EDCs & Reproductive Health: Effects of chemical mixtures on ovarian function

Up to 15% of women of reproductive age are infertile, with ovarian disorders as a leading cause. These disorders include primary ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), anovulation, and aneuploidy.

The underlying mechanisms of ovarian dysfunctions remain largely unknown, but studies have shown links to exposure to environmental endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) including dioxins, phthalates, bisphenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Most prior research focuses on exposure to a single EDC, but in the real world people are exposed to complex EDC mixtures.

In this EDC Strategies Partnership/Young EDC Scientists Showcase (YESS) webinar, Dr. Shuo Xiao will introduce his lab research that focuses on integrating in vivo, in vitro, and in silico models to study the impacts of real-world EDC mixtures on female ovarian function, reproductive outcomes, and the molecular mechanisms involved.

Dr. Xiao is the 2025 winner of the Lou Guillette, Jr Outstanding Young Investigator Award from Healthy Environment and Endocrine Disruptor Strategies (HEEDS), a program of Environmental Health Sciences. This award is given yearly in honor of Dr. Lou Guillette Jr. (1954-2015) to a young investigator who embodies Lou’s love of science, communication and commitment to mentoring.

This webinar will be moderated by Sarah Howard, Program Manager at HEEDS.