Francisca Villarroel & Paulo Salinas

The study explores the relationship between chronic exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), sourced from wood smoke, and the histological structure and endocrine function of the uterus in nulliparous adult rats. It assesses potential structural changes in the uterus that could impact reproductive health, viewing PM2.5 exposure as a possible risk factor. A controlled experiment was conducted in a city known for high air pollution levels, exposing rats to filtered and unfiltered air conditions, thus mimicking human PM2.5 exposure. Histological findings indicated a significant increase in collagen density and uterine wall thickness in PM2.5 exposed subjects, suggesting a reproductive function risk. However, no significant differences were observed in progesterone and estradiol hormone levels, pointing to the complex relationship between PM2.5 exposure and its endocrine impact, and emphasizing the need for further studies for a deeper understanding. This work highlights the importance of thoroughly investigating the long-term effects of PM2.5 pollution on reproductive health, underlining the significance of considering environmental exposure as a critical factor in reproductive health research.

KEY WORDS: Pollution; Wood smoke; Uterus; Reproductive system; Particulate matter 2.5, PM2.5

VILLARROEL, F. & SALINAS, P. Histological and endocrine effects of chronic exposure to MP2.5 derived from wood smoke in the uterus of nulliparous adult rats. Int. J. Morphol., 42(3):647-662, 2024.