Contaminants of emerging concern in the fetal environment

This study focused on the fetal exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) by developing a robust analytical method to identify both known and unknown EDCs in full-term amniotic fluid. The researchers created and validated a method for extracting and fractionating a broad range of polar and nonpolar EDCs, achieving high recoveries and minimal interference. Bioassay analysis showed estrogenic, androgenic, and dioxin-like activities in the amniotic fluid extract, with specific activity levels measured. Targeted analysis identified 13 xenobiotics, phytoestrogens, and endogenous hormones contributing to this activity. The study also found diverse unidentified substances with potential endocrine-disrupting activity, indicating a complex mixture of chemicals present in the fetal environment.