How environmental pollutants affect uterine fibroids
Official title: Environmental Pollutants and AHR pathway in Uterine Leiomyoma
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10954258 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain environmental chemicals might affect the growth of fibroids in women by exploring changes in a specific gene, and it hopes to find new treatment options that don’t require surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | December 13, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $608,603 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES034753-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10954258 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pre- and peri-menopausal women who have been diagnosed with uterine leiomyomas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have uterine leiomyomas or are not of reproductive age may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of environmental pollutants, specifically endocrine disrupting chemicals, in the development of uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) in women. It focuses on understanding how mutations in the MED12 gene contribute to fibroid growth and whether exposure to these pollutants exacerbates this process. By examining the biochemical pathways involved, particularly the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway, the research aims to identify potential non-surgical treatment options for women suffering from fibroids. The study will involve analyzing tissue samples and conducting laboratory experiments to explore the effects of specific compounds on fibroid cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new non-surgical treatments for uterine fibroids, improving the quality of life for many women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of environmental pollutants on reproductive health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bulun, Serdar E. — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Bulun, Serdar E.
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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.