Abstract
Cadmium (Cd), a toxic heavy metal, produces various forms of environmental contaminations and health problems in human. In this study, we aimed to examine the localization of several apoptotic markers in human placentas from pregnant women who were environmentally exposed to Cd. Twelve pregnant women participated in this analysis and they were divided into 2 groups according to their living areas: high-Cd (H-Cd) and low-Cd (L-Cd) groups. After delivery, the placentas were immediately harvested, and the placental width, length, and weight were measured. The placental Cd concentration was determined by using ICP-MS. The expression of three apoptotic markers, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved lamin A/C, and TUNEL, was examined in immunohistochemistry. In results, the placental Cd concentration in the H-Cd group was higher than that in the L-Cd group. In contrast, a significant decrease in the BW (birth weight):PW (placenta weight) ratio representing the placental nutrient transport function was found in the H-Cd group, and an inverse correlation between placental Cd concentration and BW:PW ratio was demonstrated. Additionally, significant elevations in the expression of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved lamin A/C proteins, and TUNEL were shown in the H-Cd placenta. Moreover, positive correlations were found between the placental Cd concentration and the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and TUNEL. Collectively, our findings suggest that the exposure of pregnant women to environmental Cd might induce Cd to be transferred to the body and then accumulated in the placenta, resulting in disturbance of the placental function and eventual apoptosis.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to thank Dr. Witaya Swaddiwudhipong and staffs of Mae Sot General Hospital for the collaboration and sample collection. Additionally, we are grateful to Professor Dr. Thomas Brunner, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz in supply of sections of the liver and small intestine from mice pre-injected with 6μg TNF-α used as specimens for positive control in this study. Finally, we appreciate the School of Medical Science, University of Phayao for the generous support. We acknowledge the Overseas resident Professor Hisatake Kondo in Khon Kaen University for editing the manuscript.
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This study was granted by the School of Medical Science, University of Phayao (Project Nos. MS612001 and MS612002).
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Nathamon Tanasrivaroottanun performed the placental tissue processing and sectioning. Wisa Supanpaiboon conducted the metal analysis. Wiphawi Hipkaeo and Natthiya Sakulsak designed the methodology. Laorrat Phuapittayalert investigated the immunohistochemistry technique, TUNEL assay, data analysis, and was a major contributor in writing the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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This study was approved by the University of Phayao Human Ethnic Committee, University of Phayao, Thailand (No. 2/073/59). All participants have read the information sheet and signed a consent form before engaging in the experiment.
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Phuapittayalert, L., Tanasrivaroottanun, N., Hipkaeo, W. et al. Increased expression of apoptotic markers in human full-term placenta after exposure to elevated environmental cadmium levels during pregnancy. Environ Sci Pollut Res 28, 51795–51807 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-14431-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-14431-2