Interactions between 14 Elements in the Human Placenta, Fetal Membrane and Umbilical Cord

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Environmental Health
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Trace elements and heavy metals accumulate in placental tissues.
• Understanding these accumulations is crucial for assessing pregnancy outcomes.
• Previous research identified specific metal interactions in the placenta.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate relationships between macroelements, microelements, and heavy metals in the placenta, fetal membrane, and umbilical cord.
• To examine correlations between these metal concentrations and maternal/newborn parameters.
• To identify new metal interactions within afterbirth tissues.

Main Methods:

• Elemental analysis of placenta, fetal membrane, and umbilical cord.
• Correlation analysis between metal concentrations and maternal age, gestational age, placental parameters, and newborn parameters.
• Statistical analysis to confirm known and identify novel metal interactions.

Main Results:

• Confirmed Zn-Cd, Pb-Cd, and Ni-Pb interactions in the placenta.
• Identified new metal interactions in placental tissues, fetal membranes, and umbilical cords.
• Established significant correlations between specific metals (e.g., Mn, Cr, Fe, Zn, Ag, Cu, Sr, Ca, Ni, Mo, Pb) and maternal age, gestational age, newborn size, Apgar score, and placental dimensions.

Conclusions:

• Metals significantly influence placental, maternal, and newborn parameters.
• Essential trace elements play a vital role during pregnancy.
• The study provides insights into the complex interplay between environmental exposures and fetal development.