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In Vitro Analysis of the Effects of Acute and Chronic Phthalate Exposures on Leydig Cell Testosterone Production, and the Molecular Mechanisms Involved

Award Number: R15ES032102
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/01/2023
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 09/14/2023

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In Vitro Analysis of the Effects of Acute and Chronic Phthalate Exposures on Leydig Cell Testosterone Production, and the Molecular Mechanisms Involved - Project Summary By interfering with hormone function and action, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as the plasticizer di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) can have negative effects on development and reproduction. With the support of a Research Enhancement (SC2) Award, when he was a faculty member at Elizabeth City State University, Dr. Traore found that in vivo exposure to DEHP during gestation had negative effects on testosterone (T) production in the adult, and that early exposure exacerbated the effects of subsequent exposures. Now at Duquesne University School of Medicine, Dr. Traore is proposing to conduct in vitro mechanistic studies of both acute and chronic DEHP effects on T production by Leydig cells. Until recently, Leydig cells isolated and cultured by available methods have been able to produce and maintain high levels of T production for only 3-5 days. Therefore, it has not yet been feasible to use primary cells in vitro to examine the direct, long-term effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of EDCs or to critically evaluate mechanisms involved in their actions on Leydig cells. However, Dr. Zirkin’s lab at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH) has recently developed a method by which Leydig cells derived from the differentiation of Leydig stem cells are able to produce and sustain high levels of T production for longer periods, several months. Dr. Zirkin, who served in a mentorship position for the SC2 Award, is continuing to collaborate with Dr. Traore and his students. The availability of primary Leydig cells able to sustain high levels of T production will be of great value for our proposed studies of the chronic effects of environmentally relevant phthalate concentrations under highly controlled conditions, and the mechanisms by which they function. With the availability of these cells, we will conduct in vitro studies of the direct effects of MEHP on Leydig cell formation from stem cells, the effects of MEHP exposure on the adult Leydig cells, and the effects of early exposures on the consequences of subsequent exposures. We also will conduct mechanistic studies of acute and long-term effects of phthalate- induced oxidative stress on T production. Duquesne University has the equipment and facilities necessary for the proposed studies, as well as outstanding medical students, graduate students and undergraduates who will be involved in this research project. With funds of this REAP grant, Dr. Traore will be able to support and expand ongoing research in his lab at Duquesne University, an institution located in an underserved area of Pennsylvania. The extensive collaboration between the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and Duquesne University will not only help excite Duquesne University students but also increase their interest in considering careers in basic science or clinical research. Moreover, the project undoubtedly will attract other Duquesne University faculty to seek funding to develop their research.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2024	2023	DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT	600 FORBES AVENUE	PITTSBURGH	PA	15282	ALLEGHENY	USA	Environmental Health	000	3	3/5/2024	COMPETING CONTINUATION	$8,842
2024	2020	DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT	600 FORBES AVENUE	PITTSBURGH	PA	15282	ALLEGHENY	USA	Environmental Health	001	2	3/5/2024	CHANGE OF GRANTEE / TRAINING INSTITUTION / AWARDING INSTITUTION	-$8,842
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $410,190 )
2023	2023	DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT	600 FORBES AVENUE	PITTSBURGH	PA	15282	ALLEGHENY	USA	Environmental Health	004	3	9/15/2023	COMPETING CONTINUATION	$401,895
2023	2020	DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT	600 FORBES AVENUE	PITTSBURGH	PA	15282	ALLEGHENY	USA	Environmental Health	002	2	7/14/2023	CHANGE OF GRANTEE / TRAINING INSTITUTION / AWARDING INSTITUTION	$0
2023	2020	DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT	600 FORBES AVENUE	PITTSBURGH	PA	15282	ALLEGHENY	USA	Environmental Health	003	2	9/6/2023	CHANGE OF GRANTEE / TRAINING INSTITUTION / AWARDING INSTITUTION	$0
2023	2020	DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT	600 FORBES AVENUE	PITTSBURGH	PA	15282	ALLEGHENY	USA	Environmental Health	001	2	3/31/2023	CHANGE OF GRANTEE / TRAINING INSTITUTION / AWARDING INSTITUTION	$156,115
2023	2020	CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY	143 MAIN ST	BUIES CREEK	NC	27506	HARNETT	USA	Environmental Health	000	1	3/30/2023	NEW	-$147,820
														Subtotal = $410,190

Issue Date FY: 2020 ( Subtotal = $460,313 )
2020	2020	CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY, INCORPORATED	148 MAIN ST	BUIES CREEK	NC	27506	HARNETT	USA	Environmental Health	000	1	8/28/2020	NEW	$460,313
														Subtotal = $460,313

Grand Total All Awards = $870,503

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In Vitro Analysis of the Effects of Acute and Chronic Phthalate Exposures on Leydig Cell Testosterone Production, and the Molecular Mechanisms Involved

Award Number: R15ES032102

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/01/2023

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 09/14/2023

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