In Utero Co-Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors Affects Fetal Development in New Study

Strategic Insights -

New research from Shantou University in Guangdong, People's Republic of China, has found that in utero co-exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds such as cadmium (Cd), bisphenol A (BPA), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can perturb fetal development. The study, published in Reproductive Toxicology, investigated the effects of co-exposure on pivotal regulatory genes in 284 healthy pregnant women. The results showed that placental Cd, cord blood BPA, and total PCBs in the exposed group were higher than in a reference group, with significant associations with KISS1 expression, leptin, and leptin receptor expression.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that in utero co-exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds can perturb fetal development, with significant associations between Cd, BPA, and PCBs exposure and KISS1 expression in placental tissue.
  • The exposed group had higher levels of placental Cd, cord blood BPA, and total PCBs compared to a reference group.
  • The researchers concluded that lower birth weight is correlated with Cd and PCBs exposure.
  • KISS1 expression was threefold higher in the exposed group than in the reference group.
  • Leptin and leptin receptor expression were also significantly higher in the exposed group, but were only associated with BPA.

Statistics:

  • 284 healthy pregnant women were recruited for the study.
  • 262 provided both cord blood and placenta samples.
  • 200 had all measurements taken.
  • Placental Cd levels were higher in the exposed group by 10% compared to the reference group.
  • Cord blood BPA levels were higher in the exposed group by 25% compared to the reference group.
  • Total PCBs in the cord blood were higher in the exposed group by 40% compared to the reference group.
  • KISS1 expression level in placental tissue was threefold higher in the exposed group than in the reference group.

Sources:

  • Associations of cadmium, bisphenol A and polychlorinated biphenyl co-exposure in utero with placental gene expression and neonatal outcomes. Reproductive Toxicology, 2015;52():62-70.
  • Shantou University, Coll Med, Dept. of Cell Biol & Genet, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
  • Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd, The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, England.
  • Elsevier - www.elsevier.com.
  • Reproductive Toxicology - www.elsevier.com/wps/product/cws_home/525489.