Abstract:

Fetal growth and survival are solely dependent on the placenta, making the
characterization of toxic elements in this tissue crucial for understanding exposure during
pregnancy. Stable lead (Pb) and Pb-210 are toxic elements of particular interest in this
context. Stable Pb has been linked to developmental changes in children, while Pb-210, a
beta-emitting radionuclide with a 22.3-year half-life, can increase cancer risk, particularly
bone sarcomas, when present in excess. Placental uptake of stable Pb and Pb-210 can
occur through ingestion of food and water, as well as inhalation of air, with smoking and
air pollution being significant contributing factors. Recent research suggests that even low
levels of environmental chemicals, especially potentially toxic elements, can significantly
disrupt placental homeostasis. This preliminary study aimed at determining the
concentrations of stable Pb and Pb-210 in the maternal and fetal portions of placentas
from eight women who delivered at the Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina,
University of São Paulo. Concentrations from 5.7 ± 1.2 ng g-1 to 210.3 ± 2.4 ng g-1 and
from 31.5 ± 2.9 Bq kg-1 to 43.3 ± 3.1 Bq kg-1 were obtained for stable Pb and Pb-210,
respectively. The results showed that both elements can cross the placental barrier and
reach the fetal compartment, albeit at lower concentrations than in the maternal portion.

Referência:

BONIFÁCIO, Laíssa Adriana; SANTOS, Nathália Villa dos; AKIBA, Naomi; LUZ, Maciel Santos; FRANCISCO, Rossana Pulcineli Vieira; MAZZILLI, Barbara Paci. Preliminary studies on the distribution of stable Pb and Pb-210 in the maternal and fetal portions of human placentas. Brazilian Journal of Radiation Science, v.13, n.4, p.1-12, 2025.

Acesso ao artigo no site do Periódico:

https://www.bjrs.org.br/revista/index.php/REVISTA/pt_BR/article/view/2962/1840