Nanoparticles can cross XXXX placenta and induce trophoblast apoptosis.

@entity19 @entity852 @entity3338 @entity1603
INTRODUCTION: The effects of nanoparticles on pregnancy remain unclear. In this study, we investigate whether nanoparticles of a specific size can cross the placenta and affect trophoblast function. METHODS: Fluorescently labelled @entity3338 -modified @entity852 beads with diameters of 20, 40, 100, 200, and 500 nm were chosen as model particles. In vitro, trophoblast cell line (3A-Sub-E) or primary culture of term trophoblasts was used for nanoparticle uptake analysis using flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, @entity1603 proliferation assay and analysis of cell apoptosis using Western blot. Intravenous injection of nanoparticles into pregnant @entity19 at embryonic day 17 was used to study whether nanoparticles can cross the placenta. The @entity19 placentas were collected and quantitatively analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography for nanoparticle uptake. RESULTS: Fluorescent @entity852 particles with diameters of up to 500 nm were taken up by the placenta and were able to cross the placental barrier. The fluorescent @entity852 particles were observed in various organs of fetuses after 4 h of administration to pregnant @entity19 . The nanoparticle uptake by placental tissue was significantly increased in nanoparticles with a diameter of 40 nm. No linear association was evident between nanoparticle size and uptake. Nanoparticles with diameters of 20 nm (200  g/ml) and 40 nm (500  g/ml) could induce trophoblast cell apoptosis with increased cleaved caspase 3 and reduced cell proliferation. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that nanoparticles can cross the placenta and be taken up by fetal organs. Certain concentrations of @entity3338 -modified @entity852 nanoparticles may be cytotoxic to trophoblasts, which could alter placental function.
