Taysir Hamad, a candidate for a doctorate in toxicology, defended her thesis on October 29 in Carver Hall. The title of her dissertation was “Molecular Mechanism of Bisphenol-A Induced Placental Dysfunction in Human Trophoblast Cells Model and Its Implications in Fetal Development.”
BPA, an endocrine disruptive chemical suspected to cause adverse effects on human health, has been detected in amniotic fluid, cord blood, placental tissue and fetal plasma. The presence of BPA in maternal reproductive tissues and fluids is concerning, she said, because it suggests that exposure to BPA can occur at all developmental stages and has the potential to affect reproductive processes and fetal development.
“Our results revealed that BPA even at low concentrations significantly alters the pregnancy hormones, placental development and placental functions,” Hamad said. “This alteration leads to severe pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia, premature labor and miscarriage.”
The compound readily crosses the placental barrier and accumulates in the placenta and the fetus, she said. Studies show that exposure, particularly during prenatal development and early infancy, are associated with a wide range of adverse health effects later in life.
“Her results provide new evidence for how exposure to BPA, even at levels lower than the regulated “safe” human exposure level, can lead to adverse effects on reproductive systems, early fetal development and possibly long term effects in adult life,” said Dr. Ahmed Elnabawi, an associate professor of toxicology in UMES’ Department of Natural Sciences, and her research advisor. “These results could provide the public, particularly the sensitive population of pregnant women, with critical information on how to lower their exposure to BPA to protect their children and on the dispute about the safety of BPA.”
Hamad, now a resident of Princess Anne, earned a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree (the U.S. equivalent to the PharmD) at the University of Gezira in Sudan. Following graduation, she plans to “continue my scientific research by finding a job in one of the biggest research institutes here in the USA, such as the Food and Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the National Institutes of Health.”
Hamad has presented her research each year over the past four years at national and international toxicology conferences and meetings. She has submitted three manuscripts to the highest impact journal in toxicology.
Gail Stephens, agricultural communications and media associate, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, 410-621-3850, gcstephens@umes.edu.
