We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Silent Invaders: the emerging impact of micro-, nanoplastics and plasticizers on human placental development and pregnancy outcomes
Summary
This review examines growing evidence that micro- and nanoplastics, along with their chemical additives like bisphenols and phthalates, can reach and accumulate in placental tissue. Researchers found that these particles and chemicals can induce placental cell death through oxidative stress, disrupt endocrine signaling essential for pregnancy, and impair vascular and metabolic functions. The study suggests that ubiquitous plastic pollution warrants closer investigation as a potential risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
• Plastics threaten the placenta through both particulate exposure and chemical additives. • Plastic-derived particles and chemicals induce placental cell death via oxidative stress. • Plastic pollutants impair placental development, leading to fetal growth restriction. • Plastic additives such as bisphenols disrupt endocrine pathways essential for pregnancy. • Research must address mixtures with human-relevant models. The placenta is a multifunctional organ essential for fetal growth, immune tolerance, and endocrine regulation. Increasing evidence indicates that micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), and their chemical additives like bisphenols and phthalates can cross biological interfaces, accumulate in placental tissues, and impair their structure and function. Given the central role of the placenta in pregnancy maintenance, these findings raise concern regarding the potential consequences of ubiquitous plastic pollution for reproductive health. This manuscript first provides a brief overview of placental architecture, and physiological roles, followed by a summary of the physicochemical characteristics of plastics, major routes of human exposure, and mechanisms of systemic transport and translocation to the placenta. The core of the review focuses on experimental evidence from in vitro and in vivo models describing how MNPs and chemicals are internalized by placental cells, alter cellular homeostasis, and impair vascular, metabolic, endocrine, and immune functions. Particular attention is given to size- and surface chemistry–dependent uptake, oxidative stress, inflammation, hormonal disruption, and epigenetic alterations. Finally, we identify key research gaps and outline future directions, including the need for environmentally relevant exposure models, studies on combined contaminant effects, biomarker development, and regulatory actions to reduce exposure. Through this synthesis, we aim to clarify current understanding of how pervasive plastic pollutants may threaten placental health and, ultimately, maternal and fetal well-being. Graphical Abstract: Placental toxicity mechanisms induced by micro(nano)plastics and plasticizers. Schematic summary of cellular and molecular alterations observed in in vitro and in vivo models following exposure to micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) and plastic-associated chemicals. Key pathways include oxidative stress, inflammation, membrane disruption, and apoptosis, contributing to placental dysfunction.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Year 116 of the plastic age: a Pandora’s box as a time bomb for pregnancy? Review of clinical and fundamental data on prenatal exposure to plastics
This review examined evidence for micro- and nanoplastic presence in the human placenta and assessed implications for pregnancy outcomes, synthesizing in vitro, ex vivo, and epidemiological data. Multiple plastic types were detected in placental tissue from the basal plate to fetal membranes, and the authors raised concerns about placental dysfunction and fetal developmental risk.
Microplastics: A threat to Fetoplacental unit and Reproductive systems
This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics may harm the placenta and reproductive system, particularly during pregnancy. The authors highlight that these tiny plastic particles have been found in placental tissue and may interfere with fetal development, though they note that much more research is needed to understand the full risks to mothers and babies.
Micro/Nanoplastic Exposure on Placental Health and Adverse Pregnancy Risks: Novel Assessment System Based upon Targeted Risk Assessment Environmental Chemicals Strategy
Using a new risk assessment framework, researchers evaluated 40 studies on how micro- and nanoplastics affect the placenta during pregnancy. They found a moderate-to-low risk of reproductive harm, with smaller particles posing greater danger by disrupting cell function and triggering cell death in placental tissue. These findings suggest that widespread plastic pollution could have implications for pregnancy health.
Placental Exposure to Nanoplastics Threatening the Maternal and Fetal Health
This review examines how nanoplastics reaching the placenta threaten maternal and fetal health, summarizing evidence from animal and in vitro studies showing that placental nanoplastic accumulation disrupts nutrient transport, immune function, and fetal development.
Placental Micro- and Nanoplastic Contamination: A Systematic Review of Eco-Exposome Pathways to Preterm Birth and Neonatal Outcomes
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.