Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) decrease the placental syncytiotrophoblast volume and increase Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) in the placenta of normal pregnancy.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of biologically active, highly stable compounds. Exposure risks include consumption of fatty fish, meat, dairy products and human breast milk, as well as environmental and occupational settings. Numerous reports have described PCB-dependent adverse effects on human fetal growth, including increased risk for IUGR, changes in endocrine function and hormone metabolism, and immunosuppressive and neurological deficits. Here we test the prediction that in utero PCB exposure adversely effects placental morphology, potentially leading to placental insufficiency en route to fetal growth restriction.

METHODS:

PCB homologs (10) were measured in the maternal and fetal blood of a small cohort of normotensive pregnancies (22) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. PCB levels were compared with angiogenesis associated proteins Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) and sFlt-1, determined by ELISA, and the total estimated syncytiotrophoblast (ST) volume.

RESULTS:

Significant associations between PCB exposure and both PlGF and ST volume were identified.

DISCUSSION:

PCB effects on placenta morphology and predicted function are discussed.

CONCLUSION:

These results demonstrate that the human placenta, including ST, is a target of PCB toxicity, and that current environmental PCB exposure levels are a risk to reproductive health.

• Authors: M Tsuji, Y Aiko, T Kawamoto, T Hachisuga, C Kooriyama, M Myoga, C Tomonaga, F Matsumura, A Anan, M Tanaka, H S Yu, Y Fujisawa, R Suga, E Shibata
• Journal: Placenta (Placenta) Vol. 34 Issue 7 Pg. 619-23 (Jul 2013) ISSN: 1532-3102 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 23623486 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• PGF protein, human
• Pregnancy Proteins
• Placenta Growth Factor
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls
• FLT1 protein, human
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Fetal Blood (chemistry)
• Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
• Humans
• Maternal Exposure
• Placenta (drug effects, metabolism)
• Placenta Growth Factor
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls (blood, toxicity)
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Proteins (biosynthesis)
• Trophoblasts (cytology, drug effects)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 (biosynthesis)