Work

Revealing mercury species-specific transfer and toxicity mechanisms in placental trophoblasts

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Environmental mercury (Hg) follows a biogeochemical cycle resulting in the formation of a variety of Hg species. Therefore, human exposure to the three Hg species inorganic Hg via crops and air, methyl mercury through fish consumption and ethyl mercury due to the use as antiseptic agent in medical application is a rising concern. Especially pregnant women and their developing fetus present a vulnerable population. However, little is known about its transfer and toxicity in placental barrier building cells. In this study, Hg species-specific transfer and toxicity in placental trophoblasts, which are the main cell type involved in nutrient transfer, were investigated by using the established BeWo b30 in vitro model. The transfer of inorganic HgCl2 was much lower compared to the organic Hg species and all three species were able to perturb barrier integrity. This was accompanied by a less pronounced cytotoxicity of HgCl2 compared to the two organic species. Toxicity includes alterations in the energy metabolism, impaired activity of antioxidative stress-related enzymes and proteins as well as the induction of apoptotic and necrotic pathways. This data should enhance Hg risk characterization for pregnant woman and reveal potential pathways which can be targeted in therapeutic approaches to alleviate Hg-induced fetotoxicity.

Source: Chemosphere

DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143870