Investigating how phthalate exposure affects women's reproductive aging

Phthalate Exposure and Female Reproductive Aging

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-11226341

This study is looking at how certain chemicals in our environment, called phthalates, might affect how quickly the female reproductive system ages, which could lead to fertility issues and health risks, and it’s using female mice to help us understand these effects better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Champaign, United States)
Project IDNIH-11226341 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how exposure to certain environmental chemicals, specifically phthalates, impacts the aging of the female reproductive system. It aims to identify the mechanisms behind early reproductive aging, which can lead to infertility and increased health risks. The study will analyze the effects of these chemicals on inflammation and reproductive health in female mice, providing insights that could be relevant to human health. By examining gene expression and inflammatory responses, the research seeks to uncover critical factors that contribute to reproductive aging.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women aged 21 and older who may be concerned about reproductive health and aging.

Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by reproductive aging or those who are not exposed to phthalates may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for early reproductive aging in women.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that environmental chemicals can impact reproductive health, suggesting that this research could build on established findings.

Where this research is happening

Champaign, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.