1
|
Sørensen M, Poulsen AH, Nøhr B, Khan J, Ketzel M, Brandt J, Raaschou-Nielsen O, Jensen A. Long term exposure to road traffic noise and air pollution and risk of infertility in men and women: nationwide Danish cohort study. BMJ 2024; 386:e080664. [PMID: 39231578 PMCID: PMC11372855 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2024-080664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate associations between long term residential exposure to road traffic noise and particulate matter with a diameter <2.5 µm (PM2.5) and infertility in men and women. DESIGN Nationwide prospective cohort study. SETTING Denmark. PARTICIPANTS 526 056 men and 377 850 women aged 30-45 years, with fewer than two children, cohabiting or married, and residing in Denmark between 2000 and 2017. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Incident infertility in men and women during follow-up in the Danish National Patient Register. RESULTS Infertility was diagnosed in 16 172 men and 22 672 women during a mean follow-up of 4.3 years and 4.2 years, respectively. Mean exposure to PM2.5 over five years was strongly associated with risk of infertility in men, with hazard ratios of 1.24 (95% confidence interval 1.18 to 1.30) among men aged 30-36.9 years and 1.24 (1.15 to 1.33) among men aged 37-45 years for each interquartile (2.9 µg/m3) higher PM2.5 after adjustment for sociodemographic variables and road traffic noise. PM2.5 was not associated with infertility in women. Road traffic noise (Lden, most exposed facade of residence) was associated with a higher risk of infertility among women aged 35-45 years, with a hazard ratio of 1.14 (1.10 to 1.18) for each interquartile (10.2 dB) higher five year mean exposure. Noise was not associated with infertility among younger women (30-34.9 years). In men, road traffic noise was associated with higher risk of infertility in the 37-45 age group (1.06, 1.02 to 1.11), but not among those aged 30-36.9 years (0.93, 0.91 to 0.96). CONCLUSIONS PM2.5 was associated with a higher risk of an infertility diagnosis in men, whereas road traffic noise was associated with a higher risk of an infertility diagnosis in women older than 35 years, and potentially in men older than 37 years. If these results are confirmed in future studies, higher fertility could be added to the list of health benefits from regulating noise and air pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mette Sørensen
- Work, Environment and Cancer, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Natural Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Bugge Nøhr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Jibran Khan
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
- Danish Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA), Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Matthias Ketzel
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Jørgen Brandt
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ole Raaschou-Nielsen
- Work, Environment and Cancer, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Allan Jensen
- Virus, Lifestyle and Genes, Danish Cancer Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Conte Keivabu R, Cozzani M, Wilde J. Temperature and fertility: Evidence from Spain. POPULATION STUDIES 2024:1-15. [PMID: 39167038 DOI: 10.1080/00324728.2024.2382152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
In this paper, we combine administrative data for Spain from 2010 to 2018 with meteorological data, to identify the effect of daily mean temperature on fertility. We demonstrate for Spain that hot days (≥25°C) decrease the total fertility rate nine months after exposure. Moreover, we do not observe any substantial heterogeneities in the effect of heat by mother's age, mother's educational attainment, sex of the newborn, climatic area, or air conditioning penetration. Our results suggest that climate change may be altering the seasonal distribution of births and affect fertility rates in a context with low fertility and rapid population ageing.
Collapse
|
3
|
Sakali AK, Bargiota A, Bjekic-Macut J, Macut D, Mastorakos G, Papagianni M. Environmental factors affecting female fertility. Endocrine 2024:10.1007/s12020-024-03940-y. [PMID: 38954374 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-024-03940-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over the recent years, scientific community has increased its interest on solving problems of female fertility pathology. Many factors acting separately or in combination affect significantly the reproductive life of a woman. This review summarizes current evidence regarding the direct and/or indirect action of environmental factors and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs; i.e. heavy metals, plasticizers, parabens, industrial chemicals, pesticides, or medications, by-products, anti-bacterial agents, perfluorochemicals) upon assisted and non-assisted female fertility, extracted from in vivo and in vitro animal and human published data. Transgenerational effects which could have been caused epigenetically by the action of EDCs have been raised. METHODS This narrative review englobes and describes data from in vitro and in vivo animal and human studies with regard to the action of environmental factors, which include EDCs, on female fertility following the questions for narrative reviews of the SANRA (a scale for the quality assessment of narrative review articles). The identification of the studies was done: through the PubMed Central and the PubMed of the MEDLINE, the Google Scholar database and the Cochrane Library database until December 2023 combining appropriate keywords ("specific environmental factors" including "EDCs" AND "specific negative fertility outcomes"); by manual scanning of references from selected articles and reviews focusing on these subjects. It includes references to EDCs-induced transgenerational effects. RESULTS From the reported evidence emerge negative or positive associations between specific environmental factors or EDCs and infertility outcomes such as infertility indices, disrupted maturation of the oocytes, anovulation, deranged transportation of the embryo and failure of implantation. CONCLUSION The revealed adverse outcomes related to female fertility could be attributed to exposure to specific environmental factors such as temperature, climate, radiation, air pollutants, nutrition, toxic substances and EDCs. The recognition of fertility hazards related to the environment will permit the limitation of exposure to them, will improve female fertility and protect the health potential of future generations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia-Konstantina Sakali
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Larissa University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Alexandra Bargiota
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Larissa University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Jelica Bjekic-Macut
- Department of Endocrinology, University Medical Center Bežanijska kosa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Djuro Macut
- Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - George Mastorakos
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Aretaieion Hospital, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Papagianni
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Physical Education, Sport Science and Dietetics, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece.
- Endocrine Unit, 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Hippokration Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
de Castro KR, Almeida GHDR, Matsuda M, de Paula Vieira R, Martins MG, Rici REG, Saldiva PHN, Veras MM. Exposure to urban ambient particles (PM2.5) before pregnancy affects the expression of endometrial receptive markers to embryo implantation in mice: Preliminary results. Tissue Cell 2024; 88:102368. [PMID: 38583225 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Air pollution (AP) is one of the main recent concerns in reproductive healthy due to its potential to promote negative outcomes during pregnancy and male and female fertility. Several studies have demonstrated that AP exposure has been linked to increased embryonic implantation failures, alterations in embryonic, fetal and placental development. For a well-succeeded implantation, both competent blastocyst and receptive endometrium are required. Based on the lack of data about the effect of AP in endometrial receptivity, this study aimed to evaluate he particulate matter (PM) exposure impact on uterine receptive markers in mice and associate the alterations to increased implantation failures due to AP. For this study, ten dams per group were exposed for 39 days to either filter (F) or polluted air (CAP). At fourth gestational day (GD4), females were euthanized. Morphological, ultrastructural, immunohistochemical and molecular analysis of uterine and ovarian samples were performed. CAP-exposed females presented a reduced number of corpus luteum; glands and epithelial cells were increased with pinopodes formation impairment. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed decreased LIF protein levels. These preliminary data suggests that PM exposure may exert negative effects on endometrial receptivity by affecting crucial parameters to embryonic implantation as uterine morphological differentiation, corpus luteum quantity and LIF expression during implantation window.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karla Ribeiro de Castro
- Laboratory of Experimental Air Pollution (LIM05), Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | | | - Monique Matsuda
- Division of Ophthalmology and Laboratory of Investigation in Ophthalmology (LIM33), School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo de Paula Vieira
- Human Movement and Rehabilitation Post-Graduation Program, Evangelical University of Goiás -UniEVANGÉLICA, Anápolis, GO, Brazil
| | - Marco Garcia Martins
- Laboratory of Experimental Air Pollution (LIM05), Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Rose Eli Grassi Rici
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of the Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Interactions in Rehabilitation, University of Marilia (UNIMAR), Marilia, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo Hilário Nascimento Saldiva
- Laboratory of Experimental Air Pollution (LIM05), Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Mariana Matera Veras
- Laboratory of Experimental Air Pollution (LIM05), Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kornfield M, Rubin E, Parker P, Garg B, O'Leary T, Phillips S, Madding R, Baldwin M, Amato P, Lee D, Wu D, Krieg S. Unhealthy air quality secondary to wildfires is associated with lower blastocyst yield. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:842-852. [PMID: 38244020 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the impact of unhealthy air quality from the 2020 Oregon wildfires on outcomes for patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. DESIGN A retrospective cohort study. SETTING A university-based fertility clinic. PATIENTS Subjects were undergoing IVF treatment from the 6 weeks preceding the wildfires through a 10-day exposure period. Cohorts were classified on the basis of whether subjects experienced patient and/or laboratory exposure to unhealthy air quality. Patient exposure was defined as at least 4 days of ovarian stimulation overlapping with the exposure, and laboratory exposure was defined as at least 2 days of IVF treatment and embryogenesis overlapping with the exposure. The unexposed cohort consisted of remaining subjects without defined exposure, with cycles in the 6 weeks preceding the wildfires. As some subjects had dual exposure and appeared in both patient and laboratory exposure cohorts, each cohort was separately compared with the unexposed control cohort. INTERVENTION A 10-day period of unhealthy air quality caused by smoke plumes from a wildfire event. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the blastulation rate. Secondary outcomes included fertilization rate, number of blastocysts obtained, and cycles with no blastocysts frozen or transferred. RESULTS Sixty-nine subjects underwent ovarian stimulation and IVF treatment during the 6 weeks preceding the wildfires through the 10-day period of unhealthy air quality. Of these, 15 patients were in the laboratory exposure cohort, 16 were in the patient exposure cohort, and 44 were unexposed. Six subjects appeared in both laboratory and patient exposure cohorts. Although neither exposure cohort had significantly decreased blastulation rate compared with the unexposed, the median number of blastocysts obtained was significantly lower in the laboratory exposure cohort than the unexposed group (2 [range 0-14] vs. 4.5 [range 0-21], respectively). The laboratory exposure cohort had significantly more cycles with no blastocysts obtained (3/15 [20%] vs. 1/44 [2%]). There were no significant differences in IVF treatment outcomes between patient exposure and unexposed cohorts. These findings persisted after controlling for age. There were no significant differences in pregnancy outcomes observed after embryo transfer between the exposure group and the unexposed group. CONCLUSION For a cohort of patients undergoing IVF treatment, an acute episode of outside wildfire smoke exposure during fertilization and embryogenesis was associated with decreased blastocyst yield.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molly Kornfield
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.
| | - Elizabeth Rubin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Pamela Parker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Bharti Garg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Thomas O'Leary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Sara Phillips
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Rachel Madding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Maureen Baldwin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Paula Amato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - David Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Diana Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Sacha Krieg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rubin ES, Kornfield M, Parker P, Garg B, O'Leary T, Baldwin M, Krieg S. Poor air quality from wildfire smoke is associated with decrease in total motile sperm count at time of intrauterine insemination. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:881-883. [PMID: 38346549 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Rubin
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Molly Kornfield
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon.
| | - Pamela Parker
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Bharti Garg
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Thomas O'Leary
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Maureen Baldwin
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Sacha Krieg
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Somayajulu M, Muhammed FS, Wright R, McClellan SA, Hazlett LD. Mechanisms of PM 10 Disruption of the Nrf2 Pathway in Cornea. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3754. [PMID: 38612568 PMCID: PMC11011424 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that PM10 exposure causes oxidative stress and reduces Nrf2 protein levels, and SKQ1 pre-treatment protects against this damage in human corneal epithelial cells (HCE-2). The current study focuses on uncovering the mechanisms underlying acute PM10 toxicity and SKQ1-mediated protection. HCE-2 were pre-treated with SKQ1 and then exposed to 100 μg/mL PM10. Cell viability, oxidative stress markers, programmed cell death, DNA damage, senescence markers, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed. Nrf2 cellular location and its transcriptional activity were determined. Effects of the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 were similarly evaluated. Data showed that PM10 decreased cell viability, Nrf2 transcriptional activity, and mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes, but increased p-PI3K, p-NFκB, COX-2, and iNOS proteins levels. Additionally, PM10 exposure significantly increased DNA damage, phosphor-p53, p16 and p21 protein levels, and β-galactosidase (β-gal) staining, which confirmed the senescence. SKQ1 pre-treatment reversed these effects. ML385 lowered the Nrf2 protein levels and mRNA levels of its downstream targets. ML385 also abrogated the protective effects of SKQ1 against PM10 toxicity by preventing the restoration of cell viability and reduced oxidative stress. In conclusion, PM10 induces inflammation, reduces Nrf2 transcriptional activity, and causes DNA damage, leading to a senescence-like phenotype, which is prevented by SKQ1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Linda D. Hazlett
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (M.S.); (F.S.M.); (R.W.); (S.A.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang J, Cheng H, Zhu Y, Xie S, Shao X, Wang C, Chung SK, Zhang Z, Hao K. Exposure to Airborne PM 2.5 Water-Soluble Inorganic Ions Induces a Wide Array of Reproductive Toxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:4092-4103. [PMID: 38373958 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c07532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Water-soluble inorganic ions (WSIIs, primarily NH4+, SO42-, and NO3-) are major components in ambient PM2.5, but their reproductive toxicity remains largely unknown. An animal study was conducted where parental mice were exposed to PM2.5 WSIIs or clean air during preconception and the gestational period. After delivery, all maternal and offspring mice lived in a clean air environment. We assessed reproductive organs, gestation outcome, birth weight, and growth trajectory of the offspring mice. In parallel, we collected birth weight and placenta transcriptome data from 150 mother-infant pairs from the Rhode Island Child Health Study. We found that PM2.5 WSIIs induced a broad range of adverse reproductive outcomes in mice. PM2.5 NH4+, SO42-, and NO3- exposure reduced ovary weight by 24.22% (p = 0.005), 14.45% (p = 0.048), and 16.64% (p = 0.022) relative to the clean air controls. PM2.5 SO42- exposure reduced the weight of testicle by 5.24% (p = 0.025); further, mice in the PM2.5 SO42- exposure group had 1.81 (p = 0.027) fewer offspring than the control group. PM2.5 NH4+, SO42-, and NO3- exposure all led to lower birth than controls. In mice, 557 placenta genes were perturbed by exposure. Integrative analysis of mouse and human data suggested hypoxia response in placenta as an etiological mechanism underlying PM2.5 WSII exposure's reproductive toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jushan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, China 200092
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China 200072
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China 200092
| | - Haoxiang Cheng
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Yujie Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China 200072
| | - Shuanshuan Xie
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China 200072
| | - Xiaowen Shao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China 200072
| | - Changhui Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China 200072
| | - Sookja Kim Chung
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, China
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine; State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Zhongyang Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Ke Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Tongji University, Shanghai, China 200092
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China 200072
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China 200092
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
He XB, Zhou K, Hussain J, Akhtar R. Public perceptions of air pollution and its impacts on fertility desire: a nationwide study in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2024; 68:445-459. [PMID: 38127126 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-023-02603-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few years, there has been a significant focus on air pollution due to its various detrimental effects on human health. However, its influence on people's tendency to have children remains uncertain, as only a few studies have examined the correlation between public perception of air pollution and the desire to start a family. This article introduces a theoretical framework utilizing a two-stage interval iteration model to explore the connection between children's relative utility and the perception of air pollution. Data for this study were gathered from the "Chinese General Social Survey" (CGSS 2013). The CGSS 2013 project employed a four-stage stratified random sampling technique and conducted household interviews using questionnaires. The sample covered 28 provincial-level cities across China. The hypothesis was tested using a Probit regression model. The findings indicate that individuals considering air pollution a significant issue are 8.62% less likely to have more than one child. The variation in fertility desire sensitivity to air pollution points to heterogeneity among residents, such as registered residents and those living in various residential areas, as well as individuals with different characteristics like education levels. The study concludes that air quality significantly influences human fertility desire, highlighting the urgent necessity to raise awareness of environmental protection issues among both the public and authorities. In particular, there are two key steps to address this issue. Firstly, the government should establish clear air pollution control objectives and refine policies to enhance governance efficiency. Secondly, there is a need to encourage environmentally friendly behaviours among the public, promote more significant involvement in public environmental matters, and ensure effective oversight of the government's responsibilities in managing air pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Bang He
- Southwest Petroleum University, No. 8, Xindu Road, Xindu District, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Kui Zhou
- School of Economics, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, 55, Guanghuacun Street, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Jamal Hussain
- School of Economics, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, 55, Guanghuacun Street, Chengdu, 611130, China.
- Department of Economics, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran.
- Department of Economics, Karakoram International University, Gilgit, Pakistan.
| | - Rizwan Akhtar
- Department of Economics, Karakoram International University, Gilgit, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Vallée A, Ceccaldi PF, Carbonnel M, Feki A, Ayoubi JM. Pollution and endometriosis: A deep dive into the environmental impacts on women's health. BJOG 2024; 131:401-414. [PMID: 37814514 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interaction between pollution and endometriosis is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. The impact of pollution, particularly air and water pollution, or occupational hazards, on hormonal disruption and the initiation of endometriosis remains a major issue. OBJECTIVES This narrative review aims to delve into the intricate connection between pollution and endometriosis, shedding light on how environmental factors contribute to the onset and severity of this disease and, thus, the possible public health policy implications. DISCUSSION Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in pollutants dysregulate the hormonal balance, contributing to the progression of this major gynaecological disorder. Air pollution, specifically PM2.5 and PAHs, has been associated with an increased risk of endometriosis by enhancing chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances. Chemical contaminants in water and work exposures, including heavy metals, dioxins, and PCBs, disrupt the hormonal regulation and potentially contribute to endometriosis. Mitigating the environmental impact of pollution is required to safeguard women's reproductive health. This requires a comprehensive approach involving stringent environmental regulations, sustainable practices, responsible waste management, research and innovation, public awareness, and collaboration among stakeholders. CONCLUSION Public health policies have a major role in addressing the interaction between pollution and endometriosis in a long-term commitment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Vallée
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
| | - Pierre-François Ceccaldi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
- Medical School, University of Versailles, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ), Versailles, France
| | - Marie Carbonnel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
- Medical School, University of Versailles, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ), Versailles, France
| | - Anis Feki
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Marc Ayoubi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
- Medical School, University of Versailles, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ), Versailles, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Taube N, Kabir R, Ebenebe OV, Garbus H, Alam El Din SM, Illingworth E, Fitch M, Wang N, Kohr MJ. Prenatal arsenite exposure alters maternal cardiac remodeling during late pregnancy. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 483:116833. [PMID: 38266874 PMCID: PMC10922692 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to inorganic arsenic through drinking water is widespread and has been linked to many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Arsenic exposure has been shown to alter hypertrophic signaling in the adult heart, as well as in utero offspring development. However, the effect of arsenic on maternal cardiac remodeling during pregnancy has not been studied. As such, there is a need to understand how environmental exposure contributes to adverse pregnancy-related cardiovascular events. This study seeks to understand the impact of trivalent inorganic arsenic exposure during gestation on maternal cardiac remodeling in late pregnancy, as well as offspring outcomes. C57BL/6 J mice were exposed to 0 (control), 100 or 1000 μg/L sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) beginning at embryonic day (E) 2.5 and continuing through E17.5. Maternal heart function and size were assessed via transthoracic echocardiography, gravimetric measurement, and histology. Transcript levels of hypertrophic markers were probed via qRT-PCR and confirmed by western blot. Offspring outcomes were assessed through echocardiography and gravimetric measurement. We found that maternal heart size was smaller and transcript levels of Esr1 (estrogen receptor alpha), Pgrmc1 (progesterone receptor membrane component 1) and Pgrmc2 (progesterone receptor membrane component 2) reduced during late pregnancy with exposure to 1000 μg/L iAs vs. non-exposed pregnant controls. Both 100 and 1000 μg/L iAs also reduced transcription of Nppa (atrial natriuretic peptide). Akt protein expression was also significantly reduced after 1000 μg/L iAs exposure in the maternal heart with no change in activating phosphorylation. This significant abrogation of maternal cardiac hypertrophy suggests that arsenic exposure during pregnancy can potentially contribute to cardiovascular disease. Taken together, our findings further underscore the importance of reducing arsenic exposure during pregnancy and indicate that more research is needed to assess the impact of arsenic and other environmental exposures on the maternal heart and adverse pregnancy events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Taube
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Raihan Kabir
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Obialunanma V Ebenebe
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Haley Garbus
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sarah-Marie Alam El Din
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Emily Illingworth
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Michael Fitch
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nadan Wang
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mark J Kohr
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wieczorek K, Szczęsna D, Radwan M, Radwan P, Polańska K, Kilanowicz A, Jurewicz J. Exposure to air pollution and ovarian reserve parameters. Sci Rep 2024; 14:461. [PMID: 38172170 PMCID: PMC10764889 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50753-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to air pollution is associated with many different health effects, especially cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Additionally, highly significant links between exposure to air pollution and fertility, particularly male fertility was observed, however the studies regarding exposure to selected air pollutants and female fertility assessed by ovarian reserve are rare. Hence, the main aim of the study was to analyze relationship between exposure to ambient air pollution and ovarian reserve parameters among Polish women. The study population consisted of 511 women, who attended to infertility clinic because of diagnostic purposes. Participants filled in the questionnaire about social-demographic, lifestyle and health factors. Infertility specialists assessed ovarian parameters such as: antral follicle count (AFC) and concentration of hormones: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2). The air pollutants level (sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, particulate matters) were obtained via National Environmental Protection Inspectorate database. Significant negative association between PM2,5 and AHM (p = 0.032) as well as AFC (p = 0.044) was observed. Moreover, SO2 concentrations decrease AFC (p = 0.038). The results also suggest that PM10, PM2.5, SO2 exposure on antral follicle count may be more pronounced among women with a female factor infertility diagnosis. Additionally, exposure to PM2.5 and NOx on AFC and AMH was stronger among older women (> 35 years of age). To conclude, the present study found that air pollution could lead to decrease in follicle antral count and Anti-Müllerian hormone level, especially exposure to PM2,5 and SO2 thus the evidence suggest negative impact to ovarian reserve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Wieczorek
- Department of Chemical Safety, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, 8 Teresy St; 91-348, Łódź, Poland.
| | - Dorota Szczęsna
- Department of Chemical Safety, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, 8 Teresy St; 91-348, Łódź, Poland
| | - Michał Radwan
- Department of Gynecology and Reproduction, "Gameta" Hospital, 34/36 Rudzka St; 95-030, Rzgów, Poland
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Mazovian State University in Płock, 2 Dabrowskiego Sq; 09-402, Plock, Poland
| | - Paweł Radwan
- Department of Gynecology and Reproduction, "Gameta" Hospital, 34/36 Rudzka St; 95-030, Rzgów, Poland
- Department of Gynecology and Reproduction, "Gameta" Health Centre, 7 Cybernetyki St; 02-677, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Gynecology and Reproduction, "Gameta" Clinic, Kielce-Regional Science -Technology Centre, 45 Podzamcze St; 26-060, Chęciny, Poland
| | - Kinga Polańska
- Department of Paediatrics and Allergy, Copernicus Memorial Hospital, Medical University of Lodz, Piłsudskiego 71; 90-329, Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Kilanowicz
- Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Lodz, Muszynskiego 1; 90-151, Łódź, Poland
| | - Joanna Jurewicz
- Department of Chemical Safety, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, 8 Teresy St; 91-348, Łódź, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Aguilera J, Konvinse K, Lee A, Maecker H, Prunicki M, Mahalingaiah S, Sampath V, Utz PJ, Yang E, Nadeau KC. Air pollution and pregnancy. Semin Perinatol 2023; 47:151838. [PMID: 37858459 PMCID: PMC10843016 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2023.151838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Aguilera
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, El Paso, Texas
| | | | - Alexandra Lee
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Holden Maecker
- Institute for Immunity, Transplantation, and Infection, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Mary Prunicki
- Department of Environmental Health, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA
| | - Shruthi Mahalingaiah
- Department of Environmental Health, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of OB/GYN, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Vanitha Sampath
- Department of Environmental Health, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA
| | - Paul J Utz
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Emily Yang
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Kari C Nadeau
- Department of Environmental Health, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang M, Wang YC, Bai ZL, Sui Y, Yin D, Yin H. Exploring thyroxine binding globulin structural changes and its release from human hepatoblastoma cells upon interaction with silica particles: A prelude to unrevealing the mechanism of thyroid hormone dysregulation. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 251:126240. [PMID: 37567530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine dysregulation in the presence of environmental chemical risk factors is a global adverse health concern. The aim of this investigation was to explore the structural changes and binding affinity of thyroxine (T4) binding protein (TBG) upon interaction with SiO2 particles as the second largest mineral in the Earth's crust and one of the most important constituents of rock, soil, and dust. Therefore, the interaction of TBG with SiO2 particles was assessed by fluorescence quenching, molecular docking, ANS and synchronous fluorescence, and far-UV CD analyses. Also, the release of TBG from human hepatoblastoma cell line, Hep G2, was assessed by ELISA assay. The results displayed that the value of stoichiometry of binding site (n) of TBG for T4 was approximately equal to one, which was reduced to 0.36 in the presence of SiO2 particles. Also, the binding affinity (Kb) values revealed that the binding affinity between T4 and TBG was strong (97.90 × 105 L/mol), while the presence of SiO2 particles resulted in the calculation of a Kb around 0.00159 × 105 L/mol, which was significantly lower than that of the absence of SiO2 particles. This data was also verified by molecular docking analyses which indicated that SiO2 particles interacted with the T4 binding pocket of TBG. Moreover, further studies exhibited that although the equimolar concentration of T4 to TBG resulted in the superior stability of TBG-T4 complex relative to free TBG, the presence of SiO2 particles with the same concentration led to denaturation of the secondary structure of TBG. Furthermore, it was seen that the amount of released TBG in the cell culture medium of Hep G2 was about 2.21 ng/mL protein, whereas this amount in SiO2 particles-treated cell group was significantly reduced to 1.71 ng/mL protein (*P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study implies that SiO2 particles show the potential to result in inhibition of TBG release, TBG denaturation, and interfere with TBG binding affinity which may lead to dysregulation of the thyroid hormone transport and associated signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meiqi Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yu-Chen Wang
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Cancer Institute, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Zhou-Lan Bai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Cancer Institute, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Yang Sui
- Life Science Center, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Detao Yin
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Hua Yin
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xu Q, Guan Q, Lu Y, Xu J, Deng S, Dong C, Zhang X, Li W, Xia Y. Effect of short-term ambient air pollution exposure on early miscarriage and pregnancy hormones with critical window identification. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132328. [PMID: 37666168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy hormones are particularly important in early miscarriage, and some evidence suggests that exposure to air pollution is associated with pregnancy hormones and miscarriage. However, the effects of air pollution on pregnancy hormone-mediated miscarriages have not yet been investigated. METHODS We collected air pollution exposure measurements and pregnancy hormone tests from the participants. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between air pollution and early miscarriages. A distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) was used to investigate non-linear and delayed associations and identify the crucial window. We performed mediation analysis to estimate the potential association that may exist between pregnancy hormone levels and early miscarriage. RESULTS Short-term exposure to CO and SO2 was associated with early miscarriage. Lag 22-28 days of exposure to both CO and SO2 and lag 15-21 days of exposure to CO were significantly positively associated with early miscarriage, with an obvious exposure dose response. Serum progesterone concentration explained 36.79 % of the association between lag 15-28 days of CO exposure and early miscarriage. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence for the association between short-term exposure to air pollution and early miscarriage, and provides clues for further exploration of biological mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Quanquan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingying Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Siting Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaochen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Taube N, Kabir R, Ebenebe OV, Garbus H, Din SMAE, Illingworth E, Fitch M, Wang N, Kohr MJ. Prenatal Arsenite Exposure Alters Maternal Cardiac Remodeling During Late Pregnancy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.28.559986. [PMID: 37808684 PMCID: PMC10557683 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.28.559986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to inorganic arsenic through drinking water is widespread and has been linked to many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Arsenic exposure has been shown to alter hypertrophic signaling in the adult heart, as well as in-utero offspring development. However, the effect of arsenic on maternal cardiac remodeling during pregnancy has not been studied. As such, there is a need to understand how environmental exposure contributes to adverse pregnancy-related cardiovascular events. This study seeks to understand the impact of trivalent inorganic arsenic exposure during gestation on maternal cardiac remodeling in late pregnancy, as well as offspring outcomes. C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 0 (control), 100 or 1000 µg/L sodium arsenite (NaAsO 2 ) beginning at embryonic day (E) 2.5 and continuing through E17.5. Maternal heart function and size were assessed via transthoracic echocardiography, gravimetric measurement, and histology. Transcript levels of hypertrophic markers were probed via qRT-PCR and confirmed by western blot. Offspring outcomes were assessed through echocardiography and gravimetric measurement. We found that exposure to 1000 µg/L iAs abrogated normal physiologic growth of the maternal heart during late pregnancy and reduced transcript levels of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (Pgrmc1) and progesterone receptor membrane component 2 (Pgrmc2). Both 100 and 1000 µg/L iAs also reduced transcription of protein kinase B (Akt) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). Akt protein expression was also significantly reduced after 1000 µg/L iAs exposure in the maternal heart with no change in activating phosphorylation. This significant abrogation of maternal cardiac hypertrophy suggests that arsenic exposure during pregnancy can potentially contribute to cardiovascular disease. Taken together, our findings further underscore the importance of reducing arsenic exposure during pregnancy and indicate that more research is needed to assess the impact of arsenic and other environmental exposures on the maternal heart and adverse pregnancy events.
Collapse
|
17
|
Margiana R, Yousefi H, Afra A, Agustinus A, Abdelbasset WK, Kuznetsova M, Mansourimoghadam S, Ajam Ekrami H, Mohammadi MJ. The effect of toxic air pollutants on fertility men and women, fetus and birth rate. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2023; 38:565-576. [PMID: 35724665 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2022-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Human health is affected by various factors such as air pollutants. Exposure to toxic air pollutants is impaired fertility in men and women. The purpose of this review study was investigation of the effect of toxic air pollutants on fertility and birth rate. Databases used to for searched were the PubMed, Web of Science, Springer and Science Direct (Scopus) and Google Scholar. Identify all relevant studies published 1999-2022. In this study, according to databases five hundred articles were retrieved. 33 studies were screened after review and 19 full-text articles entered into the analysis process. Finally, 11 articles were selected in this study. The literature signs a notable health effects from toxic air pollutants and increase risk of infertility in men and women and having a variety of reproductive system cancers such as prostate, bladder, ovary, kidney and uterus. According to the finding toxic air pollutants can increase the risk infertility in men and women, incidence of cancers of reproductive system and decrease the birth rate. Activities that play an important role in reducing the health effects of toxic air pollutants such as infertility in men and women and reducing the population rate of communities are improving the quality of fuel used in the home, car, industries, changing production processes in large industries, installing catalysts to reduce emissions in cars, use more public transportation, plant trees and increase green space per capita, increase public awareness about various effects of toxic air pollutants and protective measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ria Margiana
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Surabaya, Indonesia
- Andrology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Homayon Yousefi
- Thalassemia & Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Arghavan Afra
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
| | - Agustinus Agustinus
- Andrology Program-Department of Biology Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Walid Kamal Abdelbasset
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physical Therapy, Kasr Al-Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mariya Kuznetsova
- Department of Propaedeutics of Dental Diseases, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Hafez Ajam Ekrami
- Student research komiteh, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Mohammadi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health AND Environmental Technology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Harper T, Kuohung W, Sayres L, Willis MD, Wise LA. Optimizing preconception care and interventions for improved population health. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:438-448. [PMID: 36516911 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There is growing literature indicating that optimal preconception health is associated with improved reproductive, perinatal, and pediatric outcomes. Given that preconception care is recommended for all individuals planning a pregnancy, medical providers and public health practitioners have a unique opportunity to optimize care and improve health outcomes for reproductive-aged individuals. Knowledge of the determinants of preconception health is important for all types of health professionals, including policy makers. Although some evidence-based recommendations have already been implemented, additional research is needed to identify factors associated with favorable health outcomes and to ensure that effective interventions are made in a timely fashion. Given the largely clinical readership of this journal, this piece is primarily focused on clinical care. However, we acknowledge that optimizing preconception health for the entire population at risk of pregnancy requires broadening our strategies to include population-health interventions that consider the larger social systems, structures, and policies that shape individual health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Harper
- Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.
| | - Wendy Kuohung
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lauren Sayres
- Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Mary D Willis
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bongaerts E, Mamia K, Rooda I, Björvang RD, Papaikonomou K, Gidlöf SB, Olofsson JI, Ameloot M, Alfaro-Moreno E, Nawrot TS, Damdimopoulou P. Ambient black carbon particles in human ovarian tissue and follicular fluid. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 179:108141. [PMID: 37603992 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Evidence indicates a link between exposure to ambient air pollution and decreased female fertility. The ability of air pollution particles to reach human ovarian tissue and follicles containing the oocytes in various maturation stages has not been studied before. Particulate translocation might be an essential step in explaining reproductive toxicity and assessing associated risks. Here, we analysed the presence of ambient black carbon particles in (i) follicular fluid samples collected during ovum pick-up from 20 women who underwent assisted reproductive technology treatment and (ii) adult human ovarian tissue from 5 individuals. Follicular fluid and ovarian tissue samples were screened for the presence of black carbon particles from ambient air pollution using white light generation by carbonaceous particles under femtosecond pulsed laser illumination. We detected black carbon particles in all follicular fluid (n = 20) and ovarian tissue (n = 5) samples. Black carbon particles from ambient air pollution can reach the ovaries and follicular fluid, directly exposing the ovarian reserve and maturing oocytes. Considering the known link between air pollution and decreased fertility, the impact of such exposure on oocyte quality, ovarian ageing and fertility needs to be clarified urgently.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Bongaerts
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Katariina Mamia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Ilmatar Rooda
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Richelle D Björvang
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kiriaki Papaikonomou
- Department of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sebastian B Gidlöf
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan I Olofsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcel Ameloot
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3590 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Ernesto Alfaro-Moreno
- Nanosafety Group, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Hasselt, Belgium; Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Martino F, Bassareo PP, Martino E, Romeo F, Calcaterra G, Perrone Filardi P, Indolfi C, Nodari S, Montemurro V, Guccione P, Salvo GD, Chessa M, Pedrinelli R, Mercuro G, Barillà F. Cardiovascular prevention in childhood: a consensus document of the Italian Society of Cardiology Working Group on Congenital Heart Disease and Cardiovascular Prevention in Paediatric Age. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2023; 24:492-505. [PMID: 37409595 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000001488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) may be manifested from a very early age. Genetic and environmental (epigenetic) factors interact to affect development and give rise to an abnormal phenotypical expression of genetic information, although not eliciting changes in the nucleotide sequence of DNA. It has been scientifically proven that increased oxidative stress (OS) caused by disease (overweight, obesity, diabetes), nutritional imbalances, unhealthy lifestyles (smoking, alcohol, substance abuse) in the mother during pregnancy may induce placental dysfunction, intrauterine growth restriction, prematurity, low birth weight, postnatal adiposity rebound, metabolic alterations and consequent onset of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. OS represents the cornerstone in the onset of atherosclerosis and manifestation of CVD following an extended asymptomatic period. OS activates platelets and monocytes eliciting the release of pro-inflammatory, pro-atherogenic and pro-oxidising substances resulting in endothelial dysfunction, decrease in flow-mediated arterial dilatation and increase in carotid intima-media thickness. The prevention of CVD is defined as primordial (aimed at preventing risk factors development), primary (aimed at early identification and treatment of risk factors), secondary (aimed at reducing risk of future events in patients who have already manifested a cardiovascular event), and tertiary (aimed at limiting the complex outcome of disease). Atherosclerosis prevention should be implemented as early as possible. Appropriate screening should be carried out to identify children at high risk who are apparently healthy and implement measures including dietary and lifestyle changes, addition of nutritional supplements and, lastly, pharmacological treatment if risk profiles fail to normalise. Reinstating endothelial function during the reversible stage of atherosclerosis is crucial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Martino
- Department of Internal Clinical, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Bassareo
- University College of Dublin, School of Medicine, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eliana Martino
- Department of Internal Clinical, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Ciro Indolfi
- Division of Cardiology, Research Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro
| | - Savina Nodari
- Department of Medical Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia
| | | | - Paolo Guccione
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Cardio-pulmonary Transplantation, IRCCS Bambino Gesu'Paediatric Hospital, Rome
| | - Giovanni Di Salvo
- Division of Paediatric Cardiology, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua
| | - Massimo Chessa
- ACHD UNIT, Pediatric and Adult Congenital Heart Centre, IRCCS-Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan
| | - Roberto Pedrinelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Willis MD, Hill EL, Ncube CN, Campbell EJ, Harris L, Harleman M, Ritz B, Hystad P. Changes in Socioeconomic Disparities for Traffic-Related Air Pollution Exposure During Pregnancy Over a 20-Year Period in Texas. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2328012. [PMID: 37566419 PMCID: PMC10422188 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.28012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Air pollution presents clear environmental justice issues. However, few studies have specifically examined traffic-related air pollution (TRAP), a source driven by historically racist infrastructure policies, among pregnant individuals, a population susceptible to air pollution effects. How these disparities have changed over time is also unclear but has important policy implications. Objective To examine changes in TRAP exposure by sociodemographic characteristics among recorded pregnancies over a 20-year period. Design, Setting, and Participants This population-based birth cohort study used descriptive analysis among pregnant individuals in Texas from 1996 to 2016. All pregnant individuals with valid residential address, socioeconomic, and demographic data were included. Individual-level race and ethnicity, education, and maternal birthplace data were extracted from birth certificates and neighborhood-level household income and historical neighborhood disinvestment (ie, redlining) data were assessed via residential addresses. Data analysis occurred between June 2022 and June 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome, TRAP exposure at residential addresses, was assessed via traffic levels, represented by total and truck-specific vehicle miles traveled (VMT) within 500 m; nitrogen dioxide (no2) concentrations from a spatial-temporal land use regression model (ie, vehicle tailpipe emissions); and National Air Toxic Agency cancer risk index from on-road vehicle emissions. TRAP exposure differences were assessed by sociodemographic indicators over the 1996 to 2016 period. Results Among 7 043 598 pregnant people (mean [SD] maternal age, 26.8 [6.1] years) in Texas from 1996 to 2016, 48% identified as Hispanic or Latinx, 4% identified as non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islander, 12% identified as non-Hispanic Black, and 36% identified as non-Hispanic White. There were differences in TRAP for pregnant people by all sociodemographic variables examined. The absolute level of these disparities decreased from 1996 to 2016, but the relative level of these disparities increased: for example, in 1996, non-Hispanic Black pregnant individuals were exposed to a mean (SD) 15.3 (4.1) ppb of no2 vs 13.5 (4.4) ppb of no2 for non-Hispanic White pregnant individuals, compared with 2016 levels of 6.7 (2.4) ppb no2 for Black pregnant individuals and 5.2 (2.4) ppb of no2 for White pregnant individuals. Large absolute and relative differences in traffic levels were observed for all sociodemographic characteristics, increasing over time. For example, non-Hispanic Black pregnant individuals were exposed to a mean (SD) of 22 836 (32 844) VMT within 500 m of their homes, compared with 12 478 (22 870) VMT within 500 m of the homes of non-Hispanic White pregnant individuals in 2016, a difference of 83%. Conclusions and Relevance This birth cohort study found that while levels of air pollution disparities decreased in absolute terms over the 20 years of the study, relative disparities persisted and large differences in traffic levels remained, requiring renewed policy attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary D. Willis
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elaine L. Hill
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Collette N. Ncube
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Erin J. Campbell
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lena Harris
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Max Harleman
- Department of Government and Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences, Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville
| | - Beate Ritz
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Perry Hystad
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Seli DA, Taylor HS. The impact of air pollution and endocrine disruptors on reproduction and assisted reproduction. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2023; 35:210-215. [PMID: 36924404 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Rapid increase in world population accompanied by global industrialization has led to an increase in deployment of natural resources, resulting in growing levels of pollution. Here, we review recent literature on the impact of environmental pollution on human reproductive health and assisted reproduction outcomes, focusing on two of the most common: air pollution and endocrine disruptors. RECENT FINDINGS Air pollution has been associated with diminished ovarian reserve, uterine leiomyoma, decreased sperm concentration and motility. Air pollution also correlates with decreased pregnancy rates in patients undergoing infertility treatment using in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Similarly, Bisphenol A (BPA), a well studied endocrine disrupting chemical, with oestrogen-like activity, is associated with diminished ovarian reserve, and abnormal semen parameters, while clinical implications for patients undergoing infertility treatment remain to be established. SUMMARY There is convincing evidence that environmental pollutants may have a negative impact on human health and reproductive potential. Air pollutions and endocrine disrupting chemicals found in water and food seem to affect male and female reproductive function. Large-scale studies are needed to determine the threshold values for health impact that may drive targeted policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kumari U, Sharma RK, Keshari JR, Sinha A. Environmental Exposure: Effect on Maternal Morbidity and Mortality and Neonatal Health. Cureus 2023; 15:e38548. [PMID: 37273345 PMCID: PMC10239284 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors are important causes that impair global pregnancy outcomes and are, importantly, responsible for maternal morbidity and mortality. However, apart from the direct reasons for maternal deaths, mainly obstetric and neonatal complications, such factors are ignored or given less importance. The recent surge in research on the impact of various environmental factors on pregnancy outcomes suggests the need for immediate attention to such factors and device-specific policies to counter the situation. Moreover, the recent coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, global warming, and climate change showed a lack of preparedness to counter the impact of such events on maternal survival and safe and successful pregnancy outcomes. In the present review, we have emphasized the specific factors responsible for increased maternal and neonatal deaths and their association with specific environmental factors. Increased attention on maternal healthcare, preparedness to counter sudden environmental challenges and improvement of the conventional requirement for better maternal healthcare access and nutrition at a global level may improve the scenario.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Usha Kumari
- Biochemistry, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, IND
| | | | - J R Keshari
- Biochemistery, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, IND
| | - Archana Sinha
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, IND
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Willis MD, Wesselink AK, Hystad P, Pescador Jimenez M, Coleman CM, Kirwa K, Hatch EE, Wise LA. Associations between Residential Greenspace and Fecundability in a North American Preconception Cohort Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:47012. [PMID: 37098782 PMCID: PMC10132140 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Residential green space can have positive physiological effects on human health through various mechanisms, including reducing stress and/or depression or facilitating physical activity. Although green space has been consistently associated with improved birth outcomes in several studies, there has been limited study of its effect on other reproductive outcomes, including fertility. OBJECTIVE We examined associations between residential green space and fecundability, the per-cycle probability of conception. METHODS We analyzed data from 8,563 female participants enrolled between 2013 and 2019 in Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO), a prospective preconception cohort study of North American couples attempting conception. Participants completed a baseline questionnaire on sociodemographic, behavioral, and reproductive factors, and bimonthly follow-up questionnaires for up to 12 months to ascertain pregnancies. Using geocoded addresses, we calculated residential green space exposure using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within 50-, 100-, 250-, and 500 -m buffers across multiple temporal scales: annual maximum, seasonal maximum, and seasonal mean. We used proportional probabilities regression models to estimate fecundability ratios (FRs), adjusting for sociodemographic, behavioral, and neighborhood characteristics. We also evaluated the extent to which associations were mediated by reductions in perceived stress or depressive symptoms and increased physical activity. RESULTS When comparing the highest (≥ 0.8 ) with the lowest (< 0.2 ) NDVI exposures within 50 m , we observed positive associations in the annual maximum NDVI [FR: 1.33; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06, 1.67] and seasonal maximum NDVI (FR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.41) models, but little association in the seasonal mean NDVI models (FR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.73, 1.30). Restricted cubic splines showed evidence of nonlinearity in this association. Results were similar across buffer distances. Perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and physical activity explained ≤ 5 : 0 % of mediation across all NDVI metrics. DISCUSSION In this cohort, greater residential green space was associated with a modest increase in fecundability. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10648.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary D. Willis
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Amelia K. Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Perry Hystad
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Marcia Pescador Jimenez
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chad M. Coleman
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kipruto Kirwa
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elizabeth E. Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauren A. Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Wilkie AA, Richardson DB, Luben TJ, Serre ML, Woods CG, Daniels JL. Sulfur dioxide reduction at coal-fired power plants in North Carolina and associations with preterm birth among surrounding residents. Environ Epidemiol 2023; 7:e241. [PMID: 37064422 PMCID: PMC10097570 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Coal-fired power plants (CFPP) are major contributors of air pollution, including the majority of anthropogenic sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, which have been associated with preterm birth (PTB). To address a 2002 North Carolina (NC) policy, 14 of the largest NC CFPPs either installed desulfurization equipment (scrubbers) or retired coal units, resulting in substantial reductions of SO2 air emissions. We investigated whether SO2 air emission reduction strategies at CFPPs in NC were associated with changes in prevalence of PTB in nearby communities. Methods We used US EPA Air Markets Program Data to track SO2 emissions and determine the implementation dates of intervention at CFPPs and geocoded 2003-2015 NC singleton live births. We conducted a difference-in-difference analysis to estimate change in PTB associated with change in SO2 reduction strategies for populations living 0-<4 and 4-<10 miles from CFPPs pre- and postintervention, with a comparison of those living 10-<15 miles from CFPPs. Results With the spatial-temporal exposure restrictions applied, 42,231 and 41,218 births were within 15 miles of CFPP-scrubbers and CFPP-retired groups, respectively. For residents within 4-<10 miles from a CFPP, we estimated that the absolute prevalence of PTB decreased by -1.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): -2.6, -0.4] associated with scrubber installation and -0.5% (95% CI: -1.6, 0.6) associated with the retirement of coal units at CFPPs. Our findings were imprecise and generally null-to-positive among those living within 0-<4 miles regardless of the intervention type. Conclusions Results suggest a reduction of PTB among residents 4-<10 miles of the CFPPs that installed scrubbers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrien A Wilkie
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Postdoctoral Fellow at US EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - David B Richardson
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Thomas J Luben
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Marc L Serre
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Courtney G Woods
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Julie L Daniels
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Reiter RJ, Sharma R, Romero A, Manucha W, Tan DX, Zuccari DAPDC, Chuffa LGDA. Aging-Related Ovarian Failure and Infertility: Melatonin to the Rescue. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030695. [PMID: 36978942 PMCID: PMC10045124 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging has a major detrimental effect on the optimal function of the ovary with changes in this organ preceding the age-related deterioration in other tissues, with the middle-aged shutdown leading to infertility. Reduced fertility and consequent inability to conceive by women in present-day societies who choose to have children later in life leads to increased frustration. Melatonin is known to have anti-aging properties related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Its higher follicular fluid levels relative to blood concentrations and its likely synthesis in the oocyte, granulosa, and luteal cells suggest that it is optimally positioned to interfere with age-associated deterioration of the ovary. Additionally, the end of the female reproductive span coincides with a significant reduction in endogenous melatonin levels. Thus, the aims are to review the literature indicating melatonin production in mitochondria of oocytes, granulosa cells, and luteal cells, identify the multiple processes underlying changes in the ovary, especially late in the cessation of the reproductive life span, summarize the physiological and molecular actions of melatonin in the maintenance of normal ovaries and in the aging ovaries, and integrate the acquired information into an explanation for considering melatonin in the treatment of age-related infertility. Use of supplemental melatonin may help preserve fertility later in life and alleviate frustration in women delaying childbearing age, reduce the necessity of in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer (IVF-ET) procedures, and help solve the progressively increasing problem of non-aging-related infertility in women throughout their reproductive life span. While additional research is needed to fully understand the effects of melatonin supplementation on potentially enhancing fertility, studies published to date suggest it may be a promising option for those struggling with infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Joe R and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Correspondence: (R.J.R.); (A.R.); Tel.: +1-210-567-3859 (R.J.R.); +34-91-3943970 (A.R.)
| | - Ramaswamy Sharma
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Joe R and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Alejandro Romero
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.J.R.); (A.R.); Tel.: +1-210-567-3859 (R.J.R.); +34-91-3943970 (A.R.)
| | - Walter Manucha
- Instituto de Medicina y Biologia Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnologicas (CONICET), Mendoza 5500, Argentina
| | - Dun-Xian Tan
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Joe R and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Cojkic A, Morrell JM. Animal Welfare Assessment Protocols for Bulls in Artificial Insemination Centers: Requirements, Principles, and Criteria. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050942. [PMID: 36899799 PMCID: PMC10000089 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal welfare is a complex subject; as such, it requires a multidimensional approach with the main aim of providing the animals with the "five freedoms". The violations of any one of these freedoms could have an influence on animal wellbeing on different levels. Over the years, many welfare quality protocols were developed in the EU thanks to the Welfare Quality® project. Unfortunately, there is a lack of such summarized information about bull welfare assessment in artificial insemination stations or about how disturbed welfare can be reflected in their productivity. Animal reproduction is the basis for the production of meat and milk; therefore, factors contributing to reduced fertility in bulls are not only indicators of animal welfare but also have implications for human health and the environment. Optimizing the reproductive efficiency of bulls at an early age can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this review, welfare quality assessment will be evaluated for these production animals using reproduction efficiency as a key area, focusing on stress as a main effect of poor animal welfare and, thereby, reduced fertility. We will address various welfare aspects and possible changes in resources or management to improve outcomes.
Collapse
|
28
|
Sakali AK, Papagianni M, Bargiota A, Rasic-Markovic A, Macut D, Mastorakos G. Environmental factors affecting pregnancy outcomes. Endocrine 2023; 80:459-469. [PMID: 36729371 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03307-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pregnancy represents a fragile period in the life of a woman, vulnerable to hazardous environmental substances which might affect maternal and fetal metabolism. The possible influence of environmental factors, including endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), upon the mother and the fetus before and/or during pregnancy might be associated directly and/or indirectly to deleterious pregnancy outcomes. Because the existence of such associations would be, to our view, of major importance to the scientific community, their investigation is the scope of this critical review. METHODS This critical review includes in vivo animal and human studies regarding the role of environmental factors, including EDCs, on pregnancy outcomes complying with the SANRA (a scale for the quality assessment of narrative review articles) questions for narrative reviews. Studies were identified by searching the MEDLINE (PubMed and PubMed Central), the Cochrane library and the Google Scholar databases till October 2022 with the combinations of the appropriate key words (detailed environmental factors including EDCs AND detailed negative pregnancy outcomes) as well as by scanning references from already included articles and relevant reviews manually. Because environmental factors and EDCs have been associated to epigenetic alterations, special care has been given to EDC-induced transgenerational effects on pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS The existing evidence suggests positive associations between specific environmental factors and negative pregnancy outcomes such as ectopic pregnancies, pregnancy losses, gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm births, birth defects, intrauterine growth restriction, and small or large for gestational age babies. CONCLUSION Environmental factors and EDCs may have a catalytic effect on the course and the outcomes of pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia-Konstantina Sakali
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Larissa University Hospital, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Maria Papagianni
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Physical Education and Sport Science and Dietetics, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
- Endocrine Unit, 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Hippokration Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandra Bargiota
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Larissa University Hospital, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Aleksandra Rasic-Markovic
- Institute of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Visegradska 26, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Djuro Macut
- Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - George Mastorakos
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Aretaieion Hospital, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhou W, Ming X, Yang Y, Hu Y, He Z, Chen H, Li Y, Cheng J, Zhou X. Associations between maternal exposure to ambient air pollution and very low birth weight: A birth cohort study in Chongqing, China. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1123594. [PMID: 36960371 PMCID: PMC10028238 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1123594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction There have been many researches done on the association between maternal exposure to ambient air pollution and adverse pregnancy outcomes, but few studies related to very low birth weight (VLBW). This study thus explores the association between maternal exposure to ambient air pollutants and the risk of VLBW, and estimates the sensitive exposure time window. Methods A retrospective cohort study analyzed in Chongqing, China, during 2015-2020. The Generalized Additive Model were applied to estimate exposures for each participant during each trimester and the entire pregnancy period. Results For each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 during pregnancy, the relative risk of VLBW increased on the first trimester, with RR = 1.100 (95% CI: 1.012, 1.195) in the single-pollutant model. Similarly, for each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM10, there was a 12.9% (RR = 1.129, 95% CI: 1.055, 1.209) increase for VLBW on the first trimester in the single-pollutant model, and an 11.5% (RR = 1.115, 95% CI: 1.024, 1.213) increase in the multi-pollutant model, respectively. The first and second trimester exposures of NO2 were found to have statistically significant RR values for VLBW. The RR values on the first trimester were 1.131 (95% CI: 1.037, 1.233) and 1.112 (95% CI: 1.015, 1.218) in the single-pollutant model and multi-pollutant model, respectively; The RR values on the second trimester were 1.129 (95% CI: 1.027, 1.241) and 1.146 (95% CI: 1.038, 1.265) in the single-pollutant model and multi-pollutant model, respectively. The RR of O3 exposure for VLBW on the entire trimester was 1.076 (95% CI: 1.010-1.146), and on the second trimester was 1.078 (95% CI: 1:016, 1.144) in the single-pollutant model. Conclusion This study indicates that maternal exposure to high levels of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3 during pregnancy may increase the risk of very low birth weight, especially for exposure on the first and second trimester. Reducing the risk of early maternal exposure to ambient air pollution is thus necessary for pregnant women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenzheng Zhou
- Department of Quality Management Section, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Quality Management Section, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Ming
- Department of Quality Management Section, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Quality Management Section, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Yunping Yang
- Department of Quality Management Section, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Quality Management Section, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Yaqiong Hu
- Department of Quality Management Section, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Quality Management Section, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Ziyi He
- Department of Quality Management Section, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Quality Management Section, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongyan Chen
- Department of Quality Management Section, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Quality Management Section, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Yannan Li
- Department of Quality Management Section, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Quality Management Section, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin Cheng
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Jin Cheng
| | - Xiaojun Zhou
- Department of Quality Management Section, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Quality Management Section, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaojun Zhou
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Stavridis K, Triantafyllidou O, Pisimisi M, Vlahos N. Bisphenol-A and Female Fertility: An Update of Existing Epidemiological Studies. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11237227. [PMID: 36498800 PMCID: PMC9736436 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11237227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans interfere with a variety of endocrine disruptors on a daily basis, which may result in adverse health effects. Among them, Bisphenol-A (BPA) is the most debated endocrine disruptor, despite being widely studied, regarding its effects on fertility. The aim of this review was to investigate the interrelation of BPA and female fertility. PubMed (Medline) was searched from 2013 until 2022 to identify epidemiological studies that report the association of BPA with fertility parameters, in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. Regarding general fertility, most studies report an inverse association between BPA and ovarian reserve markers, namely antral follicle count (AFC) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). The BPA and estradiol (E2) levels did not correlate significantly in the majority of studies. No definite conclusions can be reached regarding BPA and IVF endpoints or endometriosis. Lastly, most studies report higher prevalence of PCOS in women with higher BPA concentrations, although no casualty has been proven. Although most studies fail to reach definite conclusion regarding the impact of BPA on fertility, there is accumulating evidence suggesting a negative role of BPA in female reproductive health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Stavridis
- 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aretaieion Hospital, University of Athens, 11527 Attica, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-6981919457
| | - Olga Triantafyllidou
- 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aretaieion Hospital, University of Athens, 11527 Attica, Greece
| | - Maria Pisimisi
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Vlahos
- 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aretaieion Hospital, University of Athens, 11527 Attica, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Gutvirtz G, Sheiner E. Airway pollution and smoking in reproductive health. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 85:81-93. [PMID: 36333255 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Environmental exposure refers to contact with chemical, biological, or physical substances found in air, water, food, or soil that may have a harmful effect on a person's health. Almost all of the global population (99%) breathe air that contains high levels of pollutants. Smoking is one of the most common forms of recreational drug use and is the leading preventable cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The small particles from either ambient (outdoor) pollution or cigarette smoke are inhaled to the lungs and quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. These substances can affect virtually every organ in our body and have been associated with various respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, and also reproductive morbidities, including decreased fertility, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and offspring long-term morbidity. This review summarizes the latest literature reporting the reproductive consequences of women exposed to ambient (outdoor) air pollution and cigarette smoking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gil Gutvirtz
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel; Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology B, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
| | - Eyal Sheiner
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel; Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology B, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Tartaglia M, Chansel-Debordeaux L, Rondeau V, Hulin A, Levy A, Jimenez C, Bourquin P, Delva F, Papaxanthos-Roche A. Effects of air pollution on clinical pregnancy rates after in vitro fertilisation (IVF): a retrospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e062280. [PMID: 36446461 PMCID: PMC9710341 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of air pollution, from oocyte retrieval to embryo transfer, on the results of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in terms of clinical pregnancy rates, at two fertility centres, from 2013 to 2019. DESIGN Exploratory retrospective cohort study. SETTING This retrospective cohort study was performed in the Reproductive Biology Department of Bordeaux University Hospital localised in Bordeaux, France and the Jean Villar Fertility Center localised in Bruges, France. PARTICIPANTS This study included 10 763 IVF attempts occurring between January 2013 and December 2019, 2194 of which resulted in a clinical pregnancy. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The outcome of the IVF attempt was recorded as the presence or absence of a clinical pregnancy; exposure to air pollution was assessed by calculating the cumulative exposure of suspended particulate matter, fine particulate matter, black carbon, nitrogen dioxide and ozone (O3), over the period from oocyte retrieval to embryo transfer, together with secondary exposure due to the presence of the biomass boiler room, which was installed in 2016, close to the Bordeaux University Hospital laboratory. The association between air pollution and IVF outcome was evaluated by a random-effects logistic regression analysis. RESULTS We found negative associations between cumulative O3 exposure and clinical pregnancy rate (OR=0.92, 95% CI = (0.86 to 0.98)), and between biomass boiler room exposure and clinical pregnancy rate (OR=0.75, 95% CI = (0.61 to 0.91)), after adjustment for potential confounders. CONCLUSION Air pollution could have a negative effect on assisted reproductive technology results and therefore precautions should be taken to minimise the impact of outdoor air on embryo culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Tartaglia
- Environmental Health Platform Dedicated to Reproduction, ARTEMIS Center, CHU Bordeaux GH Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France
- Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Inserm UMR1219-EPICENE, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Virginie Rondeau
- Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Inserm UMR1219-EPICENE, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Agnès Hulin
- Partnerships and Innovation Department, ATMO Nouvelle Aquitaine, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Clément Jimenez
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, CHU Bordeaux GH Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France
| | - Patrick Bourquin
- Partnerships and Innovation Department, ATMO Nouvelle Aquitaine, Bordeaux, France
| | - Fleur Delva
- Environmental Health Platform Dedicated to Reproduction, ARTEMIS Center, CHU Bordeaux GH Pellegrin, Bordeaux, France
- Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Inserm UMR1219-EPICENE, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hwang S, Hood RB, Hauser R, Schwartz J, Laden F, Jones D, Liang D, Gaskins AJ. Using follicular fluid metabolomics to investigate the association between air pollution and oocyte quality. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 169:107552. [PMID: 36191487 PMCID: PMC9620437 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Our objective was to use metabolomics in a toxicological-relevant target tissue to gain insight into the biological processes that may underlie the negative association between air pollution exposure and oocyte quality. METHODS Our study included 125 women undergoing in vitro fertilization at an academic fertility center in Massachusetts, US (2005-2015). A follicular fluid sample was collected during oocyte retrieval and untargeted metabolic profiling was conducted using liquid chromatography with ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry and two chromatography columns (C18 and HILIC). Daily exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone, fine particulate matter, and black carbon was estimated at the women's residence using spatiotemporal models and averaged over the period of ovarian stimulation (2-weeks). Multivariable linear regression models were used to evaluate the associations between the air pollutants, number of mature oocytes, and metabolic feature intensities. A meet-in-the-middle approach was used to identify overlapping features and metabolic pathways. RESULTS Of the air pollutants, NO2 exposure had the largest number of overlapping metabolites (C18: 105; HILIC: 91) and biological pathways (C18: 3; HILIC: 6) with number of mature oocytes. Key pathways of overlap included vitamin D3 metabolism (both columns), bile acid biosynthesis (both columns), C21-steroid hormone metabolism (HILIC), androgen and estrogen metabolism (HILIC), vitamin A metabolism (HILIC), carnitine shuttle (HILIC), and prostaglandin formation (C18). Three overlapping metabolites were confirmed with level-1 or level-2 evidence. For example, hypoxanthine, a metabolite that protects against oxidant-induced cell injury, was positively associated with NO2 exposure and negatively associated with number of mature oocytes. Minimal overlap was observed between the other pollutants and the number of mature oocytes. CONCLUSIONS Higher exposure to NO2 during ovarian stimulation was associated with many metabolites and biologic pathways involved in endogenous vitamin metabolism, hormone synthesis, and oxidative stress that may mediate the observed associations with lower oocyte quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sueyoun Hwang
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Robert B Hood
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Joel Schwartz
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Francine Laden
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dean Jones
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Donghai Liang
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Audrey J Gaskins
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Mancuso AC, Mengeling MA, Holcombe A, Ryan GL. Lifetime infertility and environmental, chemical, and hazardous exposures among female and male US veterans. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 227:744.e1-744.e12. [PMID: 35841935 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Veterans experience many potentially hazardous exposures during their service, but little is known about the possible effect of these exposures on reproductive health. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the association between infertility and environmental, chemical, or hazardous material exposures among US veterans. STUDY DESIGN This study examined self-reported cross-sectional data from a national sample of female and male US veterans aged 20 to 45 years separated from service for ≤10 years. Data were obtained via a computer-assisted telephone interview lasting an average of 1 hour and 27 minutes that assessed demographics, general and reproductive health, and lifetime and military exposures. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between exposures to environmental, chemical, and hazardous materials and infertility as defined by 2 different definitions: unprotected intercourse for ≥12 months without conception and trying to conceive for ≥12 months without conception. RESULTS Of the veterans included in this study, 592 of 1194 women (49.6%) and 727 of 1407 men (51.7%) met the unprotected intercourse definition for infertility, and 314 of 781 women (40.2%) and 270 of 775 men (34.8%) met the trying to conceive definition for infertility. Multiple individual exposure rates were found to be higher in women and men veterans with self-reported infertility, including petrochemicals and polychlorinated biphenyls, which were higher in both the men and women groups reporting infertility by either definition. Importantly, there was no queried exposure self-reported at higher rates in the noninfertile groups. Moreover, veterans reporting infertility reported a higher number of total exposures with a mean±standard deviation of 7.61±3.87 exposures for the women with infertility vs 7.13±3.67 for the noninfertile group (P=.030) and 13.17±4.19 for veteran men with infertility vs 12.54±4.10 for the noninfertile group (P=.005) using the unprotected intercourse definition and 7.69±3.79 for the women with infertility vs 7.02±3.57 for the noninfertile group (P=.013) and 13.77±4.17 for the veteran men with infertility vs 12.89±4.08 for the noninfertile group (P=.005) using the trying to conceive definition. CONCLUSION The data identified an association between infertility and environmental, chemical, and hazardous materials that the veterans were exposed to during military service. Although this study was limited by the self-reported and unblinded data collection from a survey, and causation between exposures and infertility cannot be proven, it does show that veterans encounter many exposures during their service and calls for further research into the possible link between veteran exposures and reproductive health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail C Mancuso
- Center for Access and Delivery Research and Evaluation, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Iowa City, IA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA.
| | - Michelle A Mengeling
- Center for Access and Delivery Research and Evaluation, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Iowa City, IA; Department of General Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA
| | - Andrea Holcombe
- Center for Access and Delivery Research and Evaluation, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Iowa City, IA
| | - Ginny L Ryan
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Women's Health, Seattle, WA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Kim JH, Hong SH, Moon NL, Kang DR. 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. TOXICS 2022; 10:542. [PMID: 36136507 PMCID: PMC9501187 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10090542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
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, PM2.5, 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 PM2.5, 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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Hee Kim
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Se-Hwa Hong
- Department of Biostatistics, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26426, Korea
| | - Na-Lae Moon
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Dae-Ryong Kang
- Department of Precision Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26426, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zhou W, Ming X, Chen Q, Liu X, Yin P. The acute effect and lag effect analysis between exposures to ambient air pollutants and spontaneous abortion: a case-crossover study in China, 2017-2019. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:67380-67389. [PMID: 35522417 PMCID: PMC9492619 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20379-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent studies demonstrated that living in areas with high ambient air pollution may have adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes, but few studies have investigated its association with spontaneous abortion. Further investigation is needed to explore the acute effect and lag effect of air pollutants exposure on spontaneous abortion. OBJECTIVE To investigate the acute effect and lag effect between exposure to ambient air pollutants and spontaneous abortion. METHODS Research data of spontaneous abortion were collected from the Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children (CQHCWC) in China. The daily ambient air pollution exposure measurements were estimated for each woman using inverse distance weighting from monitoring stations. A time-stratified, case-crossover design combined with distributed lag linear models was applied to assess the associations between spontaneous pregnancy loss and exposure to each of the air pollutants over lags 0-7 days, adjusted for temperature and relative humidity. RESULTS A total of 1399 women who experienced spontaneous pregnancy loss events from November 1, 2016, to September 30, 2019, were selected for this study. Maternal exposure to particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), particle matter 10 (PM10) nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) exhibited a significant association with spontaneous abortion. For every 20 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and SO2, the RRs were 1.18 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.34), 1.12 (95% CI, 1.04-1.20), 1.15 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.30), and 1.92 (95% CI: 1.18, 3.11) on lag day 3, lag day 3, lag day 0, and lag day 3, respectively. In two-pollutant model combined with PM2.5 and PM10, a statistically significant increase in spontaneous abortion incidence of 18.0% (RR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.32) was found for a 20 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure, and 11.2% (RR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.20) for a 20 μg/m3 increase in PM10 exposure on lag day 3, similar to single-pollutant model analysis. CONCLUSION Maternal exposure to high levels of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and SO2 during pregnancy may increase the risk of spontaneous abortion for acute effects and lag effects. Further research to explore sensitive exposure time windows is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenzheng Zhou
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Xin Ming
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, 401147, China.
| | - Ping Yin
- School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhu W, Gu Y, Li M, Zhang Z, Liu J, Mao Y, Zhu Q, Zhao L, Shen Y, Chen F, Xia L, He L, Du J. Integrated single-cell RNA-seq and DNA methylation reveal the effects of air pollution in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:105. [PMID: 35999615 PMCID: PMC9400245 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01327-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal air pollutants exposure is associated with a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). However, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. The present study aimed to understand the mechanism of RSA and its relationship with air pollution exposure. We compared data of decidual tissue from individuals with induced abortions and those with RSA by bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS), and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were verified using RT-qPCR and pyrosequencing. A logistic regression model was used to investigate the association between air pollutants exposure and RSA. Results We identified 98 DEGs with aberrant methylation by overlapping the RRBS and RNA-seq data. Nineteen immune cell subsets were identified. Compared with normal controls, NK cells and macrophages accounted for different proportions in the decidua of patients with RSA. We observed that the methylation and expression of IGF2BP1 were different between patients with RSA and controls. Furthermore, we observed significant positive associations between maternal air pollutants exposure during the year prior to pregnancy and in early pregnancy and the risk of RSA. Mediation analyses suggested that 24.5% of the effects of air pollution on the risk of RSA were mediated through IGF2BP1 methylation. Conclusion These findings reveal a comprehensive cellular and molecular mechanism of RSA and suggest that air pollution might cause pregnancy loss by affecting the methylation level of the IGF2BP1 promoter. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-022-01327-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Zhu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yan Gu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Outpatient, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Min Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhaofeng Zhang
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Junwei Liu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yanyan Mao
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qianxi Zhu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yupei Shen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fujia Chen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lingjin Xia
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lin He
- Bio-X Center, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jing Du
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Siegel EL, Ghassabian A, Hipwell AE, Factor-Litvak P, Zhu Y, Steinthal HG, Focella C, Battaglia L, Porucznik CA, Collingwood SC, Klein-Fedyshin M, Kahn LG. Indoor and outdoor air pollution and couple fecundability: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 29:45-70. [PMID: 35894871 PMCID: PMC9825271 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution is both a sensory blight and a threat to human health. Inhaled environmental pollutants can be naturally occurring or human-made, and include traffic-related air pollution (TRAP), ozone, particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds, among other substances, including those from secondhand smoking. Studies of air pollution on reproductive and endocrine systems have reported associations of TRAP, secondhand smoke (SHS), organic solvents and biomass fueled-cooking with adverse birth outcomes. While some evidence suggests that air pollution contributes to infertility, the extant literature is mixed, and varying effects of pollutants have been reported. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Although some reviews have studied the association between common outdoor air pollutants and time to pregnancy (TTP), there are no comprehensive reviews that also include exposure to indoor inhaled pollutants, such as airborne occupational toxicants and SHS. The current systematic review summarizes the strength of evidence for associations of outdoor air pollution, SHS and indoor inhaled air pollution with couple fecundability and identifies gaps and limitations in the literature to inform policy decisions and future research. SEARCH METHODS We performed an electronic search of six databases for original research articles in English published since 1990 on TTP or fecundability and a number of chemicals in the context of air pollution, inhalation and aerosolization. Standardized forms for screening, data extraction and study quality were developed using DistillerSR software and completed in duplicate. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess risk of bias and devised additional quality metrics based on specific methodological features of both air pollution and fecundability studies. OUTCOMES The search returned 5200 articles, 4994 of which were excluded at the level of title and abstract screening. After full-text screening, 35 papers remained for data extraction and synthesis. An additional 3 papers were identified independently that fit criteria, and 5 papers involving multiple routes of exposure were removed, yielding 33 articles from 28 studies for analysis. There were 8 papers that examined outdoor air quality, while 6 papers examined SHS exposure and 19 papers examined indoor air quality. The results indicated an association between outdoor air pollution and reduced fecundability, including TRAP and specifically nitrogen oxides and PM with a diameter of ≤2.5 µm, as well as exposure to SHS and formaldehyde. However, exposure windows differed greatly between studies as did the method of exposure assessment. There was little evidence that exposure to volatile solvents is associated with reduced fecundability. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The evidence suggests that exposure to outdoor air pollutants, SHS and some occupational inhaled pollutants may reduce fecundability. Future studies of SHS should use indoor air monitors and biomarkers to improve exposure assessment. Air monitors that capture real-time exposure can provide valuable insight about the role of indoor air pollution and are helpful in assessing the short-term acute effects of pollutants on TTP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva L Siegel
- Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Alison E Hipwell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yeyi Zhu
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA, USA
| | | | - Carolina Focella
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lindsey Battaglia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Linda G Kahn
- Correspondence address. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6512-6160
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Xiao X, Chen HL, Liu YH, Wang J, Liang SL, Huang Q, Du Y, Ying XY. Yikang decoction facilitates embryo implantation in mice with implantation dysfunction via upregulation of LIF expression. Transpl Immunol 2022; 75:101662. [PMID: 35810979 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2022.101662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study investigates the effects and mechanisms of Yikang decoction on embryo implantation in mice. METHODS Totally, mature female mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal, implantation failure (mifepristone treatment), Yikang decoction treatment (mifepristone and Yikang decoction treatment), and control (mifepristone and physiological saline treatment) groups. The efficacy of Yikang decoction was evaluated by the adhesion of uterine endometrial cells. The expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and integrin αvβ3 in the endometrium were detected by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot. In addition, mouse endometrial cells were transfected with LIF specific siRNA-1, and the expression of LIF and αvβ3 were detected. RESULTS The number of embryos markedly decreased after mifepristone treatment. The adhesion of endometrial cells in the Yikang decoction treatment group significantly increased, when compared to the control group. The expression of LIF and integrin αvβ3 was significantly reduced by mifepristone, but the attenuated expression of LIF and αvβ3 was markedly reversed by treatment with Yikang decoction. In addition, after LIF siRNA-1 transfection, the expression of integrin αvβ3 significantly decreased (P < 0.01). The correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between LIF and αvβ3 protein expression. CONCLUSION Yikang decoction can regulate the expression of αvβ3 and increase cell adhesion by upregulating the expression of LIF, thereby improving embryo implantation in mice. These data suggest that Yikang decoction may have therapeutic effect in treating infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hai-Lin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ya-Hong Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou 317000, China
| | - Sheng-Lian Liang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Ying
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ammons S, Aja H, Ghazarian AA, Lai GY, Ellison GL. Perception of worry of harm from air pollution: results from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1254. [PMID: 35752789 PMCID: PMC9233822 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13450-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Air pollution exposure has been associated with a multitude of diseases and poses a significant concern to public health. For targeted environmental risk communication and interventions to be effective, it is important to correctly identify characteristics associated with worry of harm from air pollution. Methods Using responses from 3,630 participants of the Health Information National Trends Survey 4 Cycle 2, we assessed worry of harm from exposure to indoor (IAP) and outdoor (OAP) air pollution separately. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results Hispanics were more likely to worry about harm from IAP and OAP compared to non-Hispanic whites. Participants who lived in metropolitan counties were more likely to worry about harm from IAP and OAP compared to those who lived in rural counties. Finally, those who believed their chance of getting cancer was high were more likely to worry about harm from IAP and OAP compared to those who thought their likelihood of getting cancer was low. Conclusions Worry of harm from IAP and OAP varied across sociodemographic and cancer-related characteristics. Public health professionals should consider these characteristics when developing targeted environmental risk communication and interventions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13450-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Ammons
- Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Department of Health and Human Services, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, MD, Bethesda, USA
| | - Hayley Aja
- Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Department of Health and Human Services, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, MD, Bethesda, USA.,Extramural Research Branch, Extramural Research and Partnerships Division, Office of Science Advisor, Policy, and Engagement, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Armen A Ghazarian
- Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Department of Health and Human Services, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, MD, Bethesda, USA
| | - Gabriel Y Lai
- Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Department of Health and Human Services, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, MD, Bethesda, USA
| | - Gary L Ellison
- Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Department of Health and Human Services, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, MD, Bethesda, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Spatiotemporal Variation in Air Pollution Characteristics and Influencing Factors in Ulaanbaatar from 2016 to 2019. ATMOSPHERE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos13060990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ambient air pollution is a global environmental issue that affects human health. Ulaanbaatar (UB), the capital of Mongolia, is one of the most polluted cities in the world, and it is of great importance to study the temporal and spatial changes in air pollution in this city, along with their influencing factors. To understand the characteristics of atmospheric pollutants in UB, the contents of PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3, as well as their influencing factors, were analyzed from data obtained from automatic air quality monitoring stations. These analyses yielded six major findings: (1) From 2016 to 2019, there was a total of 883 pollution days, and PM2.5 and PM10 were the primary pollutants on 553 and 351 of these days, respectively. The air pollution was dominated by PM10 in spring and summer, affected by both PM2.5 and PM10 in autumn, and dominated by PM2.5 in winter. (2) Compared with 2016, the number of days with good air quality in UB in 2019 increased by 45%, and the number of days with unhealthy or worse levels of pollution decreased by 56%, indicating that the air quality improved year by year. (3) From 2016 to 2019, the annual average PM2.5/PM10 ratio dropped from 0.55 to 0.45, and the proportion of PM2.5 in particulate matter decreased year by year. The PM concentration and PM2.5/PM10 ratio were highest in winter and lowest in summer. When comparing the four-season averages, the average PM2.5 concentration decreased by 89% from its highest level, and the PM10 concentration decreased by 67%, indicating stronger seasonal differences in PM2.5 than in PM10. (4) The hourly changes in PM concentration showed a bimodal pattern, exhibiting a decrease during the day and a slight increase in the afternoon due to temperature inversion, so the PM2.5/PM10 ratio increased at night in all four seasons. The PM concentration during the heating season was significantly higher than that in the non-heating season, indicating that coal-fired heating was the main cause of air pollution in UB. (5) Sand dust and soot were the two main types of pollution in UB. (6) Correlation analysis and linear fitting analysis showed that PM2.5 and PM10 caused by coal-firing had an important impact on air quality in UB. Coal combustion and vehicle emissions with SO2, NO2, and CO as factors made large contributions to PM2.5.
Collapse
|
42
|
Anderson A, Rezamand P, Skibiel AL. Effects of wildfire smoke exposure on innate immunity, metabolism, and milk production in lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:7047-7060. [PMID: 35717334 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Wildfires are particularly prevalent in the Western United States, home to more than 2 million dairy cows that produce more than 25% of the nation's milk. Wildfires emit fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in smoke, which is a known air toxin and is thought to contribute to morbidity in humans by inducing inflammation. The physiological responses of dairy cows to wildfire PM2.5 are unknown. Herein we assessed the immune, metabolic, and production responses of lactating Holstein cows to wildfire PM2.5 inhalation. Cows (primiparous, n = 7; multiparous, n = 6) were monitored across the wildfire season from July to September 2020. Cows were housed in freestall pens and thus were exposed to ambient air quality. Air temperature, relative humidity, and PM2.5 were obtained from a monitoring station 5.7 km from the farm. Animals were considered to be exposed to wildfire PM2.5 if daily average PM2.5 exceeded 35 µg/m3 and wildfire and wind trajectory mapping showed that the PM2.5 derived from active wildfires. Based on these conditions, cows were exposed to wildfire PM2.5 for 7 consecutive days in mid-September. Milk yield was recorded daily and milk components analysis conducted before, during, and after exposure. Blood was taken from the jugular vein before, during, and after exposure and assayed for hematology, blood chemistry, and blood metabolites. Statistical analysis was conducted using mixed models including PM2.5, temperature-humidity index (THI), parity (primiparous or multiparous), and their interactions as fixed effects and cow as a random effect. Separate models included lags up to 7 d to identify delayed and persistent effects from wildfire PM2.5 exposure. Exposure to elevated PM2.5 from wildfire smoke resulted in lower milk yield during exposure and for 7 d after last exposure and higher blood CO2 concentration, which persisted for 1 d following exposure. We observed a positive PM2.5 by THI interaction for eosinophil and basophil count and a negative PM2.5 by THI interaction for red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration after a 3-d lag. Neutrophil count was also lower with a combination of higher THI and PM2.5. We found no discernable effect of PM2.5 on haptoglobin concentration. Effects of PM2.5 and THI on metabolism were contingent on day of exposure. On lag d 0, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was reduced with higher combined THI and PM2.5, but on subsequent lag days, THI and PM2.5 had a positive interaction on BUN. Conversely, THI and PM2.5 had a positive interacting effect on nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) on lag d 0 but subsequently caused a reduction in circulating NEFA concentration. Our results suggest that exposure to high wildfire-derived PM2.5, alone or in concert with elevated THI, alters systemic metabolism, milk production, and the innate immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashly Anderson
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow 83844
| | - Pedram Rezamand
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow 83844
| | - Amy L Skibiel
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow 83844.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Begum MR, Ehsan M, Ehsan N. Impact of Environmental Pollution on Female Reproduction. FERTILITY & REPRODUCTION 2022. [DOI: 10.1142/s266131822230001x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The increased pollution in the world atmosphere is a global concern. Water, air, and soil are polluted by various sources, such as farm fertilizer, sewage industrial waste products, fumes, and plastics, which in turn impact human health. Plastics and other mixtures of waste affect live in the water. Moreover, the ecosystem is disrupted by the use of heavy metal-containing chemicals in agriculture, and those are eventually consumed by humans. The consequences are a significant negative impact on health including reproductive health, which impairs fertility in the human population. Reproductive functions are severely affected by different chemicals which may interfere with hormonal functions. Greater consequences are faced by the women as the number of germ cells present in the ovary is fixed during fetal life, and which are nonrenewable. From the production of ovum to fertilization, to implantation, and finally continuation of pregnancy, all are affected by the heavy metals and endocrine disruptors. Lifestyle modifications such as consumption of organic foods, plastic product avoidance, separation of residential areas from industrial/agricultural areas, proper waste disposal, and so on, may help to improve the situation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariya Ehsan
- Infertility Care and Research Center (ICRC), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nazia Ehsan
- Infertility Care and Research Center (ICRC), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Björvang RD, Hallberg I, Pikki A, Berglund L, Pedrelli M, Kiviranta H, Rantakokko P, Ruokojärvi P, Lindh CH, Olovsson M, Persson S, Holte J, Sjunnesson Y, Damdimopoulou P. Follicular fluid and blood levels of persistent organic pollutants and reproductive outcomes among women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 208:112626. [PMID: 34973191 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are industrial chemicals resistant to degradation and have been shown to have adverse effects on reproductive health in wildlife and humans. Although regulations have reduced their levels, they are still ubiquitously present and pose a global concern. Here, we studied a cohort of 185 women aged 21-43 years with a median of 2 years of infertility who were seeking assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment at the Carl von Linné Clinic in Uppsala, Sweden. We analyzed the levels of 9 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), 10 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 3 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and 8 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the blood and follicular fluid (FF) samples collected during ovum pick-up. Impact of age on chemical transfer from blood to FF was analyzed. Associations of chemicals, both individually and as a mixture, to 10 ART endpoints were investigated using linear, logistic, and weighted quantile sum regression, adjusted for age, body mass index, parity, fatty fish intake and cause of infertility. Out of the 30 chemicals, 20 were detected in more than half of the blood samples and 15 in FF. Chemical transfer from blood to FF increased with age. Chemical groups in blood crossed the blood-follicle barrier at different rates: OCPs > PCBs > PFASs. Hexachlorobenzene, an OCP, was associated with lower anti-Müllerian hormone, clinical pregnancy, and live birth. PCBs and PFASs were associated with higher antral follicle count and ovarian response as measured by ovarian sensitivity index, but also with lower embryo quality. As a mixture, similar findings were seen for the sum of PCBs and PFASs. Our results suggest that age plays a role in the chemical transfer from blood to FF and that exposure to POPs significantly associates with ART outcomes. We strongly encourage further studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of reproductive effects of POPs in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richelle D Björvang
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ida Hallberg
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anne Pikki
- Carl von Linnékliniken, 751 83 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lars Berglund
- School of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, 791 88 Falun, Sweden; Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Geriatrics, Uppsala University, 751 22 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Matteo Pedrelli
- Cardio Metabolic Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, 141 52 Stockholm, Sweden; Medicine Unit Endocrinology, Theme Inflammation and Ageing, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hannu Kiviranta
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, 70701 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Panu Rantakokko
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, 70701 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Päivi Ruokojärvi
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, 70701 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Christian H Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 223 61 Lund, Sweden
| | - Matts Olovsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sara Persson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jan Holte
- Carl von Linnékliniken, 751 83 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ylva Sjunnesson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Ambient Air Pollution Exposure Assessments in Fertility Studies: a Systematic Review and Guide for Reproductive Epidemiologists. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2022; 9:87-107. [DOI: 10.1007/s40471-022-00290-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
We reviewed the exposure assessments of ambient air pollution used in studies of fertility, fecundability, and pregnancy loss.
Recent Findings
Comprehensive literature searches were performed in the PUBMED, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Of 168 total studies, 45 met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. We find that 69% of fertility and pregnancy loss studies have used one-dimensional proximity models or surface monitor data, while only 35% have used the improved models, such as land-use regression models (4%), dispersion/chemical transport models (11%), or fusion models (20%). No published studies have used personal air monitors.
Summary
While air pollution exposure models have vastly improved over the past decade from a simple, one-dimensional distance or air monitor data to models that incorporate physiochemical properties leading to better predictive accuracy, precision, and increased spatiotemporal variability and resolution, the fertility literature has yet to fully incorporate these new methods. We provide descriptions of each of these air pollution exposure models and assess the strengths and limitations of each model, while summarizing the findings of the literature on ambient air pollution and fertility that apply each method.
Collapse
|
46
|
Wan S, Zhao X, Niu Z, Dong L, Wu Y, Gu S, Feng Y, Hua X. Influence of ambient air pollution on successful pregnancy with frozen embryo transfer: A machine learning prediction model. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 236:113444. [PMID: 35367879 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Numerous air pollutants have been reported to influence the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, whether air pollution affects implantation in frozen embryo transfer (FET) process is under debate. We aimed to find the association between ambient air pollution and implantation potential of FET and test the value of adding air pollution data to a random forest model (RFM) predicting intrauterine pregnancy. Using a retrospective study of a 4-year single-center design,we analyzed 3698 cycles of women living in Shanghai who underwent FET between 2015 and 2018. To estimate patients' individual exposure to air pollution, we computed averages of daily concentrations of six air pollutants including PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO, NO2, and O3 measured at 9 monitoring stations in Shanghai for the exposure period (one month before FET). Moreover, A predictive model of 15 variables was established using RFM. Air pollutants levels of patients with or without intrauterine pregnancy were compared. Our results indicated that for exposure periods before FET, NO2 were negatively associated with intrauterine pregnancy (OR: 0.906, CI: 0.816-0.989). AUROC increased from 0.712 to 0.771 as air pollutants features were added. Overall, our findings demonstrate that exposure to NO2 before transfer has an adverse effect on clinical pregnancy. The performance to predict intrauterine pregnancy will improve with the use of air pollution data in RFM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Wan
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaobo Zhao
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihong Niu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated with the Medical School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingling Dong
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuelin Wu
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengyi Gu
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Feng
- Reproductive Medical Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated with the Medical School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaolin Hua
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Long-Term Exposure to Air Pollution Associates the Risk of Benign Brain Tumor: A Nationwide, Population-Based, Cohort Study in Taiwan. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10040176. [PMID: 35448437 PMCID: PMC9028167 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10040176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Air pollutants as risk factors for benign brain tumor (BBT) remain unclear. Therefore, we conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study by integrating the patients’ clinical data and daily air quality data to assess the environmental risk factors of BBT in Taiwan.Daily air quality data were categorized into quartiles (Q1 to Q4). The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) was evaluated by comparing the BBT incidence rate of the subjects in Q2–Q4 with that of the subjects in Q1 (the lowest concentration of air pollutants). A total of 161,213 subjects were enrolled in the study. Among the air pollutants tested, the aHR of BBT was significantly higher in the subjects who were exposed to the highest level (Q4) of CO (aHR 1.37, 95% CI 1.08–1.74), NO2 (aHR 1.40, 95% CI 1.09–1.78), and PM2.5 (aHR 1.30, 95% CI 1.02–1.65) than that in the subjects who were exposed to the lowest level (Q1). No significant risk association of BBT with SO2 and PM10 exposure was observed. The results revealed that long-term exposure to air pollutants, particularly CO, NO2, and PM2.5, is associated with the risk of BBT.
Collapse
|
48
|
Zhou W, Ming X, Yang Y, Hu Y, He Z, Chen H, Li Y, Zhou X, Yin P. Association between Maternal Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution and the Risk of Preterm Birth: A Birth Cohort Study in Chongqing, China, 2015-2020. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042211. [PMID: 35206398 PMCID: PMC8871940 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Recent study results on the association between maternal exposure to ambient air pollution with preterm birth have been inconsistent. The sensitive window of exposure and influence level of air pollutants varied greatly. We aimed to explore the association between maternal exposure to ambient air pollutants and the risk of preterm birth, and to estimate the sensitive exposure time window. A total of 572,116 mother–newborn pairs, daily concentrations of air pollutants from nearest monitoring stations were used to estimate exposures for each participant during 2015–2020 in Chongqing, China. We applied a generalized additive model and estimated RRs and 95% CIs for preterm birth in each trimester and the entire pregnancy period. In the single-pollutant model, we observed that each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 had a statistically significant effect on the third trimester and entire pregnancy, with RR = 1.036 (95% CI: 1.021, 1.051) and RR = 1.101 (95% CI: 1.075, 1.128), respectively. Similarly, for each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM10, there were 2.7% (RR = 1.027, 95% CI: 1.016, 1.038) increase for PTB on the third trimester, and 3.8% (RR = 1.038, 95% CI: 1.020, 1.057) increase during the whole pregnancy. We found that for each 10 mg/m3 CO increases, the relative risk of PTB increased on the first trimester (RR = 1.081, 95% CI: 1.007, 1.162), second trimester (RR = 1.116, 95% CI: 1.035, 1.204), third trimester (RR = 1.167, 95% CI: 1.090, 1.250) and whole pregnancy (RR = 1.098, 95% CI: 1.011, 1.192). No statistically significant RR was found for SO2 and NO2 on each trimester of pregnancy. Our study indicates that maternal exposure to high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 during pregnancy may increase the risk for preterm birth, especially for women at the late stage of pregnancy. Statistically increased risks of preterm birth were associated with CO exposure during each trimester and entire pregnancy. Reducing exposure to ambient air pollutants for pregnant women is clearly necessary to improve the health of infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenzheng Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China;
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 401147, China; (X.M.); (Y.Y.); (Y.H.); (Z.H.); (H.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Xin Ming
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 401147, China; (X.M.); (Y.Y.); (Y.H.); (Z.H.); (H.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yunping Yang
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 401147, China; (X.M.); (Y.Y.); (Y.H.); (Z.H.); (H.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yaqiong Hu
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 401147, China; (X.M.); (Y.Y.); (Y.H.); (Z.H.); (H.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Ziyi He
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 401147, China; (X.M.); (Y.Y.); (Y.H.); (Z.H.); (H.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Hongyan Chen
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 401147, China; (X.M.); (Y.Y.); (Y.H.); (Z.H.); (H.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yannan Li
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 401147, China; (X.M.); (Y.Y.); (Y.H.); (Z.H.); (H.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Xiaojun Zhou
- Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 401147, China; (X.M.); (Y.Y.); (Y.H.); (Z.H.); (H.C.); (Y.L.)
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (P.Y.)
| | - Ping Yin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China;
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (P.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Jin HX, Guo YH, Song WY, Li G, Liu Y, Shi SL. Effect of ambient air pollutants on in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer pregnancy outcome in Zhengzhou, China. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 90:103807. [PMID: 34990867 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2021.103807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
With the acceleration of China's urbanization and industrialization, air pollution has become a major environmental problem. Retrospective data analysis of 6564 patients who underwent IVF-ET in the center for reproductive medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from 2015 to 2020. Different stages were selected from 90 days before oocyte retrieval to 35 days after transfer and divided into five exposure periods. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between six ambient air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO and O3) and the IVF-ET pregnancy outcome. The results showed that air pollutants can significantly affect the IVF pregnancy outcome. The harmful effects of ambient air pollutants are more obvious in the patients aged < 35 years, single embryo transfer and cleavage stage embryo transfer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Xia Jin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Yu-Han Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wen-Yan Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Gang Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sen-Lin Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Yland JJ, Wang T, Zad Z, Willis SK, Wang TR, Wesselink AK, Jiang T, Hatch EE, Wise LA, Paschalidis IC. Predictive models of pregnancy based on data from a preconception cohort study. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:565-576. [PMID: 35024824 PMCID: PMC8888990 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can we derive adequate models to predict the probability of conception among couples actively trying to conceive? SUMMARY ANSWER Leveraging data collected from female participants in a North American preconception cohort study, we developed models to predict pregnancy with performance of ∼70% in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Earlier work has focused primarily on identifying individual risk factors for infertility. Several predictive models have been developed in subfertile populations, with relatively low discrimination (AUC: 59-64%). STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Study participants were female, aged 21-45 years, residents of the USA or Canada, not using fertility treatment, and actively trying to conceive at enrollment (2013-2019). Participants completed a baseline questionnaire at enrollment and follow-up questionnaires every 2 months for up to 12 months or until conception. We used data from 4133 participants with no more than one menstrual cycle of pregnancy attempt at study entry. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS On the baseline questionnaire, participants reported data on sociodemographic factors, lifestyle and behavioral factors, diet quality, medical history and selected male partner characteristics. A total of 163 predictors were considered in this study. We implemented regularized logistic regression, support vector machines, neural networks and gradient boosted decision trees to derive models predicting the probability of pregnancy: (i) within fewer than 12 menstrual cycles of pregnancy attempt time (Model I), and (ii) within 6 menstrual cycles of pregnancy attempt time (Model II). Cox models were used to predict the probability of pregnancy within each menstrual cycle for up to 12 cycles of follow-up (Model III). We assessed model performance using the AUC and the weighted-F1 score for Models I and II, and the concordance index for Model III. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Model I and II AUCs were 70% and 66%, respectively, in parsimonious models, and the concordance index for Model III was 63%. The predictors that were positively associated with pregnancy in all models were: having previously breastfed an infant and using multivitamins or folic acid supplements. The predictors that were inversely associated with pregnancy in all models were: female age, female BMI and history of infertility. Among nulligravid women with no history of infertility, the most important predictors were: female age, female BMI, male BMI, use of a fertility app, attempt time at study entry and perceived stress. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Reliance on self-reported predictor data could have introduced misclassification, which would likely be non-differential with respect to the pregnancy outcome given the prospective design. In addition, we cannot be certain that all relevant predictor variables were considered. Finally, though we validated the models using split-sample replication techniques, we did not conduct an external validation study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Given a wide range of predictor data, machine learning algorithms can be leveraged to analyze epidemiologic data and predict the probability of conception with discrimination that exceeds earlier work. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The research was partially supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (under grants DMS-1664644, CNS-1645681 and IIS-1914792) and the National Institutes for Health (under grants R01 GM135930 and UL54 TR004130). In the last 3 years, L.A.W. has received in-kind donations for primary data collection in PRESTO from FertilityFriend.com, Kindara.com, Sandstone Diagnostics and Swiss Precision Diagnostics. L.A.W. also serves as a fibroid consultant to AbbVie, Inc. The other authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Yland
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA,Correspondence address. Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA. E-mail:
| | - Taiyao Wang
- Center for Information and Systems Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA,Philips Research North America, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Zahra Zad
- Center for Information and Systems Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA,Division of Systems Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sydney K Willis
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tanran R Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amelia K Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tammy Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ioannis Ch Paschalidis
- Center for Information and Systems Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA,Division of Systems Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|