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Elevated Micro- and Nanoplastics Detected in Preterm Human Placentae
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This study found that placentas from preterm births contained 28% higher concentrations of micro- and nanoplastics compared to full-term births, with certain plastic types like PVC and polycarbonate strongly associated with earlier delivery. Specific plastics were also linked to lower birth weight and shorter pregnancies. These findings suggest that microplastic exposure during pregnancy may be a contributing factor to preterm birth, which is a leading cause of infant health complications.
Recent analytical advancements have uncovered increasing micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in environmental, dietary, and biological domains, raising concerns about their health impacts. Preterm birth (PTB), a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, may be influenced by MNP exposure, yet this relationship remains unexplored. This study quantified 12 MNP polymers in placentae from term (n=87) and preterm (n=71) deliveries using pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Cumulative MNP concentrations were 28% higher in PTB placentae (mean ±SD: 224.7 ± 180.7 μg/g vs. 175.5 ± 137.9 μg/g; p=0.038). Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PU), and polycarbonate (PC) were significantly elevated in PTB, and PET, PU, and PC inversely correlated with gestational age and birth weight. Logistic regression identified PVC and PC as independent predictors of PTB. These findings suggest total and specific MNPs are associated with PTB, providing actionable insights and emphasizing the importance of minimizing exposure during pregnancy.
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Placental Micro- and Nanoplastic Contamination: A Systematic Review of Eco-Exposome Pathways to Preterm Birth and Neonatal Outcomes
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This systematic review examined evidence that micro- and nanoplastics have been found in human placentas and may be linked to preterm birth. The particles appear to cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of placental function through multiple molecular pathways, raising concerns about the impact of plastic pollution on pregnancy outcomes and newborn health.
Microplastics and additives in patients with preterm birth: The first evidence of their presence in both human amniotic fluid and placenta
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In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers found microplastics and plastic additives in both the amniotic fluid and placentas of women who experienced preterm premature rupture of membranes. Out of 10 patients, 9 had plastic particles in at least one sample, with chlorinated polyethylene being the most common type found. While it is too early to draw conclusions about a causal link to preterm birth, the presence of plastics in the womb environment raises serious concerns.
Placental micro- and nanoplastic contamination: A systematic review of eco-exposome pathways to preterm birth and neonatal outcomes
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Researchers systematically reviewed 20 studies detecting micro- and nanoplastics in human placental tissue, cord blood, and amniotic fluid, finding higher MNP burdens in preterm versus term placentae and identifying oxidative stress, ferroptosis, impaired trophoblast invasion, and inflammatory signaling as converging molecular pathways linking placental MNP contamination to preterm birth and neonatal morbidity.
Microplastic exposure in daily life and the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension: A study on the association between environmental pollutants and maternal-fetal health outcomes
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In a study of pregnant women, those with pregnancy-induced high blood pressure had 1.46 times more microplastics in their umbilical cords than healthy pregnant women, with polyethylene and polycarbonate being especially elevated. Microplastic exposure was linked to use of plastic containers and takeout meals, and higher levels were associated with worse outcomes for newborns. While this preliminary study has limitations, it suggests that everyday microplastic exposure during pregnancy may be connected to dangerous blood pressure complications.
Relationship between micro- and nanosized plastics in cord blood and birth weight and gestational age of newborns.
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Tiny plastic particles were found in the umbilical cord blood of 151 newborns, with common plastics like polyethylene (used in bags and bottles) and polystyrene (used in foam containers) showing up in over 80% of samples. Babies with higher levels of these combined plastics in their cord blood tended to be born smaller (lower birth weight, shorter length, smaller head size) and slightly earlier than babies with lower exposure. This suggests plastic pollution may be reaching babies before birth and could affect how they grow in the womb, though more research is needed to confirm this and understand exactly why it happens.
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