Amy S. Mathew , Abhirami Harjith , C. Guruvayoorappan
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are now ubiquitous environmental contaminants that pose major risks to the environment and ecosystem, and in the last decade, concern about their potential threats to the reproductive system has gained widespread recognition. MPs can readily pass through biological barriers such as the placental and blood-brain barriers due to their small size. The ability of MPs to cross the placental barrier causes utmost concern as they could pass to the next generation and affect the health of the offspring. This review addresses the placental biology and its barrier function, as well as the ability of the MPs to translocate across the placenta. It also draws emphasis to responses of the placenta to the exposure of MPs at the cellular level, in vivo animal models, and human studies. To give a thorough grasp of the impacts of MPs at the maternal-fetal interface, investigations on the effects of MPs on fetal growth and development are also extensively reviewed.
期刊介绍:
Drawing from a large number of disciplines, Reproductive Toxicology publishes timely, original research on the influence of chemical and physical agents on reproduction. Written by and for obstetricians, pediatricians, embryologists, teratologists, geneticists, toxicologists, andrologists, and others interested in detecting potential reproductive hazards, the journal is a forum for communication among researchers and practitioners. Articles focus on the application of in vitro, animal and clinical research to the practice of clinical medicine.
All aspects of reproduction are within the scope of Reproductive Toxicology, including the formation and maturation of male and female gametes, sexual function, the events surrounding the fusion of gametes and the development of the fertilized ovum, nourishment and transport of the conceptus within the genital tract, implantation, embryogenesis, intrauterine growth, placentation and placental function, parturition, lactation and neonatal survival. Adverse reproductive effects in males will be considered as significant as adverse effects occurring in females. To provide a balanced presentation of approaches, equal emphasis will be given to clinical and animal or in vitro work. Typical end points that will be studied by contributors include infertility, sexual dysfunction, spontaneous abortion, malformations, abnormal histogenesis, stillbirth, intrauterine growth retardation, prematurity, behavioral abnormalities, and perinatal mortality.