Jamison Clark
Research Mentor(s): Daniel Pfau
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Biomedical Engineering and Obstetrics & Gynecology
Presentation Date: 08/03/2022
Presentation Type: Poster
Poster Number: 38
Session: Session II: 1:30 – 2:20pm
Room: League Ballroom
Authors: Clark, J., Pfau, D., Schwartz, A., Dela Cruz, C., Padmanabhan, V., Shikanov, A., Moravek, M.B.
Abstract
Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) reliably alters secondary sex-associated traits to alleviate gender dysphoria for some Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) individuals. However, GAHT can act on any tissue with the proper hormone receptor. How GAHT-dependent changes impact the overall health needs of TGD individuals is largely unknown, given a lack of research in the area. Biomedical research designed to model and address the TGD community’s unique health needs may improve current gender-affirming therapies and create new options. There is evidence that mouse models can reliably be used as a translational model for the impacts of GAHT on reproductive health. Our lab uses animal models of GAHT to examine their impact on the reproductive, nervous and hormonal systems. Over the summer, our aim will be to examine the impact of GAHT with testosterone (T) on gestation (pregnancy). Female mice will be given either short- or long-term GAHT-T or control treatments then placed into breeding pairs and their fertility assessed. They will undergo natural breeding, and offspring will be analyzed for generational impacts on reproduction using histological analysis. These data will improve clinical research examining GAHT-T, ultimately helping TGD individuals on GAHT-T to make informed medical decisions regarding their reproductive health.
