Effects of chemical exposure before and during pregnancy on fertility and metabolic health across generations

Transgenerational consequences of pre-conceptional and in utero exposure to real-life chemical mixtures on fertility and metabolic health

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10745710

This study is looking at how being exposed to certain environmental chemicals before and during pregnancy might affect fertility and health in future generations, using pregnant sheep to help us understand what this could mean for humans.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10745710 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to a mixture of environmental chemicals before and during pregnancy can affect fertility and metabolic health in future generations. Using a unique animal model, pregnant sheep will be exposed to biosolids, which mimic the chemical exposure humans face. The study aims to understand the long-term metabolic changes in the offspring across three generations, providing insights into how these exposures may influence health outcomes in humans. By examining these effects, the research seeks to uncover potential transgenerational impacts of environmental chemicals on reproductive and metabolic health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are planning to conceive or are currently pregnant, particularly those concerned about environmental exposures.

Not a fit: Patients who are not planning to conceive or are beyond reproductive age may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for fertility issues and metabolic disorders in humans.

How similar studies have performed: While there is existing research on single chemical exposures, this study's approach of examining real-life chemical mixtures and their transgenerational effects is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.