Heavy metal (HMs) toxicity on fetus and role of placenta as a barrier: A mini review

Heavy metals (HMs) are environmental pollutants with toxic properties. The placenta is an advantaged organ that, along with the fetal membranes and amniotic fluid, facilitates growth and development of the fetus throughout the pregnancy. Placenta also performances as a filter reducing the passage of harmful substances, protecting the embryo and then the fetus from exposure to pollutants. The placental barrier is not absolutely impermeable to the passage of dangerous substances; indeed, Heavy metals (HMs) were detected not only in placental tissues, but also in amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood. The amniotic fluid can be measured as a valuable marker of prenatal contact to exogenous factors, and as a pointer of the integrity of placental barrier. The effect of an intrauterine exposure to Heavy metals (HMs) has been sufficiently assessed during the last decades. Several studies examined the exposure to Heavy metals (HMs) in order to evaluate the mechanism of placental transfer and the influence on fetuses and later children's health. In particular, the early exposure to Heavy metals (HMs) was correlated to infant health effects, such as neurological, developmental, and endocrine disorders.