Overview
Liping Feng, MD's research has focused on understanding the mechanisms of pregnancy complications associated with placental development. These works are translated then to the clinical care of women through studies dedicated to identify risk factors and novel biomarkers for early prediction and prevention of adverse birth outcomes.
Dr. Feng devotes her entire career to improving pregnancy outcomes through innovative research. Dr. Feng conducts both basic science/laboratory research, as well as participates in clinical studies. Her laboratory has focused on understanding the mechanisms of placenta-originated pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and still birth, which are important causes of perinatal and neonates’ mortality and morbidity. Currently, she has three lines of investigation focused on the roles of inflammation/infection, cell aging, and environmental exposure in placental development and subsequent pregnancy complications.
In addition, Dr. Feng has established an international collaboration in Global Women’s Health. She has affiliated with the Duke Global Health Institute (DGHI) and participates in a DGHI research. She has an interest in DGHI education, and service or policy initiatives, including mentoring and teaching graduate and professional students on fieldwork and research.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Recent Publications
PFBS disrupts lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function in human trophoblast cells.
Journal Article Toxicology · December 2025 Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) is an emerging short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), a group of persistent environmental contaminants associated with adverse reproductive outcomes. The placenta plays a critical role in the pathogenesis ... Full text Link to item CiteAbstract 4365028: HIV Antiretroviral Therapy and Drinking Water Contaminant Exposures Induce Cardiac Function Changes in Women of Childbearing Age
Conference Circulation · November 4, 2025 Objective: The majority of individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are female. Although combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) can greatly improve prognosis and prev ... Full text CitePerinatal Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances Impairs Maternal Care and Induces Depressive-like Behavior in Mice.
Journal Article Toxicol Sci · October 27, 2025 Postpartum mental health disorders are a critical yet understudied aspect of maternal health. Exposure to environmental toxicants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been associated with adverse health outcomes, including reproductive an ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Duke Women's Reproductive Health Research Scholars
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development · 2020 - 2030PFAS exposure is detrimental to placental function and fetal development by disrupting mitochondrial function and metabolism
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2029Duke University Program in Environmental Health
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences · 2019 - 2029View All Grants