Exploring the Impact of Propylparaben on Trophoblast Function: A Comprehensive In Vitro Study of Toxicity and Gene Expression

Abstract

Abstract Parabens are prominent preservatives in pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care products. Their widespread production and use potentially contributed to global environmental pollution, entering the human body primarily through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. Some studies detected propylparaben in human placenta and amniotic fluid. However, there was limited research regarding its potential toxic effects on the trophoblast at the maternal-fetal interface. In this study, we utilized HTR-8/SVneo cells derived from the extravillous trophoblast to investigate the impacts of different concentrations of propylparaben on the function of the trophoblast. The results revealed that propylparaben significantly reduced cellular viability and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress. Further analysis showed that due to the decreased expression of cyclin D1, cell cycle progression was arrested at the G0/G1 phase, and cell apoptosis was induced by heightened caspase-3 activity. Through transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq) combined with the CTDbase.org database, we identified seven core genes, which were key targets of propylparaben in pregnancy-related complications. In conclusion, our findings suggested that propylparaben had potential toxic effects on HTR-8/SVneo cells derived from the extravillous trophoblast.