Journal Article Preprint Epublish 12 citations
PubMed: 39975889 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5903715/v1
Elevated Micro- and Nanoplastics Detected in Preterm Human Placentae.
Res Sq
Authors: Michael Jochum, Marcus Garcia, Alexandra Hammerquist, Jacquelyne Howell, Myla Stanford, Rui Liu, Marian Olewine, Eliane El Hayek, Emily Phan, Lori Showalter, Cynthia Shope, Melissa Suter, Matthew Campen, Kjersti Aagaard, Enrico Barrozo
Affiliations
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital.
- University of New Mexico.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of New Mexico.
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
- Oregon National Primate Research Center & HCA Healthcare and HCA Healthcare Research Institute & Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School.
- Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital.
Abstract
Recent analytical advancements have uncovered increasing micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in environmental, dietary, and biological domains, raising concerns about their health impacts. Preterm birth (PTB), a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, may be influenced by MNP exposure, yet this relationship remains unexplored. This study quantified 12 MNP polymers in placentae from term (n=87) and preterm (n=71) deliveries using pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Cumulative MNP concentrations were 28% higher in PTB placentae (mean ±SD: 224.7 ± 180.7 μg/g vs. 175.5 ± 137.9 μg/g; p=0.038). Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PU), and polycarbonate (PC) were significantly elevated in PTB, and PET, PU, and PC inversely correlated with gestational age and birth weight. Logistic regression identified PVC and PC as independent predictors of PTB. These findings suggest total and specific MNPs are associated with PTB, providing actionable insights and emphasizing the importance of minimizing exposure during pregnancy.
MeSH
Parturition, Microplastics, Environmental Pollutants, Premature Birth