Investigating how PFAS chemicals affect male reproductive health before conception
Official title: Uncovering the Molecular Signature of PFAS Mixtures on Preconception Male Reproductive Health
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-11163920 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exposure to certain chemicals called PFAS might affect men's reproductive health, especially before they become fathers, by examining how these chemicals influence sperm development and hormone levels.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,153 |
| NIH project number | 1F31ES036425-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11163920 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adult males who are planning to conceive and may have been exposed to PFAS chemicals.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not planning to conceive or who have no history of PFAS exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how exposure to PFAS chemicals may impact male reproductive health, particularly before conception. It aims to explore the effects of these chemicals on sperm development and testosterone levels through advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing. By studying the molecular changes in sperm and epididymosomes, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms by which PFAS may contribute to infertility in men. The findings could provide insights into how environmental factors influence reproductive health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential interventions for male infertility linked to environmental exposures.
How similar studies have gone: While there is emerging evidence regarding the effects of PFAS on reproductive health, this specific investigation into the molecular mechanisms is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maxwell, Druanne — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Maxwell, Druanne
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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.