Research
Our research bridges reproductive biology, toxicology, and sustainable chemistry to study the mechanisms by which environmental chemicals act as endocrine disruptors.
Understanding how endocrine disrupting chemicals act is important for the development of safer chemicals and for developing novel therapeutics to prevent damage to sensitive reproductive organs.
We are funded through a K99/R00 from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Currently, we are investigating the toxicity and mechanisms of an environmentally relevant mixture of phthalates in the ovary using a mouse model.
Endocrine Disruption
Endocrine disrupting chemicals are chemicals that interfere in any way with the production, distribution, or action of hormones in the body. Many endocrine disrupting chemicals are hormone mimics. Human are exposed during daily life to endocrine disrupting chemicals, which include ingredients in pesticides, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products.
Phthalates
Phthalates are a class of chemicals used in industrial and consumer products including medical equipment, car interiors, shower curtains, synthetic leather, and children’s toys as well as fragranced cleaning and personal care products. Humans are ubiquitously exposed due to their widespread use. Phthalates are known endocrine disrupting chemicals.
The Ovary
The ovary is vital for female reproductive health. It is responsible for production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone as well as development and release of oocytes. Women are born with a finite number of oocytes. Disruption of oocyte maturation, ovulation, or hormone production can result in infertility, premature menopause, and other hormone-related diseases.
