PFAS interfere with placental function: New 3D model reveals risks
Researchers at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) and the Dessau Municipal Hospital have developed a 3D placental model that shows how per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) impair placental function. The study, published in the journal Environmental Research, proves disorders that can endanger fetal development.
The placenta regulates the exchange of nutrients between mother and fetus, but PFAS accumulate despite their barrier function and increase the risk of miscarriage. The research team examined six PFAS compounds detected in placental tissue from 31 women in the first trimester. These were tested as a mixture in a 3D trophoblast model that realistically replicates the early placenta.
The results show that PFAS reduce the invasiveness of placental cells, which limits nutrient transfer. They also interfere with gene expression, impair apoptosis and proliferation, and reduce the production of the hormone β-hCG, which is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. These changes can have a negative impact on the course of pregnancy.
The study highlights the need to investigate PFAS exposure in early pregnancy in more detail and offers a new tool for risk assessment in the form of the 3D model.
Original Paper:
Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR
Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.
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