Evaluating sex-dependent changes in gut microbiome caused by polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposures

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are environmental chemicals or toxicants that have been associated with numerous health effects in humans including liver disease, reproductive defects, and cardiovascular diseases. While extensive research has been performed on how PCBs can induce organ toxicity using experimental models, little is known about how PCBs behave with regards to their toxic actions, in the context of biological sex. The proposed project seeks to understand how exposures to PCBs can modify gut bacteria composition, how these changes can impact liver health, and if these changes are different in males vs. females. Such studies will help to better understand the relationship between these environmental contaminants with sex and gender, and if men or women are more at risk to such PCB-associated health effects.