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Published on: November 8, 2024
Polystyrene microplastics impair trophoblast invasion in vitro and alter microRNA expression targeting the
Saikanth Varma1, Asim K Duttaroy2, Sanjay Basak1
1Molecular Biology Division, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, India.
Abstract:
The presence of microplastics (MPs) in human blood and placenta provides evidence of human exposure to MPs and their accumulation in biological tissues. Adequate trophoblast invasion is essential for normal placentation. However, the effects of MPs exposure on microRNA (miRNA) expression regulating angiogenesis during early placental development on trophoblast function remain poorly understood. In this study, the interaction of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) with the HTR8/SVneo trophoblast cell line was investigated, with a particular focus on miRNA, gene, and protein expression associated with angiogenic and hypoxia-related pathways. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed PS-MPs adherence and accumulation on the cell membrane. PS-MPs significantly impaired trophoblast invasion and altered the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors. Increased miRNA expression, known to regulate angiogenesis, suggests alterations in the transcriptome underlying the observed reduction in invasion. MiRNAs dysregulated in inadequate trophoblast invasion were significantly altered. Overall, PS-MP exposure impairs trophoblast invasion and altering trophoblast miRNA expression targeting VEGF, activating hypoxia mediators, thereby affecting early placental functions.
Insights
Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) exposure impairs trophoblast invasion and alters microRNA (miRNA) expression crucial for placental development. This impacts angiogenesis and activates hypoxia mediators, affecting early placental functions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Toxicology
Background:
- Human exposure to microplastics (MPs) is confirmed by their presence in blood and placenta.
- Trophoblast invasion is critical for normal placental development.
- The impact of MPs on placental microRNA (miRNA) expression and trophoblast function is largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on trophoblast cells (HTR8/SVneo).
- To analyze changes in miRNA, gene, and protein expression related to angiogenesis and hypoxia.
- To understand the impact of PS-MPs on trophoblast invasion and placental function.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the HTR8/SVneo trophoblast cell line.
- Investigated PS-MPs interaction using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
- Assessed miRNA, gene, and protein expression, focusing on angiogenic and hypoxia pathways.
Main Results:
- SEM confirmed PS-MPs adherence and accumulation on trophoblast cell membranes.
- PS-MPs significantly reduced trophoblast invasion.
- Altered expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors was observed.
- Increased expression of angiogenesis-regulating miRNAs and dysregulated miRNAs linked to inadequate trophoblast invasion were detected.
Conclusions:
- PS-MP exposure negatively impacts trophoblast invasion.
- Exposure alters trophoblast miRNA expression, targeting VEGF.
- PS-MPs activate hypoxia mediators, potentially disrupting early placental functions.
