Caffeine Exposure Modulates Trophoblast Differentiation and Estradiol Synthesis.

ABSTRACT: Differentiation of villous cytotrophoblasts into syncytiotrophoblasts is essential for placental endocrine function and estradiol production. Caffeine consumption has been linked to altered estradiol levels, but its effects on human trophoblast differentiation remain incompletely understood. This study investigated the effects of caffeine on biochemical differentiation of human trophoblasts using BeWo cells and human placental explants. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed using CCK-8 and in situ TUNEL assays. Differentiation-associated changes were evaluated by measuring CYP19A1 and its placenta-specific promoter transcript CYP19 I.1, at the mRNA level, while aromatase protein expression and estradiol production were assessed by Western blotting and ELISA, respectively

SUBMITTER: Keum J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12945251 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature