Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a chemical widely distributed in the environment as is extensively used in the plastic industry. DEHP is considered an endocrine disruptor chemical (EDC) and humans are inevitably and unintentionally exposed to this EDC through several sources including food, beverages, cosmetics, medical devices, among others. DEHP exposure has been associated and may be involved in the development of various pathologies; importantly, pregnant women are a particular risk group considering that endocrine alterations during gestation may impact fetal programming leading to the development of several chronic diseases in adulthood. Recent studies have indicated that exposure to DEHP and its metabolite Mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) may impair placental development and function, which in turn would have a negative impact on fetal growth.

Studies performed in several trophoblastic and placental models have shown the negative impact of DEHP and MEHP in key processes related to placental development such as implantation, differentiation, invasion and angiogenesis. In addition, many alterations in placental functions like hormone signaling, metabolism, transfer of nutrients, immunomodulation and oxidative stress response have been reported. Moreover, clinical-epidemiological evidence supports the association between DEHP exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes and pathologies. In this review, we aim to summarize for the first time current knowledge about the impact of DEHP and MEHP exposure on placental development and pathophysiology, as well as the mechanisms involved. We also remark the importance of exploring DEHP and MEHP effects in different trophoblast cell populations and discuss new perspectives regarding this topic.

邻苯二甲酸二（2-乙基己基）酯（DEHP）是一种广泛分布在环境中的化学物质，已广泛用于塑料工业中。DEHP被认为是一种内分泌干扰物化学物质（EDC），人类不可避免地，无意地通过多种途径接触到该EDC，包括食物，饮料，化妆品，医疗器械等。DEHP暴露与之相关，并可能参与各种病理的发展；重要的是，孕妇是一个特殊的危险人群，考虑到妊娠期间内分泌的改变可能会影响胎儿的程序设计，从而导致成年后出现几种慢性疾病。最近的研究表明，暴露于DEHP及其代谢产物邻苯二甲酸单（2-乙基己基）酯（MEHP）可能会损害胎盘发育和功能，

在几种滋养细胞和胎盘模型中进行的研究表明，DEHP和MEHP在与胎盘发育有关的关键过程中具有负面影响，例如植入，分化，侵袭和血管生成。另外，已经报道了胎盘功能的许多改变，例如激素信号传导，新陈代谢，营养物质的转移，免疫调节和氧化应激反应。此外，临床流行病学证据支持DEHP暴露与不良妊娠结局和病理之间的关联。在这篇综述中，我们旨在首次总结有关DEHP和MEHP暴露对胎盘发育和病理生理以及所涉及机制的影响的最新知识。