Investigating how environmental chemicals affect male fertility and reproductive health.
Official title: Seminal plasma metabolomic signatures, preconception phthalates and reproductive outcomes.
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-10939815 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain chemicals found in plastics and personal care products might affect men's fertility, and it aims to find new ways to measure male reproductive health to help couples who are having trouble getting pregnant.
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 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $648,666 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES036537-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10939815 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include couples experiencing difficulty conceiving, particularly those where male factors may contribute to infertility.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing infertility or those whose infertility is solely attributed to female factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the impact of phthalates, common environmental chemicals found in plastics and personal care products, on male fertility. It aims to identify novel biomarkers in seminal plasma that can provide insights into male reproductive health and how these biomarkers are influenced by exposure to these chemicals. By analyzing the composition of seminal plasma, the research seeks to improve diagnostic tools for assessing male fertility and ultimately enhance reproductive outcomes for couples facing infertility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic methods and treatments for male infertility, improving the chances of conception for couples.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in identifying biomarkers related to male fertility, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pilsner, J. Richard — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Pilsner, J. Richard
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.