Effects of estrogen-like compounds in human placenta

Aim: Estrogen-like compounds are a class of Endocrine Disrupter Chemicals (EDCs) which may interfere with the action of the steroid hormones. These compounds can cross the placenta and also act on this organ as shown in pregnant rats. We analyzed here the effect of selected estrogen-like compounds, Bisphenol A, para-nonylphenol and Resveratrol, on in vitro models of human placenta. Methods: Studies were carried out on chorionic villous explants. Cultures were exposed to chemicals at concentrations reported to be present in the environment and/or in human tissues (1µM-1nM). Vehicle-treated cultures were used as negative controls. At 48-72 hours of exposure, cultures were analyzed for hormone and cytokine secretion, cell apoptosis and cell invasiveness. Results: We demonstrated that chemicals were able to interfere with the functional processes in human placenta: trophoblast differentiation and apoptosis by increasing hormone (β-hCG) secretion and caspase-3 expression; trophoblast invasiveness by reducing secretion of metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and increasing that of MMP-2; cytokine secretion by reducing the release of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Data were referred to control, vehicle-treated, cultures. Conclusions: These results showing functional interference of estrogen-like compounds on human placenta raise concern about maternal exposure to these chemicals and possible effects on fetal growth and development.