​​Evolutions in our understanding of endocrine disrupting chemicals during pregnancy​

We are exposed to numerous chemicals throughout our livespans. The most critical window of expsure is pregnancy, a time when not only the developing individual, but also the mother, are extremely sensitive to endocrine disruption The 7 articles contained in this Special Issue opens in new tab/window published in Elsevier’s Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology journal cover environmental and chemical exposures from conception throughout pregnancy.

This collection of articles examines different aspects and effects of environmental and chemical endocrine disruptions during pregnancy. Its ground breaking topics pertain to: effects of temperature and stress on fetal growth, nanoparticles at the maternal-fetal interface, pregnancy related maternal physiological adaptations and fetal chemical exposure, toxicity of prenatal exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals, toxicity and placental cells, immunological and metabolic status of women exposed to EDCs, animal studies pertaining to placenta-brain axis disruption from chemical exposure.  

Quote from the Comissioning Editor’s: “Pregnancy is among the most vulnerable periods in a woman’s lifetime. It is well established that environmental exposures during pregnancy can have adverse impacts on the maternal-fetal interface with effects spanning the placenta, the fetus, and the mother, at a time during which most of her organs undergo critical adaptations. Most chemicals in addition to bathing the placental bed and having a direct impact on placental function also cross the placental barrier reaching the fetus and posing a developmental risk. This Special Issue assembles a series of works that review the state of the art regarding pregnancy exposures and the impact on maternal-fetal interface that can underlie pregnancy disorders and fetal outcomes.” 

This research addressing the growing need for more nuanced and complex understandings of how our bodies interact with their environments. Nothing could be more fundamental to this interaction than pregnancy itself. While these articles do not paint the entire picture of endocrine distrupting chemicals (EDC) and pregnancy, they do begin a more serious and focused dialogue that should serve as a stepping stone for future advancements in the field.  

The articles contained in this special issue are:

• “Ambient temperature, heat stress and fetal growth: A review of placenta-mediated mechanisms” Whitney Cowell, Natasha Ard, Teresa Herrera, Eleanor A. Medley, Leonardo Trasande (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2023.112000 opens in new tab/window) Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, volume 576, October 2023, published by Elsevier opens in new tab/window. 

• “Nanoparticles at the maternal-fetal interface” S. Adams, P.A. Stapleton (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2023.112067 opens in new tab/window) Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, Article in Press 2023, published by Elsevier opens in new tab/window. 

• “Pregnancy-related maternal physiological adaptations and fetal chemical exposure” Marie-Therese Vinnars, Marie Bixo, Pauliina Damdimopoulou  (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2023.112064 opens in new tab/window) Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, volume 578, December 2023, published by Elsevier opens in new tab/window. 

• “Prenatal exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals: The role of multi-omics in understanding toxicity” Margaret H. Rabotnick, Jessa Ehlinger, Ariana Haidari, Jaclyn M. Goodrich (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2023.112046 opens in new tab/window) Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, volume 578, December 2023, published by Elsevier opens in new tab/window. 

• “Placental single cell transcriptomics: Opportunities for endocrine disrupting chemical toxicology” Elana R. Elkin, Kyle A. Campbell, Samantha Lapehn, Sean M. Harris, ... Alison G. Paquette (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2023.112066 opens in new tab/window) Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, Article in Press 2023, published by Elsevier opens in new tab/window. 

• “Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals impacts immunological and metabolic status of women during pregnancy” Alyssa K. Merrill, Marissa Sobolewski, Martha Susiarjo (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2023.112031 opens in new tab/window) Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, volume 577, November 2023, published by Elsevier opens in new tab/window. 

• “Gestational exposure to FireMaster® 550 (FM 550) disrupts the placenta-brain axis in a socially monogamous rodent species, the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster)” William P. Marinello, Sagi Enicole A. Gillera, Yoonhee Han, Jason R. Richardson, ... Heather B. Patisaul (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2023.112041 opens in new tab/window) Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, volume 576, October 2023, published by Elsevier opens in new tab/window. 

Copies of these papers are available to credentialed journalists upon request; please contact ​Daniel Martin​ at ​[email protected]​   

 About ​Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology (MCE)​ 

Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology was established in 1974 to meet the demand for integrated publication on all aspects related to the genetic and biochemical effects, synthesis and secretions of extracellular signals (hormones, neurotransmitters, etc.) and to the understanding of cellular regulatory mechanisms involved in hormonal control. 

About Elsevier

As a global leader in scientific information and analytics, Elsevier helps researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. We do this by facilitating insights and critical decision-making with innovative solutions based on trusted, evidence-based content and advanced AI-enabled digital technologies.

We have supported the work of our research and healthcare communities for more than 140 years. Our 9,500 employees around the world, including 2,500 technologists, are dedicated to supporting researchers, librarians, academic leaders, funders, governments, R&D-intensive companies, doctors, nurses, future healthcare professionals and educators in their critical work. Our 2,900 scientific journals and iconic reference books include the foremost titles in their fields, including Cell Press, The Lancet and Gray’s Anatomy.

Together with the Elsevier Foundation opens in new tab/window, we work in partnership with the communities we serve to advance inclusion and diversity in science, research and healthcare in developing countries and around the world.

Elsevier is part of RELX opens in new tab/window, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information on our work, digital solutions and content, visit www.elsevier.com.