Engineers create placenta-on-a-chip model to study cadmium effects on pregnancy
Researchers at Penn Engineering and partner institutions developed a new bioengineered model to investigate how environmental toxins impact the human placenta.
Study examines toxic metal exposure
Scientists used living human cells to test how cadmium influences fetal support capabilities. This specific metal appears in food, drinking water, and tobacco smoke. The team found that harm occurs even when cell death does not happen.
Protective proteins identified by team
The investigation revealed a specific protein that helps shield placental tissue from damage. Researchers also noted metabolic changes that might explain how exposure causes injury. These findings offer new clues for understanding adverse pregnancy outcomes like low birth weight.
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