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Updated: Mar 15, 2026
08:08
Determination of the Transport Rate of Xenobiotics and Nanomaterials Across the Placenta using the ex vivo Human Placental Perfusion Model
Published on: June 18, 2013
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Genetics of the human placenta: implications for toxicokinetics
Claudia Gundacker1, Jürgen Neesen2, Elisabeth Straka2
1Institute of Medical Genetics, Center of Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Strasse 10, 1090, Vienna, Austria. claudia.gundacker@meduniwien.ac.at.
Archives of Toxicology
|September 8, 2016
Summary
Environmental pollutants like cadmium, lead, and mercury can harm fetal development by crossing the placenta. Genetic and epigenetic factors significantly influence how the placenta handles these toxic substances, impacting fetal health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Human Placental Biology
Background:
- Chemicals like cadmium, lead, and mercury pose risks to reproduction by crossing the placenta.
- The human placenta's role in toxicant transport and metabolism is poorly understood.
- Mechanisms of transplacental metal passage and genetic influences are largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current knowledge on how genetic and epigenetic factors influence placental toxicokinetics.
- To explore the impact of genetics on placental (patho)physiology and fetal development.
- To highlight the interplay between genetics, epigenetics, and placental function in toxicant exposure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review summarizing current research on genetics, epigenetics, and placental toxicology.
- Analysis of genetic factors including genotype interplay, chromosomal aberrations, and epigenetics.
- Examination of the effects on placental function and fetal health.
Main Results:
- Genetic factors, including genotype interactions, chromosomal variations, and epigenetic modifications, play a crucial role in placental toxicant handling.
- These genetic elements influence the placenta's capacity to metabolize and transport toxicants.
- Understanding these factors is key to comprehending fetal exposure levels and subsequent health outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Genetics and epigenetics are critical determinants of placental toxicokinetics and fetal development.
- Further research into genetic and epigenetic modulation of placental function is needed to mitigate risks from environmental pollutants.
- This knowledge is vital for advancing reproductive toxicology and protecting fetal health.
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