Oestrogenic Endocrine Disruptors in the Placenta and the Fetus

Abstract

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances that interfere with the stability and regulation of the endocrine system of the body or its offspring. These substances are generally stable in chemical properties, not easy to be biodegraded, and can be enriched in organisms. In the past half century, EDCs have gradually entered the food chain, and these substances have been frequently found in maternal blood. Perinatal maternal hormone levels are unstable and vulnerable to EDCs. Some EDCs can affect embryonic development through the blood-fetal barrier and cause damage to the neuroendocrine system, liver function, and genital development. Some also effect cross-generational inheritance through epigenetic mechanisms. This article mainly elaborates the mechanism and detection methods of estrogenic endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol A (BPA), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), diethylstilbestrol (DES) and phthalates (PAEs), and their effects on placenta and fetal health in order to raise concerns about the proper use of products containing EDCs during pregnancy and provide a reference for human health.

UV-B Filter Octylmethoxycinnamate Alters the Vascular Contractility Patterns in Pregnant Women with Hypothyroidism

“…According to Gokina and Bevan working with rabbit cerebral arteries, sustained contractions of His may be due to an increase in Ca 2+ currents through VOCC, sensitization of the contractile apparatus and the non-selective cationic channels [ 88 ]. Therefore, these results are in accordance with other investigations reporting that long-term exposure to EDCs can be the inductor of CV complications [ 1 , 11 , 89 , 90 , 91 ] and are extremely important at a physiological and pharmacological level to improve thyroid and CV maternofetal health.…”

The Effect of Fermented Porcine Placental Extract on Fatigue-Related Parameters in Healthy Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

“…To our knowledge, this is the first study to analyze the effects of FPP supplementation on the time to fatigue recovery in healthy adults after a single session of fatigue-inducing treadmill test. Based on the physiological properties and beneficial anti-fatigue and performance effects of FPP [ 16 , 19 , 33 , 34 , 35 ], we hypothesized that FPP supplementation enhances recovery from exercise-induced fatigue by improving immune modulation, cellular regeneration, anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, and physiological responses. Moreover, FSS is a validated questionnaire used to evaluate subjective fatigue-related symptoms [ 36 , 37 ].…”

“…Among the many other clinically available dietary supplements for reducing fatigue, such as caffeine [ 9 , 10 ], theobromine [ 11 ], flavanols [ 12 , 13 ], and taurine [ 14 ], the placenta has been widely used and commonly available in the health food market with its extensive use against immune disorders and for wound healing and cellular regeneration [ 15 ]. The placenta is a vital barrier in the fetus during the gestation period, contributing growth and development of the fetus via exchange gases, nutrients, and waste with their mother via blood [ 15 , 16 ]. Furthermore, it is a well-known source of bioactive compounds, including growth factors, functional peptides, and hormones for fetus growth and development [ 17 ].…”

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: Current Understanding, New Testing Strategies and Future Research Needs

“…The detection methods and the mode of action of oestrogenic endocrine disruptors in placenta are extensively reviewed in order to provide guidance for human health keeping in mind that air, dust, cosmetics, food and water are sources of EDCs that are found in all body fluids (urine, serum, breast milk, amniotic fluid). Through damage to the placenta EDCs can lead to abortion, preeclampsia, altered fetal growth, congenital malformations and increased cancer risk [ 12 ]. Regarding placental and fetal growth, as well as in utero programming of metabolism and endocrine function, current knowledge highlights the need for the implementation of preventive measures for exposure addressed in particular to pregnant mothers [ 13 ].…”