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Environmental Nanoparticles Reach Human Fetal Brains.

Lilian Calderón-Garcidueñas1,2, Ángel Augusto Pérez-Calatayud3, Angélica González-Maciel4

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Ultrafine particulate matter (UFPM) and nanoparticles (NPs) cross the placental barrier, reaching fetal brains early in development. These environmental exposures pose significant risks to prenatal and postnatal neurological health.

Keywords:
NPs extracellular vesiclesTabascoVillahermosaenvironmental medicineerythroblastsfetal brainsnanoparticlesneurodevelopmental disorderspetrochemical pollutionplacental impairmentpreeclampsia

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Toxicology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Ultrafine particulate matter (UFPM) and nanoparticles (NPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants.
  • The placental barrier's role in preventing fetal exposure to these particles is not fully understood.
  • Early fetal development is a critical window for potential neurodevelopmental impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and distribution of UFPM/NPs in human placentas and fetal brains during early development (postconceptional weeks 8-15).
  • To identify potential carriers of NPs from mother to fetus.
  • To assess the implications of NP exposure for prenatal and postnatal health.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of human placental and brain tissues from polluted regions using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
  • Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was employed to identify the elemental composition of detected NPs.
  • Comparison of tissues from normal, preeclamptic pregnancies, and different developmental stages.

Main Results:

  • Nanoparticles (NPs) were detected in maternal erythrocytes, placental cells (syncytiotrophoblast, Hofbauer cells), and fetal endothelium.
  • NPs were found within fetal brain cells, including neurons and glia, and associated with brain endothelium.
  • Erythroblasts were identified as primary carriers of NPs to fetal tissues, with evidence of NP transfer across the placental barrier.
  • Elemental analysis revealed nanoscale alloys of Fe, Ti, Al, Hg, Cu, Ca, Sn, and Si in placental and fetal brain tissues.

Conclusions:

  • The placental barrier is not an absolute barrier to environmental NPs during early gestation.
  • Erythroblasts play a crucial role in transporting NPs to fetal tissues, including the brain.
  • Prenatal exposure to UFPM/NPs raises significant concerns for fetal neurodevelopment and long-term neurological health.
  • NP vesicles in preeclamptic fetal blood may serve as biomarkers for neonatal UFPM exposure.