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Wang C, Plusquin M, Ghantous A, Herceg Z, Alfano R, Cox B, Nawrot TS. DNA methylation of insulin-like growth factor 2 and H19 cluster in cord blood and prenatal air pollution exposure to fine particulate matter. Environ Health 2020; 19:129. [PMID: 33287817 PMCID: PMC7720562 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-020-00677-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The IGF2 (insulin-like growth factor 2) and H19 gene cluster plays an important role during pregnancy as it promotes both foetal and placental growth. We investigated the association between cord blood DNA methylation status of the IGF2/H19 gene cluster and maternal fine particulate matter exposure during fetal life. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the association between prenatal PM2.5 exposure and newborn DNA methylation of the IGF2/H19. METHODS Cord blood DNA methylation status of IGF2/H19 cluster was measured in 189 mother-newborn pairs from the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort (Flanders, Belgium). We assessed the sex-specific association between residential PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy and the methylation level of CpG loci mapping to the IGF2/H19 cluster, and identified prenatal vulnerability by investigating susceptible time windows of exposure. We also addressed the biological functionality of DNA methylation level in the gene cluster. RESULTS Prenatal PM2.5 exposure was found to have genetic region-specific significant association with IGF2 and H19 during specific gestational weeks. The association was found to be sex-specific in both gene regions. Functionality of the DNA methylation was annotated by the association to fetal growth and cellular pathways. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study provided evidence that prenatal PM2.5 exposure is associated with DNA methylation in newborns' IGF2/H19. The consequences within the context of fetal development of future phenotyping should be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congrong Wang
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Akram Ghantous
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
| | - Rossella Alfano
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Bianca Cox
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Tim S. Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
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Park S, Ra SW, Kang SY, Kim HC, Lee SW. Effect of particulate matter exposure on patients with COPD and risk reduction through behavioural interventions: the protocol of a prospective panel study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e039394. [PMID: 33168558 PMCID: PMC7654133 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are vulnerable to particulate matter (PM) exposure which can increase acute exacerbations and hospitalisation. Interventions to avoid PM exposure are important but evidence-based guidance is lacking. This study aims to assess the impact of PM on lung function, quality of life and exacerbations in patients with COPD using a panel design study; it will also provide evidence for interventional measures to reduce harm from PM exposure. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A prospective panel study of patients with COPD aged ≥40 years will be conducted. Patients will be required to have a forced expiratory volume in one second <80% of the predicted value at enrolment. A total of 120 patients from three different regions will be enrolled, 60 from the metropolitan area, 30 from an industrialised area and 30 from a clean rural area. Clinical outcomes will be assessed through COPD assessment test scores, the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire for patients with COPD and pulmonary function testing. Indoor and outdoor PM in the patients' environments will be measured using gravimetric and light scattering platforms. To estimate the individual dose of PM exposure, a time-activity diary, Geographic Information System and land use regression model will be combined in every season for 1 year. The correlation between PM exposure and the health status of patients with COPD will be evaluated. In addition, 40 patients with the lowest score of life behaviour score to reduce environmental PM exposure will be randomised to a control or intervention group, who will receive in-depth education on risk-reducing behaviours. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of each site. The participants received comprehensive information and provided informed consent. The result of this study will be discussed in the form of conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04020237.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinhee Park
- Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care medicine, Gangneung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Won Ra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Yoon Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwan-Cheol Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sei Won Lee
- Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Witters K, Plusquin M, Slenders E, Aslam I, Ameloot M, Roeffaers MBJ, Vangronsveld J, Nawrot TS, Bové H. Monitoring indoor exposure to combustion-derived particles using plants. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115261. [PMID: 32745902 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Indoor plants can be used to monitor atmospheric particulates. Here, we report the label-free detection of combustion-derived particles (CDPs) on plants as a monitoring tool for indoor pollution. First, we measured the indoor CDP deposition on Atlantic ivy leaves (Hedera hibernica) using two-photon femtosecond microscopy. Subsequently, to prove its effectiveness for using it as a monitoring tool, ivy plants were placed near five different indoor sources. CDP particle area and number were used as output metrics. CDP values ranged between a median particle area of 0.45 × 102 to 1.35 × 104 μm2, and a median particle number of 0.10 × 102 to 1.42 × 10³ particles for the indoor sources: control (greenhouse) < milling machine < indoor smokers < wood stove < gas stove < laser printer. Our findings demonstrate that Atlantic ivy, combined with label-free detection, can be effectively used in indoor atmospheric monitoring studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Witters
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Eli Slenders
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building C, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Imran Aslam
- Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, Leuven University, Celestijnenlaan 200f-box 2461, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marcel Ameloot
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building C, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Maarten B J Roeffaers
- Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, Leuven University, Celestijnenlaan 200f-box 2461, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jaco Vangronsveld
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven University, Herestraat 49 box 706, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hannelore Bové
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium; Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building C, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
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54
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Hautekiet P, Nawrot TS, Demarest S, Van der Heyden J, Van Overmeire I, De Clercq EM, Saenen ND. Environmental exposures and health behavior in association with mental health: a study design. Arch Public Health 2020; 78:105. [PMID: 33093954 PMCID: PMC7576706 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-020-00477-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution, green space and smoking are known to affect human health. However, less is known about their underlying biological mechanisms. One of these mechanisms could be biological aging. In this study, we explore the mediation of biomarkers of exposure and biological aging to explain the associations between environmental exposures, health behavior and mental health. METHODS The study population of this cross-sectional study (n = 1168) is a subsample of the Belgian 2018 Health Interview Survey (BHIS). Mental health indicators including psychological and severe psychological distress, life satisfaction, vitality, eating disorders, suicidal ideation, subjective health and depressive and anxiety disorders, demographics and health behavior such as smoking are derived from the BHIS. Urine and blood samples are collected to measure respectively the biomarkers of exposure (urinary black carbon (BC) and (hydroxy)cotinine) and the biomarkers of biological aging (mitochondrial DNA content (mtDNAc) and telomere length (TL)). Recent and chronic exposure (μg/m3) to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) and ≤ 10 μm (PM10) and BC at the participants' residence are modelled using a high resolution spatial temporal interpolation model. Residential green space is defined in buffers of different size (50 m - 5000 m) using land cover data in ArcGIS 10 software. For the statistical analysis multivariate linear and logistic regressions as well as mediation analyses are used taking into account a priori selected covariates and confounders. RESULTS As this study combined data of BHIS and laboratory analyses, not all data is available for all participants. Therefore, data analyses will be conducted on different subsets. Data on air pollution and green space exposure is available for all BHIS participants. Questions on smoking and mental health were answered by respectively 7829 and 7213 BHIS participants. For biomarker assessment, (hydroxy) cotinine, urinary BC and the biomarkers of biological aging are measured for respectively 1130, 1120 and 985 participants. CONCLUSION By use of personal markers of air pollution and smoking, as well as biological aging, we will gain knowledge about the association between environmental exposures, health behavior, and the mental health status. The results of the study can provide insights on the health of the Belgian population, making it a nationwide interesting study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Hautekiet
- Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, BE-3590 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Tim S. Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, BE-3590 Hasselt, Belgium
- Centre for Environment and Health, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | - Nelly D. Saenen
- Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan gebouw D, BE-3590 Hasselt, Belgium
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Tsamou M, Nawrot TS, Carollo RM, Trippas AJ, Lefebvre W, Vanpoucke C, Vrijens K. Prenatal particulate air pollution exposure and expression of the miR-17/92 cluster in cord blood: Findings from the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 142:105860. [PMID: 32599355 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution exposure during pregnancy is an important environmental health issue. Epigenetics mediate the effects of prenatal exposure and could increase disease predisposition in later life. The oncogenic miR-17/92 cluster is involved in normal development and disease. OBJECTIVES Here, for the first time the potential prenatal effects of particulate matter with a diameter<2.5 μm (PM2.5) exposure on expression of the miR-17/92 cluster in cord blood are explored. METHODS In 370 mother-newborn pairs from the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort, expression of three members of the miR-17/92 cluster was measured in cord blood by qRT-PCR. Expression of C-MYC and CDKN1A, a cluster activator and a target gene, respectively, was also analyzed. Multivariable linear regression models were used to associate the relative m(i)RNA expression with prenatal PM2.5 exposure. RESULTS PM2.5 exposure averaged (10th-90th percentile) 11.7 (9.0-14.4) µg/m3 over the entire pregnancy. In cord blood, miR-17 and miR-20a showed a -45.0% (95%CI: -55.9 to -31.4, p < 0.0001) and a -33.7% (95%CI: -46.9 to -17.2, p = 0.0003), decrease in expression in association with first trimester PM2.5 exposure, and a -32.5% (95%CI: -45.6 to -16.3, p = 0.0004) and -23.3% (95%CI: -38.1 to -4.8, p = 0.02), respectively, decrease in expression in association with PM2.5 exposure during the entire pregnancy. In association with third trimester PM2.5 exposure, a reduction of -25.8% (95%CI: -40.2 to -8.0, p = 0.007) and -14.2% (95%CI: -27.7 to 1.9, p = 0.08), for miR-20a and miR-92a expression, respectively, was identified. Only miR-92a expression (-15.7%, 95%CI: -27.3 to -2.4, p = 0.02) was associated with PM2.5 exposure during the last month of pregnancy. C-MYC expression was downregulated in cord blood in association with prenatal PM2.5 exposure during the first trimester and the entire pregnancy, in the adjusted model. DISCUSSION Lower expression levels of the miR-17/92 cluster in cord blood in association with increased prenatal PM2.5 exposure were observed. Whether this oncogenic microRNA cluster plays a role in trans-placental carcinogenesis remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsamou
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium; Department of Public Health, Environment & Health Unit, Leuven University (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Ann-Julie Trippas
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Wouter Lefebvre
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | | | - Karen Vrijens
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.
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Bijnens EM, Derom C, Thiery E, Weyers S, Nawrot TS. Residential green space and child intelligence and behavior across urban, suburban, and rural areas in Belgium: A longitudinal birth cohort study of twins. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003213. [PMID: 32810193 PMCID: PMC7446904 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to green space has beneficial effects on several cognitive and behavioral aspects. However, to our knowledge, no study addressed intelligence as outcome. We investigated whether the level of urbanicity can modify the association of residential green space with intelligence and behavior in children. METHODS AND FINDINGS This study includes 620 children and is part of the East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey (EFPTS), a registry of multiple births in the province of East Flanders, Belgium. Intelligence was assessed with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) in 620 children (310 twin pairs) between 7 and 15 years old. From a subset of 442 children, behavior was determined based on the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Prenatal and childhood residential addresses were geocoded and used to assign green space indicators. Mixed modeling was performed to investigate green space in association with intelligence and behavior while adjusting for potential confounding factors including sex, age, parental education, neighborhood household income, year of assessment, and zygosity and chorionicity. We found that residential green space in association with both intelligence and behavior in children was modified by the degree of urbanicity (p < 0.001). In children living in an urban environment, multivariable adjusted mixed modeling analysis revealed that an IQR increment of residential green space (3,000-m radius) was associated with a 2.6 points (95% CI 1.4-3.9; p < 0.001) higher total intelligence quotient (IQ) and 2.0 points (95% CI -3.5 to -0.4; p = 0.017) lower externalizing behavioral score. In children residing in a rural or suburban environment, no association was found. A limitation of this study is that no information was available on school location and the potential for unmeasured confounding (e.g., time spend outdoors). CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that residential green space may be beneficial for the intellectual and the behavioral development of children living in urban areas. These findings are relevant for policy makers and urban planners to create an optimal environment for children to develop their full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmée M. Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Catherine Derom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Centre of Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Evert Thiery
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Weyers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tim S. Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Public Health, Leuven University (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
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57
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Luyten LJ, Dockx Y, Provost EB, Madhloum N, Sleurs H, Neven KY, Janssen BG, Bové H, Debacq-Chainiaux F, Gerrits N, Lefebvre W, Plusquin M, Vanpoucke C, De Boever P, Nawrot TS. Children's microvascular traits and ambient air pollution exposure during pregnancy and early childhood: prospective evidence to elucidate the developmental origin of particle-induced disease. BMC Med 2020; 18:128. [PMID: 32450864 PMCID: PMC7249678 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01586-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Particulate matter exposure during in utero life may entail adverse health outcomes later in life. The microvasculature undergoes extensive, organ-specific prenatal maturation. A growing body of evidence shows that cardiovascular disease in adulthood is rooted in a dysfunctional fetal and perinatal development, in particular that of the microcirculation. We investigate whether prenatal or postnatal exposure to PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter ≤ 2.5 μm) or NO2 is related to microvascular traits in children between the age of four and six. METHODS We measured the retinal microvascular diameters, the central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE), and the vessel curvature by means of the tortuosity index (TI) in young children (mean [SD] age 4.6 [0.4] years), followed longitudinally within the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort. We modeled daily prenatal and postnatal PM2.5 and NO2 exposure levels for each participant's home address using a high-resolution spatiotemporal model. RESULTS An interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM2.5 exposure during the entire pregnancy was associated with a 3.85-μm (95% CI, 0.10 to 7.60; p = 0.04) widening of the CRVE and a 2.87-μm (95% CI, 0.12 to 5.62; p = 0.04) widening of the CRAE. For prenatal NO2 exposure, an IQR increase was found to widen the CRVE with 4.03 μm (95% CI, 0.44 to 7.63; p = 0.03) and the CRAE with 2.92 μm (95% CI, 0.29 to 5.56; p = 0.03). Furthermore, a higher TI score was associated with higher prenatal NO2 exposure. We observed a postnatal effect of short-term PM2.5 exposure on the CRAE and a childhood NO2 exposure effect on both the CRVE and CRAE. CONCLUSIONS Our results link prenatal and postnatal air pollution exposure with changes in a child's microvascular traits as a fundamental novel mechanism to explain the developmental origin of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen J Luyten
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Unité de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire (URBC) - Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (Narilis), Namur University, Namur, Belgium
| | - Yinthe Dockx
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Eline B Provost
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Health Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - Narjes Madhloum
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Hanne Sleurs
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Kristof Y Neven
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Bram G Janssen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Hannelore Bové
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Florence Debacq-Chainiaux
- Unité de Recherche en Biologie Cellulaire (URBC) - Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (Narilis), Namur University, Namur, Belgium
| | - Nele Gerrits
- Health Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - Wouter Lefebvre
- Health Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | | | - Patrick De Boever
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Health Unit, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium. .,Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium.
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Vrijens K, Trippas AJ, Lefebvre W, Vanpoucke C, Penders J, Janssen BG, Nawrot TS. Association of Prenatal Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution With Circulating Histone Levels in Maternal Cord Blood. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e205156. [PMID: 32421184 PMCID: PMC7235690 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.5156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Exposure to ambient air pollution has been associated with the risk of carcinogenesis in later life. Changes in histone modifications might have long-term adverse health effects. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association of prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution with levels of circulating total histone H3 and specific trimethylation marks (ie, H3 lysine 4, H3 lysine 36) in maternal cord blood. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The Environmental Influence on Aging (ENVIRONAGE) birth cohort study included 609 mothers and their newborns. Participants were recruited when mothers entered the Hospital East Limburg (Genk, Belgium) for delivery between February 2010 and January 2017. The inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancies and the ability to fill out questionnaires in Dutch. Data analysis was conducted from March to August 2019. EXPOSURES Exposure to particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5), black carbon, and nitrogen dioxide during pregnancy was modeled with a high-resolution air pollution model on the basis of maternal address for each trimester of pregnancy as well as for the entire pregnancy. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Circulating total histone H3 levels and specific trimethylation marks (ie, trimethylated H3 lysine 4 and trimethylated H3 lysine 36) in cord blood. RESULTS A total of 609 mother-newborn pairs were included in the study. Mean (SD) maternal age was 29.3 (4.6) years, 391 mothers (64.2%) never smoked, and 314 (51.3%) had a high education level. Overall, 322 newborns (52.4%) were boys, and mean (SD) birth weight was 3414 (485) g. Participants experienced mean (SD) exposure to PM2.5, black carbon, and nitrogen dioxide of 13.4 (2.6) μg/m3, 1.29 (0.31) μg/m3, and 17.98 (4.57) μg/m3, respectively, during their entire pregnancies. Trimethylated H3 lysine 4 and total histone H3 were positively associated with gestational PM2.5 exposure, with a 74.4% increment (95% CI, 26.7% to 140.2%, P < .001) and a 40.2% increment (95% CI, 24.1% to 58.3%, P < .001), respectively, observed for each 5-μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure during the entire pregnancy. For the same exposure window, trimethylated H3 lysine 36 levels were inversely associated with PM2.5 exposure (-34.4%; 95% CI, -50.1% to -13.7%; P = .003). Exposure to black carbon during the entire pregnancy was positively associated with trimethylated H3 lysine 4 (38.4%; 95% CI, 6.2% to 80.3%; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Associations of ambient air pollution with cord plasma histone H3 modifications during early life might indicate that circulating histones are a risk factor in the development of air pollution-associated disease later in life. Additional study is required to correctly estimate the long-term consequences of our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Vrijens
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ann-Julie Trippas
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Wouter Lefebvre
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | | | | | - Bram G. Janssen
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tim S. Nawrot
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Public Health, Environment and Health Unit, Leuven University (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
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Liu LL, Hsieh CY, Kuo MY, Chen C, Shau YH, Lui HK, Yuan CS, Chen CTA. Evidence for Fossil Fuel PM 1 Accumulation in Marine Biota. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:4068-4078. [PMID: 32164416 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
When fine particulates such as those with a diameter of approximately 1 μm (particulate matter, PM1) are released from fossil fuel combustion into the air, they warm the atmosphere and contribute to millions of premature deaths in humans each year. Considerable quantities of PM1 eventually enter the oceans as suspended particulates, yet subsequent removal mechanisms are poorly understood. In fact, the presence of PM1 in marine biota has never been reported. Since sea anemones are opportunistic suspension feeders, they are anticipated to incorporate and accumulate PM1 in their bodies. By histological examination, PM1 was detected in 21 of the 22 sea anemones collected from Taiwan and Southeast China, with a depth of intertidal zone to 1000 m. PM1, if present, was always detected in endodermal layers and had the same dominant color (i.e., black, brown, or green) in different species from the same site. The bioaccumulation factor of PM1 in sea anemones was approximately 5-7 orders of magnitude. Based on radioisotope 14C results, the contribution of fossil fuel source PM1 was 8-24%. Regardless of PM1's color, S and Fe were commonly detected by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS), suggesting anthropogenic sources. Furthermore, a maternal transfer of materials was suggested based on the existence of PM1 in sea anemone eggs and in brooding and released juveniles. The significance of PM1 accumulation by biota in aquatic ecosystems and the potential risk to living organisms via food webs warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Lian Liu
- Department of Oceanography, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yun Hsieh
- Department of Oceanography, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Ying Kuo
- Department of Oceanography, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Chienhsun Chen
- Taiwan Ocean Research Institute, National Applied Research Laboratories, Kaohsiung 801, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hong Shau
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Hon-Kit Lui
- Department of Oceanography, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Taiwan Ocean Research Institute, National Applied Research Laboratories, Kaohsiung 801, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Shin Yuan
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
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Robichaud A. An overview of selected emerging outdoor airborne pollutants and air quality issues: The need to reduce uncertainty about environmental and human impacts. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2020; 70:341-378. [PMID: 31994992 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2020.1723738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
According to the literature, it is estimated that outdoor air pollution is responsible for the premature death in a range from 3.7 to 8.9 million persons on an annual basis across the world. Although there is uncertainty on this figure, outdoor air pollution represents one of the greatest global risks to human health. In North America, the rapid evolution of technologies (e.g., nanotechnology, unconventional oil and gas rapid development, higher demand for fertilizers in agriculture) and growing demand for ground, marine and air transportation may result in significant increases of emissions of pollutants that have not been carefully studied so far. As a result, these atmospheric pollutants insufficiently addressed by science in Canada and elsewhere are becoming a growing issue with likely human and environmental impacts in the near future. Here, an emerging pollutant is defined as one that meets the following criteria: 1) potential or demonstrated risk for humans or the environment, 2) absence of Canada-wide national standard, 3) insufficient routine monitoring, 4) yearly emissions greater than one ton in Canada, 5) insufficient data concerning significant sources, fate, and detection limit, and 6) insufficiently addressed by epidemiological studies. A new methodology to rank emerging pollutants is proposed here based on weighting multiple criteria. Some selected emerging issues are also discussed here and include the growing concern of ultrafine or nanoparticles, growing ammonia emissions (due to rapid expansion of the agriculture), increased methane/ethane/propane emissions (due to the expanding hydraulic fracturing in the oil and gas sector) and the growing transportation sector. Finally, the interaction between biological and anthropogenic pollution has been found to be a double threat for public health. Here, a multidisciplinary and critical overview of selected emerging pollutants and related critical issues is presented with a focus in Canada.Implications: This overview paper provides a selection methodology for emerging pollutants in the atmospheric environment. It also provides a critical discussion of some related issues. The ultimate objective is to inform about the need to 1) address emerging issues through adequate surface monitoring and modeling in order to inform the development of regulations, 2) reduce uncertainties by geographically mapping emerging pollutants (e.g., through data fusion, data assimilation of observations into air quality models) which can improve the scientific support of epidemiological studies and policies. This review also highlights some of the difficulties with the management of these emerging pollutants, and the need for an integrated approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Robichaud
- Air Quality Modelling and Integration Section, Air Quality Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dorval, Quebec
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61
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Pre-admission air pollution exposure prolongs the duration of ventilation in intensive care patients. Intensive Care Med 2020; 46:1204-1212. [PMID: 32185459 PMCID: PMC7224020 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-020-05999-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Air pollutant exposure constitutes a serious risk factor for the emergence or aggravation of (existing) pulmonary disease. The impact of pre-intensive care ambient air pollutant exposure on the duration of artificial ventilation was, however, not yet established. Methods The medical records of 2003 patients, admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Antwerp University Hospital (Flanders, Belgium), who were artificially ventilated on ICU admission or within 48 h after admission, for the duration of at least 48 h, were analyzed. For each patient’s home address, daily air pollutant exposure [particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and ≤ 10 µm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and black carbon (BC)] up to 10 days prior to hospital admission was modeled using a high-resolution spatial–temporal model. The association between duration of artificial ventilation and air pollution exposure during the last 10 days before ICU admission was assessed using distributed lag models with a negative binomial regression fit. Results Controlling for pre-specified confounders, an IQR increment in BC (1.2 µg/m3) up to 10 days before admission was associated with an estimated cumulative increase of 12.4% in ventilation duration (95% CI 4.7–20.7). Significant associations were also observed for PM2.5, PM10 and NO2, with cumulative estimates ranging from 7.8 to 8.0%. Conclusion Short-term ambient air pollution exposure prior to ICU admission represents an unrecognized environmental risk factor for the duration of artificial ventilation in the ICU. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00134-020-05999-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Lauwers L, Trabelsi S, Pelgrims I, Bastiaens H, De Clercq E, Guilbert A, Guyot M, Leone M, Nawrot T, Van Nieuwenhuyse A, Remmen R, Saenen N, Thomas I, Keune H. Urban environment and mental health: the NAMED project, protocol for a mixed-method study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e031963. [PMID: 32086354 PMCID: PMC7045166 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mental health issues appear as a growing problem in modern societies and tend to be more frequent in big cities. Where increased evidence exists for positive links between nature and mental health, associations between urban environment characteristics and mental health are still not well understood. These associations are highly complex and require an interdisciplinary and integrated research approach to cover the broad range of mitigating factors. This article presents the study protocol of a project called Nature Impact on Mental Health Distribution that aims to generate a comprehensive understanding of associations between mental health and the urban residential environment. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Following a mixed-method approach, this project combines quantitative and qualitative research. In the quantitative part, we analyse among the Brussels urban population associations between the urban residential environment and mental health, taking respondents' socioeconomic status and physical health into account. Mental health is determined by the mental health indicators in the national Health Interview Survey (HIS). The urban residential environment is described by subjective indicators for the participant's dwelling and neighbourhood present in the HIS and objective indicators for buildings, network infrastructure and green environment developed for the purpose of this project. We assess the mediating role of physical activity, social life, noise and air pollution. In the qualitative part, we conduct walking interviews with Brussels residents to record their subjective well-being in association with their neighbourhood. In the validation part, results from these two approaches are triangulated and evaluated through interviews and focus groups with stakeholders of healthcare and urban planning sectors. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The Privacy Commission of Belgium and ethical committee from University Hospital of Antwerp respectively approved quantitative database merging and qualitative interviewing. We will share project results with a wide audience including the scientific community, policy authorities and civil society through scientific and non-expert communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lauwers
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sonia Trabelsi
- Center for Operations Research and Econometrics, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Ingrid Pelgrims
- Department of Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hilde Bastiaens
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Eva De Clercq
- Department of Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ariane Guilbert
- Department of Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Madeleine Guyot
- Center for Operations Research and Econometrics, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Michael Leone
- Nature and Society Team, Research Institute for Nature and Forest, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tim Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Catholic University College Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - An Van Nieuwenhuyse
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Catholic University College Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Health Protection, Laboratoire National de Santé, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Roy Remmen
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Nelly Saenen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Thomas
- Center for Operations Research and Econometrics, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Hans Keune
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Belgian Biodiversity Platform, Nature and Society Team, Research Institute for Nature and Forest, Brussels, Belgium
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63
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Maes T. Letter from Belgium. Respirology 2020; 25:559-560. [PMID: 32077224 DOI: 10.1111/resp.13787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tania Maes
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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64
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Ibironke O, Carranza C, Sarkar S, Torres M, Choi HT, Nwoko J, Black K, Quintana-Belmares R, Osornio-Vargas Á, Ohman-Strickland P, Schwander S. Urban Air Pollution Particulates Suppress Human T-Cell Responses to Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16214112. [PMID: 31731429 PMCID: PMC6862251 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16214112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) and air pollution both contribute significantly to the global burden of disease. Epidemiological studies show that exposure to household and urban air pollution increase the risk of new infections with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) and the development of TB in persons infected with M.tb and alter treatment outcomes. There is increasing evidence that particulate matter (PM) exposure weakens protective antimycobacterial host immunity. Mechanisms by which exposure to urban PM may adversely affect M.tb-specific human T cell functions have not been studied. We, therefore, explored the effects of urban air pollution PM2.5 (aerodynamic diameters ≤2.5µm) on M.tb-specific T cell functions in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). PM2.5 exposure decreased the capacity of PBMC to control the growth of M.tb and the M.tb-induced expression of CD69, an early surface activation marker expressed on CD3+ T cells. PM2.5 exposure also decreased the production of IFN-γ in CD3+, TNF-α in CD3+ and CD14+ M.tb-infected PBMC, and the M.tb-induced expression of T-box transcription factor TBX21 (T-bet). In contrast, PM2.5 exposure increased the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in CD3+ and CD14+ PBMC. Taken together, PM2.5 exposure of PBMC prior to infection with M.tb impairs critical antimycobacterial T cell immune functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Carranza
- Department of Microbiology, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER), Mexico City 1408, Mexico; (C.C.); (M.T.)
| | - Srijata Sarkar
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (S.S.); (H.T.C.); (K.B.)
| | - Martha Torres
- Department of Microbiology, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER), Mexico City 1408, Mexico; (C.C.); (M.T.)
| | - Hyejeong Theresa Choi
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (S.S.); (H.T.C.); (K.B.)
| | - Joyce Nwoko
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
| | - Kathleen Black
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (S.S.); (H.T.C.); (K.B.)
| | | | | | - Pamela Ohman-Strickland
- Department of Biostatistics Rutgers University School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
| | - Stephan Schwander
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (S.S.); (H.T.C.); (K.B.)
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
- Department of Urban-Global Public Health, Rutgers University School of Public Health, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
- Correspondence:
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65
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Bové H, Bongaerts E, Slenders E, Bijnens EM, Saenen ND, Gyselaers W, Van Eyken P, Plusquin M, Roeffaers MBJ, Ameloot M, Nawrot TS. Ambient black carbon particles reach the fetal side of human placenta. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3866. [PMID: 31530803 PMCID: PMC6748955 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11654-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 340] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Particle transfer across the placenta has been suggested but to date, no direct evidence in real-life, human context exists. Here we report the presence of black carbon (BC) particles as part of combustion-derived particulate matter in human placentae using white-light generation under femtosecond pulsed illumination. BC is identified in all screened placentae, with an average (SD) particle count of 0.95 × 104 (0.66 × 104) and 2.09 × 104 (0.9 × 104) particles per mm3 for low and high exposed mothers, respectively. Furthermore, the placental BC load is positively associated with mothers’ residential BC exposure during pregnancy (0.63–2.42 µg per m3). Our finding that BC particles accumulate on the fetal side of the placenta suggests that ambient particulates could be transported towards the fetus and represents a potential mechanism explaining the detrimental health effects of pollution from early life onwards. Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy has been associated with impaired birth outcomes. Here, Bové et al. report evidence of black carbon particle deposition on the fetal side of human placentae, including at early stages of pregnancy, suggesting air pollution could affect birth outcome through direct effects on the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannelore Bové
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building C, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F-box 2461, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eva Bongaerts
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Eli Slenders
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building C, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Esmée M Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Nelly D Saenen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Wilfried Gyselaers
- Department of Obstetrics, East-Limburg Hospital, Schiepse Bos 6, 3600, Genk, Belgium
| | - Peter Van Eyken
- Department of Obstetrics, East-Limburg Hospital, Schiepse Bos 6, 3600, Genk, Belgium
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Maarten B J Roeffaers
- Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F-box 2461, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marcel Ameloot
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building C, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium. .,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49-box 706, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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66
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Saenen ND, Martens DS, Neven KY, Alfano R, Bové H, Janssen BG, Roels HA, Plusquin M, Vrijens K, Nawrot TS. Air pollution-induced placental alterations: an interplay of oxidative stress, epigenetics, and the aging phenotype? Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:124. [PMID: 31530287 PMCID: PMC6749657 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0688-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the "Developmental Origins of Health and Disease" (DOHaD) concept, the early-life environment is a critical period for fetal programming. Given the epidemiological evidence that air pollution exposure during pregnancy adversely affects newborn outcomes such as birth weight and preterm birth, there is a need to pay attention to underlying modes of action to better understand not only these air pollution-induced early health effects but also its later-life consequences. In this review, we give an overview of air pollution-induced placental molecular alterations observed in the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort and evaluate the existing evidence. In general, we showed that prenatal exposure to air pollution is associated with nitrosative stress and epigenetic alterations in the placenta. Adversely affected CpG targets were involved in cellular processes including DNA repair, circadian rhythm, and energy metabolism. For miRNA expression, specific air pollution exposure windows were associated with altered miR-20a, miR-21, miR-146a, and miR-222 expression. Early-life aging markers including telomere length and mitochondrial DNA content are associated with air pollution exposure during pregnancy. Previously, we proposed the air pollution-induced telomere-mitochondrial aging hypothesis with a direct link between telomeres and mitochondria. Here, we extend this view with a potential co-interaction of different biological mechanisms on the level of placental oxidative stress, epigenetics, aging, and energy metabolism. Investigating the placenta is an opportunity for future research as it may help to understand the fundamental biology underpinning the DOHaD concept through the interactions between the underlying modes of action, prenatal environment, and disease risk in later life. To prevent lasting consequences from early-life exposures of air pollution, policy makers should get a basic understanding of biomolecular consequences and transgenerational risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. D. Saenen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - D. S. Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - K. Y. Neven
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - R. Alfano
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - H. Bové
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - B. G. Janssen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - H. A. Roels
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - M. Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - K. Vrijens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - T. S. Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
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67
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Madhloum N, Nawrot TS, Gyselaers W, Roels HA, Bijnens E, Vanpoucke C, Lefebvre W, Janssen BG, Cox B. Neonatal blood pressure in association with prenatal air pollution exposure, traffic, and land use indicators: An ENVIRONAGE birth cohort study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 130:104853. [PMID: 31226559 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Elevated blood pressure (BP) in early life may lead to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in later life. Air pollution exposure has been associated with increased BP in adults and children, but the contribution of prenatal air pollution exposure has rarely been assessed. In addition, we are not aware of any study on neonatal BP and maternal residential traffic and land use indicators during pregnancy. We investigated the association between newborn BP and prenatal air pollution, traffic and land use indicators, using data from 427 term (gestational age > 36 weeks) births from the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort. Newborn BP was measured using an automated device within 4 days after birth. Daily maternal residential air pollutants during pregnancy, including particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and ≤10 μm (PM10), black carbon (BC), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), were modelled using a high-resolution spatial-temporal model. The association between newborn BP and air pollution during the last 15 weeks of pregnancy was assessed using distributed lag models. Each 5 μg/m3 increment in prenatal PM2.5 exposure was associated with a 2.4 mm Hg (95% CI, 0.5 to 4.2) higher systolic and a 1.8 mm Hg (95% CI, 0.2 to 3.5) higher diastolic BP at birth. Overall estimates for PM10 were similar but those for NO2 and BC did not reach significance. Associations between newborn BP and exposures during the last 4 to 5 weeks of pregnancy were significant for all pollutants. An IQR (20.3%) increment in percentage residential greenness in a 5 km radius was associated with a 1.2 mm Hg (95% CI, -2.5 to 0.1; p = 0.07) lower systolic and a 1.2 mm Hg (95% CI, -2.4 to -0.0; p = 0.05) lower diastolic BP. An IQR (4.1%) increment in percentage industrial area in a 5 km radius was associated with a 1.0 mm Hg (95% CI, 0.1 to 1.9; p = 0.03) higher diastolic BP. Residential traffic indicators did not significantly associate with newborn BP. Prenatal air pollution exposure, greenness, and industrial area at maternal residence may affect offspring BP from birth onwards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narjes Madhloum
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium; Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Wilfried Gyselaers
- Department of Obstetrics, East-Limburg Hospital, Genk, Belgium; Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Harry A Roels
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium; Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Esmée Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | | | - Wouter Lefebvre
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - Bram G Janssen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Bianca Cox
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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Ferrari L, Carugno M, Bollati V. Particulate matter exposure shapes DNA methylation through the lifespan. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:129. [PMID: 31470889 PMCID: PMC6717322 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0726-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) has been associated with detrimental health effects. DNA methylation represents the most well-studied epigenetic factor among the possible mechanisms underlying this association. Interestingly, changes of DNA methylation in response to environmental stimuli are being considered for their role in the pathogenic mechanism, but also as mediators of the body adaptation to air pollutants.Several studies have evaluated both global and gene-specific methylation in relation to PM exposure in different clinical conditions and life stages. The purpose of the present literature review is to evaluate the most relevant and recent studies in the field in order to analyze the available evidences on long- and short-term PM exposure and DNA methylation changes, with a particular focus on the different life stages when the alteration occurs. PM exposure modulates DNA methylation affecting several biological mechanisms with marked effects on health, especially during susceptible life stages such as pregnancy, childhood, and the older age.Although many cross-sectional investigations have been conducted so far, only a limited number of prospective studies have explored the potential role of DNA methylation. Future studies are needed in order to evaluate whether these changes might be reverted.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Ferrari
- EPIGET-Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, via San Barnaba 8, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - M Carugno
- EPIGET-Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, via San Barnaba 8, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - V Bollati
- EPIGET-Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, via San Barnaba 8, 20122, Milan, Italy.
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69
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Clemente DBP, Vrijheid M, Martens DS, Bustamante M, Chatzi L, Danileviciute A, de Castro M, Grazuleviciene R, Gutzkow KB, Lepeule J, Maitre L, McEachan RRC, Robinson O, Schwarze PE, Tamayo I, Vafeiadi M, Wright J, Slama R, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Nawrot TS. Prenatal and Childhood Traffic-Related Air Pollution Exposure and Telomere Length in European Children: The HELIX Project. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2019; 127:87001. [PMID: 31393792 PMCID: PMC6792385 DOI: 10.1289/ehp4148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomere length is a molecular marker of biological aging. OBJECTIVE Here we investigated whether early-life exposure to residential air pollution was associated with leukocyte telomere length (LTL) at 8 y of age. METHODS In a multicenter European birth cohort study, HELIX (Human Early Life Exposome) ([Formula: see text]), we estimated prenatal and 1-y childhood exposure to nitrogen dioxide ([Formula: see text]), particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]), and proximity to major roads. Average relative LTL was measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Effect estimates of the association between LTL and prenatal, 1-y childhood air pollution, and proximity to major roads were calculated using multiple linear mixed models with a random cohort effect and adjusted for relevant covariates. RESULTS LTL was inversely associated with prenatal and 1-y childhood [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] exposures levels. Each standard deviation (SD) increase in prenatal [Formula: see text] was associated with a [Formula: see text] (95% CI: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) change in LTL. Prenatal [Formula: see text] was nonsignificantly associated with LTL ([Formula: see text] per SD increase; 95% CI: [Formula: see text], 0.6). For each SD increment in 1-y childhood [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] exposure, LTL shortened by [Formula: see text] (95% CI: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) and [Formula: see text] (95% CI: [Formula: see text], 0.1), respectively. Each doubling in residential distance to nearest major road during childhood was associated with a 1.6% (95% CI: 0.02, 3.1) lengthening in LTL. CONCLUSION Lower exposures to air pollution during pregnancy and childhood were associated with longer telomeres in European children at 8 y of age. These results suggest that reductions in traffic-related air pollution may promote molecular longevity, as exemplified by telomere length, from early life onward. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP4148.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana B P Clemente
- ISGlobal, Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal, Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dries S Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- ISGlobal, Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Leda Chatzi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Social Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
- NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Asta Danileviciute
- Department of Environmental Science, Vytauto Didziojo Universitetas, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Montserrat de Castro
- ISGlobal, Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Regina Grazuleviciene
- Department of Environmental Science, Vytauto Didziojo Universitetas, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | | | - Johanna Lepeule
- Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (Inserm) and Université Grenoble-Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Grenoble, France
| | - Lea Maitre
- ISGlobal, Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosie R C McEachan
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, UK
| | - Oliver Robinson
- MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Ibon Tamayo
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marina Vafeiadi
- Department of Social Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
| | - John Wright
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, UK
| | - Rémy Slama
- Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (Inserm) and Université Grenoble-Alpes, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Grenoble, France
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Unit Environment and Health, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
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70
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Torres M, Carranza C, Sarkar S, Gonzalez Y, Osornio Vargas A, Black K, Meng Q, Quintana-Belmares R, Hernandez M, Angeles Garcia JJF, Páramo-Figueroa VH, Iñiguez-Garcia MA, Flores JL, Zhang JJ, Gardner CR, Ohman-Strickland P, Schwander S. Urban airborne particle exposure impairs human lung and blood Mycobacterium tuberculosis immunity. Thorax 2019; 74:675-683. [PMID: 31036772 PMCID: PMC7162557 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2018-212529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Associations between urban (outdoor) airborne particulate matter (PM) exposure and TB and potential biological mechanisms are poorly explored. OBJECTIVES To examine whether in vivo exposure to urban outdoor PM in Mexico City and in vitro exposure to urban outdoor PM2.5 (< 2.5 µm median aerodynamic diameter) alters human host immune cell responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. METHODS Cellular toxicity (flow cytometry, proliferation assay (MTS assay)), M. tuberculosis and PM2.5 phagocytosis (microscopy), cytokine-producing cells (Enzyme-linked immune absorbent spot (ELISPOT)), and signalling pathway markers (western blot) were examined in bronchoalveolar cells (BAC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy, non-smoking, residents of Mexico City (n=35; 13 female, 22 male). In vivo-acquired PM burden in alveolar macrophages (AM) was measured by digital image analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS In vitro exposure of AM to PM2.5 did not affect M. tuberculosis phagocytosis. High in vivo-acquired AM PM burden reduced constitutive, M. tuberculosis and PM-induced interleukin-1β production in freshly isolated BAC but not in autologous PBMC while it reduced constitutive production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha in both BAC and PBMC. Further, PM burden was positively correlated with constitutive, PM, M. tuberculosis and purified protein derivative (PPD)-induced interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in BAC, and negatively correlated with PPD-induced IFN-γ in PBMC. CONCLUSIONS Inhalation exposure to urban air pollution PM impairs important components of the protective human lung and systemic immune response against M. tuberculosis. PM load in AM is correlated with altered M. tuberculosis-induced cytokine production in the lung and systemic compartments. Chronic PM exposure with high constitutive expression of proinflammatory cytokines results in relative cellular unresponsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Torres
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Claudia Carranza
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Srijata Sarkar
- Environmental and Occupational Health, Rutgers School of Public Health New Brunswick Campus, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Yolanda Gonzalez
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Kathleen Black
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Qingyu Meng
- Environmental and Occupational Health, Rutgers School of Public Health New Brunswick Campus, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Martha Hernandez
- Contaminacion y salud ambiental, Instituto Nacional de Ecologia y Cambio Climatico, Coyoacan, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Jose L Flores
- Departamento de ciencias de la salud, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, Iztapalapa, Mexico
| | - Junfeng Jim Zhang
- Duke Global Health Institute and Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carol R Gardner
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Pamela Ohman-Strickland
- Biostatistics, Rutgers School of Public Health New Brunswick Campus, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Stephan Schwander
- Urban-Global Public Health and Environmental and Occupational Health, Rutgers School of Public Health New Brunswick Campus, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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71
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Guilbert A, De Cremer K, Heene B, Demoury C, Aerts R, Declerck P, Brasseur O, Van Nieuwenhuyse A. Personal exposure to traffic-related air pollutants and relationships with respiratory symptoms and oxidative stress: A pilot cross-sectional study among urban green space workers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 649:620-628. [PMID: 30176473 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to ambient air pollution has been associated with various adverse health effects including respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Exposure data for some specific pollutants and settings are however still insufficient and mechanisms underlying negative health outcomes are not fully elucidated. This pilot study aimed to assess individual exposure to three traffic-related air pollutants, black carbon (BC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and benzene, and the relationship with respiratory and oxidative stress outcomes in a cross-sectional sample of 48 green space workers in Brussels, Belgium. Participants were followed during four consecutive working days in 2016-2017 during which their individual exposure to BC, PAHs, benzene and more generally air pollution was measured using aethalometers, urinary biomarkers (1-hydroxypyrene, 1-naphthol, 2-naphthol, S-phenylmercapturic acid) and questionnaires. Data on respiratory health and oxidative stress were collected using questionnaires and respiratory/urinary biomarkers (exhaled nitric oxide [NO], 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine [8-OHdG]). Associations between exposure and health outcomes were investigated using comparison tests and linear regression models, after stratification by present-day smoking status. Spatial variation in BC exposure was high, with concentrations varying between 0.26 and 5.69 μg/m3. The highest levels were recorded during transport and, to a lesser extent, in green spaces located in the vicinity of roads with high traffic intensity. Concentrations of PAHs and benzene biomarkers did not systematically exceed the limits of detection. Among smokers, respiratory inflammation increased linearly with exposure to BC measured over the four days of follow-up (β = 8.73, 95% CI: 4.04, 13.41). Among non-smokers, oxidative stress increased linearly with BC measured on the fourth day (β = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.52, 4.24). Despite some limitations, this work supports the hypothesis that BC induces respiratory inflammation and oxidative stress. It also highlights the value of this compound as well as exhaled NO and urinary 8-OHdG biomarkers to detect early/mild effects of air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Guilbert
- Unit Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano, Rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Koen De Cremer
- Unit Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano, Rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Billie Heene
- SST/ELI/ELIE-Environmental Sciences, Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), Croix du Sud 2/L7.05.16, 1348 Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium.
| | - Claire Demoury
- Unit Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano, Rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Raf Aerts
- Unit Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano, Rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Division Forest, Nature and Landscape, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Celestijnenlaan 200E-2411, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Priscilla Declerck
- Laboratory and Air Quality Department, Brussels Environment, Avenue du Port 86c-3000, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Olivier Brasseur
- Laboratory and Air Quality Department, Brussels Environment, Avenue du Port 86c-3000, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - An Van Nieuwenhuyse
- Unit Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano, Rue Juliette Wytsman 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Kapucijnenvoer 35D-7001, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of Health Protection, Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Rue Louis Rech 1, L-3555 Dudelange, Luxembourg.
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72
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Van Aart CJC, Michels N, Sioen I, De Decker A, Bijnens EM, Janssen BG, De Henauw S, Nawrot TS. Residential landscape as a predictor of psychosocial stress in the life course from childhood to adolescence. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 120:456-463. [PMID: 30145309 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of residential landscape, i.e., land use and traffic, on psychosocial stress in children are unknown, even though childhood stress might negatively affect normal development. In a longitudinal study, we investigate whether the residential landscape predicts childhood psychosocial stress and whether associations are independent of noise and air pollution. METHODS Belgian children aged 6.7-12.2 (N = 172, 50.9% boys) were followed for three years (2012-2015). Information on stress was obtained using standardized behavioral and emotional questionnaires and by a measure of hair cortisol. Residential landscape, including natural, agricultural, industrial, residential areas, and traffic, in a 100-m to 5-km radius around each child's home was characterized. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between psychosocial stress and the residential landscape were studied using linear regression and mixed models, while adjusting for age, sex, and parental socioeconomic status. RESULTS Natural landscapes were positively associated with better emotional status (increased happiness and lower sadness, anxiousness, and total negative emotions, β = 0.14-0.17, 95% CI = 0.01-0.30). Similarly, we observed an inverse association between residential and traffic density with hyperactivity problems (β = 0.13-0.18, 95% CI = 0.01-0.34). In longitudinal analyses, industrial area was a predictor of increases in negative emotions, while a natural landscape was for increases in happiness. Only the effect of natural landscape was partly explained by residential noise. CONCLUSION Residential greenness in proximity to a child's residence might result in a better childhood emotional status, whereas poorer emotional status and behavioral problems (hyperactivity problems) were seen with residential and industrial areas and increased traffic density in proximity to a child's home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola J C Van Aart
- Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10 4K3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Nathalie Michels
- Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10 4K3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Sioen
- Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10 4K3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annelies De Decker
- Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10 4K3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Esmee M Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 43, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Bram G Janssen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 43, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Stefaan De Henauw
- Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10 4K3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Health Sciences, Vesalius, University College Ghent, Keramiekstraat 80, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 43, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven University, Kapucijnenvoer 35 blok d, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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73
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Bové H, Devoght J, Rasking L, Peters M, Slenders E, Roeffaers M, Jorge-Peñas A, Van Oosterwyck H, Ameloot M. Combustion-derived particles inhibit in vitro human lung fibroblast-mediated matrix remodeling. J Nanobiotechnology 2018; 16:82. [PMID: 30368242 PMCID: PMC6204012 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-018-0410-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The continuously growing human exposure to combustion-derived particles (CDPs) drives in depth investigation of the involved complex toxicological mechanisms of those particles. The current study evaluated the hypothesis that CDPs could affect cell-induced remodeling of the extracellular matrix due to their underlying toxicological mechanisms. The effects of two ultrafine and one fine form of CDPs on human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5 cell line) were investigated, both in 2D cell culture and in 3D collagen type I hydrogels. A multi-parametric analysis was employed. RESULTS In vitro dynamic 3D analysis of collagen matrices showed that matrix displacement fields induced by human lung fibroblasts are disturbed when exposed to carbonaceous particles, resulting in inhibition of matrix remodeling. In depth analysis using general toxicological assays revealed that a plausible explanation comprises a cascade of numerous detrimental effects evoked by the carbon particles, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage and energy storage depletion. Also, ultrafine particles revealed stronger toxicological and inhibitory effects compared to their larger counterparts. The inhibitory effects can be almost fully restored when treating the impaired cells with antioxidants like vitamin C. CONCLUSIONS The unraveled in vitro pathway, by which ultrafine particles alter the fibroblasts' vital role of matrix remodeling, extends our knowledge about the contribution of these biologically active particles in impaired lung tissue repair mechanisms, and development and exacerbation of chronic lung diseases. The new insights may even pave the way to precautionary actions. The results provide justification for toxicological assessments to include mechanism-linked assays besides the traditional in vitro toxicological screening assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannelore Bové
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building C, Diepenbeek, Belgium. .,Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Louvain, Belgium.
| | - Jens Devoght
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building C, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Leentje Rasking
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building C, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Martijn Peters
- Institute for Materials Research, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Eli Slenders
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building C, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Maarten Roeffaers
- Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Alvaro Jorge-Peñas
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 300C, Box 2419, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Oosterwyck
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 300C, Box 2419, Louvain, Belgium.,Prometheus, div. Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Marcel Ameloot
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building C, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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Dolci M, Favero C, Bollati V, Campo L, Cattaneo A, Bonzini M, Villani S, Ticozzi R, Ferrante P, Delbue S. Particulate matter exposure increases JC polyomavirus replication in the human host. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 241:234-239. [PMID: 29857306 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) asymptomatically infect the human population during childhood and establish latency in the host. Viral reactivation and urinary excretion can occur when the immune system is impaired. Exposure to particulate air pollution, including the PM10/PM2.5 components, is a public health problem and has been linked to several disorders. Studies assessing the relationship between PM10/PM2.5 exposure and viral replication are lacking. OBJECTIVES To investigate the relationship between HPyVs viruria and PM10/PM2.5 exposures. METHODS Individual environmental exposure was assessed in 50 healthy adult volunteers using a chemical transport model (CTM) with a municipality resolution for daily PM10 and monitoring stations data for daily PM2.5 exposures. For each subject, a urine sample was collected, and HPyVs (JCPyV, BKPyV, MCPyV, HPyV6, HPyV7 and HPyV9) loads were determined. Zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) regression was used to model the count data, as it contained excessive zeros. Covariates were chosen by stepwise selection. RESULTS HPyVs DNA was detected in 54% (median:87.6*105 copies/ml) of the urine samples. JCPyV was the prevalent (48%, (median viral load:126*105 copies/ml). Considering the load of the most frequently measured HPyVs, JCPyV, in the count-part of the ZINB model, every unitary in PM measured 2 days before urine collection (PM Day -2) was associated with an increase in JCPyV load (PM10: +4.0%, p-value = 0.002; PM2.5: +3.6%, p-value = 0.005). In the zero-part, the significant predictor was the PM10 measured 5 days before urine collection (+3%, p-value = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS The environmental levels of PM10/PM2.5 increase the JCPyV viruria. Our findings emphasize the need for studies assessing the influence of air pollution exposure on the risk of viral reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dolci
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Carlo Pascal, 36, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Favero
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via San Barnaba 8, Milano, Italy
| | - Valentina Bollati
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via San Barnaba 8, Milano, Italy; Department of Preventive Medicine, Fondazione IRCSS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via San Barnaba 8, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Campo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Fondazione IRCSS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via San Barnaba 8, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Cattaneo
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio, 11, Como, Italy
| | - Matteo Bonzini
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via San Barnaba 8, Milano, Italy; Department of Preventive Medicine, Fondazione IRCSS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via San Barnaba 8, Milan, Italy
| | - Sonia Villani
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Carlo Pascal, 36, Milano, Italy
| | - Rosalia Ticozzi
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Carlo Pascal, 36, Milano, Italy
| | - Pasquale Ferrante
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Carlo Pascal, 36, Milano, Italy
| | - Serena Delbue
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Carlo Pascal, 36, Milano, Italy.
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75
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Tsamou M, Martens DS, Cox B, Madhloum N, Vrijens K, Nawrot TS. Sex-specific associations between telomere length and candidate miRNA expression in placenta. J Transl Med 2018; 16:254. [PMID: 30208911 PMCID: PMC6134555 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-018-1627-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the early-life environment, proper development of the placenta is essential for both fetal and maternal health. Telomere length at birth has been related to life expectancy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as potential epigenetic determinants of telomere length at birth have not been identified. In this study, we investigate whether placental miRNA expression is associated with placental telomere length at birth. METHODS We measured the expression of seven candidate miRNAs (miR-16-5p, -20a-5p, -21-5p, -34a-5p, 146a-5p, -210-3p and -222-3p) in placental tissue at birth in 203 mother-newborn (51.7% girls) pairs from the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort. We selected miRNAs known to be involved in crucial cellular processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress, cellular senescence related to aging. Placental miRNA expression and relative average placental telomere length were measured using RT-qPCR. RESULTS Both before and after adjustment for potential covariates including newborn's ethnicity, gestational age, paternal age, maternal smoking status, maternal educational status, parity, date of delivery and outdoor temperature during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, placental miR-34a, miR-146a, miR-210 and miR-222 expression were significantly (p ≤ 0.03) and positively associated with placental relative telomere length in newborn girls. In newborn boys, only higher expression of placental miR-21 was weakly (p = 0.08) associated with shorter placental telomere length. Significant miRNAs explain around 6-8% of the telomere length variance at birth. CONCLUSIONS Placental miR-21, miR-34a, miR-146a, miR-210 and miR-222 exhibit sex-specific associations with telomere length in placenta. Our results indicate miRNA expression in placental tissue could be an important determinant in the process of aging starting from early life onwards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsamou
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Dries S Martens
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Bianca Cox
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Narjes Madhloum
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Karen Vrijens
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium.
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Center for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium.,Environment & Health Unit, Department of Public Health, Leuven University (KU Leuven), 3000, Louvain, Belgium
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76
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Brugha R, Edmondson C, Davies JC. Outdoor air pollution and cystic fibrosis. Paediatr Respir Rev 2018; 28:80-86. [PMID: 29793860 DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Outdoor air pollution is increasingly identified as a contributor to respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Pro-inflammatory particles and gases are inhaled deep into the lungs, and are associated with impaired lung growth and exacerbations of chronic respiratory diseases. The magnitude of these effects are of interest to patients and families, and have been assessed in studies specific to CF. Using systematic review methodology, we sought to collate these studies in order to summarise the known effects of air pollution in cystic fibrosis, and to present information on decreasing personal air pollution exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossa Brugha
- Gene Therapy, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Emmanuel Kaye Building, Manresa Road, London SW3 6LR, United Kingdom.
| | - Claire Edmondson
- Gene Therapy, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Emmanuel Kaye Building, Manresa Road, London SW3 6LR, United Kingdom.
| | - Jane C Davies
- Gene Therapy, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Emmanuel Kaye Building, Manresa Road, London SW3 6LR, United Kingdom.
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77
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Neven KY, Saenen ND, Tarantini L, Janssen BG, Lefebvre W, Vanpoucke C, Bollati V, Nawrot TS. Placental promoter methylation of DNA repair genes and prenatal exposure to particulate air pollution: an ENVIRONAGE cohort study. Lancet Planet Health 2018; 2:e174-e183. [PMID: 29615218 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(18)30049-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to particulate air pollution has been linked with risk of carcinogenesis. Damage to repair pathways might have long-term adverse health effects. We aimed to investigate the association of prenatal exposure to air pollution with placental mutation rate and the DNA methylation of key placental DNA repair genes. METHODS This cohort study used data from the ongoing ENVironmental Influence ON early AGEing (ENVIRONAGE) birth cohort, which enrols pairs of mothers and neonates (singleton births only) at the East-Limburg Hospital (Genk, Belgium). Placental DNA samples were collected after birth. We used bisulfite-PCR-pyrosequencing to investigate the mutation rate of Alu (a marker for overall DNA mutation) and DNA methylation in the promoter genes of key DNA repair and tumour suppressor genes (APEX1, OGG1, PARP1, ERCC1, ERCC4, p53, and DAPK1). We used a high-resolution air pollution model to estimate exposure to particulate matter with a diameter less than 2·5 μm (PM2·5), black carbon, and NO2 over the entire pregnancy on the basis of maternal address. Alu mutation was analysed with a linear regression model, and methylation values of the selected genes were analysed in mixed-effects models. Effect estimates are presented as the relative percentage change in methylation for an ambient air pollution increment of one IQR (ie, the difference between the first and third quartiles of exposure in the entire cohort). FINDINGS 500 biobanked placental DNA samples were randomly selected from 814 pairs of mothers and neonates who were recruited to the cohort between Feb 1, 2010, and Dec 31, 2014, of which 463 samples met the pyrosequencing quality control criteria. IQR exposure increments were 3·84 μg/m3 for PM2·5, 0·36 μg/m3 for black carbon, and 5·34 μg/m3 for NO2. Among these samples, increased Alu mutation rate was associated with greater exposure to PM2·5 (r=0·26, p<0·0001) and black carbon (r=0·33, p<0·0001), but not NO2. Promoter methylation was positively associated with PM2·5 in APEX1 (7·34%, 95% CI 0·52 to 14·16, p=0·009), OGG1 (13·06, 3·88 to 22·24, p=0·005), ERCC4 (16·31%, 5·43 to 27·18, p=0·01), and p53 (10·60%, 4·46 to 16·74, p=0·01), whereas promoter methylation of DAPK1 (-12·92%, -22·35 to -3·49, p=0·007) was inversely associated with PM2·5 exposure. Black carbon exposure was associated with elevated promoter methylation in APEX1 (9·16%, 4·06 to 14·25, p=0·01) and ERCC4 (27·56%, 17·58 to 37·55, p<0·0001). Promoter methylation was not associated with pollutant exposure in PARP1 and ERCC1, and NO2 exposure was not associated with methylation in any of the genes studied. INTERPRETATION Transplacental in-utero exposure to particulate matter is associated with an increased overall placental mutation rate (as measured with Alu), which occurred in concert with epigenetic alterations in key DNA repair and tumour suppressor genes. Our results suggest that exposure to air pollution can induce changes to fetal and neonatal DNA repair capacity. Future studies will be essential to elucidate whether these changes persist and have a role in carcinogenic insults later in life. FUNDING European Research Council and the Flemish Scientific Fund.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristof Y Neven
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Nelly D Saenen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Letitzia Tarantini
- EPIGET-Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Bram G Janssen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | | | | | - Valentina Bollati
- EPIGET-Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium; Environment & Health unit, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium.
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78
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Bai Y, Bové H, Nawrot TS, Nemery B. Carbon load in airway macrophages as a biomarker of exposure to particulate air pollution; a longitudinal study of an international Panel. Part Fibre Toxicol 2018. [PMID: 29540230 PMCID: PMC5853150 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-018-0250-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Carbon load in airway macrophages (AM) has been proposed as an internal marker to assess long-term exposure to combustion-derived pollutant particles. However, it is not known how this biomarker is affected by changes in exposure. We studied the clearance kinetics of black carbon (BC) in AM, obtained by sputum induction, in a one-year panel study. Methods AM BC was measured 8 times with 6 weeks intervals in healthy young subjects: 15 long-term residents in Leuven, Belgium (BE, mean annual PM10 20–30 μg/m3) and 30 newcomers having arrived recently (< 3 weeks) in Leuven from highly polluted cities (mean annual PM10 > 50 μg/m3) in low and middle-income countries (LMIC, n = 15), or from low to moderately polluted cities in high-income countries (HIC, n = 15). The median and 90th percentile values of AM BC were quantified by image analysis of 25 macrophages per sputum sample; the carbonaceous nature of the black inclusions in AM was verified by Femtosecond Pulsed Laser Microscopy in 30 macrophages. We used a Bayesian hierarchical single-exponential decay model to describe the evolution of AM BC. Results In the LMIC group, the mean (95% credible interval) initial quantity (R0) of median AM BC [1.122 (0.750–1.509) μm2] was higher than in the HIC group [0.387 (0.168–0.613) μm2] and BE group [0.275 (0.147–0.404) μm2]. Median AM BC content decreased in the LMIC group (decay constant 0.013 μm2/day), but remained stable over one year in the other two groups. In the LMIC group, clearance half-lives of 53 (30–99) and 116 (63–231) days, were calculated for median and 90th percentile AM BC, respectively. Conclusions In this real-life study of an international panel of healthy young subjects, we demonstrated that carbon load in airway macrophages obtained by induced sputum reflects past long-term exposure to particulate air pollution. Values of AM BC do not change over one year when exposure remains stable, but AM BC decreases upon moving from high to moderate exposure, with average half-lives of 53 and 116 days depending on the carbon load. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12989-018-0250-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Bai
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, O&N 1, box 706, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hannelore Bové
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building C, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Center for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, O&N 1, box 706, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Benoit Nemery
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, O&N 1, box 706, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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79
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Grigg
- 1 Blizard Institute Queen Mary University of London London, United Kingdom
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80
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Martens DS, Cox B, Janssen BG, Clemente DBP, Gasparrini A, Vanpoucke C, Lefebvre W, Roels HA, Plusquin M, Nawrot TS. Prenatal Air Pollution and Newborns' Predisposition to Accelerated Biological Aging. JAMA Pediatr 2017; 171:1160-1167. [PMID: 29049509 PMCID: PMC6233867 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.3024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Telomere length is a marker of biological aging that may provide a cellular memory of exposures to oxidative stress and inflammation. Telomere length at birth has been related to life expectancy. An association between prenatal air pollution exposure and telomere length at birth could provide new insights in the environmental influence on molecular longevity. OBJECTIVE To assess the association of prenatal exposure to particulate matter (PM) with newborn telomere length as reflected by cord blood and placental telomere length. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In a prospective birth cohort (ENVIRONAGE [Environmental Influence on Ageing in Early Life]), a total of 730 mother-newborn pairs were recruited in Flanders, Belgium between February 2010 and December 2014, all with a singleton full-term birth (≥37 weeks of gestation). For statistical analysis, participants with full data on both cord blood and placental telomere lengths were included, resulting in a final study sample size of 641. EXPOSURES Maternal residential PM2.5 (particles with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm) exposure during pregnancy. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES In the newborns, cord blood and placental tissue relative telomere length were measured. Maternal residential PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy was estimated using a high-resolution spatial-temporal interpolation method. In distributed lag models, both cord blood and placental telomere length were associated with average weekly exposures to PM2.5 during pregnancy, allowing the identification of critical sensitive exposure windows. RESULTS In 641 newborns, cord blood and placental telomere length were significantly and inversely associated with PM2.5 exposure during midgestation (weeks 12-25 for cord blood and weeks 15-27 for placenta). A 5-µg/m3 increment in PM2.5 exposure during the entire pregnancy was associated with 8.8% (95% CI, -14.1% to -3.1%) shorter cord blood leukocyte telomeres and 13.2% (95% CI, -19.3% to -6.7%) shorter placental telomere length. These associations were controlled for date of delivery, gestational age, maternal body mass index, maternal age, paternal age, newborn sex, newborn ethnicity, season of delivery, parity, maternal smoking status, maternal educational level, pregnancy complications, and ambient temperature. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Mothers who were exposed to higher levels of PM2.5 gave birth to newborns with shorter telomere length. The observed telomere loss in newborns by prenatal air pollution exposure indicates less buffer for postnatal influences of factors decreasing telomere length during life. Therefore, improvements in air quality may promote molecular longevity from birth onward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dries S Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Bianca Cox
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Bram G Janssen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Diana B P Clemente
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.,Instituto de Salud Global, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Gasparrini
- Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, England.,Department of Medical Statistics, LSHTM, London, England
| | | | | | - Harry A Roels
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.,Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.,Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
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81
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Bijnens EM, Zeegers MP, Derom C, Martens DS, Gielen M, Hageman GJ, Plusquin M, Thiery E, Vlietinck R, Nawrot TS. Telomere tracking from birth to adulthood and residential traffic exposure. BMC Med 2017; 15:205. [PMID: 29157235 PMCID: PMC5697215 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-017-0964-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telomere attrition is extremely rapid during the first years of life, while lifestyle during adulthood exerts a minor impact. This suggests that early life is an important period in the determination of telomere length. We investigated the importance of the early-life environment on both telomere tracking and adult telomere length. METHODS Among 184 twins of the East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey, telomere length in placental tissue and in buccal cells in young adulthood was measured. Residential addresses at birth and in young adulthood were geocoded and residential traffic and greenness exposure was determined. RESULTS We investigated individual telomere tracking from birth over a 20 year period (mean age (SD), 22.6 (3.1) years) in association with residential exposure to traffic and greenness. Telomere length in placental tissue and in buccal cells in young adulthood correlated positively (r = 0.31, P < 0.0001). Persons with higher placental telomere length at birth were more likely to have a stronger downward shift in telomere ranking over life (P < 0.0001). Maternal residential traffic exposure correlated inversely with telomere length at birth. Independent of birth placental telomere length, telomere ranking between birth and young adulthood was negatively and significantly associated with residential traffic exposure at the birth address, while traffic exposure at the residential address at adult age was not associated with telomere length. CONCLUSIONS Longitudinal evidence of telomere length tracking from birth to adulthood shows inverse associations of residential traffic exposure in association with telomere length at birth as well as accelerated telomere shortening in the first two decades of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmée M Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Complex Genetics, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice P Zeegers
- Department of Complex Genetics, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Catherine Derom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ghent University Hospitals, Ghent, Belgium.,Centre of Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dries S Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Marij Gielen
- Department of Complex Genetics, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Geja J Hageman
- Department of Toxicology, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Evert Thiery
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospitals, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Robert Vlietinck
- Centre of Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan Building D, 3590, Diepenbeek, Belgium. .,Department of Public Health, Leuven University (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.
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82
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Nemery B, de Marie Katoto P. Protecting children's lungs by providing clean air during pregnancy? Lancet Planet Health 2017; 1:e309-e310. [PMID: 29628163 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(17)30139-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Nemery
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Patrick de Marie Katoto
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital Provincial de Bukavu, Catholic University of Bukavu, Bukavu, DR Congo
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