Effects of certain chemicals on women's reproductive health
Official title: Ovarian disrupting effects of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on gonadotropin-dependent folliculogenesis and ovulation
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11050321 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how 'Forever Chemicals' (PFAS) might impact women's ovarian function and fertility, especially for those who have been exposed to contaminated water and food, to better understand how these chemicals could affect things like menstrual cycles and the ability to get pregnant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 13, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $561,584 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES035766-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050321 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women of reproductive age who have been exposed to PFAS through contaminated sources.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not of reproductive age or have not been exposed to PFAS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as 'Forever Chemicals', affect ovarian function and fertility in women. It focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which these chemicals disrupt normal folliculogenesis and ovulation, particularly in women exposed to contaminated drinking water and food. The study employs both epidemiological data and animal models to explore the relationship between PFAS exposure and reproductive health outcomes, such as irregular menstrual cycles and infertility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of reproductive health issues related to PFAS exposure in women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown associations between PFAS exposure and reproductive health issues, indicating that this research builds on existing knowledge but focuses on less-studied PFAS compounds.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiao, Shuo — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Xiao, Shuo
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.