How iron balance affects pregnancy and endometriosis
Official title: Implications for iron homeostasis and ferroptosis in early pregnancy and endometriosis
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11165590 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how iron levels and stress in the body might affect women with endometriosis, a condition that can make it harder to get pregnant, and it aims to find out if a specific protein can help improve chances for successful pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 17, 2025 |
| Project end | April 16, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $78,052 |
| NIH project number | 1F32HD118693-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11165590 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women of reproductive age who have been diagnosed with endometriosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have endometriosis or are not of reproductive age may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of iron homeostasis and oxidative stress in women with endometriosis, a condition that affects about 10% of women of reproductive age and is linked to infertility and pregnancy complications. The study focuses on a protein called SLC40A1, which is crucial for regulating iron levels in the body. By examining menstrual effluent-derived stromal cells and organoid models, the research aims to understand how disruptions in iron balance may impair the processes necessary for successful embryo implantation. This could lead to new insights into improving reproductive outcomes for affected women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing endometriosis and enhancing fertility in affected women.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of iron in reproductive health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thapa, Rupak — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Thapa, Rupak
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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.