Impact of atmospheric pollution on placental senescence (R-10881)

Recently we showed that increased exposure to ambient air pollution during pregnancy induces telomere shortening and an increase in oxidative stress in the placenta. Moreover, we reported the presence of black carbon (BC) particles, as part of combustion-derived particulate matter, at the fetal side of the human placenta. Our hypothesis is therefore that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy could cause the translocation of air pollution particles in the placenta which could affect the ageing of the placenta. Indeed, it has recently been shown that cellular ageing, or senescence, of syncytiotrophoblast cells is detected in postpartum placenta and is associated with normal functioning of the placenta. This normal process is however impacted in pathological conditions such as pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction. Our objective is therefore to study whether exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can affect the "normal" senescence of the placenta. For this, we will assess whether the molecular signature associated with placental senescence is affected by significant exposure to air pollution, if markers of senescence, but also of oxidative stress and inflammation, are detected in placentas, and what are the effects of in vitro chronic exposure to pollution on syncytiotrophoblast cells. We could therefore assess whether air pollution affects the senescence of the placenta and whether it could have long-term repercussions on child development.

Keywords:CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR ASPECTS OF TOXICITY

Disciplines:Environmental health and safety

Project type:Collaboration project