We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Micro- and nanoplastic (MNPs) exposure at single-cell resolution impaired placental function and cellular dynamics
Summary
Researchers performed single-cell transcriptomic analysis of placentas from pregnant women exposed to micro- and nanoplastics, finding that MNP exposure altered trophoblast, macrophage, and fibroblast subpopulations, suggesting impaired placental function through disruption of cell communication and immune regulation.
The placenta is crucial for a successful pregnancy, acting as a protective barrier for fetal health. Growing evidence suggests that pregnant women are widely exposed to micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), which have been implicated in placental dysfunction associated with pregnancy complications and adverse offspring outcomes. To investigate this, we characterized MNPs-induced placental cellular dynamics at the single-cell level. Our analysis of placental tissue identified 14 major cell types, including trophoblasts and immune cells. Comparative transcriptomics between control and MNPs-exposed groups revealed significant alterations in subpopulations of trophoblasts, macrophages, and fibroblasts, indicating an adaptive response to toxic stress. Specifically, we observed a marked upregulation of genes related to endoplasmic reticulum stress and xenobiotic clearance in trophoblasts, and of ECM remodeling pathways in fibroblasts. This was supported by the integration of metabolomic and proteomic data, which detailed the accompanying molecular cascades. We propose that while these processes represent an attempt to maintain placental homeostasis, prolonged or high-level MNP exposure may overwhelm such compensatory mechanisms, ultimately leading to dysfunction. Consequently, our study provides a foundational resource for understanding the cellular mechanisms of MNP-induced placental toxicity and establishes a basis for future research into protective strategies against environmental reproductive toxicants.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
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.
Nano-scale dangers: Unravelling the impact of nanoplastics on human trophoblast invasion
Researchers exposed human trophoblast cells — which form the placenta — to 40 nm and 200 nm polystyrene nanoparticles and found that the smaller particles reduced expression of invasion-related proteins (integrins, N-cadherin, matrix metalloproteinase-2) and impaired cell migration, suggesting nanoplastics may interfere with early placental development.
Gestational exposure to micro- and nanoplastics leads to poor pregnancy outcomes by impairing placental trophoblast syncytialization
Researchers found that exposing pregnant mice to micro- and nanoplastics led to increased embryo loss, reduced embryonic weight, and smaller placentas. The plastic particles impaired a critical process called syncytialization, where placental cells fuse together to form a functional barrier, by activating a stress-response signaling pathway. The study suggests that prenatal microplastic exposure could disrupt placental development and contribute to poor pregnancy outcomes.
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.
Uptake, Transport, and Toxicity of Pristine and Weathered Micro- and Nanoplastics in Human Placenta Cells
Researchers tested how both new and environmentally weathered micro- and nanoplastics are taken up by human placental cells in laboratory experiments. They found that the placental cells internalized and transported plastic particles regardless of whether they were pristine or aged, with some types affecting gene expression. The study suggests that placental cells are vulnerable to microplastic exposure and that weathering in the environment does not eliminate the particles' ability to enter human tissue.