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Review
. 2021 Aug:103:1-17.
doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.05.001. Epub 2021 May 17.

Placental outcomes of phthalate exposure

Genoa R Warner  1 , Raquel S Dettogni  2 , Indrani C Bagchi  1 , Jodi A Flaws  3 , Jones B Graceli  2
Affiliations
Review

Placental outcomes of phthalate exposure

Genoa R Warner et al. Reprod Toxicol. 2021 Aug.

Abstract

Proper placental development and function relies on hormone receptors and signaling pathways that make the placenta susceptible to disruption by endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as phthalates. Here, we review relevant research on the associations between phthalate exposures and dysfunctions of the development and function of the placenta, including morphology, physiology, and genetic and epigenetic effects. This review covers in vitro studies, in vivo studies in mammals, and studies in humans. We also discuss important gaps in the literature. Overall, the evidence indicates that toxicity to the placental and maternal-fetal interface is associated with exposure to phthalates. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the mechanisms through which phthalates act in the placenta as well as additional human studies that assess placental disruption through pregnancy with larger sample sizes.

Keywords: Developmental origins of health and disease; Endocrine disrupting chemicals; Phthalate; Placenta; Placenta toxicology.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors do not have any conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1:
Figure 1:
Six of the most common phthalates, arranged by increasing molecular weight, and their primary monoester metabolites.
Figure 2:
Figure 2:
Comparison of rodent and human placental physiology.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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