Female infertility is a major public health problem that affects about 10% of women and it is
estimated to affect 6.5 million American women by 2025. Additionally, rates of infertility are
expected to increase as women wait longer to have children. The main reasons of female infertility
relate to
ovarian, fallopian tube (oviduct), or idiopathic dysfunctions. Recent experimental and
epidemiological studies have linked some endocrine disrupting chemical exposures with female
infertility and premature reproductive aging. However, only some of these studies have examined
the reprotoxic effects of chemicals in daily-used products despite their relevance to women’s
health. Propylparaben, in particular, is an antimicrobial compound that is commonly incorporated
in numerous products and it is a suspected endocrine-disruptor. Limited experimental findings
indicate that it can target the ovary and to alter sex steroid hormone synthesis. However, these
studies mostly used neonatal and young adult rodents, examined short exposure durations, and
neglected the oviduct as a potential target of propylparaben. Henceforth, the proposed project
aims to determine the progressive effects of long-term exposure to propylparaben on ovarian and
oviductal function and overall fertility by using an animal model that closely mimic women’s
exposure and childbearing choices. Our central hypothesis is that long-term daily exposure to
propylparaben disrupts ovarian steroidogenesis and decreases oviductal epithelial cell turnover,
culminating with reduced fertility that is exacerbated by duration of exposure and dose (in vivo).
We propose to determine the reprotoxic effects of propylparaben on 1) ovarian steroidogenesis
and follicle development, 2) oviductal epithelial cell turnover, and overall fertility. To that end we
will utilize cutting-edge molecular and histomorphological methods along with hormone assays
and comprehensive fertility studies. We will compare three different doses of propylparaben and
durations of exposure that will mimic women’s exposure during three different childbearing ages.
The successful completion of the proposed project will provide both mechanistic and physiologic
findings on propylparaben reprotoxic effects on the ovary, oviduct, and overall fertility. Our
proposed studies may identify novel factors related to accelerated reproductive aging and
unexplained infertility. Findings from the proposed studies will improve women’s ability to make
informed choices about their reproductive health.