The Roles of Formaldehyde Exposure and Oxidative Stress in Fetal Growth in the Second Trimester

miR-153-3p Targets βII Spectrin to Regulate Formaldehyde-Induced Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis

Background: Formaldehyde (FA) is ubiquitous in the environment and can be transferred to the fetus through placental circulation, causing miscarriage and congenital heart disease (CHD). Studies have shown that βII spectrin is necessary for cardiomyocyte survival and differentiation, and its loss leads to heart development defects and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Additionally, previous studies have demonstrated that miRNA is essential in heart development and remodeling. However, whether miRNA regulates FA-induced CHD and cardiomyocyte apoptosis remains unclear. Methods: Using commercially available rat embryonic cardiomyocytes and a rat model of fetal cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot were performed to examine the level of miR-153-3p, βII spectrin, caspase 7, cleaved caspase7, Bax, Bcl-2 expression in embryonic cardiomyocytes and a rat model of fetal cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Apoptotic cell populations were evaluated by flow cytometry and Tunel. Luciferase activity assay and RNA pull-down assay were used to detect the interaction between miR-153-3p and βII spectrin. Masson's trichrome staining detects the degree of tissue fibrosis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and Immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of miR-153-3p and βII spectrin in tissues. Results: Using commercially available rat embryonic cardiomyocytes and a rat model of fetal cardiomyocyte apoptosis, our studies indicate that miR-153-3p plays a regulatory role by directly targeting βII spectrin to promote cardiomyocyte apoptosis. miR-153-3p mainly regulates cardiomyocyte apoptosis by regulating the expression of caspase7, further elucidating the importance of apoptosis in heart development. Finally, the results with our animal model revealed that targeting the miR-153-3p/βII spectrin pathway effectively regulated FA-induced damage during heart development. Recovery experiments with miR-153-3p antagomir resulted in the reversal of FA-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and fetal cardiac fibrosis. Conclusion: This study investigated the molecular mechanism underpinning the role of βII spectrin in FA-induced CHD and the associated upstream miRNA pathway. The study findings suggest that miR-153-3p may provide a potential target for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CHD.

Impact of prenatal and early life environmental exposures on normal human development

The global burden and pattern of disease has changed in recent decades, with fewer early childhood deaths and longer lives complicated by chronic disease. Disruption of normal human growth and development by adverse environmental exposures, especially during foetal development and early postnatal life increase life-long risk of chronic disease. The developmental timing and method of adverse exposure determines the likely impact on health and development. While many organ systems are structurally and functionally mature at birth, the CNS, respiratory and immune systems are not and undergo prolonged periods of postnatal growth and development. As such, these organ systems are vulnerable to adverse effects of both prenatal and postnatal environmental exposures. While the precise mechanisms underlying chronic disease are unknown, epigenetic mechanisms and the induction of oxidative stress are likely to be involved. An understanding of these processes is necessary to develop mitigation strategies aimed at reducing chronic disease prevalence.

Associations between prenatal exposure to volatile organic compounds and neurodevelopment in 12-month-old children: The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS)

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of problems associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in children, and there has been a growing interest in the relationship between environmental chemicals and children's health. The objective of this study was to examine whether an association exists between occupational or environmental prenatal maternal exposure to volatile organic compounds and the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children using Japanese translations of the Ages & Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (J-ASQ-3). An increase in the risk of neurodevelopmental delay in 12-month-old children associated with maternal exposure to formalin or formaldehyde was identified in terms of problem-solving (odds ratio (OR): 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.99-3.12) and personal-social skills (OR: 3.32, 95% CI: 1.46-7.55). It is not clear whether or not this tendency is reversible, and whether it is observed past 12 months of age. Further research and a preventive approach are needed.

A Roadmap for Navigating Occupational Exposures for Surgeons: A Special Consideration for the Pregnant Surgeon

SUMMARY

Surgeons are exposed to occupational hazards daily. Risks include chemical, biological, and physical hazards that place providers at risk of serious harm. Departmental policies or written guides to help pregnant surgeons navigate the hospital are lacking. In response to the scarcity in the literature, the authors have summarized current guidelines and recommendations to aid surgeons in making an informed decision. In addition, the authors present a brief narrative of the impact of these exposures during pregnancy and methods of transmission and, where relevant, include specialties that are at risk of these exposures.

Social Determinants of Cardiovascular Disease among Michigan Residents: A Call to Action for Population Health Initiatives

OBJECTIVE

Little is known about the cardiovascular health (CVH) and social determinants of cardiovascular diseases (SDCVDs) among Michigan residents by race and ethnicity. Therefore, the objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the CVH of Michigan residents and to examine the relationship between CVH and SDCVDs by race/ethnicity and age.

METHODOLOGY

Michigan-level data consisting of 10,889 participants was extracted from the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. Descriptive statistics examined the adjusted proportions of the CVH measures and determined the adjusted mean CVH score for the SDCVDs among racial/ethnic groups by age. Generalized ordinal logistic regression analyses assessed the relationship between residents' CVH and SDCVDs by racial/ethnic status. All analyses were performed using STATA MP14.

RESULTS

Residents from each racial/ethnic group did not meet the criteria for ideal BMI. The mean CVH score was found to be low for Black (2.65; 95% CI, 2.41-2.89) and Hispanic (2.84; 95% CI, 2.29-3.40) residents ≥ 50 years old with a high school degree or less. Black residents unemployed for more than a year were less likely to have a high CVH score (OR = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.21-80.97) compared with Black residents employed for wages.

CONCLUSION

Michigan residents' CVH is lacking across multiple dimensions. Multifaceted population health initiatives are warranted to address influential SDCVDs to diminish the CVH disparities identified across racial/ethnic and age groups.

Maternal Exposure to Indoor Air Pollution and Birth Outcomes

There is a growing body of research on the association between ambient air pollution and adverse birth outcomes. However, people in high income countries spend most of their time indoors. Pregnant women spend much of that time at home. The aim of this study was to investigate if indoor air pollutants were associated with poor birth outcomes. Pregnant women were recruited prior to 18 weeks gestation. They completed a housing questionnaire and household chemical use survey. Indoor pollutants, formaldehyde (HCHO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), were monitored in the women's homes at 34 weeks gestation. Gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW) and length (BL) and head circumference (HC) were collected from birth records. The associations between measured pollutants, and pollution surrogates, were analysed using general linear models, controlling for maternal age, parity, maternal health, and season of birth. Only HCHO was associated with any of the birth outcomes. There was a 0.044 decrease in BW z-score (p = 0.033) and 0.05 decrease in HC z-score (p = 0.06) for each unit increase in HCHO. Although HCHO concentrations were very low, this finding is consistent with other studies of formaldehyde and poor birth outcomes.

Protective Effect of Matricaria chamomilla Ethanolic Extract on Hippocampal Neuron Damage in Rats Exposed to Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde, as a frequently used compound in many applications, crosses the blood-brain barrier and leads to hippocampal cell death and memory impairment. This study investigates the effects of ethanolic extract of Matricaria chamomilla (MC) on passive avoidance learning induced by damaged hippocampal cells and evaluates the antioxidant traits of MC. The male Wistar rats were divided into six (6 in each) groups: control (10 mg/kg normal saline), 200 (200 mg/kg MC extract), 500 (500 mg/kg MC extract), F (10 mg/kg formaldehyde), F200 (10 mg/kg formaldehyde and 200 mg/kg MC extract), and F500 (10 mg/kg formaldehyde and 500 mg/kg MC extract). Shuttle box assay was used for evaluation of passive avoidance learning. The apoptosis rate of hippocampal tissue, malondialdehyde (MDA) free radicals, and total antioxidant capacity was evaluated to determine the positive effect of the ethanolic extract of MC. We found that the ethanolic extract of MC reduced the cell death, time spent in a dark room, and MDA free radicals in the hippocampus, leading to increased total antioxidant capacity in this region. In conclusion, the ethanolic extract of MC could ameliorate formaldehyde-induced memory damage through decreasing cell death and MDA activity of the hippocampal region and increasing total antioxidant capacity.

Rationale for Dietary Antioxidant Treatment of ADHD

Increasing understanding arises regarding disadvantages of stimulant medication in children with ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). This review presents scientific findings supporting dietary antioxidant treatment of ADHD and describes substantial alterations in the immune system, epigenetic regulation of gene expression, and oxidative stress regulation in ADHD. As a result, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress could develop, which can lead to ADHD symptoms, for example by chronic T-cell-mediated neuroinflammation, as well as by neuronal oxidative damage and loss of normal cerebral functions. Therefore, modulation of immune system activity and oxidant-antioxidant balance using nutritional approaches might have potential in ADHD treatment. The use of natural antioxidants against oxidative conditions is an emerging field in the management of neurodegenerative diseases. Dietary polyphenols, for example, have antioxidant capacities as well as immunoregulatory effects and, therefore, appear appropriate in ADHD therapy. This review can stimulate the development and investigation of dietary antioxidant treatment in ADHD, which is highly desired.

Isoprostanes, neuroprostanes and phytoprostanes: An overview of 25years of research in chemistry and biology

Since the beginning of the 1990's diverse types of metabolites originating from polyunsaturated fatty acids, formed under autooxidative conditions were discovered. Known as prostaglandin isomers (or isoprostanoids) originating from arachidonic acid, neuroprostanes from docosahexaenoic acid, and phytoprostanes from α-linolenic acid proved to be prevalent in biology. The syntheses of these compounds by organic chemists and the development of sophisticated mass spectrometry methods has boosted our understanding of the isoprostanoid biology. In recent years, it has become accepted that these molecules not only serve as markers of oxidative damage but also exhibit a wide range of bioactivities. In addition, isoprostanoids have emerged as indicators of oxidative stress in humans and their environment. This review explores in detail the isoprostanoid chemistry and biology that has been achieved in the past three decades.

Mechanisms and Treatment of Halogen Inhalation-Induced Pulmonary and Systemic Injuries in Pregnant Mice

Inhalation of oxidant gases has been implicated in adverse outcomes in pregnancy, but animal models to address mechanisms and studies to identify potential pregnancy-specific therapies are lacking. Herein, we show that inhalation of bromine at 600 parts per million for 30 minutes by pregnant mice on the 15th day of embryonic development results in significantly lower survival after 96 hours than an identical level of exposure in nonpregnant mice. On the 19th embryonic day, bromine-exposed pregnant mice have increased systemic blood pressure, abnormal placental development, severe fetal growth restriction, systemic inflammation, increased levels of circulating antiangiogenic short fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, and evidence of pulmonary and cardiac injury. Treatment with tadalafil, an inhibitor of type 5 phosphodiesterase, by oral gavage 1 hour post-exposure and then once daily thereafter, attenuated systemic blood pressures, decreased inflammation, ameliorated pulmonary and cardiac injury, and improved maternal survival (from 36% to 80%) and fetal growth. These pathological changes resemble those seen in preeclampsia. Nonpregnant mice did not exhibit any of these pathological changes and were not affected by tadalafil. These findings suggest that pregnant women exposed to bromine may require particular attention and monitoring for signs of preeclampsia-like symptoms.