How common 'forever chemicals' (PFAS) may harm ovaries and ovulation
Ovarian disrupting effects of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on gonadotropin-dependent folliculogenesis and ovulation
['FUNDING_R01'] · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11247580
This project looks at whether exposure to PFAS chemicals is linked to damage to ovarian follicles and problems with ovulation in people who can become pregnant.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11247580 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze national health data to look for links between PFAS levels in blood and menstrual or fertility problems. In the lab, they will expose mice to several PFAS chemicals and real-world PFAS mixtures to see how follicles develop and whether ovulation is disrupted. The team will study hormonal signaling related to gonadotropin-dependent follicle growth to understand biological mechanisms. Findings aim to connect population patterns with biological effects to better explain how PFAS might affect ovarian health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who might be most relevant are reproductive-age women with irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, long-term amenorrhea, or known PFAS exposure from contaminated water or work.
Not a fit: Postmenopausal women or people without measurable PFAS exposure are less likely to directly benefit from these findings in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify how PFAS exposure contributes to menstrual problems or infertility and guide prevention, screening, or treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous population studies have reported links between some PFAS and ovarian disorders, but detailed animal and mixture-based mechanistic work is less common and this project extends that evidence.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- 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 below.
Conditions: Cancers