An estimate of phthalate exposure among pregnant women living in Trujillo, Peru.

Phthalates are a group of phthalic acid esters which are used as plasticizers and additives. In laboratory animals, several phthalates are known endocrine disruptors. Several studies have described phthalate exposure in the United States and developed countries but little is known about phthalate exposure in the developing world, particularly during pregnancy. To assess exposure to six different phthalates, we measured the concentrations of nine phthalate metabolites in spot urine samples collected during the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy from a group of 72 women living in Trujillo, Peru. Additionally, women completed questionnaires to provide demographic characteristics. Statistical analysis via linear models was used to evaluate potential differences in the concentrations of phthalate metabolites by trimester, cooking fuel type, socioeconomic status, and education. All metabolites were detected in>40% of samples analyzed, and mono-n-butyl phthalate, mono (2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate, and monoethyl phthalate were found in>90% of samples. Five of nine unadjusted urinary metabolites and four of nine creatinine-adjusted urinary metabolites were significantly lower in this group of pregnant women living in Peru compared to pregnant women in the US general population.

Immunological and pathological changes in the placenta during infection with Listeria monocytogenes in pregnant guinea pigs.

Exposure to Listeria monocytogenes during pregnancy can result in spontaneous abortion and stillbirths; however, the mechanisms are unknown. Our objective was to determine the effects of infection on specific inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression and apoptosis in the placenta after infection with L. monocytogenes. Pregnant guinea pigs were treated on gestation day (gd) 35 with 10(8) colony forming units L. monocytogenes and sacrificed on gd 37, 41, 44, or 55. At gd 41, IFN-gamma and IL-2 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in placentas from treated dams (0.0012-fold and 0.131-fold, respectively). At gd 55, TNF-alpha mRNA expression was significantly decreased (0.19-fold), while IFN-gamma mRNA expression was significantly increased (32-fold), and apoptosis was detected in 100% of placentas from treated dams. In conclusion, inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression is altered and apoptosis is increased in the placenta after treatment with L. monocytogenes, and these changes may contribute to fetal death.

Listeria monocytogenes infection in pregnant guinea pigs is associated with maternal liver necrosis, a decrease in maternal serum TNF-alpha concentrations, and an increase in placental apoptosis.

Stillbirths and spontaneous abortions can result when pregnant women are exposed to the food borne pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes. Fetuses and neonates account for one-third of the 2500 cases annually. The objectives were to determine the dose dependent trends of immunological and pathological effects in pregnant guinea pigs after infection with L. monocytogenes. Timed pregnant guinea pigs were treated on gestation day (gd) 35 with doses of 10(4) to 10(8) colony forming units (CFUs) and sacrificed on gd 56. Hepatic lesions were found in dams treated with >or=10(5)CFUs. Apoptosis was detected in significantly more placentas from dams treated with >or=10(6)CFUs compared to controls. Maternal serum TNF-alpha concentrations were significantly decreased in all dose groups compared to controls. In conclusion, increases in premature delivery, maternal hepatic effects and placental apoptosis along with a decrease in TNF-alpha concentrations were associated with L. monocytogenes infection in pregnant guinea pigs.