Detection of Endocrine Disruptors in Human Placenta: A Pilot Study on Exposure and Histopathological Findings

Background: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as bisphenols and parabens, are widely used in consumer products and can interfere with placental development. Although their cellular and molecular effects have been explored, the relationship between these factors and placental anatomical abnormalities remains unclear. This pilot study assessed histopathological lesions in human placentas and evaluated potential associations with varying bisphenol and paraben concentrations measured in placental tissue. Methods: Thirty-seven placentas from the Pregnancy Prevention Endocrine Disruptors cohort were analyzed. Histological assessments were conducted according to standardized protocols, which included evaluating chronic villitis of unknown etiology, intervillitis, chorangiosis, and placental trophicity. Bisphenols (bisphenol A, bisphenol S, bisphenol F, and chlorinated bisphenol A derivatives) and parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, and butyl-paraben) were assessed using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Results: EDCs were frequently detected in placental tissue. Villitis of unknown etiology lesions were identified in 16% of placentas; however, high-grade forms were rare. Chorangiosis was observed in 36% of placentas, and 38% showed hypertrophy. No significant associations were observed between EDCs and specific placental lesions; however, these trends may represent an exploratory signal that warrants further investigation. Conclusions: This study confirms widespread maternal exposure to EDCs and demonstrates the feasibility of directly detecting these compounds in placental tissue. Although no conclusive association was found between EDC exposure and placental lesions, further research with larger cohorts is warranted to explore potential mechanistic relationships.