Propylparaben exposure may impair uterine decidualization via FDX1 downregulation and induce preeclampsia-like symptoms in mice.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific disorder that poses a significant threat to maternal and fetal health. Its pathogenesis is regulated by multiple factors, including genetic and environmental cues, but the specific underlying mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Propylparaben (PP) is a widely used additive in daily products such as cosmetics and food. Previous studies have confirmed that excessive PP exposure exerts adverse effects on the reproductive system. To clarify the potential impact of PP exposure on pregnancy outcomes, this study established a continuous PP exposure model in pregnant mice. Results showed that pregnant mice in the PP group exhibited typical PE-like symptoms-hypertension and proteinuria. Concurrently, the number of multinucleated cells in uterine decidua was significantly reduced, with marked impairment of the decidualization process. To further explore the molecular mechanisms, RNA transcriptome sequencing was performed on artificially induced deciduomas. PP exposure significantly downregulated the expression of ferredoxin 1 (FDX1). Reduced FDX1 expression may decrease estrogen and progesterone levels in mice, and disrupt the normal expression of estrogen/progesterone receptors and their target genes. In summary, this study demonstrates that PP exposure may impair uterine decidualization and disturb normal placental development by inhibiting FDX1 expression, thereby inducing PE-like symptoms in pregnant mice.