How PFAS chemicals may increase the risk of preterm birth due to infections
Official title: PFAS increases susceptibility to infection-mediated PTB
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-10768105 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exposure to certain chemicals called PFAS might affect pregnant women by weakening the placenta's ability to fight infections, which could lead to preterm birth, and it aims to help identify pregnancies that might be at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $533,723 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES035692-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10768105 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals exposed to PFAS and at risk for preterm birth due to infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those not exposed to PFAS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the link between exposure to PFAS chemicals and the risk of preterm birth (PTB) caused by infections. It focuses on how PFAS can weaken the immune response in the placenta, which is crucial for protecting against infections that could lead to PTB. By studying the mechanisms of how PFAS affect interferon signaling in the placenta, the research aims to uncover why some maternal infections result in PTB while others do not. The findings could help identify at-risk pregnancies and inform preventive strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention of preterm births associated with infections, ultimately enhancing maternal and infant health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that environmental pollutants like PFAS can negatively impact immune function, suggesting that this study's approach is grounded in established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Petriello, Michael Curtis — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Petriello, Michael Curtis
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.