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Hansen S, Strøm M, Olsen SF, Dahl R, Hoffmann HJ, Granström C, Rytter D, Bech BH, Linneberg A, Maslova E, Kiviranta H, Rantakokko P, Halldorsson TI. Prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants and offspring allergic sensitization and lung function at 20 years of age. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 46:329-36. [PMID: 26333063 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposures to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been associated with asthma medication use and self-reported symptoms, but associations with lung function and allergic sensitization have been minimally explored. The aim of the study was to examine the associations between prenatal exposures to POPs and allergic sensitization and lung function in 20-year-old offspring. METHODS In a Danish cohort of 965 pregnant women established in 1988-1989, six polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) were quantified in archived maternal serum drawn in gestational week 30 (n = 872). Among those with available maternal exposure information, at age 20, 421 offspring attended attended a clinical examination including measurements of allergic sensitization (serum-specific IgE ≥ 0.35 kUA /L) (n = 418) and lung function [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 ) and forced vital capacity (FVC)] (n = 414). RESULTS There were no associations between maternal concentrations of POPs and offspring allergic sensitization at 20 years of age. Maternal concentrations of POPs were, however, positively associated with offspring airway obstruction (FEV1 /FVC < 75%). Compared to offspring in the first tertile of exposure, offspring in the third tertile of dioxin-like PCB exposure had an OR of 2.96 (95% CI: 1.14-7.70). Similar associations for non-dioxin-like PCBs, HCB, and p,p'-DDE were 2.68 (1.06-6.81), 2.63 (1.07, 6.46), and 2.87 (1.09, 7.57), respectively. No associations were observed with reduced lung function (FEV1 % of predicted value < 90%). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Our data indicate that prenatal exposure to POPs appears to be associated with airway obstruction but not allergic sensitization at 20 years of age. The findings support that chronic obstructive lung diseases may have at least part of their origins in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hansen
- Centre for Fetal Programming, Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Strøm
- Centre for Fetal Programming, Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S F Olsen
- Centre for Fetal Programming, Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R Dahl
- The Allergy Centre, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - H J Hoffmann
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - C Granström
- Centre for Fetal Programming, Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - D Rytter
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - B H Bech
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - A Linneberg
- Research Centre for Prevention and Health, the Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup University Hospital, Glostrup, Denmark, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - E Maslova
- Centre for Fetal Programming, Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - H Kiviranta
- Chemicals and Health Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - P Rantakokko
- Chemicals and Health Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio, Finland
| | - T I Halldorsson
- Centre for Fetal Programming, Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Unit for Nutrition Research, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
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Cao J, Xu X, Hylkema MN, Zeng EY, Sly PD, Suk WA, Bergman Å, Huo X. Early-life Exposure to Widespread Environmental Toxicants and Health Risk: A Focus on the Immune and Respiratory Systems. Ann Glob Health 2016; 82:119-31. [PMID: 27325070 DOI: 10.1016/j.aogh.2016.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence has accumulated that exposure to widespread environmental toxicants, such as heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and tobacco smoke adversely affect fetal development and organ maturation, even after birth. The developing immune and respiratory systems are more sensitive to environmental toxicants due to their long-term physical development, starting from the early embryonic stage and persisting into early postnatal life, which requires complex signaling pathways that control proliferation and differentiation of highly heterogeneous cell types. In this review, we summarize the effect of early-life exposure to several widespread environmental toxicants on immune and lung development before and after birth, including the effects on immune cell counts, baseline characteristics of cell-mediated and humoral immunity, and alteration of lung structure and function in offspring. We also review evidence supporting the association between early-life exposure to environmental toxicants and risk for immune-related diseases and lung dysfunction in offspring in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Cao
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China; Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; GRIAC Research Institute, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Xijin Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China.
| | - Machteld N Hylkema
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; GRIAC Research Institute, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eddy Y Zeng
- School of Environment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peter D Sly
- Children's Health and Environment Program, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - William A Suk
- Hazardous Substances Research Branch, Superfund Research Program, National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Åke Bergman
- Swedish Toxicology Sciences Research Center (Swetox), Södertälje, Sweden
| | - Xia Huo
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China; School of Environment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Gascon M, Morales E, Sunyer J, Vrijheid M. Effects of persistent organic pollutants on the developing respiratory and immune systems: a systematic review. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2013; 52:51-65. [PMID: 23291098 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Revised: 11/07/2012] [Accepted: 11/09/2012] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disruption of developing immune and respiratory systems by early-life exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) could result into reduced capacity to fight infections and increased risk to develop allergic manifestations later in life. OBJECTIVES To systematically review the epidemiologic literature on the adverse effects of early-life exposure to POPs on respiratory health, allergy and the immune system in infancy, childhood and adolescence. METHODS Based on published guidelines for systematic reviews, two independent researchers searched for published articles in MEDLINE and SCOPUS using defined keywords on POPs and respiratory health, immune function and allergy. Study eligibility criteria were defined to select the articles. RESULTS This review of 41 studies finds limited evidence for prenatal exposure to DDE, PCBs and dioxins and risk of respiratory infections. Evidence was limited also for postnatal exposure to PCBs, specifically ndl-PCBs, and reduced immune response after vaccination in childhood. The review indicates lack of association between postnatal exposure to PCBs/ndl-PCBs and risk of asthma-related symptoms. For the other exposure-outcome associations reviewed evidence was inadequate. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Current epidemiological evidence suggests that early-life exposure to POPs can adversely influence immune and respiratory systems development. Heterogeneity between studies in exposure and outcome assessment and the small number of studies for any given exposure-outcome relationship currently make comparisons difficult and meta-analyses impossible. Also, mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Recommendations for significantly improving our understanding thus include harmonization of exposure and outcome assessment between studies, conduct of larger studies, long-term assessment of respiratory infections and asthma symptoms in order to identify critical periods of susceptibility, integration of the potential immunotoxic mechanisms of POPs, and use of new statistical tools to detangle the role of multiple exposures on multiple outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Gascon
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Horváthová M, Jahnová E, Palkovičová L, Trnovec T, Hertz-Picciotto I. Dynamics of lymphocyte subsets in children living in an area polluted by polychlorinated biphenyls. J Immunotoxicol 2011; 8:333-45. [PMID: 22013978 DOI: 10.3109/1547691x.2011.615767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune system development, particularly in the pre-natal and early post-natal periods, has far-reaching health consequences during childhood, as well as throughout life. Exposure to poly-chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) during pre-natal and early life has been previously associated with changes in the incidence of infectious and allergic diseases in children, and humoral immunity alterations. Lymphocyte immunophenotyping is an important tool in the diagnosis of immunologic and hematologic disorders. This study used a lysed whole blood method for analysis of lymphocyte sub-populations in samples from children born and living in two districts: a highly-contaminated area (Michalovce) and one (Svidnik/Stropkov) with ≈ 2-fold lower environmental PCB levels. The percentages of B-lymphocytes (CD19(+)), activated HLADR(+)CD19(+) cells, and CD8(+) T-lymphocytes significantly increased at 6- and 16-months-of-age in both selected regions as compared to in cord blood values (p < 0.001). Levels of CD3(+) cells increased significantly (from 61 to 65%) in samples from Michalovce (p < 0.01). Levels of CD4(+) T-lymphocytes declined 10% among 16-month-olds in both regions (Michalovce at p < 0.001 and Svidnik/Stropkov at p < 0.01). Natural killer (NK) cell levels decreased 50% in Michalovce 6- and 16-month-old children and 42% among 6-month-olds in Svidnik/Stropkov (p < 0.001). Compared with the less-contaminated region, Michalovce samples showed significantly higher expression of CD3(+) T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, and activated B-lymphocytes, whereas NK cells were less expressed. Even after adjustment for selected covariates, e.g., maternal cigarette smoking, age, parity, ethnicity, birth weight, and gender of infant, the levels of CD19(+), HLADR(+)CD19(+), and CD3(-)CD(16 + 56)(+) cells were seen to remain significantly different between the districts. These results showed that early-life environmental PCB exposure was associated with fluctuations in major lymphocyte subsets in children, suggesting that there is a post-natal immune system response to PCB exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Horváthová
- Department of Immunology and Immunotoxicology, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Miyashita C, Sasaki S, Saijo Y, Washino N, Okada E, Kobayashi S, Konishi K, Kajiwara J, Todaka T, Kishi R. Effects of prenatal exposure to dioxin-like compounds on allergies and infections during infancy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2011; 111:551-8. [PMID: 21324443 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2011.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2010] [Revised: 01/22/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Dioxin-like compounds are endocrine disruptors. The effects of prenatal exposure to environmental levels of dioxins on immune function during infancy have not been clarified, although dioxins induce immunosuppression in offspring of animals. Moreover, human studies have not assessed the effects of gender- or congener-specific differences. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between dioxin levels in maternal blood and the risk of infection and allergies in infancy. We examined 364 mothers and their infants enrolled in a Hokkaido Study on Environment and Children's Health between 2002 and 2005 in Sapporo, Japan. Relevant information was collected from a baseline questionnaire during pregnancy, medical records at delivery, and a follow-up questionnaire when the child was 18 months of age that assessed development of allergies and infections in infancy. Dioxin-like compound levels in maternal blood were measured with high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry. Relatively higher levels of polychlorinated dibenzofuran were associated with a significantly increased risk of otitis media, especially among male infants (odds ratio=2.5, 95% confidence interval=1.1-5.9). Relatively higher levels of 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran were also associated with a significantly increased risk of otitis media (odds ratio=5.3, 95% confidence interval=1.5-19). However, we observed a weak association between dioxin-like compound levels and allergic symptoms in infancy. At environmental levels, prenatal exposure to dioxin-like compounds may alter immune function and increase the risk of infections in infancy, especially among males. The compound 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran may be responsible for this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Miyashita
- Department of Public Health, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, North 15 West 7 Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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