Perimenarchal air pollution exposure and menstrual disorders

Traffic pollution, reproductive health, and depressive symptoms in a healthy multiethnic sample of reproductive age women in the Ovarian Aging Study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine whether exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is associated with depressive symptoms while also characterizing the contribution of key explanatory factors related to sociodemographics and health. In addition, it aimed to also explore the role of reproductive health as a pathway through which exposure to TRAP may relate to depressive symptoms.

METHODS

Participants were 688 healthy reproductive-age women in the Ovarian Aging Study. TRAP was derived from distance-weighted traffic counts using residential addresses. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. Explanatory factors were assessed by interview and clinic measures, including demographics (age, race/ethnicity), socioeconomic status (SES) (individual SES, neighborhood SES), general health (smoking, body mass index), and reproductive health (menarcheal age, contraceptive use, parity, menstrual cycle characteristics).

RESULTS

In cross-sectional, step-wise multivariate regression analyses, greater exposure to TRAP was related to more depressive symptoms (b = 0.779, P = 0.015). Lower individual SES, longer menstrual cycle length, and experiencing change (vs no change) in menstrual cycle length were also related to more depressive symptoms (P's < 0.05). Examination of each model step showed that variance in depressive symptoms was attributable to TRAP (1.2%, P = 0.004), demographics (1.0%, P = 0.217), SES (1.4%, P = 0.007), general health (0.3%, P = 0.356), and reproductive health (2.0%, P = 0.015). Finally, menstrual cycle length, a marker of reproductive health status, partially mediated effects of TRAP on depressive symptoms (indirect effect: b = 0.064, P = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings showed that exposure to TRAP is associated with depression, along with SES and reproductive health factors, and that reproductive health may be a pathway through which TRAP relates to depression.

Time to cycle regularity and health risks

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Adolescents often have irregular menstrual cycles after menarche until the reproductive axis fully matures. This review explores how menstrual regularity is established and the health risks associated with prolonged time to cycle regularity in adolescents.

RECENT FINDINGS

Cross-sectional studies show an association between prolonged time to cycle regularity in adolescents and increased risks for ongoing menstrual dysfunction, cardiometabolic disorders, cancers, and overall mortality. Importantly, some of these cardiometabolic associations are independent of PCOS status.

SUMMARY

The menstrual cycle can be used as a vital sign for assessing overall health. While further longitudinal studies are needed to establish causal relationships, these findings highlight a crucial window for early intervention in adolescents with prolonged time to cycle regularity to mitigate future risks.

ATF3 mediates PM2.5-induced apoptosis and inflammation in ovarian granulosa cells

Particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) pollution has emerged as a major global public health concern because of its adverse effects on human health. Our group has previously demonstrated that PM2.5 exposure can seriously impair ovarian function. However, the underlying mechanisms remain a mystery. This study verifies ovarian damage in mice, evidenced by inflammatory cell infiltration and follicular atresia, following 5 months of PM2.5 exposure via tracheal drip (35 µg/m³ for low dose and 150 µg/m³ for high dose). In addition, PM2.5 exposure inhibited the cell viability of human granulosa cells (KGN) and induced apoptosis at the concentrations of 50, 100, and 150 µg/mL for 24 h. The apoptosis of KGN cells induced by inflammation contributes to follicular atresia. Furthermore, we conducted RNA-sequencing analysis to identify the genes and pathways triggered by PM2.5 (100 µg/mL) exposure, which decreases the KGN cell viability. We found a significant increase in Activating Transcription Factor 3 (ATF3). Further mechanistic studies reveal a strong association between PM2.5-induced apoptosis, inflammation, and ATF3 with its downstream oxidative stress signals. In summary, the ATF3 pathway serves a vital role in the ovarian injury caused by PM2.5 exposures.

Early-life menstrual characteristics and gestational diabetes in a large US cohort

BACKGROUND

Associations between early-life menstrual cycle characteristics (MCC) and gestational diabetes (GDM) remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate associations between early-life MCCs and GDM in first pregnancy, across pregnancies and its recurrence.

METHODS

This analysis included participants from a US-based digital cohort enrolled between 11/2019 and 9/2023 who provided consent, completed relevant surveys, were without diabetes and aged ≥18 at first pregnancy (n = 30,473). Age at menarche [<11 (early), 11-15 (referent), ≥16 (late) years] and time from menarche to cycle regularity [<1 (referent), 1-2, 3-4, ≥5 years, not yet regular, regular after hormones] were self-recalled at enrolment. Additionally, the last three categories were considered prolonged time-to-regularity (PTTR). GDM history was recalled at enrolment for each pregnancy. We restricted to pregnancies of ≥24 weeks with a live birth. We evaluated associations of early-life MCCs with GDM at first pregnancy using modified Poisson regression, across pregnancies using cluster-weighted Poisson generalised estimating equation and GDM recurrence using multinomial logistic regression, adjusted for sociodemographic, early-life factors and age at pregnancy. Missing variables were imputed with multiple imputation by chained equations.

RESULTS

Among 30,473 participants, 20,591 had eligible first pregnancies, of which 5.9% reported GDM. In 17,512 participants with ≥2 pregnancies, 8.3% had GDM once and 3.7% had recurrent GDM. Early menarche (<11 years, vs. 11-15 years) was associated with GDM in first pregnancy (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.15, 1.57), across pregnancies (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.10, 1.39) and recurrence (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.21, 1.89). PTTR was associated with GDM in the first pregnancy (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08, 1.38), across pregnancies (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05, 1.27) and recurrence (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.99, 1.43).

CONCLUSIONS

Earlier menarche and prolonged time-to-regularity are associated with higher risk of GDM and recurrence, suggesting menstrual characteristics during childhood/adolescence as potential early-life markers for GDM.

Signs of Potential Androgen Excess Across the Lifespan in a US-based Digital Cohort Study

CONTEXT

Androgen excess (AE)-related symptoms can vary widely and may appear across the life course.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the prevalence of signs of potential AE and heterogeneity by demographic/health characteristics.

METHODS

We used data of 24 435 participants who consented and enrolled during November 2019 to December 2022 in a US digital cohort to evaluate the prevalence and heterogeneity of self-reported signs of potential AE: possible hirsutism (having thick coarse hair on ≥4 of 8 body locations), hair level on the chin, hair loss on top of the head, and moderate to severe acne.

RESULTS

The prevalence of possible hirsutism, having several/a lot of hair on the chin, significantly reduced hair/visible scalp on top of the head, and moderate to severe acne were 6.9%, 12.6%, 1.7%, and 31.8%, respectively. While possible hirsutism and moderate to severe acne decreased with age (range: 18-86 years), hair on the chin and hair loss on the head increased with age. Participants who self-identified as Hispanic or South Asian reported a higher prevalence of possible hirsutism (11.2%, 16.9%, vs 6.3% among non-Hispanic White participants). Participants with higher body mass index had a higher prevalence of possible hirsutism. Moderate to severe acne was more common among those with polycystic ovary syndrome. Possible hirsutism and hair loss were less common among participants using hormones for contraception.

CONCLUSION

In this large cohort, signs of potential AE varied by demographic and health factors. These results could provide a new understanding of how potential AE may appear differently in diverse groups, informing future work to develop more inclusive evaluation at a population level.

Menarche and Time to Cycle Regularity Among Individuals Born Between 1950 and 2005 in the US

Importance

Early menarche is associated with adverse health outcomes. Trends toward earlier menarche have been observed in the US, but data remain limited on differences by sociodemographic factors and body mass index (BMI). Time from menarche to cycle regularity is another understudied early-life characteristic with health implications.

Objectives

To evaluate the temporal trends and disparities in menarche and time to regularity and explore early-life BMI as a mediator.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This ongoing cohort study enrolled participants from an ongoing mobile application-based US cohort from November 14, 2019, to March 20, 2023.

Exposures

Birth year (categorized as 1950-1969, 1970-1979, 1980-1989, 1990-1999, and 2000-2005).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Main outcomes were age at menarche and time to regularity, which were self-recalled at enrollment. In addition, early (aged <11 years), very early (aged <9 years), and late (aged ≥16 years) age at menarche was assessed.

Results

Among the 71 341 female individuals who were analyzed (mean [SD] age at menarche, 12.2 [1.6] years; 2228 [3.1%] Asian, 3665 [5.1%] non-Hispanic Black, 4918 [6.9%] Hispanic, 49 518 [69.4%] non-Hispanic White, and 8461 [11.9%] other or multiple races or ethnicities), 5223 were born in 1950 to 1969, 12 226 in 1970 to 1979, 22 086 in 1980 to 1989, 23 894 in 1990 to 1999, and 7912 in 2000 to 2005. The mean (SD) age at menarche decreased from 12.5 (1.6) years in 1950 to 1969 to 11.9 (1.5) years in 2000 to 2005. The number of individuals experiencing early menarche increased from 449 (8.6%) to 1223 (15.5%), the number of individuals experiencing very early menarche increased from 31 (0.6%) to 110 (1.4%), and the number of individuals experiencing late menarche decreased from 286 (5.5%) to 137 (1.7%). For 61 932 participants with reported time to regularity, the number reaching regularity within 2 years decreased from 3463 (76.3%) to 4075 (56.0%), and the number not yet in regular cycles increased from 153 (3.4%) to 1375 (18.9%). The magnitude of the trend toward earlier menarche was greater among participants who self-identified as Asian, non-Hispanic Black, or other or multiple races (vs non-Hispanic White) (P = .003 for interaction) and among participants self-rated with low (vs high) socioeconomic status (P < .001 for interaction). Within a subset of 9865 participants with data on BMI at menarche, exploratory mediation analysis estimated that 46% (95% CI, 35%-61%) of the temporal trend in age at menarche was explained by BMI.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of 71 341 individuals in the US, as birth year increased, mean age at menarche decreased and time to regularity increased. The trends were stronger among racial and ethnic minority groups and individuals of low self-rated socioeconomic status. These trends may contribute to the increase in adverse health outcomes and disparities in the US.

Irregular Cycles, Ovulatory Disorders, and Cardiometabolic Conditions in a US-Based Digital Cohort

Importance

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), characterized by irregular menstrual cycles and hyperandrogenism, is a common ovulatory disorder. Having an irregular cycle is a potential marker for cardiometabolic conditions, but data are limited on whether the associations differ by PCOS status or potential interventions.

Objective

To evaluate the association of PCOS, time to regularity since menarche (adolescence), and irregular cycles (adulthood) with cardiometabolic conditions.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used a large, US-based digital cohort of users of the Apple Research application on their iPhone. Eligibility criteria were having ever menstruated, living in the US, being at age of consent of at least 18 years (or 19 years in Alabama and Nebraska or 21 years in Puerto Rico), and being able to communicate in English. Participants were enrolled between November 14, 2019, and December 13, 2022, and completed relevant surveys.

Exposures

Self-reported PCOS diagnosis, prolonged time to regularity (not spontaneously establishing regularity within 5 years of menarche), and irregular cycles.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was self-reported cardiometabolic conditions, including obesity, prediabetes, type 1 and 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart valve disease, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism measured using descriptive statistics and logistic regression to estimate prevalence odds ratios (PORs) and 95% CIs. Effect modification by lifestyle factors was also estimated.

Results

The study sample (N = 60 789) had a mean (SD) age of 34.5 (11.1) years, with 12.3% having PCOS and 26.3% having prolonged time to regularity. Among a subset of 25 399 participants who completed the hormonal symptoms survey, 25.6% reported irregular cycles. In covariate-adjusted logistic regression models, PCOS was associated with a higher prevalence of all metabolic and several cardiovascular conditions, eg, arrhythmia (POR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.20-1.55), coronary artery disease (POR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.95-4.29), heart attack (POR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.23-2.54), and stroke (POR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.21-2.24). Among participants without PCOS, prolonged time to regularity was associated with type 2 diabetes (POR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.05-1.46), hypertension (POR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01-1.19), arrhythmia (POR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.06-1.35), and TIA (POR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.01-1.73), and having irregular cycles was associated with type 2 diabetes (POR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.08-1.69), high cholesterol (POR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.05-1.30), arrhythmia (POR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.02-1.43), and TIA (POR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.06-2.26). Some of these associations were modified by high vs low body mass index or low vs high physical activity.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that PCOS and irregular cycles may be independent markers for cardiometabolic conditions. Early screening and intervention among individuals with irregular menstrual cycles may be beneficial.

Long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 and its components on menarche timing among Chinese adolescents: evidence from a representative nationwide cohort

BACKGROUND

Ambient air pollutants have been suggested to affect pubertal development. Nevertheless, current studies indicate inconsistent effects of these pollutants, causing precocious or delayed puberty onset. This study aimed to explore the associations between long-term exposure to particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5) along with its components and menarche timing among Chinese girls.

METHOD

Self-reported age at menarche was collected among 855 girls from China Health and Nutrition Survey 2004 to 2015. The pre-menarche annual average concentrations of PM2.5 and its components were calculated on the basis of a long-term (2000-2014) high-resolution PM2.5 components dataset. Generalized linear models (GLM) and logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations of exposure to a single pollutant (PM2.5, sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, black carbon and organic matter) with age at menarche and early menarche (< 12 years), respectively. Weighted quantile sum methods were applied to examine the impacts of joint exposure on menarche timing.

RESULTS

In the adjusted GLM, per 1 µg/m3 increase of annual average concentrations of nitrate and ammonium decreased age at menarche by 0.098 years and 0.127 years, respectively (all P < 0.05). Every 1 µg/m3 increase of annual average concentrations of PM2.5 (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.08), sulfate (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01-1.50), nitrate (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.06-1.43) and ammonium (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.06-1.66) were significantly positively associated with early menarche. Higher level of joint exposure to PM2.5 and its components was associated with 11% higher odds of early menarche (P = 0.04). Additionally, the estimated weight of sulfate was the largest among the mixed pollutants.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and its components could increase the risk of early menarche among Chinese girls. Moreover, sulfate might be the most critical components responsible for this relationship. Our study provides foundation for targeted prevention of PM2.5 components.

Air pollution and pregnancy

Increased fossil fuel usage and extreme climate change events have led to global increases in greenhouse gases and particulate matter with 99% of the world's population now breathing polluted air that exceeds the World Health Organization's recommended limits. Pregnant women and neonates with exposure to high levels of air pollutants are at increased risk of adverse health outcomes such as maternal hypertensive disorders, postpartum depression, placental abruption, low birth weight, preterm birth, infant mortality, and adverse lung and respiratory effects. While the exact mechanism by which air pollution exerts adverse health effects is unknown, oxidative stress as well as epigenetic and immune mechanisms are thought to play roles. Comprehensive, global efforts are urgently required to tackle the health challenges posed by air pollution through policies and action for reducing air pollution as well as finding ways to protect the health of vulnerable populations in the face of increasing air pollution.

Traffic safety and public health in China - Past knowledge, current status, and future directions

Transportation-related harms have developed into a social disease, threatening public safety and health in China. We aimed to increase the global understanding of traffic safety and public health in China from past knowledge, current status, and future directions by collecting, collating, and analyzing the Chinese traffic incidents reported in the published literature. A systematic search of China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Weipu, and published articles referenced in PubMed, Web of Science and ProQuest between January 1, 1988 and April 30, 2023 was performed. China encountered the first recorded traffic accident as early as three thousand years ago in the Shang Dynasty. An increase in vehicle capacity and velocity increased the traffic risks during the transition from rickshaws and livestock to motor vehicles in varying traffic environments. Humans are not only the decisive factor of a large number of vehicles, traffic routes, and environmental variables, but also the victims at the end and starting point of traffic accidents. Injuries (mechanical force, burns) and diseases (traffic-related air pollution, noise) caused by traffic activities not only threaten public health, but also cause risks to safe driving. Analysis of traffic activities and biomarkers promotes the treatment of traffic injuries in ethology and medicine. China prepared for the construction of healthy transportation in the "decade of road safety" toward an estimation of worldwide road traffic injuries in 2030. Improvement of traffic safety concerning public health under the "Outline of the National Comprehensive Three-dimensional Transportation Network Planning" in China will propel the realization of worldwide traffic environmental advancement.

Exposure to Particulate Matter Air Pollution and Age of Menarche in a Nationwide Cohort of U.S. Girls

BACKGROUND

It remains unclear whether in utero and childhood exposure to air pollution affects pubertal development, particularly age of menarche in girls.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether residential ambient particulate matter (PM) exposure in utero and during childhood is associated with age of menarche.

METHODS

We studied 5,201 girls in the Growing Up Today Study 2 (2004-present) who were 10-17 y of age at enrollment (47.7% premenarchal; 52.3% postmenarchal). Exposure to three size fractions of PM [fine PM with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μ m (PM 2.5 ), PM with aerodynamic diameters between  2.5 μ m  and  10 μ m (PM 2.5 - 10 ), and PM with aerodynamic diameter 10 μ m (PM 10 )] was assigned based on maternal residential address, updated every 2 y, using nationwide spatiotemporal models. We estimated average PM exposure in utero, and time-varying windows: annual average exposure in the prior 1 and 2 y and cumulative average from birth. Age of menarche was self-reported on three surveys administered in 2004, 2006, and 2008. We calculated hazard ratios (HR) for menarche for an interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM exposure using Cox proportional hazard models adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Girls attained menarche at 12.3 y of age on average. In the adjusted model, higher residential exposure to ambient PM 2.5 during all time windows was associated with earlier age of menarche. The HRs of menarche for each IQR (4   μ g / m 3 ) increase in exposure to PM 2.5 during the in utero period, 1 y prior to menarche, and throughout childhood were 1.03 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00, 1.06], 1.06 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.10) and 1.06 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.10), respectively. Effect estimates for PM 10 exposure were similar, albeit attenuated, for all time windows. PM 2.5 - 10 exposure was not associated with age of menarche.

DISCUSSION

Among a large, nationwide, prospective cohort of U.S. girls, higher exposure to PM 2.5 and PM 10 in utero and throughout childhood was associated with an earlier age of menarche. Our results suggest that PM 2.5 and PM 10 may have endocrine-disrupting properties that could lead to altered timing of menarche. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12110.

Effects of Ambient Air Pollution on Precocious Puberty: A Case-Crossover Analysis in Nanjing, China

BACKGROUND

Ambient air pollution is closely related to a variety of health outcomes. Few studies have focused on the correlations between air pollution exposure and children's sexual development. In this study, we investigated the potential effects of exposure to air pollution on precocious puberty among children using real-world evidence.

METHODS

We conducted a case-crossover study (n = 2201) to investigate the effect of ambient air pollution exposure on precocious puberty from January 2016 to December 2021. Average exposure levels of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3 before diagnosis were calculated by using the inverse distance weighting (IDW) method. Distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) was used to assess the effect of air pollutants exposure on precocious puberty.

RESULTS

The mean age of the children who were diagnosed with precocious puberty was 7.47 ± 1.24 years. The average concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 were 38.81 ± 26.36 μg/m3 and 69.77 ± 41.07 μg/m3, respectively. We found that exposure to high concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 might increase the risk of precocious puberty using the DLNM model adjusted for the age, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3 levels. The strongest effects of the PM2.5 and PM10 on precocious puberty were observed in lag 27 (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.01-2.92) and lag 16 (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.33-2.85), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our findings supported that short-term exposure to air pollution was the risk factor for precocious puberty. Every effort should be made to protect children from air pollution.

Effects of Exposure Duration and Exposure Levels of Ambient Air Pollutants on the Risk of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A 2015-2019 Korean Population-Based Cohort Study

Exposure to ambient air pollution is associated with an increased risk of menstrual disorders and infertility. This study examined the relationships between the levels and duration of air pollution exposure and the risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) using Korean population-based cohort data (2015-2019). Real-time data on PM₁₀, PM_2.5, O₃, CO, SO₂, and NO₂ were provided by the Korean Ministry of Environment. The average monthly air pollutant concentration from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2018 was analyzed. To assess individual-level exposure to air pollutants, a spatial prediction model and an area-averaging approach were used. In total, 237,582 PCOS cases were analyzed. The annual age-adjusted PCOS incidence was 6.70, 8.28, 9.73, 11.58, and 11.97% from 2015-2019, respectively. The PCOS risk increased 1.29-1.32, 1.43-1.52, and 1.32-fold following exposure to the 2-year and 3-year average levels of PM_2.5, O₃, and NO₂, respectively, compared to their 1-year average levels. The PCOS risk increased 1.75-fold (95% confidence interval: 1.66-1.85) in the fourth-quartile for the NO₂ level. Increased SO₂ and CO levels in the second- and third-quartiles were also associated with an increased PCOS risk. Exposure to air pollutants thus increased the risk for PCOS in the Korean population.

The Launch of A Girl's First Period Study: Demystifying Reproductive Hormone Profiles in Adolescent Girls

Limited data exist on the reproductive hormone dynamics that govern the transition from menarche to the establishment of the mature ovulatory cycles of a fertile young woman. It is also unclear how environmental and lifestyle factors could modulate this transition in contemporary girls. Here, we introduce A Girl's First Period Study, an ambitious longitudinal study aimed at charting the early post-menarchal course of a cohort of healthy girls in the Triangle region of North Carolina.

Fine particulate matter and polycystic ovarian morphology

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary morphology (PCOM) is an ultrasonographic finding that can be present in women with ovulatory disorder and oligomenorrhea due to hypothalamic, pituitary, and ovarian dysfunction. While air pollution has emerged as a possible disrupter of hormone homeostasis, limited research has been conducted on the association between air pollution and PCOM.

METHODS

We conducted a longitudinal cohort study using electronic medical records data of 5,492 women with normal ovaries at the first ultrasound that underwent a repeated pelvic ultrasound examination during the study period (2004-2016) at Boston Medical Center. Machine learning text algorithms classified PCOM by ultrasound. We used geocoded home address to determine the ambient annual average PM2.5 exposures and categorized into tertiles of exposure. We used Cox Proportional Hazards models on complete data (n = 3,994), adjusting for covariates, and additionally stratified by race/ethnicity and body mass index (BMI).

RESULTS

Cumulative exposure to PM2.5 during the study ranged from 4.9 to 17.5 µg/m3 (mean = 10.0 μg/m3). On average, women were 31 years old and 58% were Black/African American. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) comparing the second and third PM2.5 exposure tertile vs. the reference tertile were 1.12 (0.88, 1.43) and 0.89 (0.62, 1.28), respectively. No appreciable differences were observed across race/ethnicity. Among women with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, we observed weak inverse associations with PCOM for the second (HR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.66, 1.33) and third tertiles (HR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.50, 1.57).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study of reproductive-aged women, we observed little association between PM2.5 concentrations and PCOM incidence. No dose response relationships were observed nor were estimates appreciably different across race/ethnicity within this clinically sourced cohort.

Menstrual cycle length and modern living: a review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this review is to evaluate biological, life history, environmental, and lifestyle factors and exposures that cause variability in menstrual cycle length (MCL).

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent literature has detailed a number of factors that influence MCL, with particular emphasis placed on novel environmental exposures, such as air pollution and endocrine disrupting chemicals.

SUMMARY

MCL varies widely in response to intrinsic and extrinsic inputs and is a useful predictor of reproductive health and fecundability.

VIDEO ABSTRACT

http://links.lww.com/COE/A28.

Increased Incidence of Dysmenorrhea in Women Exposed to Higher Concentrations of NO, NO2, NOx, CO, and PM2.5: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

Background: Air pollution is speculated to affect the reproductive health of women. However, a longitudinal association between exposure to air pollution and dysmenorrhea has not been identified, which this study aimed to examine this point.

Methods: Two nationwide databases, namely the Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring database and the Taiwan National Health Research Institutes database were linked. Women with a history of dysmenorrhea (International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code 625.3) before 2000 were excluded. All participants were followed from January 1, 2000 until the diagnosis of dysmenorrhea, withdrawal from National Health Insurance, or December 31, 2013. Furthermore, air pollutants were categorized into quartiles with three cut-off points (25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles). The Cox regression model was used to calculate the hazard ratios of dysmenorrhea.

Results: This study enrolled 296,078 women. The mean concentrations of yearly air pollutants were 28.2 (±12.6) ppb for nitric oxides (NO_x), 8.91 (±7.93) ppb for nitric oxide (NO), 19.3 (±5.49) ppb for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), 0.54 (±0.18) ppm for carbon monoxide (CO), and 31.8 (±6.80) μg/m³ for PM_2.5. In total, 12,514 individuals developed dysmenorrhea during the 12-year follow-up. Relative to women exposed to Q1 concentrations of NO_x, women exposed to Q4 concentrations exhibited a significantly higher dysmenorrhea risk [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)= 27.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 21.6–31.3]; similarly higher risk was found for exposure to NO (aHR = 16.7, 95% CI = 15.4–18.4) and NO₂ (aHR = 33.1, 95% CI = 30.9–37.4). For CO, the relative dysmenorrhea risk in women with Q4 level exposure was 28.7 (95% CI = 25.4–33.6). For PM_2.5, women at the Q4 exposure level were 27.6 times (95% CI = 23.1–29.1) more likely to develop dysmenorrhea than those at the Q1 exposure level.

Conclusion: Our results showed that women would have higher dysmenorrhea incidences while exposure to high concentrations of NO, NO₂, NO_x, CO, and PM_2.5.

Environmental toxicant exposure and menstrual cycle length

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review seeks to evaluate the impact of environmental exposures on the menstrual cycle length detailing timing of exposure on pathophysiology.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent literature has examined the relationship between menstrual cycle length and environmental exposures including air pollutants, parabens, and polybrominated biphenyls.

SUMMARY

Research is limited but suggest importance of further research in evaluating environmental exposures and menstrual cycle length.

The use of personal and indoor air pollution monitors in reproductive epidemiology studies

BACKGROUND

Personal and indoor air pollution monitors represent two ways to assess acute air pollution exposures; however, few reproductive epidemiology studies have incorporated these tools.

OBJECTIVE

To provide an overview of the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when measuring acute exposure to air pollution in two ongoing reproductive epidemiology studies.

METHODS

The Air Pollution, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and Reproductive Outcomes (AIR) Study recruits women undergoing IVF to wear a personal particulate matter (PM) air pollution monitor (AirBeam2©) for the 72-hour period following the start of controlled ovarian stimulation. The Reproductive Effects of Chemicals and Air Pollutants (RECAP) Study recruits men across the United States to place an air pollution monitor (emmET) in their home for 3 months, use a smartphone application, and provide a semen sample. We highlight the key issues identified in implementing exposure assessment for both studies.

RESULTS

The main advantages of using the AirBeam2© personal monitor are as follows: (a) the low cost, (b) the ability to collect multiple size fractions of PM data every second, (c) the portability, (d) its capability to track GPS location, and (e) the ability for the participant to observe their real-time exposure information. The limited battery life, incompatibility with iOS-based smartphones, and frequent connection issues that arise between the AirBeam2© and smartphone are the main disadvantages. The main advantages of the emmET are the ability to measure multiple air pollutants at a high level of accuracy, collect data for a long period of time without burdening the participant, and ship monitors to participants around the country without the need for in-person set-up by trained technicians; however, the monitor only measures the indoor home environment.

CONCLUSIONS

Novel methods can be utilised to characterise short-term air pollution exposure in reproductive epidemiology studies and represent an exciting area for future research.

Ovarian Dysfunction Induced by Chronic Whole-Body PM2.5 Exposure

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution arouses public health concerns over the world. Increasing epidemiologic evidence suggests that exposure to ambient airborne PM2.5 increases the risk of female infertility. However, relatively few studies have systematically explored the harmful effect of chronic PM2.5 exposure on ovarian function and the underlying mechanisms. In this study, female C57BL/6J mice are exposed to filtered air or urban airborne PM2.5 for 4 months through a whole-body exposure system. It is found that PM2.5 exposure significantly caused the alteration of estrus cycles, reproductivity, hormone levels, and ovarian reserve. The granulosa cell apoptosis via the mitochondria dependent pathway contributes to the follicle atresia. With RNA-sequencing technique, the differentially expressed genes induced by PM2.5 exposure are mainly enriched in ovarian steroidogenesis, reactive oxygen species and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. Furthermore, it is found that increased PM2.5 profoundly exacerbated ovarian oxidative stress and inflammation in mice through the NF-κB/IL-6 signaling pathway. Notably, dietary polydatin (PD) supplement has protective effect in mice against PM2.5-induced ovarian dysfunction.These striking findings demonstrate that PM2.5 and/or air pollution is a critical factor for ovarian dysfunction through mitochondria-dependent and NF-κB/IL-6-mediated pathway, and PD may serve as a pharmaceutic candidate for air pollution-associated ovarian dysfunction.

Unexpected association between increased levels of ambient carbon monoxide and reduced daily outpatient visits for vaginitis: A hospital-based study

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a well-known "toxic gas". It represents a toxic inhalation hazard at high concentration and is commonly found in polluted air. However, a series of recent studies have suggested that low concentration of CO can also produce protective functions. This study was performed to investigate the association between ambient CO exposure and vaginitis outpatient visits. Daily baseline outpatient data of vaginitis from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015 were obtained from Xi'an, a heavily-polluted metropolis in China. The over-dispersed Poisson generalized additive model was applied to discover the relations between short-term ambient CO exposure and the number of vaginitis outpatient visits by adjusting day of the week and weather conditions. A total of 16,825 outpatient hospital visits for vaginitis were recorded. The mean daily concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) was well below Chinese and WHO guidelines. During the study period, increased levels of ambient CO was associated with reduced outpatient-visits through concurrent to lag 5 days, and the most significant association was evidenced at lag 05. A 0.1 mg/m³ increase in daily average CO at lag 05 corresponded to -1.25% (95%CI: -1.85%, -0.65%) change in outpatient-visits for vaginitis. Moreover, the association was more significant in those women aged 20-29 years. After adjustment for PM₁₀, PM_2.5, SO₂, and NO₂, and O₃, the negative associations of CO with vaginitis kept significant, suggesting relative stability of effect estimates. In summary, this is the first evidence that increased ambient CO exposure can be related to reduced daily outpatient visits for vaginitis. The results of our study may not only help to establish more comprehensive understanding of the health effects of ambient air on vaginitis and other gynecological diseases, but also provide a clue to new potential interventions.

Association between air pollution and menstrual disorder outpatient visits: A time-series analysis

Menstrual disorders are common diseases among reproductive-aged women with increasing concerns. Until now, there have been limited studies about the association between menstrual disorders and air pollution. This study aimed to investigate the association between short-term (concurrent day and within 1 week prior) ambient air pollution exposure and menstrual disorder outpatient visits in Xi'an, a metropolis in northwestern China. Daily baseline outpatient data of menstrual disorders from January 1, 2010 to February 18, 2016 (2239 days) were obtained. An over-dispersed Poisson generalized additive model was applied to discover the relationship between short-term air pollution exposure and the number of menstrual disorder outpatient visits by adjusting the day of the week and weather conditions. A total of 51,893 outpatient visits for menstrual disorders were recorded. A 10 μg/m³ increase of PM₁₀ and NO₂ concentrations corresponded to 0.236% (95% Cl: 0.075%, 0.397%) and 2.173% (95% Cl: 0.990%, 3.357%) elevations in outpatient-visits for menstrual disorders at lag 7 and lag 01 (concurrent day and previous 1 day), respectively. The association was more significant in young females (18-29 years) and there was no obvious association observed between SO₂ and menstrual disorder outpatient visits. This is the first evidence that short-term exposure to ambient air pollution can be associated with an increased risk of menstrual disorder attacks. The results of our study may help to establish more comprehensive understanding of the health effects of ambient air pollution on menstrual disorders and other reproductive diseases.

Can atmospheric pollutants influence menstrual cycle function?

A few experimental studies suggest that atmospheric pollutants could affect the endocrine system, and in particular stress hormones and the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-ovarian axis, which could in turn influence menstrual cycle function. We aimed to study the possible short-term effects of atmospheric pollutants on the length of the follicular and luteal phases and on the duration of the menstrual cycle in humans. To do so, from a nation-wide study on couples' fecundity, we recruited 184 women not using contraception who collected urine samples at least every other day during one menstrual cycle, from which a progesterone metabolite was assayed, allowing estimation of the duration of the follicular and luteal phases of the cycle. Atmospheric pollution (nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter with an aerodynamical diameter below 10 μm, PM₁₀) levels were estimated from a dispersion model with a 1-km resolution combined with permanent monitoring stations measurements, allowing to estimate exposures in the 30-day, 1-10 and 11-30-day periods before the start of the menstrual cycle. Regression models allowed to quantify the change in cycle duration associated with atmospheric pollutants and adjusted for potential confounders. Follicular phase duration increased on average by 0.7 day (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.2; 1.3) for each increase by 10 μg/m³ in NO₂ concentration averaged over the 30 days before the cycle and by 1.6 day (95% CI, 0.3; 2.9) for each increase by 10 μg/m³ in PM₁₀. There was no strong evidence of associations of exposures in this time window with luteal phase or with total menstrual cycle durations (p > 0.2). Exposures in the 1-10 day period before the cycle start were also associated with increased follicular phase duration. This study is one of the first prospective studies to suggest short-term alterations in follicular phase duration following atmospheric pollutants exposure.