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Project

Impact of ambient air pollution during gestation on placental senescence (R-11915)

Recently we showed that increased exposure to 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 ambient 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 placentas 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 ambient 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, whether markers of senescence, but also of oxidative stress and inflammation, are detected in placentas, and what the effects of in vitro chronic exposure to pollution on syncytiotrophoblast cells are. We could therefore assess whether air pollution affects the senescence of the placenta and whether it could have long-term repercussions on child development.
Date:1 Oct 2021 →  Today
Keywords:AIR POLLUTION
Disciplines:Environmental health and safety
Project type:Collaboration project