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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
Distribution of Phthalate Metabolites between Paired Maternal-Fetal Samples
Xiaoying Li1, Hongwen Sun1, Yiming Yao1
1Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering , Nankai University , Tianjin 300071 , China.
Abstract:
Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are readily metabolized to phthalate metabolites (mPAEs) in the human body. The occurrence of mPAEs in adult human samples is well documented; however, the maternal-fetal transmission of mPAEs has seldom been studied. In this study, 78 paired maternal-fetal samples, including maternal urine (MU), maternal serum (MS), cord serum (CS), and amniotic fluid (AF), were collected from pregnant women in Tianjin, China. Seven mPAEs were detected in MS, CS, and AF, whereas all 11 investigated mPAEs were found in MU. The median concentration of ∑mPAEs was the highest in MU (128 ng/mL, with a range of 20.2-973 ng/mL), and proceeded in the order of CS (44.9, 13.9-315 ng/mL), MS (24.6, 3.75-156 ng/mL), and AF (10.4, 7.69-79.8 ng/mL). The values of ∑mPAEs and several individual mPAEs were significantly correlated between MU and MS, with generally higher concentrations in MU, which indicated that urinary mPAEs is a good indicator of PAEs' exposure in adults. Notably, the median CS:MS ratios of ∑mPAEs (1.58) were higher than 1, indicating that fetuses were exposed to mPAEs before birth. Significant correlations were also observed between MS and CS, which suggested that mPAEs in MS provide an indication of the fetal exposure. This study presents the first systematic analysis of the distribution and transmission of various mPAEs between mothers and fetuses.
Insights
Phthalate metabolites (mPAEs) were detected in maternal and fetal samples, indicating prenatal exposure. Maternal urine accurately reflects adult exposure, while cord serum suggests fetal exposure to mPAEs.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are common environmental contaminants.
- PAEs are metabolized to phthalate metabolites (mPAEs) in the body.
- Maternal-fetal transfer of mPAEs is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and distribution of mPAEs in maternal and fetal samples.
- To assess the maternal-fetal transmission of mPAEs.
- To evaluate maternal urine and serum as indicators of PAE exposure.
Main Methods:
- Collected 78 paired maternal-fetal samples (maternal urine, maternal serum, cord serum, amniotic fluid).
- Analyzed 11 mPAEs using established analytical techniques.
- Performed statistical analysis to determine correlations and ratios.
Main Results:
- All 11 mPAEs were detected in maternal urine; 7 mPAEs were found in maternal serum, cord serum, and amniotic fluid.
- Median ∑mPAEs concentrations were highest in maternal urine, followed by cord serum, maternal serum, and amniotic fluid.
- Cord serum to maternal serum ratios > 1 indicated fetal exposure to mPAEs, with significant correlations between maternal serum and cord serum.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first systematic analysis of mPAE distribution and maternal-fetal transmission.
- Maternal urine is a reliable indicator of adult PAE exposure.
- Fetuses are exposed to mPAEs in utero, with maternal serum reflecting fetal exposure levels.
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