News | NIH-Funded Study Examines Environmental Effects on Male Fertility
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded Wayne State University a five-year, $3,082,404 grant to study environmental effects on male fertility. The project is led by Richard Pilsner, PhD, professor of molecular obstetrics and gynecology and the Robert J. Sokol Endowed Chair at the C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development.
The project focuses on identifying new biomarkers in seminal plasma. Although seminal plasma, like sperm, affects reproductive outcomes, its metabolomic profile and links to environmental exposures and reproductive success are understudied. Dr. Pilsner said the study aims to identify metabolomic patterns that predict live birth or reproductive success and could guide interventions for couples having difficulty conceiving.
The research will focus on phthalates, endocrine-disrupting chemicals used in plastics and personal-care products. Exposure to these widespread pollutants has been linked to poor sperm quality, impaired embryo development, and longer time to pregnancy.
The team will assess relationships between preconception urinary phthalate-metabolite concentrations and the seminal-plasma metabolome, and between seminal-plasma metabolites and reproductive outcomes. Findings will be replicated and further characterized in an independent cohort. The work may improve clinical assessment of male fertility and inform interventions for male infertility.
Wayne State University Vice President Ezemenari M. Obasi, PhD, said understanding environmental effects on health is essential and expressed hope that the research led by Drs. Pilsner and Sumner will improve reproductive health and broader well-being.
News | NIH-Funded Study Examines Environmental Effects on Male Fertility
News | NIH-Funded Study Examines Environmental Effects on Male Fertility
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded Wayne State University a five-year, $3,082,404 grant to study environmental effects on male fertility. The project is led by Richard Pilsner, PhD, professor of molecular obstetrics and gynecology and the Robert J. Sokol Endowed Chair at the C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development.
The project focuses on identifying new biomarkers in seminal plasma. Although seminal plasma, like sperm, affects reproductive outcomes, its metabolomic profile and links to environmental exposures and reproductive success are understudied. Dr. Pilsner said the study aims to identify metabolomic patterns that predict live birth or reproductive success and could guide interventions for couples having difficulty conceiving.
The research will focus on phthalates, endocrine-disrupting chemicals used in plastics and personal-care products. Exposure to these widespread pollutants has been linked to poor sperm quality, impaired embryo development, and longer time to pregnancy.
The team will assess relationships between preconception urinary phthalate-metabolite concentrations and the seminal-plasma metabolome, and between seminal-plasma metabolites and reproductive outcomes. Findings will be replicated and further characterized in an independent cohort. The work may improve clinical assessment of male fertility and inform interventions for male infertility.
Wayne State University Vice President Ezemenari M. Obasi, PhD, said understanding environmental effects on health is essential and expressed hope that the research led by Drs. Pilsner and Sumner will improve reproductive health and broader well-being.
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