Search Results (1,055)

This review examines the environmental transition of contemporary diets, the effects of plant-based diets on human health, and vegetarianism as a phenomenon extending beyond a dietary choice, offering insights into its relationship with quality of life, physiological mechanisms, psychosocial determinants, and structural implications. In the current landscape, growing interest in vegetarianism is driven by three main factors: its contribution to multiple domains of health, its substantial potential to reduce resource use and environmental impacts, and its association with ethical and animal-related considerations. However, further research is needed to consolidate its role as a key component of future development, requiring integrated educational, cultural, technological, and policy approaches that ensure equitable access to plant-based foods, foster critical reflection on animal welfare and moral responsibility, as well as support coordinated transformations of food systems toward healthier and more environmentally sustainable societies. Ultimately, the global implementation of dietary shifts toward plant-based patterns remains anticipated but constrained, as ingrained economic and cultural interests continue to delay this pivotal systemic change. Therefore, until policy authorities enact substantial structural reforms and individuals actively promote this transition within their immediate social environments, the issue is likely to persist as a subject of ongoing debate and resistance against its operationalization. Full article

Cadmium exposure has been implicated in the development of atherosclerosis, yet its relationship with carotid plaque composition and echogenicity remains poorly understood. A better understanding of the environmental and biological factors influencing plaque characteristics may facilitate more accurate stratification of patients at high risk of ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between environmental cadmium exposure, plaque calcium content, lifestyle-related factors, and carotid plaque echogenicity, and to assess their combined value for predicting a highly echogenic carotid plaque phenotype. This cross-sectional study included 80 patients with advanced carotid atherosclerosis undergoing carotid endarterectomy. Cadmium concentrations were simultaneously determined in blood, urine, and surgically excised carotid plaques, whereas calcium concentrations were measured in plaque tissue, serum, and urine using atomic absorption spectrometry. Carotid plaque echogenicity was assessed preoperatively using ultrasound-derived Gray-Scale Median (GSM), and multivariable logistic regression models were developed to predict a highly echogenic, stable plaque phenotype. Current smokers exhibited significantly higher blood and urinary cadmium concentrations than never smokers, while urinary cadmium remained elevated after smoking cessation, reflecting cumulative exposure. Plaque calcium content showed the strongest positive association with GSM, whereas cadmium concentrations in blood, urine, and plaque tissue were not independently associated with continuous GSM. Higher fruit and vegetable intake was also positively associated with plaque echogenicity. Integrating cadmium biomarkers, plaque calcium content, smoking-related variables, and dietary factors substantially improved prediction of GSM ≥ 75, achieving excellent discrimination (AUC = 0.870) with 85.0% classification accuracy. These findings suggest that carotid plaque echogenicity reflects the combined influence of local tissue mineralization, environmental exposures, and lifestyle-related factors. This integrative approach may improve our understanding of carotid plaque biology and support future strategies for risk assessment and clinical stratification of patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Full article

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a globally prevalent zoonotic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, with potentially severe consequences for pregnant women, foetuses, and immunocompromised individuals. Despite its public health importance, epidemiological data on T. gondii infection in Kuwait remain limited and restricted to selected population groups. This study assessed the seroprevalence of T. gondii among community-based adult participants in Kuwait and examined potentially associated risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2024 in Kuwait City and Jahra governorates. Serum samples from a convenience sample of 200 adults attending governmental polyclinics were screened for T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies using VIDAS ELISAassays, with IgG-positive samples further analysed for IgG avidity. Demographic and exposure data were collected using structured questionnaires. Univariable and multivariable associations between demographic and exposure-related factors and IgG seropositivity were statistically evaluated. Results: The overall IgG seroprevalence was 11.5% (23/200), with no significant difference between governorates. All samples were IgM-negative, and all IgG-positive and equivocal samples showed high avidity. Age >40 years was associated with seropositivity in univariable analysis, but this association was not significant after adjustment (aOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 0.88–5.89; p = 0.092). No significant associations were observed with sex, nationality, educational level, travel history, cat ownership, or contact with stray cats. Conclusions: Among the participating community-based adults in Kuwait, T. gondii seroprevalence was lower than that reported in several regional studies, with serological findings consistent with past rather than recent infection. No demographic or exposure-related factor was independently associated with seropositivity. Larger population-based studies specifically powered to investigate risk factors and incorporating dietary, occupational, environmental, and migration-related exposures are needed to better characterise transmission pathways and inform targeted One Health surveillance and prevention strategies. Full article

Taste perception, taste preferences, and food preferences are three interrelated constructs underlying food-related behavior and contribute to individual dietary choices. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to shaping these traits. Taste perception refers to interindividual differences in biological sensitivity to basic taste modalities. Taste preferences represent the hedonic evaluation of taste modalities, including salty, sweet, bitter, sour, or umami, and fatty tastes, and are closely related to, but distinct from, taste perception. Recent evidence in sensory genetics has identified numerous single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) associated with interindividual differences in both taste perception and taste-modality-related responses. Essential genes include TAS1R2 and TAS1R3 for sweet taste, TAS1R1 and TAS1R3 for umami, TAS2R38 for bitter taste, CD36 for fat perception, and epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) subunits for salt sensitivity. Regarding broader food preferences, variants in genes involved in metabolic regulation and reward processing—such as FTO, MC4R, GHRL, DRD2, and OPRM1—also contribute to food-related behaviors and choice patterns. Health status and genetic variants may also influence taste perception and food preferences. This review summarizes current evidence on the genetic determinants of taste perception, taste modality preferences, and food liking, emphasizing the multifactorial nature of food-related behaviors and the role of genetic variability in shaping individual differences in dietary choices. Full article

Background/Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency is commonly observed in patients with breast cancer and may affect disease course and treatment outcomes. The determinants of vitamin D status in this population remain incompletely understood, particularly with respect to lifestyle, psychosocial, and tumour-related factors. The aim of this study was to identify environmental and clinical factors associated with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations in women with breast cancer, with particular emphasis on dietary patterns, psychological distress, sleep quality, and tumour molecular subtype. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 101 women with histopathologically confirmed invasive breast cancer, recruited at the St. John of Dukla Oncology Centre of the Lublin Region (COZL) in Lublin, Poland, between 2018 and 2019. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA; Roche Diagnostics) within 2–8 weeks after surgical treatment. Clinical and lifestyle data were collected using standardised questionnaires and medical records. Dietary patterns were assessed with the KomPAN questionnaire (pro-healthy diet index pHDI-10 and non-healthy diet index nHDI-14). Psychological distress was measured with the Distress Thermometer. Multiple linear regression with backward stepwise elimination was applied to identify factors independently associated with of 25(OH)D concentration. Results: Insufficient vitamin D status (25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL) was found in 56.4% of participants. The multivariable regression model was statistically significant (F(6,92) = 15.298; p < 0.001), explaining 49.9% of the variance in 25(OH)D concentrations. Factors independently associated with lower 25(OH)D included higher BMI (b = −0.715; p = 0.005), sleep disturbances (b = −6.257; p = 0.020), higher psychological distress score (b = −2.263; p < 0.001), and luminal B versus luminal A subtype (b = −5.909; p = 0.025). A higher pro healthy diet index (pHDI-10) was independently associated with higher 25(OH)D (b = 0.245; p = 0.040). Conclusions: Vitamin D status in patients with breast cancer is shaped by complex interactions among modifiable lifestyle factors and tumour characteristics. Targeted interventions addressing diet quality, psychological well-being, sleep health, and weight management may improve vitamin D status in this population. The association between molecular subtype and 25(OH)D concentrations warrants further prospective investigation. These findings should be interpreted with caution, as vitamin D supplementation and direct measures of sun exposure—both established determinants of 25(OH)D—could not be included as covariates and may account, at least in part, for the associations reported. Full article

This study explores the behavioral intersection of nutritional health and environmental literacy among pre-service teachers within the national higher education context. Utilizing the Sustainable Healthy Diet Index (SHED Index) for the first time in Croatia, this research systematically examines the dietary habits, lifestyle choices, and socio-cultural patterns of future educators (N = 164) at the University of Split. The survey instrument evaluated the core SHED domains, Healthy Eating (HE) and Sustainable Eating (SE), alongside supplementary indicators monitoring food logistics, hydration, and waste management. Descriptive analysis revealed moderately high standardized overall SHED scores (M = 62.86), aligning with the original normative distribution. Notably, students achieved significantly higher descriptive sub-scores in the HE domain (M = 24.68) than in the SE domain (M = 18.06). Although domestic food consumption and circular recycling practices were well integrated, critical biospheric behaviors—such as reducing animal protein, consuming legumes, purchasing organic food, and composting—remain limited by cultural resistance and municipal infrastructure deficits. Furthermore, an independent t-test indicated no significant differentiation across study levels, highlighting a potential institutional stagnation throughout the five-year teacher education program. Regression analysis demonstrated that sustainable dietary choices appear to be strongly anchored in personal health concerns rather than biospheric altruism, with healthy eating emerging as the single strongest explanatory factor for of sustainable behavior. These findings indicate that to cultivate authentic ecological literacy in the future teaching workforce, higher education curricula require a systemic redesign that explicitly links sustainability to personal well-being through localized, experiential learning. Full article

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging environmental pollutants due to their persistence and bodily accumulation. Recently, functional foods have received much attention for their ability to reverse or block MNP damage for therapeutic purposes and the potential risk of developing oral–gut–brain axis disorders. Among these, artichoke, spirulina algae, Opuntia ficus-indica, pterostilbene, hydroxycinnamic acids, and quinic acid are rich sources of polyphenols. These bioactive ingredients, especially when combined with probiotics and prebiotics, exhibit significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling and cellular resilience enzymes. Nrf2 activation enhances cellular resilience response, and it may preserve oral epithelial barrier (OEB), intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB), and blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity, while modulating oral pathogens, gut microbial dysbiosis, and neuroinflammatory processes. However, most of the available evidence supporting these mechanisms derives from in vitro and animal studies, whereas clinical evidence in humans remains limited. Perturbations of Nrf2 due to circulating MNPs may exacerbate selective susceptibility to oral, gut, and nervous system disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although these findings are biologically plausible, the causal relationships and their clinical relevance have not yet been fully established. This review discusses the role of functional foods in maintaining oral–gut–brain health through Nrf2-mediated mechanisms that may mitigate MNP-induced inflammation and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The review also examines emerging concepts in precision nutritional medicine, including individual variability in dietary responses, microbiome-related factors, and future personalized strategies for populations exposed to MNPs. Finally, current knowledge gaps, the scarcity of human studies, and the challenges in translating preclinical findings into clinical practice are highlighted, emphasizing the need for further translational and clinical research. Full article

Population aging is a growing problem. This process is driven not only by genetic factors but also by environmental factors, such as diet. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia worldwide, characterized by cognitive decline, synaptic dysfunction, and neuronal loss. Despite extensive research, effective disease-modifying therapies remain limited. Increasing evidence indicates that oxidative stress plays a central role in AD pathogenesis, acting as a key link between β-amyloid accumulation, tau hyperphosphorylation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. Accordingly, dietary strategies have been proposed to mitigate these pathological processes and may represent an important component of Alzheimer’s disease prevention. Moreover, emerging evidence on the gut–brain axis highlights the critical role of gut microbiota in regulating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Dysbiosis has been associated with increased permeability of the intestinal barrier, systemic inflammation, and accelerated neurodegeneration. Dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean, DASH, and MIND diets may exert beneficial effects by simultaneously influencing antioxidant status and microbial composition. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s disease and evaluate the potential of dietary interventions in modulating mechanisms involved in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis and supporting cognitive health. Particular attention is given to the neuroprotective effects of dietary antioxidants, including vitamins, polyphenols, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which act through the reduction in reactive oxygen species, modulation of inflammatory pathways, and support of neuronal survival. Although current findings are promising, inconsistencies in clinical data indicate the need for further well-designed studies. Future research should focus on personalized nutritional strategies integrating dietary, genetic, and microbiome-related factors. Targeting oxidative stress through diet and microbiota modulation represents a promising complementary strategy for Alzheimer’s disease prevention and supportive management, although further clinical studies are required to establish disease-modifying effects. Full article

Nutrition, healthcare and management of the rearing environment all interact and have an impact on the performance and feed efficiency of pre-weaned dairy calves. In a survey of 54 dairy farms in Northern Ireland, average daily gain (ADG) of 369 pre-weaned calves was assessed. Dietary and nutritional information detailing intake of milk or calf milk replacer (CMR) and the composition of milk/CMR and solid feed diets was collected. Environmental and hygiene-related parameters within calf rearing facilities were recorded. It was hypothesised that suboptimal environmental management conditions would negatively affect calf performance and cause the observed average daily gain and retained energy to fall below values predicted from nutritional intake alone. Factors that tended to be negatively associated with the observed calf ADG were increased time (>50%) below lower critical temperature (LCT), increased time (>10%) above 0.4 m/s airspeed and reduced straw dry matter (<70%). Potential calf ADG was predicted using the young calf model from the Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle (8th Edition). The predicted and observed calf ADG and retained energy (RE) were compared to assess whether the individual observed calf ADG was greater, equal to or less than that predicted by the model. Environmental factors associated with calf ADG or RE being less than the model prediction included: greater than 30 animals housed in the calf house, increased time (>10%) above 0.4 m/s airspeed and where coliforms were detected in ≤50% of milk samples on that farm. These results demonstrate the relevance of management of the rearing environment in optimising pre-weaned calf performance and feed efficiency. Full article

Background/Objectives: Anaemia is a critical public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly among adolescents. The objective was to estimate the pooled prevalence of anaemia among adolescents in SSA and synthesise evidence on its nutritional and contextual determinants. Methods: A systematic search of databases including PubMed, CINAHL and Web of Science was conducted for studies published from January 2000 to October 2025. The methodological approach was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Pooled prevalence estimates were computed using random-effects models, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic and Cochran’s Q test. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore sources of variation. Determinants were synthesised as pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Publication bias was evaluated through funnel plot asymmetry and Egger’s regression test. Results: Forty-eight (n = 48) studies involving 76,596 adolescents met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of anaemia was 33% (95% CI: 0.28–0.39), with substantial heterogeneity across studies. Factors associated with higher odds of anaemia included low dietary diversity (OR 1.74, 95% CI: 1.10–2.74) and poor iron or micronutrient supplementation adherence or lack of supplementation (OR 1.94, 95% CI: 1.25–3.01). Infection-related exposures (OR 3.03, 95% CI: 1.99–4.61) and environmental determinants (OR 2.23, 95% CI: 1.41–3.55) were also significantly associated with anaemia. Socio-demographic factors associated with anaemia included menstrual factors among girls (OR 2.51, 95% CI: 1.58–3.99), household size (OR 3.32, 95% CI: 1.61–6.85), awareness (OR 1.71, 95% CI: 1.08–2.70), and age group (OR 2.37, 95% CI: 1.47–3.83). Conclusions: Anaemia among adolescents in SSA remains an important public health concern, although the pooled estimates should be interpreted cautiously because of substantial heterogeneity and methodological differences across studies. The findings suggest that adolescent anaemia is associated with multiple nutritional and contextual factors, but more consistent and context-specific research is needed to refine regional estimates and guide interventions. Full article

Background: Assessing overall diet quality has become increasingly important in nutritional epidemiology. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) is one of the most widely used measures of diet quality; however, comparable data on Hungarian children are scarce. The current study aimed to assess the diet quality of Hungarian children using the Healthy Eating Index and to examine demographic factors associated with diet quality. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 666 children aged 4–10 years. Dietary intake was measured using three-day dietary records, and sociodemographic factors were collected via parental questionnaires. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index-2020 (HEI-2020). For the statistical analysis, linear regression, random forest models and one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test were used. Results: The mean HEI score was 48.2 (SD 8.02), indicating low diet quality. Settlement type was significantly associated with the HEI score (p = 0.009). The multiplicity-corrected p-values for pairwise comparisons showed that children living in towns had significantly lower HEI scores (44.9, SD 7.97) than those living in county capitals (3.9, 95% CI:0.8–7.0, p = 0.006) and villages (−3.6, 95% CI: −0.61–−6.6, p = 0.011), but not significantly lower than those living in the capital (3.09, 95% CI: −0.25–6.4, p = 0.08). These differences were primarily related to whole-fruit and whole-grain component scores. Sex, age, and maternal education were not significantly associated with HEI score. The random forest model showed weak predictive performance (RMSE = 7.66). Conclusions: Diet quality among Hungarian children was generally suboptimal. The examined sociodemographic characteristics accounted for only a small proportion of the variability in the HEI score. This highlights the importance of ongoing research to understand dietary patterns and to uncover additional social, environmental, and behavioral aspects of dietary habits across cultures. Furthermore, the results indicate that interventions should also consider local food environments. Full article

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are chronic inflammatory diseases resulting from complex interactions between host genetics, environmental factors, immune dysregulation, and the gut microbiome. Among environmental exposures, antibiotics have emerged as important factors of IBD risk and disease course because of their profound effects on intestinal microbial communities. This review synthesizes current evidence on the class-specific effects of antibiotics on IBD, integrating epidemiological, mechanistic, and clinical studies to examine how different antibiotic classes influence disease susceptibility, progression, and microbiome recovery. Current evidence indicates that antibiotic-associated IBD risk varies according to antibiotic class, cumulative exposure, age at exposure, and antimicrobial spectrum, with broad-spectrum and anti-anaerobic agents showing the strongest associations. Mechanistically, antibiotics promote dysbiosis by depleting beneficial commensal bacteria, disrupting microbial metabolite production, expanding pathobionts and the intestinal resistome, and impairing epithelial barrier integrity and immune homeostasis. The review also discusses microbiome-preserving and microbiome-restorative approaches, including antimicrobial stewardship, fecal microbiota transplantation, prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, and dietary interventions, as potential strategies to mitigate antibiotic-associated dysbiosis. Overall, the evidence highlights the class-specific effects of antibiotics in IBD and underscores the importance of microbiome-informed antimicrobial stewardship and precision therapeutic strategies to optimize patient outcomes while minimizing long-term disruptions of host–microbiome homeostasis. Full article

Dietary protein is essential for poultry performance, influencing egg production, growth, immunity, and physiological functions. However, the high cost and environmental impact of soybean meal has encouraged the development of reduced crude protein (CP) diets supplemented with crystalline amino acids (AAs), coupled with the reduced cost and improved availability of synthetic AA. This strategy enables precise AA balancing, improves nitrogen utilization, and reduces nitrogen excretion and ammonia emissions. Among these strategies, supplementation with arginine (Arg), an indispensable AA in chickens, is particularly important due to its critical roles in protein synthesis, reproductive function, and eggshell formation. In addition, functional Arg precursors, such as guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) and citrulline (Cit), can further enhance Arg availability while supporting energy metabolism and hormonal regulation. Despite these benefits, excessive protein reduction without adequate AA balance can impair laying performance, particularly in aged hens. Furthermore, nutrient digestibility remains a key limitation in reduced protein (RP) diets, as non-starch polysaccharides present in cereal-based feeds can reduce nutrient availability. The inclusion of exogenous enzymes, such as xylanase and β-glucanase, can improve digestibility, while phytase supplementation further enhances nutrient utilization by increasing phosphorus availability and mitigating the anti-nutritional effects of phytate; however, responses are often inconsistent. Another critical factor is maintaining an optimal energy-to-protein ratio, as imbalances may lead to increased fat deposition and reduced productive performance. While supplementation of key limiting AAs (lysine, methionine, and threonine) supports protein reduction, other AAs, such as Arg, isoleucine, and valine, may become limiting in RP diets. Hence, this review explores developments toward RP diets by highlighting three key strategies: enzyme supplementation to enhance nutrient digestibility, inclusion of functional Arg sources to improve performance and bone quality, and optimization of the energy–protein ratio in RP diets through precise AA formulation, with the overall aim to improve the sustainability of the poultry industry. Full article

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) represents the hepatic manifestation of systemic metabolic dysfunction and has become one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. Although obesity is a major determinant of MASLD, the metabolic and lifestyle context in which the disease develops may vary across different geographical and dietary environments. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of MASLD among adults with metabolic dysfunction from two European cohorts, to compare the clinical, metabolic, lifestyle, and psychological characteristics of participants with MASLD from Romania and Italy, and to explore differences according to MASLD status within each cohort. In addition, intestinal permeability was exploratorily assessed in a subgroup of the Italian cohort. Methods: This prospective multicentre observational study included 132 adults undergoing metabolic and hepatic evaluation in Romania (n = 52) and Italy (n = 80). Hepatic steatosis was assessed using SteatoTest in the Romanian cohort and ultrasonography in the Italian cohort. Anthropometric and metabolic parameters were recorded in all participants. Dietary quality was evaluated using the MEDI-LITE questionnaire, physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and health-related quality of life using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Intestinal permeability was evaluated in the Italian cohort using the lactulose/mannitol absorption test. Results: MASLD was identified in 80.8% of participants from the Romanian cohort and in 66.3% of participants from the Italian cohort. Among patients with MASLD, Italian participants exhibited significantly higher body mass index, waist circumference, fasting insulin, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and diastolic blood pressure compared with Romanian participants, whereas HDL cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the Romanian cohort. Sex-stratified analyses revealed significant sex-related differences in anthropometric and metabolic parameters within both cohorts. In both geographical populations, participants with MASLD demonstrated lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet, lower physical activity levels, higher depressive symptom burden, and less favorable quality-of-life indicators compared with participants without MASLD. Exploratory analyses of intestinal permeability in the Italian cohort did not reveal significant differences according to MASLD or obesity status. Conclusions: MASLD was highly prevalent in both Romanian and Italian adults with metabolic dysfunction. Patients with MASLD exhibited distinct metabolic and lifestyle profiles across the two geographical cohorts, supporting the potential contribution of environmental and lifestyle-related factors to MASLD heterogeneity. Lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet, reduced physical activity, and increased psychological burden were consistently associated with MASLD in both populations. Exploratory intestinal permeability analyses did not demonstrate significant differences according to MASLD or obesity status in the Italian cohort. Full article

Placental inflammation and dysfunction play critical roles in adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Exposure to environmental factors, such as dietary toxins, infectious agents, and pollution, is thought to increase the risk of these outcomes. Despite the widespread use of HTR-8/SVneo and BeWo cells as trophoblast models, their comparative sensitivity to maternal exposome-related stimuli has not been systematically evaluated within the same experimental framework. we examined the responses of HTR-8/SVneo and BeWo trophoblast cell lines to mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON), an inflammatory cytokine cocktail (CC; TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ), and particulate matter (PM2.5). Cells were seeded with either 0.2% or 1% penicillin/streptomycin (P/S) and exposed for 24 h. Cytokine secretion (IL-6 and IL-8), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) production, and mRNA and protein expression of junctional markers (ZO-1, OCLD, CLDN-3, CLDN-4, E-CAD) were analysed. DON significantly increased IL-6 secretion in both cell lines and elevated IL-8 levels in HTR-8/SVneo cells only. DON suppressed hCG production in both cell lines. CC exposure markedly elevated IL-6 and IL-8 levels, particularly in HTR-8/SVneo cells, without affecting hCG level. PM exposure did not significantly alter IL-6, IL-8, or hCG levels in either cell line. DON and CC altered the mRNA and protein expression of junctional markers in BeWo cells(ZO-1, OCLD, CLDN-3,CLDN-4), whereas HTR-8/SVneo cells showed more limited changes. Most cellular responses were consistent across both P/S concentrations. HTR-8/SVneo and BeWo cells exhibit differential sensitivity to DON, CC, and PM2.5, underscoring the importance of cell model selection in in vitro placental toxicology research. These results provide a comparative framework for interpreting trophoblast responses to maternal exposome-related stimuli and highlight the need for functional validation in future studies. Full article