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Nonoyama K, Matsuo Y, Sugita S, Eguchi Y, Denda Y, Murase H, Kato T, Imafuji H, Saito K, Morimoto M, Ogawa R, Takahashi H, Mitsui A, Kimura M, Takiguchi S. Expression of ZKSCAN3 protein suppresses proliferation, migration, and invasion of pancreatic cancer through autophagy. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:1964-1978. [PMID: 38671550 PMCID: PMC11145104 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Elevated autophagy activity enhances the malignancy of pancreatic cancer (PaCa), and autophagy is recognized as a novel therapeutic target. Zinc finger protein with KRAB and SCAN domains 3 (ZKSCAN3) is a transcription factor that suppresses autophagy, but its association with PaCa is unknown. We analyzed the function of ZKSCAN3 in PaCa and investigated whether autophagy regulation through ZKSCAN3 could become a new therapeutic target for PaCa. Using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, we observed that ZKSCAN3 expression was upregulated in several PaCa cell lines compared with normal pancreatic ductal epithelial cells. Additionally, comparing ZKSCAN3 expression with the prognosis of PaCa patients using web databases, we found that higher ZKSCAN3 expression in PaCa was associated with extended overall survival. Knocking down ZKSCAN3 promoted the proliferation of PaCa cells. Moreover, following ZKSCAN3 knockdown, PaCa cells exhibited significantly enhanced migratory and invasive properties. Conversely, overexpression of ZKSCAN3 significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of PaCa cells. Additionally, the knockdown of ZKSCAN3 increased the expression of LC3-II, a marker of autophagy, whereas ZKSCAN3 overexpression decreased LC3-II expression. In a xenograft mouse model, tumors formed by MIA PaCa-2 cells in which ZKSCAN3 was knocked down significantly increased in size compared with the control group. In conclusion, ZKSCAN3 expression was upregulated in several pancreatic cancer cells. Additionally, it was revealed that ZKSCAN3 is negatively correlated with the malignancy of PaCa through autophagy. These results suggest that autophagy regulation via ZKSCAN3 may be a new therapeutic target for PaCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Nonoyama
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaAichiJapan
| | - Yoichi Matsuo
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaAichiJapan
| | - Saburo Sugita
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaAichiJapan
| | - Yuki Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaAichiJapan
| | - Yuki Denda
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaAichiJapan
| | - Hiromichi Murase
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaAichiJapan
| | - Tomokatsu Kato
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaAichiJapan
| | - Hiroyuki Imafuji
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaAichiJapan
| | - Kenta Saito
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaAichiJapan
| | - Mamoru Morimoto
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaAichiJapan
| | - Ryo Ogawa
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaAichiJapan
| | - Hiroki Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaAichiJapan
| | - Akira Mitsui
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaAichiJapan
| | - Masahiro Kimura
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaAichiJapan
| | - Shuji Takiguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryNagoya City University Graduate School of Medical SciencesNagoyaAichiJapan
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Pang L, Li M, Dukureh A, Li Y, Ma J, Tang Q, Wu W. Association between prenatal perfluorinated compounds exposure and risk of pregnancy complications: A meta-analysis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 272:116017. [PMID: 38290316 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been shown to be persistent and bioaccumulative. An elevated danger of pregnancy complications perhaps connected with exposure to PFASs, but the potential effects remain elusive. The objective of this study is to investigate the possible association between PFASs exposure and pregnancy complications, drawing upon existing evidence. METHODS Electronic databases of PubMed, Qvid Medline, Embase, and Web of Science were searched thoroughly to identify eligible research published prior to November 28, 2023, examining the relationship between PFASs and pregnancy-related complications. To evaluate the quality of observational studies incorporated into the article, the Strengthening Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) tool was utilized. The main outcomes assessed in this study included gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), gestational hypertension (GH), and preeclampsia (PE). RESULTS Twenty-five relevant studies involving 30079 participants were finally selected from four databases. The combined estimates indicate that prenatal exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), and perfluoroenanthic acid (PFHpA) is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (PFOA: OR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.07-1.94, P = 0.015; PFHxS: OR = 1.16, 95%CI: 1.00-1.36, P = 0.055; PFBS: OR = 1.44, 95%CI: 1.16-1.79, P = 0.001; PFHpA: OR = 1.41, 95%CI: 1.10-1.82, P = 0.008). The exposure to PFBS is positively associated with HDP (OR = 1.27, 95%CI: 1.14-1.41, P < 0.001), while both PFOA and PFHpA demonstrate statistically significant positive correlations with GH (PFOA: OR = 1.09, 95%CI: 1.00-1.19, P = 0.049; PFHpA: OR = 1.43, 95%CI: 1.15-1.78, P = 0.001). Negative correlations were observed for prenatal perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) exposure and GH (OR = 0.71, 95%CI: 0.57-0.87, P = 0.001). However, no compelling evidence was identified to link PFASs exposure with the risk of PE. CONCLUSION According to the meta-analysis findings, exposure to PFASs may be linked to GDM, HDP, and GH, but it does not significantly raise the risk of PE alone. Further research with larger sample size is required to verify this potential association and explore the biological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Pang
- The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 213043, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Mei Li
- Department of Expanded Program on Immunization, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Abdoulie Dukureh
- The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 213043, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ying Li
- The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 213043, China
| | - Jinqi Ma
- The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 213043, China
| | - Qiuqin Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing 210004, China.
| | - Wei Wu
- The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 213043, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
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3
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Cheng L, Zhao L, Wang G. Propofol Promoted the Cell Growth and Epithelial Mesenchymal Transformation of the HTR-8/SVneo Cells through Targeting the METTL3 Mediated ZEB2. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:687-696. [PMID: 37814200 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01368-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) belongs to hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy, which is a serious obstetric complication. Propofol is a new type of fast and short-acting general anesthetic, which has also been demonstrated to promote the cell growth recently. Therefore, this study was carried out to explore the effects of propofol on the cell growth, migration and invasion in the HTR-8/SVneo cells. The cell biological behaviors were analyzed using CCK-8, EdU, transwell assays. The relationship between METTL3 and ZEB2 was confirmed by RIP assay. Western blot and RT-qPCR assays were carried out to detect the protein and mRNA levels. The results showed that propofol enhanced the cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of the HTR-8/SVneo cells. Besides, METTL3 overexpression neutralized the propofol role. Furthermore, METTL3 overexpression elevated the m6A levels of ZEB2 and decreased the mRNA levels and stability of ZEB2. ZEB2 overexpression neutralized the role of METTL3 in the propofol treated HTR-8/SVneo cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the effects of propofol on promoting the cell growth, migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells. Mechanistically, propofol indirectly regulated ZEB2 expression by targeting METTL3 mediated m6A methylation modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Cheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Geng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100000, China.
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4
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Merrill AK, Sobolewski M, Susiarjo M. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals impacts immunological and metabolic status of women during pregnancy. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 577:112031. [PMID: 37506868 PMCID: PMC10592265 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa K Merrill
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Marissa Sobolewski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Martha Susiarjo
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA.
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5
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Crute CE, Landon CD, Garner A, Hall SM, Everitt JI, Zhang S, Blake B, Olofsson D, Chen H, Stapleton HM, Murphy SK, Feng L. Maternal exposure to perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) during pregnancy: evidence of adverse maternal and fetoplacental effects in New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. Toxicol Sci 2023; 191:239-252. [PMID: 36453863 PMCID: PMC9936209 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) is a replacement for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) that is increasingly detected in drinking water and human serum. Higher PFBS exposure is associated with risk for preeclampsia, the leading cause of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality in the United States. This study investigated relevant maternal and fetal health outcomes after gestational exposure to PFBS in a New Zealand White rabbit model. Nulliparous female rabbits were supplied drinking water containing 0 mg/l (control), 10 mg/l (low), or 100 mg/l (high) PFBS. Maternal blood pressure, body weights, liver and kidney weights histopathology, clinical chemistry panels, and thyroid hormone levels were evaluated. Fetal endpoints evaluated at necropsy included viability, body weights, crown-rump length, and liver and kidney histopathology, whereas placenta endpoints included weight, morphology, histopathology, and full transcriptome RNA sequencing. PFBS-high dose dams exhibited significant changes in blood pressure markers, seen through increased pulse pressure and renal resistive index measures, as well as kidney histopathological changes. Fetuses from these dams showed decreased crown-rump length. Statistical analysis of placental weight via a mixed model statistical approach identified a significant interaction term between PFBS high dose and fetal sex, suggesting a sex-specific effect on placental weight. RNA sequencing identified the dysregulation of angiotensin (AGT) in PFBS high-dose placentas. These results suggest that PFBS exposure during gestation leads to adverse maternal outcomes, such as renal injury and hypertension, and fetal outcomes, including decreased growth parameters and adverse placenta function. These outcomes raise concerns about pregnant women's exposure to PFBS and pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine E Crute
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Chelsea D Landon
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Angela Garner
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Samantha M Hall
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Jeffery I Everitt
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Bevin Blake
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
| | | | - Henry Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Liping Feng
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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6
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Shen C, Ding J, Xu C, Zhang L, Liu S, Tian Y. Perfluoroalkyl Mixture Exposure in Relation to Fetal Growth: Potential Roles of Maternal Characteristics and Associations with Birth Outcomes. TOXICS 2022; 10:650. [PMID: 36355941 PMCID: PMC9695392 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10110650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) exposure is suggested to interfere with fetal growth. However, limited investigations considered the roles of parity and delivery on PFASs distributions and the joint effects of PFASs mixture on birth outcomes. In this study, 506 birth cohorts were investigated in Hangzhou, China with 14 PFASs measured in maternal serum. Mothers with higher maternal ages who underwent cesarean section were associated with elevated PFASs burden, while parity showed a significant but diverse influence. A logarithmic unit increment in perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorononane sulfonate (PFNS) was significantly associated with a reduced birth weight of 0.153 kg (95% confidence interval (CI): -0.274, -0.031, p = 0.014), 0.217 kg (95% CI: -0.385, -0.049, p = 0.012), and 0.137 kg (95% CI: -0.270, -0.003, p = 0.044), respectively. Higher perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) and perfluoroheptane sulphonate (PFHpS) were associated with increased Apgar-1 scores. PFOA (Odds ratio (OR): 2.17, 95% CI: 1.27, 3.71, p = 0.004) and PFNS (OR:1.59, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.50, p = 0.043) were also risk factors to preterm birth. In addition, the quantile-based g-computation showed that PFASs mixture exposure was significantly associated with Apgar-1 (OR: 0.324, 95%CI: 0.068, 0.579, p = 0.013) and preterm birth (OR: 0.356, 95% CI: 0.149, 0.845, p = 0.019). In conclusion, PFASs were widely distributed in the maternal serum, which was influenced by maternal characteristics and significantly associated with several birth outcomes. Further investigation should focus on the placenta transfer and toxicities of PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chensi Shen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiaxin Ding
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Chenye Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Long Zhang
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Shuren Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Academy (IRA), Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Yonghong Tian
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
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7
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Crute CE, Hall SM, Landon CD, Garner A, Everitt JI, Zhang S, Blake B, Olofsson D, Chen H, Murphy SK, Stapleton HM, Feng L. Evaluating maternal exposure to an environmental per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) mixture during pregnancy: Adverse maternal and fetoplacental effects in a New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit model. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:156499. [PMID: 35679923 PMCID: PMC9374364 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Mixtures of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are often found in drinking water, and serum PFAS are detected in up to 99% of the population. However, very little is known about how exposure to mixtures of PFAS affects maternal and fetal health. The aim of this study was to investigate maternal, fetal, and placental outcomes after preconceptional and gestational exposure to an environmentally relevant PFAS mixture in a New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit model. Dams were exposed via drinking water to control (no detectable PFAS) or a PFAS mixture for 32 days. This mixture was formulated with PFAS to resemble levels measured in tap water from Pittsboro, NC (10 PFAS compounds; total PFAS load = 758.6 ng/L). Maternal, fetal, and placental outcomes were evaluated at necropsy. Thyroid hormones were measured in maternal serum and kit blood. Placental gene expression was evaluated by RNAseq and qPCR. PFAS exposure resulted in higher body weight (p = 0.01), liver (p = 0.01) and kidney (p = 0.01) weights, blood pressure (p = 0.05), and BUN:CRE ratio (p = 0.04) in dams, along with microscopic changes in renal cortices. Fetal weight, measures, and histopathology were unchanged, but a significant interaction between dose and sex was detected in the fetal: placental weight ratio (p = 0.036). Placental macroscopic changes were present in PFAS-exposed dams. Dam serum showed lower T4 and a higher T3:T4 ratio, although not statistically significant. RNAseq revealed that 11 of the 14 differentially expressed genes (adj. p < 0.1) are involved in placentation or pregnancy complications. In summary, exposure elicited maternal weight gain and signs of hypertension, renal injury, sex-specific changes in placental response, and differential expression of genes involved in placentation and preeclampsia. Importantly, these are the first results to show adverse maternal and placental effects of an environmentally-relevant PFAS mixture in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine E Crute
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Samantha M Hall
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Chelsea D Landon
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Angela Garner
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jeffrey I Everitt
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Bevin Blake
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Didrik Olofsson
- Omiqa Bioinformatics GmbH, Altensteinstasse 40, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Henry Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Liping Feng
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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Wang L, Zhang L, Fan Y, Peng Y, Song D, Fu J, Wang X. Human placenta-based genome-wide mRNA sequencing to identify TEK/IGF1/CSF1/ANGPT2 as crucial segments in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. Front Genet 2022; 13:944932. [PMID: 36160014 PMCID: PMC9493102 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.944932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disease commonly occurring in late pregnancy and has always been threatening maternal and fetal lives, yet the etiology and pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia are still uncertain. To depict the overall changes of genes at the genome-wide level and identify potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of pre-eclampsia, we conducted this study by collecting placenta samples donated by six pregnancy women, among whom three healthy women were included as controls and three women were diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. The placental sample tissues were then subjected to high-throughput sequencing. Furthermore, we proceeded with bioinformatics analysis and formulated the hypothesis of pre-eclampsia development and verified the potential targets of pre-eclampsia by immunohistochemistry. Demographically, we found that the baseline characteristics of study subjects were highly homogeneous except for gestational weeks and blood pressure, where the blood pressure was higher and gestational weeks were shorter in the pre-eclampsia group (systolic blood pressure 123.33 ± 4.62 vs. 148.67 ± 3.79 mmHg, p = 0.046; diastolic blood pressure 79.00 ± 5.20 vs. 88.33 ± 2.89 mmHg, p = 0.068; gestational weeks 39.33 ± 1.03 vs. 35.76 ± 2.41, p = 0.050). Specific pathological changes were identified, shown as syncytial knots, fibrinoid necrosis, perivillous fibrin deposition, and vasculitis. For high-throughput sequencing, a total of 1,891 dysregulated genes were determined, of which 960 genes were downregulated and 931 genes were upregulated. The bioinformatics analysis indicated that these genes, with different molecular functions in different parts of cells, were primarily responsible for endothelium development and vascular process in the circulatory system, and more than 10 signaling pathways were involved. By focusing on the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, and disease enrichment analysis item pre-eclampsia, TEK, CSF1, IGF1, and ANGPT2 were identified to promote the development of pre-eclampsia. After confirming the placental expression of these genes at the protein level, we proposed the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia as follows: the downregulation of TEK, CSF1, IGF1, and ANGPT2 may inhibit trophoblast proliferation and affect the remodeling of spiral arteries, causing maternal and fetal malperfusion and impeding nutrient exchange, thereby leading to clinical manifestations of pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifeng Wang
- Obstetrical Department, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Obstetrical Department, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
| | - Yuqin Fan
- Obstetrical Department, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
| | - Yanjie Peng
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
| | - Dandan Song
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Women and Children Diseases, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
| | - Jinfeng Fu
- Obstetrical Department, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
| | - Xietong Wang
- Obstetrical Department, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Obstetrical Department, Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Xietong Wang,
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9
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Blake BE, Rickard BP, Fenton SE. A High-Throughput Toxicity Screen of 42 Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Functional Assessment of Migration and Gene Expression in Human Placental Trophoblast Cells. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:881347. [PMID: 35548680 PMCID: PMC9081605 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.881347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become ubiquitous environmental contaminants that have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in women and experimental research models. Adverse developmental and reproductive outcomes have been investigated for relatively few PFAS, and such studies are not scalable to address the thousands of unique chemical structures. As the placenta has been reported as a PFAS target tissue, the human placental trophoblast JEG-3 cell line was employed in a high-throughput toxicity screen (HTTS) to evaluate the effects of 42 unique PFAS on viability, proliferation, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). HTTS concentration-response curve fitting determined EC50 values for 79% of tested compounds for at least one of the three endpoints. Trophoblast migratory potential was evaluated for a subset of six prioritized PFAS using a scratch wound assay. Migration, measured as the percent of wound closure after 72 h, was most severely inhibited by exposure to 100 µM perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA; 72% closure), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS; 57% closure), or ammonium perfluoro-2-methyl-3-oxahexanoate (GenX; 79% closure). PFOA and GenX were subsequently evaluated for disrupted expression of 46 genes reported to be vital to trophoblast health. Disrupted regulation of oxidative stress was suggested by altered expression of GPEX1 (300 µM GenX and 3 µM GenX), GPER1 (300 µM GenX), and SOD1 and altered cellular response to xenobiotic stress was indicated by upregulation of the placental efflux transporter, ABCG2 (300 µM GenX, 3 µM GenX, and 100 µM PFOA). These findings suggest the placenta is potentially a direct target of PFAS exposure and indicate that trophoblast cell gene expression and function are disrupted at PFAS levels well below the calculated cytotoxicity threshold (EC50). Future work is needed to determine the mechanism(s) of action of PFAS towards placental trophoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bevin E. Blake
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Brittany P. Rickard
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Suzanne E. Fenton
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: Suzanne E. Fenton,
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Meakin C, Barrett ES, Aleksunes LM. Extravillous trophoblast migration and invasion: Impact of environmental chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 107:60-68. [PMID: 34838982 PMCID: PMC8760155 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
During pregnancy, the migration and invasion of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) into the maternal uterus is essential for proper development of the placenta and fetus. During the first trimester, EVTs engraft and remodel maternal spiral arteries allowing for efficient blood flow and the transfer of essential nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. Aberrant migration of EVTs leading to either shallow or deep invasion into the uterus has been implicated in a number of gestational pathologies including preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and placenta accreta spectrum. The migration and invasion of EVTs is well-coordinated to ensure proper placentation. However, recent data point to the ability of xenobiotics to disrupt EVT migration. These xenobiotics include heavy metals, endocrine disrupting chemicals, and organic contaminants and have often been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. In most instances, xenobiotics appear to reduce EVT migration; however, there are select examples of enhanced motility after chemical exposure. In this review, we provide an overview of the 1) current experimental approaches used to evaluate EVT migration and invasion in vitro, 2) ability of environmental chemicals and pharmaceuticals to enhance or retard EVT motility, and 3) signaling pathways responsible for altered EVT migration that are sensitive to disruption by xenobiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Meakin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ
| | - Emily S. Barrett
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ
| | - Lauren M. Aleksunes
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ,Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ,Center for Lipid Research, New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
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11
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Lorigo M, Cairrao E. Fetoplacental vasculature as a model to study human cardiovascular endocrine disruption. Mol Aspects Med 2021; 87:101054. [PMID: 34839931 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2021.101054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence has associated the exposure of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) with the cardiovascular (CV) system. This exposure is particularly problematic in a sensitive window of development, pregnancy. Pregnancy exposome can affect the overall health of the pregnancy by dramatic changes in vascular physiology and endocrine activity, increasing maternal susceptibility. Moreover, fetoplacental vascular function is generally altered, increasing the risk of developing pregnancy complications (including cardiovascular diseases, CVD) and predisposing the foetus to adverse health risks later in life. Thus, our review summarizes the existing literature on exposures to EDCs during pregnancy and adverse maternal health outcomes, focusing on the human placenta, vein, and umbilical artery associated with pregnancy complications. The purpose of this review is to highlight the role of fetoplacental vasculature as a model for the study of human cardiovascular endocrine disruption. Therefore, we emphasize that the placenta, together with the umbilical arteries and veins, allows a better characterization of the pregnant woman's exposome. Consequently, it contributes to the protection of the mother and foetus against CV disorders in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Lorigo
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal; FCS - UBI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Elisa Cairrao
- CICS-UBI, Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506, Covilhã, Portugal; FCS - UBI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal.
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12
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Marinello WP, Patisaul HB. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and placental function: Impact on fetal brain development. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2021; 92:347-400. [PMID: 34452690 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a critical time of vulnerability for the development of the fetal brain. Exposure to environmental pollutants at any point in pregnancy can negatively impact many aspects of fetal development, especially the organization and differentiation of the brain. The placenta performs a variety of functions that can help protect the fetus and sustain brain development. However, disruption of any of these functions can have negative impacts on both the pregnancy outcome and fetal neurodevelopment. This review presents current understanding of how environmental exposures, specifically to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), interfere with placental function and, in turn, neurodevelopment. Some of the key differences in placental development between animal models are presented, as well as how placental functions such as serving as a xenobiotic barrier and exchange organ, immune interface, regulator of growth and fetal oxygenation, and a neuroendocrine organ, could be vulnerable to environmental exposure. This review illustrates the importance of the placenta as a modulator of fetal brain development and suggests critical unexplored areas and possible vulnerabilities to environmental exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P Marinello
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.
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Lamptey J, Li F, Adu-Gyamfi EA, Chen XM, Czika A, Otoo A, Liu TH, Wang YX, Ding YB. Downregulation of fascin in the first trimester placental villi is associated with early recurrent miscarriage. Exp Cell Res 2021; 403:112597. [PMID: 33862100 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Inadequate trophoblast proliferation, shallow invasion and exaggerated rate of trophoblast apoptosis are implicated in early recurrent miscarriage (ERM). However, the mechanistic bases of this association have not been fully established. We aimed at investigating the involvement of fascin, an actin-bundling protein, in trophoblast activities and ERM. We found that fascin was downregulated in the cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) and distal cytotrophoblasts (DCTs) of ERM placentae. Knockdown of fascin altered cellular and nucleolar morphology, and inhibited the proliferation but increased apoptosis of trophoblastic HTR8/SVneo cells. Furthermore, fascin knockdown decreased the expression of transcription factors such as Snail1/2, Twist and Zeb1/2, mesenchymal molecules such as Vimentin and N-cadherin, and the protein expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and phosphorylates signal transducer and activator of transcript 3 (STAT3). Exposure of HTR-8/SVneo cells to hypoxia reoxygenation (H/R) decreased fascin expression to affect the cells' invasion. Our results indicate for the first time that the downregulation of fascin is involved in the pathogenesis of early recurrent miscarriage; and hence a potential therapeutic target against the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jones Lamptey
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China; The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Fangfang Li
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China; The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Xue-Mei Chen
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Armin Czika
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China; The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Antonia Otoo
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China; The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Tai-Hang Liu
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China; The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China.
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- The Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, PR China.
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Marchese MJ, Li S, Liu B, Zhang JJ, Feng L. Perfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure and the BDNF Pathway in the Placental Trophoblast. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:694885. [PMID: 34394001 PMCID: PMC8357370 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.694885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic pollutants that have become globally ubiquitous in humans and the environment. In utero PFAS exposure is associated with neurodevelopmental effects; however, the mechanism is poorly understood. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling is critical to fetal neurodevelopment during pregnancy and maintains important regulatory roles later in life. This study aims to characterize placental BDNF signaling and investigate whether PFAS exposure disrupts the signaling pathway in placental trophoblast cells. METHODS The expression and localization of BDNF receptors-p75NTR and TrkB-in first trimester and term human placentas and trophoblast cells were investigated by immunofluorescence staining. To assess the effects of PFAS exposure on the BDNF pathway, BeWo cells were treated with PFAS mixtures that mimicked blood levels in a highly exposed population and major PFAS compounds in the mixture at 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 µM concentrations. Changes in pro-BDNF levels and phosphorylation of TrkB receptors were examined by Western blot. RESULTS In first trimester human placentas, TrkB and p75NTR receptors were primarily localized to syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast cells. At term, TrkB and p75NTR receptors were primarily observed in the placental villous stroma. TrkB receptor staining in trophoblasts was reduced at term, while p75NTR receptor staining was negative. TrkB receptors were confined to the nuclear and perinuclear spaces, and phosphorylation occurred at the Tyr816 residue in BeWo cells. Exposure to PFOS, PFOA, PFBS, and the six-PFAS mixture did not significantly affect BDNF levels or activation (phosphorylation) of TrkB. Treating cells with 1 μM and 10 μM of PFNA resulted in increased TrkB phosphorylation compared to unexposed controls, but BDNF levels were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS BDNF receptors are present in different regions of human placental villi, indicating diverse functions of BDNF signaling in placental development. Our findings suggest that the BDNF pathway in placental trophoblast cells is not disrupted by exposures to PFOS, PFOA, PFBS, and a PFAS mixture, but may be affected by PFNA exposures. Further investigation is needed on how PFAS affects other critical signaling pathways during fetal neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J. Marchese
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Shuman Li
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children’s Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children’s Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun J. Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children’s Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Liping Feng, ; Jun J. Zhang,
| | - Liping Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children’s Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Liping Feng, ; Jun J. Zhang,
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Blake BE, Fenton SE. Early life exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and latent health outcomes: A review including the placenta as a target tissue and possible driver of peri- and postnatal effects. Toxicology 2020; 443:152565. [PMID: 32861749 PMCID: PMC7530144 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous drinking water contaminants of concern due to mounting evidence implicating adverse health outcomes associated with exposure, including reduced kidney function, metabolic syndrome, thyroid disruption, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. PFAS have been produced in the U.S. since the 1940s and now encompass a growing chemical family comprised of diverse chemical moieties, yet the toxicological effects have been studied for relatively few compounds. Critically, exposures to some PFAS in utero are associated with adverse outcomes for both mother and offspring, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including preeclampsia, and low birth weight. Given the relationship between HDP, placental dysfunction, adverse health outcomes, and increased risk for chronic diseases in adulthood, the role of both developmental and lifelong exposure to PFAS likely contributes to disease risk in complex ways. Here, evidence for the role of some PFAS in disrupted thyroid function, kidney disease, and metabolic syndrome is synthesized with an emphasis on the placenta as a critical yet understudied target of PFAS and programming agent of adult disease. Future research efforts must continue to fill the knowledge gap between placental susceptibility to environmental exposures like PFAS, subsequent perinatal health risks for both mother and child, and latent health effects in adult offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bevin E Blake
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP), NTP Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institute of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Suzanne E Fenton
- Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP), NTP Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institute of Health (NIH), Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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