Aim: 

Xeno-estrogens are environmental chemicals which may interfere with the delicate balance of the endocrine system by mimicking the action of the steroid hormones. These chemicals are able to influence human reproductive health. They can also be transferred from the mother to the embryo and cause reproductive and developmental toxicity.

Methods: 

We investigated the effect of selected xeno-estrogens e.g. para-nonylphenol (p-NP), Bisphenol A (BPA), Diethylstilbestrol (DES) on in vitro models of human placenta. The choriocarcinoma BeWo cell line was used to identify chemical lethal concentration able to reduce 50% of cell viability (cell toxicity). The chorionic villous explants from first trimester human placenta were used to perform studies on the effect of chemicals at non-toxic concentrations. Vehicle-treated cultures were used as negative controls.

Results: 

We found toxicity of all chemicals tested at concentrations in the order of mM with DES the most and BPA the less active. Lower, non-toxic, pM to nM concentrations, were able to interfere with the hormone, b-human chorionic gonadotropin (b-hCG), secretion as well as with trophoblast differentiation/apoptosis.

Conclusion: 

These results raise concern about maternal exposure to environmental factors and on their potential involvement in pregnancy disorders.