Chi Zhou

Education:

• Ph.D. Reproductive Physiology/Animal Sciences, University of Alberta, AB, Canada
• Post-Doc. Reproductive Physiology, Department of Ob/Gyn, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI USA 

Dr. Zhou's work focuses on exploring the role of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) exposure in maternal obesity–induced fetal sex-specific endothelial dysfunction and the effect of maternal heat stress exposure–induced fetal growth restriction on fetal immune-endothelial cell interaction. 

Phthalates are a group of endocrine disruptors that widely existing in the environment. Women at reproductive age have a significant burden of the phthalate congener, di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP). DBP exposure is associated with obesity and adverse pregnancy/fetal outcomes such as preterm birth, fetal growth retardation, and childhood obesity in humans. Although DBP is known as an obesogen, the impact of prenatal DBP exposure on fetal vascular/endothelial development and function in obese pregnancies is unclear. In this study, we will examine the effect of DBP exposure on maternal obesity-induced female and male fetal endothelial dysfunction. Results from this study will provide important information on how phthalates exposure affects placental function as well as the fetal-sex specific programming of fetal vascular/endothelial development and function.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) complicates ~8% of all pregnancies and is associated with increased perinatal morbidity caused in part by endothelial cells dysfunction, putting the offspring at greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. Maternal exposure to heat waves during pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as FGR. During fetal development, immune cells-vascular endothelial cells interaction is crucial for fetal immune system development and maturation. Dysregulation of this complex system leads to inflammation and ECs dysfunction which causes long-term adverse effects on the immune and cardiovascular health of the offspring. In this study, we aim to examine the effect of maternal heat stress exposure-induced FGR on fetal circulating immune cell population and their effects on the fetal endothelial cell function.

Environmental research interests - Role of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) exposure in maternal obesity–induced fetal sex-specific endothelial dysfunction; effect of maternal heat stress exposure–induced fetal growth restriction on fetal immune-endothelial cell interaction