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 CiteA call to standardize the nomenclature of human fetal membrane at the feto-maternal interface.
Journal Article Placenta · October 2025 Despite being one of the largest intrauterine tissues in surface area, the fetal membrane that lines the intrauterine cavity is often overlooked, forgotten, or misidentified in clinical and basic science research. The feto-maternal interface is comprised o ... Full text Link to item CiteEffects of Perfluorobutane Sulfonate (PFBS) on Female Reproduction, Pregnancy, and Birth Outcomes.
Journal Article Obstet Gynecol Surv · October 2025 IMPORTANCE: Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) is a short-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) that has emerged as a significant public health concern due to its widespread environmental contamination and persistent nature. While PFBS is considere ... 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