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The Association Between Microplastics and Microbiota in Placentas and Meconium: The First Evidence in Humans
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Researchers analyzed placentas and meconium from 18 mother-infant pairs in Shanghai and found microplastics present in both, providing some of the first direct evidence of microplastic exposure during pregnancy and at birth. They also discovered correlations between microplastic presence and changes in microbial communities in these tissues. The study raises important questions about whether early-life microplastic exposure could influence infant health and development.
Pregnancy and infancy are vulnerable times for detrimental environmental exposures. However, the exposure situation of microplastics (MPs) for mother-infant pairs and the adverse health effect of MPs are largely unknown. Therefore, we explored MP exposure in placentas and meconium samples, and the potential correlation of MP exposure with microbiota in placentas and meconium. A total of 18 mother-infant pairs were effectively recruited from Shanghai, China. The study required pregnant women to provide placentas and meconium samples. An Agilent 8700 laser infrared imaging spectrometer (LDIR) was applied to identify MPs. Microbiota detection was identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. Sixteen types of MPs were found in all matrices, and polyamide (PA) and polyurethane (PU) were the major types we identified. MPs detected in samples with a size of 20-50 μm were more than 76.46%. At the phylum level, both placenta and meconium microbiota were mainly composed of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Firmicutes. We also found some significant differences between placenta and meconium microbiota in β-diversity and gut composition. Additionally, we found polystyrene was inversely related with the Chao index of meconium microbiota. Polyethylene was consistently inversely correlated with several genera of placenta microbiota. The total MPs, PA, and PU consistently impacted several genera of meconium microbiota. In conclusion, MPs are ubiquitous in placentas and meconium samples, indicating the wide exposure of pregnant women and infants. Moreover, our findings may support a link between high concentration of MPs and microbiota genera in placentas and meconium. Additionally, there were several significant associations between the particle size of MPs in 50-100 μm and meconium microbiota.
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Researchers detected microplastic particles larger than 50 micrometers in human placenta and meconium (a baby's first stool) collected during cesarean deliveries. This is significant because it provides direct evidence that microplastics are present in the womb and are being passed to babies before and during birth. The study emphasizes the need for careful contamination controls in clinical studies and calls for further research on nano-sized plastics in human tissue.
Microplastic Particles Detected in Fetal Cord Blood, Placenta, and Meconium: A Pilot Study of Nine Mother–Infant Pairs in South China
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In a pilot study of nine mother-infant pairs in China, researchers detected microplastics in the placenta, umbilical cord blood, and first stool of newborns, with meconium (baby's first stool) containing the most particles. This provides evidence that microplastics can transfer from mother to baby during pregnancy, raising concerns about plastic exposure during the most vulnerable stage of human development.
Impact of Microplastics on Pregnancy and Fetal Development: A Systematic Review
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A systematic review of 12 studies confirmed the presence of microplastics ranging from 2.1 to 100 micrometers in human placentas and fetal tissue. Microplastic levels correlated with reduced birthweight, affected gestational age, diminished microbiome diversity, and impaired fetal growth and development, with lifestyle choices influencing placental microplastic burden.
Detection of various microplastics in placentas, meconium, infant feces, breastmilk and infant formula: A pilot prospective study
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In a pilot study of 18 mother-infant pairs, researchers detected microplastics in placentas, meconium (first stool), infant feces, breast milk, and infant formula. The finding of microplastics in breast milk and formula means that infants are exposed to microplastics from their earliest feedings, both natural and artificial. This study reveals that microplastic exposure begins before birth and continues through infancy, a critical period of development.
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