Study of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in urine associated with preeclampsia

• Grant number: 24/06672-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2024
• End date: May 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Principal Investigator: Arielle Cristina Arena
• Grantee: Julia Polotto da Silva
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Preeclampsia (PE) is a disease specific to pregnancy, associated with various risk factors, including genetic predisposition, advanced maternal age, pre-existing maternal diseases, among others. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of hormonal balance during pregnancy, specially the regulation of steroid hormones by the placenta and endothelial dysfunction. Changes in the levels of steroid hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone and androgens, may be related to the development of PE, affecting placental development and maternal vascular function. Exposure to endocrine disruptors (EDs), chemicals substances that interfere with hormonal function, has been identified as a possible contributing factor to the development of PE. Pregnant women may be exposed to different types of EDs, such as phthalates, phenols and metals, through personal care products, cosmetics and food consumption via various exposure routes and without control. Studies indicate that exposure to EDs can cause adverse effects on fetal and placental health, as well as being associated with a higher risk of developing PE, but there is no data on the Brazilian population. Therefore, this study aims to compare the amount of potential EDs in urine samples from pregnant women with and without PE. The identification of 21 potential EDs, including bisphenols, parabens, benzophenones and antimicrobials, may contribute to a better understanding of the correlation between exposure to EDs and the development of PE in the Brazilian population. This research is crucial to understanding the mechanisms underlying PE and its possible links with environmental exposure to EDs.