Elevated maternal cholesterol is linked to a coexpression network of neonatal indole metabolism and birth weight

American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Lik Hang Wu, Jielin Yang, Leroy Sivappiragasam Pakkiri, Lara J. Monteiro, Reyna Peñailillo, Poh Leong Lim, Mahesh Choolani, Matthew W. Kemp, Ling-Jun Li, Claudette Cantin, Ignacio Valenzuela, Andrea Leiva
+2 more Chester Lee Drum, Sebastian Illanes
DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00854.2025
Cited by: 3
References: 66

Abstract

This study identifies a coexpression network module connecting birth weight with cord blood indole metabolites, highlighting an integrated neonatal growth-metabolism signature. Maternal lipid status tracks with this signature, adding molecular resolution to the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) paradigm by implicating growth-linked biochemical perturbations in gut-derived indole metabolites. Given the established relevance of indole metabolites to cardiovascular health, our preliminary results motivate future studies aimed at targeting neonatal metabolism as an early window for cardiovascular health intervention.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Birth Development and Health Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry Studies Fatty Acid Research and Health

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Volume
330
Issue
5
Pages
H1405–H1419
Publication date
23 March 2026
Language
EN