Endocrine Disruptors at the Fetomaternal Interface: Insight From PBDE Studies and the Utility of Novel Approach...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive toxicology
• Environmental health
• Organ-on-a-chip technology

Background:

• Endocrine disruptors, such as Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), are suspected contributors to preterm birth (PTB).
• Existing research faces data ambiguity regarding PBDEs' mechanisms of action at the feto-maternal interface.
• Traditional animal models have limitations in fully replicating human physiology for toxicological assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of feto-maternal interface organs-on-a-chip (OOCs) for studying environmental pollutants.
• To demonstrate how OOCs can elucidate the mechanisms of endocrine-disrupting compounds like PBDEs.
• To highlight OOCs as a New Approach Method (NAM) for reproductive toxicology.

Main Methods:

• Review of microfluidic-based New Approach Methods (NAMs), specifically organs-on-a-chip (OOCs).
• Focus on OOCs designed to model the feto-maternal interface (placenta/fetal membranes).
• Utilizing PBDEs as a case study for investigating endocrine disruption in OOC models.

Main Results:

• OOCs can replicate human organ-level functions in vitro, mimicking physiological environments.
• These microfluidic systems allow for the study of intercellular interactions crucial for the feto-maternal interface.
• PBDEs serve as an example to illustrate the potential of OOCs in toxicological assessments.

Conclusions:

• Feto-maternal interface OOCs represent a promising humanized alternative to traditional animal testing.
• OOC technology can provide mechanistic insights into how environmental pollutants like PBDEs affect pregnancy.
• This approach aids in understanding and mitigating risks associated with endocrine disruptors and PTB.