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Polystyrene nanoplastics exacerbated the toxicity of cadmium: from the perspective of the placenta-uterus micro-environment
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A new mouse study found that tiny plastic particles (nanoplastics) and cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, are a dangerous combo during pregnancy — the plastics act like a sponge that helps cadmium build up in the body, damaging the barriers that protect the uterus and placenta. This matters because both pollutants are already common in our environment and food, and their combined effect on the placenta could help explain rising rates of premature births, suggesting pregnant women may face greater risks from pollution exposure than previously thought.
Heavy metal and plastic pollution are one of most serious environmental problems, which threaten ecological environment and human health. Herein, plastics could be aged fragmented to nanoplastics (NPs) and Cadmium (Cd) as one of the most prevalent heavy metals was found in polluted soil in China. Additionally, Cd and NPs are widespread coexistence in aquatic and mammals. Additionally, the rate of premature births and the death of infants is increasing, and environmental pollution is one of main factors. Therefore, the impact of environmental pollution on pregnant women deserves more attention. In this study, the pregnant C57BL/6 J mice were exposed to PS-NPs and/or Cd from gestational day 0.5 to 15.5, and we explored the impact and potential mechanism of maternal co-exposure to PS-NPs and Cd on placenta-uterus micro-environment in mice and using inhibitors for verification. The results indicated that co-exposure PS-NPs and Cd caused more serious impairment in gut, placenta and uterus barrier, promoted more Cd accumulation, and affected the metal transporters and the homeostasis of glycolipid metabolism, thereby inducing mtROS mediated excessive mitophagy, causing the impairment of uterus and placenta structure and function. Additionally, mtROS and VDAC1 plays a vital role in this process via inhibitors intervention. Generally, we have proven that PS-NPs can adsorb Cd, impair the uterine-placental barrier, thereby promoting the accumulation of Cd and mtROS mediated VDAC1-mitophagy is the key signal pathway for the adverse effects caused by Cd and PS-NPs co-exposure during pregnancy.
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Maternal exposure to phthalates and nanoplastics, isolated or combined: Impacts on placental structure, development, and antioxidant defense as a trigger for maternal-fetal adversities
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Researchers exposed pregnant rats to a mixture of phthalates and nanoplastics, both separately and in combination, to study effects on the placenta and fetal development. They found that combined exposure caused more severe damage to placental structure and antioxidant defenses than either contaminant alone. The study suggests that simultaneous exposure to these common plastic-derived pollutants during pregnancy may compound risks to maternal and fetal health.
Maternal Exposure to Polystyrene Micro- and Nanoplastics Causes Fetal Growth Restriction in Mice
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Researchers exposed pregnant mice to polystyrene micro and nanoplastics and found that exposure caused fetal growth restriction and placental abnormalities. The study observed that plastic particles accumulated in placental tissue and disrupted normal placental function. These findings raise concern that maternal exposure to plastic particles during pregnancy may interfere with fetal development.
Maternal exposure to polystyrene nanoparticles retarded fetal growth and triggered metabolic disorders of placenta and fetus in mice
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Researchers exposed pregnant mice to polystyrene nanoplastics through drinking water and found that higher concentrations led to significantly reduced fetal weight. The nanoplastics caused abnormal cell structures in the placenta and disrupted metabolic processes in both placental tissue and fetal livers. The study suggests that maternal nanoplastic exposure during pregnancy can cross the placental barrier and interfere with normal fetal growth and metabolism.
Cadmium co-ingestion promotes systemic nanoplastics distribution in mice via multi-level intestinal barrier compromise
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A 35-day mouse study found that cadmium co-ingestion facilitated systemic distribution of polystyrene nanoplastics by compromising multiple levels of intestinal barrier function, including the mucus layer and tight junctions, producing synergistic and irreversible toxicological effects.
The combined effects of polystyrene of different sizes and cadmium in mouse kidney tissues
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Researchers studied how polystyrene particles of different sizes combined with cadmium affect kidney health in mice. They found that smaller nanoplastic particles (100 nm) caused more severe kidney damage than larger ones (1 micrometer), and that exposure to both sizes together with cadmium produced the worst outcomes. The study suggests that in real-world conditions where plastics of various sizes coexist with heavy metals, the combined toxic effects on kidneys may be more complicated and harmful than exposure to any single contaminant.
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