Review: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-Action on placental function and health risks in future life of newborns

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common environmental pollutants, which are released as products of incomplete combustion processes. Harmful effects of PAHs exposure on human health are observed in increased morbidity of respiratory, cardiovascular and immunological diseases. A particularly sensitive group to PAHs exposure are pregnant women and their developing offspring. PAHs can cross the placental barrier and a lot of published data indicated that prenatal or early postnatal exposure to PAHs can lead to developmental toxicity. Epidemiological data shows increased incidence and prevalence of conditions associated with PAHs exposure, like intrauterine growth retardation. Even more, negative effect of PAHs are observed later in development, low IQ, problems with behavior, allergies or asthma. This review will briefly summarize currently available data on the effects of PAHs on placental function with a specific emphasis on placental differentiation, angiogenesis, hormone signaling and consequences of exposure to PAHs in childhood and adulthood.