BPA exposure of the placenta could affect fetal brain development

Date:
January 12, 2022
Source:
University of Missouri-Columbia
Summary:
Scientists demonstrate the direct transmission of bisphenol A
(BPA) from a mother to her developing child via the placenta could
negatively impact fetal brain development.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
In a new study, scientists at the University of Missouri demonstrate
the direct transmission of bisphenol A (BPA) from a mother to her
developing child via the placenta could negatively impact fetal brain development. Cheryl Rosenfeld, a professor of biomedical sciences
in the College of Veterinary Medicine, and colleagues propose more
attention should be placed on how this temporary organ affects fetal
brain development.


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"The placenta is only a temporary organ that aids in the exchange of
nutrients and waste between mother and child during pregnancy, but how
the placenta responds to toxicants like BPA during pregnancy can lead to long-term health consequences," Rosenfeld said. "We focused on the role
of microRNAs within the placenta, which are known to be key mediators
in regulating cellular functions, including neural development, and the identification of certain markers for cancer." Rosenfeld suspects the microRNAs are playing a role in how the effects of BPA exposure can lead
to neurological disorders later in life.

"These microRNAs can be packaged inside extracellular vesicles and can be transported to distant organs within the body," Rosenfeld said. "We're
assuming that by changing the pattern of microRNAs in the placenta,
these small molecules can then reach the brain, resulting in harmful
effects. Even before the brain's neurons are developed, these microRNA
packages may already be guiding fetal brain development. These changes
may even be different in female versus male fetuses." BPA is used in
many household items such as plastic water bottles and food containers,
and the epoxy coating of metal food cans. Exposure can occur during
the simple act of microwaving food inside polycarbonate plastic food containers. While recent efforts have begun toward making products "BPA
free," the more than decade-long debate surrounding what's considered
safe levels of BPA exposure continues. Numerous studies have looked into possible related health consequences, including neurobehavioral disorders, diabetes, obesity and various reproductive deficiencies.

Rosenfeld believes microRNAs' changes in the placenta could also be used
as an early diagnostic biomarker for BPA exposure.

"By identifying the relationship between these microRNAs and fetal brain development through BPA exposure, targeted therapies could eventually
be developed to help prevent or reverse some of the harmful effects of
BPA exposure that occur due to these microRNAs," Rosenfeld said.

Future plans for this work include examining the relationship between
the placenta and the brain outside of the body through using cell
culture systems.

This latest discovery continues a more than decade-long interest by
Rosenfeld on the effects of BPA exposure. Her most recent focus on the relationship between the placenta and the brain could help scientists
with developing a foundation for an early step in translational medicine,
or research that aims to improve human health by determining the relevance
of animal science discoveries to people.

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========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Jiude Mao, Jessica A Kinkade, Nathan J Bivens, Cheryl S
Rosenfeld. miRNA
changes in the mouse placenta due to bisphenol A
exposure. Epigenomics, 2021; 13 (24): 1909 DOI:
10.2217/epi-2021-0339 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/01/220112145059.htm
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