Investigating how hexavalent chromium affects blood vessel development in the uterus
Official title: Evaluating the effects of hexavalent chromium on uterine vascular remodeling
Funded at Texas A&m Agrilife Research · NIH-10757444 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exposure to a harmful chemical called hexavalent chromium in drinking water might affect the blood vessels in the uterus, which are important for a healthy pregnancy, and it aims to help understand why some women might face issues like infertility or miscarriage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m Agrilife Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $190,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R21ES034905-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10757444 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant who have been exposed to hexavalent chromium.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or have no history of exposure to hexavalent chromium may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the impact of hexavalent chromium, a contaminant found in drinking water, on the remodeling of uterine blood vessels, which is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. The study aims to understand how exposure to this chemical may lead to complications such as infertility and miscarriage by analyzing its effects on trophoblast cells and growth factor signaling pathways. By using data from pregnant women and newborns exposed to chromium, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind abnormal placental development and pregnancy disorders. Patients may be involved in providing data or samples to help elucidate these effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention of pregnancy complications related to environmental exposures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated harmful reproductive effects from chromium exposure, suggesting that this research builds on established findings rather than exploring a completely novel area.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m Agrilife Research
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Banu, Sakhila — Texas A&m Agrilife Research
- Study coordinator: Banu, Sakhila
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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.