Prenatal exposure to metal(loid)s, phthalates and microplastics: effects on steroid hormones, microRNA expression and birth outcomes – FetalExpo

Duration: 36 months, 1 Dec 2025–30 Nov 2028

Project webpage: https://projekti.imi.hr/fetalexpo/

Project summary:

In daily life, individuals are exposed to a wide range of environmental toxicants, and exposure to environmental pollutants during prenatal and postnatal periods can affect pregnancy progress and fetal development, and increase risk of developing diseases later in life. Studies show the appearance of various disorders as a result of improper maternal nutrition, exposure to synthetic hormones, and daily exposure to harmful environmental toxicants. Within this project, the impact of daily exposure will be investigated in a group of healthy postpartum women, mother-new born pairs (N=160-200) recruited in the maternity of the University Hospital ”Sisters of Charity”, Zagreb. For the first time in Croatia, the levels of phthalate metabolites will be determined, and the mother and fetus’ exposure to these harmful compounds will be assessed. The influence of exposure to ubiquitous pollutants from the environment, including metal(oids), phthalates, and microplastics, on the synthesis of steroid hormones important for the normal course and outcome of pregnancy will be examined. Furthermore, microplastics in the placenta will be identified and characterized, and its adverse effects on placental function and fetal health will be evaluated. Postnatal health risks due to changes in developmental programming, as a consequence of environmental exposure to metal(oid)s, phthalates and microplastics will be assessed by determining miRNA expression, small non-coding molecules that regulate gene expression.