children suffer as a result.
Alishba Humayun was supervised by David Olson and her summer studentship was funded by the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. She is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Honors Physiology program.
