Aim: 

Exposure to environmental contaminants represents one of the biggest risk factor for human reproductive health. In the present study we evaluated the effect of p-Nonylphenol (p-NP) on the invasive capacity of human trophoblast cells.

Methods: 

Trophoblast cell lines HTR-8/SVneo and chorionic villous explants from fresh human placenta were exposed to p-NP or vehicle alone (ethanol 0,1%) as control. At predetermined incubation times explants supernatants were collected and assayed for b-hCG and metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9). p-NP effects on HTR-8/SVneo cells was determined by a cellular invasion assay.

Results: 

The treatment of chorionic villous explants with p-NP resulted in an increase of b-hCG and in a reduction of MMP-9 secretion. p-NP treatment in HTR-8/SVneo cells resulted in a reduction of cellular invasive capacity.

Conclusion: 

Our findings suggest that maternal exposure to p-NP may lead to a disregulation in placental development thus impairing the maintenance of pregnancy.