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Review
. 2023 Dec 1:578:112067.
doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112067. Epub 2023 Sep 7.

Nanoparticles at the maternal-fetal interface

S Adams  1 , P A Stapleton  2
Affiliations
Review

Nanoparticles at the maternal-fetal interface

S Adams et al. Mol Cell Endocrinol. .

Abstract

The increasing production of intentional and unintentional nanoparticles (NPs) has led to their accumulation in the environment as air and ground pollution. The heterogeneity of these particles primarily relies on the NP physicochemical properties (i.e., chemical composition, size, shape, surface chemistry, etc.). Pregnancy represents a vulnerable life stage for both the woman and the developing fetus. The ubiquitous nature of these NPs creates a concern for developmental fetal exposures. At the maternal-fetal interface lies the placenta, a temporary endocrine organ that facilitates nutrient and waste exchange as well as communication between maternal and fetal tissues. Recent evidence in human and animal models identifies that gestational exposure to NPs results in placental translocation leading to local effects and endocrine disruption. Currently, the mechanisms underlying placental translocation and cellular uptake of NPs in the placenta are poorly understood. The purpose of this review is to assess the current understanding of the physiochemical factors influencing NP translocation, cellular uptake, and endocrine disruption at the maternal-fetal interface within the available literature.

Keywords: Endocrine; Maternal-fetal interface; Nanoparticle; Physicochemical properties; Placenta; Uptake/translocation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of competing interest The increasing production of intentional and unintentional nanoparticles (NPs) has led to their accumulation in the environment as air and ground pollution. The heterogeneity of these particles primarily relies on the NP physicochemical properties (i.e., chemical composition, size, shape, surface chemistry, etc.). Pregnancy represents a vulnerable life stage for both the woman and the developing fetus. The ubiquitous nature of these NPs creates a concern for developmental fetal exposures. At the maternal fetal interface lies the placenta, a unique and transient endocrine organ that facilitates nutrient and waste exchange as well as communication between maternal and fetal tissues. Recent evidence in human and animal models identify that gestational exposure to NPs results in placental translocation leading to local effects and endocrine disruption. Currently, the mechanisms underlying placental translocation and cellular uptake of NPs in the placenta is poorly understood. The purpose of this review is to assess the current understanding of the physiochemical factors influencing NP translocation, cellular uptake, and endocrine disruption at the maternal-fetal interface within the available literature.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Discoid, hemochorial placental anatomy.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Summary of cellular interactions that occur in the placenta, following gestational exposure to NPs. Created using BioRender.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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