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Exposure to microplastics during pregnancy and fetal liver function
Chuanzhuo Wang1, Hua Chang2, Huan Wang2
1Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
|April 1, 2025
Summary
Prenatal exposure to microplastics (MPs) in the placenta is linked to altered fetal liver enzymes, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). This suggests potential impacts on fetal liver function, warranting further research.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Emerging evidence suggests prenatal microplastic (MP) exposure may impact fetal development.
- Human data on the physiological consequences of in-utero MP exposure are limited.
- Placental MP accumulation is a potential pathway for fetal exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between placental microplastic (MP) exposure and fetal liver enzyme levels.
- To assess the impact of specific MPs (PVC, PP, PBS) and total MP burden on markers of fetal hepatic function.
- To explore mixture effects of different MPs on liver enzymes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 1057 pregnant women in Shenyang, China.
- Placental MP quantification using LD-IR chemical imaging (PVC, PP, PBS).
- Analysis of umbilical cord blood liver enzymes (ALP, ALT, AST, GGT) via biochemical assays.
- Statistical analysis using multivariable regression, BKMR, and quantile g-computation.
Main Results:
- Microplastics (PVC, PP, PBS) were detected in most placentas, with a median of 12 MPs/10µg tissue.
- Higher placental PVC associated with increased ALP; PP associated with ALT and AST.
- Both PP and total MPs burden strongly associated with elevated GGT.
- Mixture analysis indicated significant effects of MPs on ALP, AST, and GGT levels.
Conclusions:
- Placental microplastic exposure is associated with altered fetal liver enzyme levels (ALP, AST, GGT).
- Findings suggest potential impacts of prenatal MP exposure on fetal hepatic function.
- Further research is needed to elucidate mechanisms and long-term health implications.
