Phthalates and their effects on ovulation and fertility
Phthalate-Induced Dysregulation of Prostaglandin and Angiogenic Function During Ovulation in Women
This project looks at whether common plastics chemicals called phthalates harm the ovarian signals and blood-vessel growth needed for ovulation in women and whether certain supplements can restore that function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11226583 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you're a woman concerned about fertility, researchers will look at how everyday phthalates change the ovarian chemicals (prostaglandins) and blood-vessel signals needed for ovulation using human ovarian tissue and mouse models. They will measure those chemical signals and track whether ovulation happens normally after exposure to realistic phthalate mixtures. The team will also try rescue approaches, such as adding cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-related supplements, to see if normal ovulation and blood-vessel growth can be restored. The goal is to link typical environmental exposures to possible causes of ovulatory infertility and find ways to protect or restore ovarian function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women of reproductive age with ovulatory infertility or those undergoing ovarian tissue donation or surgery would be the most relevant candidates for participation or sample donation.
Not a fit: People who are postmenopausal, male, or whose infertility is unrelated to ovulation (for example, tubal blockage) are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to prevent or reverse phthalate-related ovulation problems and help protect fertility.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies, including the team's own mouse and human tissue data, have shown phthalates can lower prostaglandins and block ovulation, but using cAMP-like supplements to rescue ovulation is a newer approach that still needs testing.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hannon, Patrick Ryan — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Hannon, Patrick Ryan
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 below.