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Adibi JJ, Zhao Y, Koistinen H, Mitchell RT, Barrett ES, Miller R, O'Connor TG, Xun X, Liang HW, Birru R, Smith M, Moog NK. Molecular pathways in placental-fetal development and disruption. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 581:112075. [PMID: 37852527 PMCID: PMC10958409 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112075] [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] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The first trimester of pregnancy ranks high in priority when minimizing harmful exposures, given the wide-ranging types of organogenesis occurring between 4- and 12-weeks' gestation. One way to quantify potential harm to the fetus in the first trimester is to measure a corollary effect on the placenta. Placental biomarkers are widely present in maternal circulation, cord blood, and placental tissue biopsied at birth or at the time of pregnancy termination. Here we evaluate ten diverse pathways involving molecules expressed in the first trimester human placenta based on their relevance to normal fetal development and to the hypothesis of placental-fetal endocrine disruption (perturbation in development that results in abnormal endocrine function in the offspring), namely: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), thyroid hormone regulation, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor protein gamma (PPARγ), leptin, transforming growth factor beta, epiregulin, growth differentiation factor 15, small nucleolar RNAs, serotonin, and vitamin D. Some of these are well-established as biomarkers of placental-fetal endocrine disruption, while others are not well studied and were selected based on discovery analyses of the placental transcriptome. A literature search on these biomarkers summarizes evidence of placenta-specific production and regulation of each biomarker, and their role in fetal reproductive tract, brain, and other specific domains of fetal development. In this review, we extend the theory of fetal programming to placental-fetal programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Adibi
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Yaqi Zhao
- St. Jude's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Hannu Koistinen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Environmental and Population Health Bio-Sciences, Rutgers University School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Richard Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Thomas G O'Connor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Xiaoshuang Xun
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hai-Wei Liang
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rahel Birru
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Megan Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nora K Moog
- Department of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Shen X, Meng X, Wang C, Chen X, Chen Q, Cai J, Zhang J, Zhang Q, Fan L. Prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter and newborn anogenital distance: a prospective cohort study. Environ Health 2023; 22:16. [PMID: 36755317 PMCID: PMC9909868 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-00969-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considerable attention has been paid to reproductive toxicity of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). However, the relationship between prenatal PM2.5 exposure and anogenital distance (AGD) has not been well studied. We aim to investigate the potential effects of prenatal exposure to PM2.5 on newborn AGD. METHODS Prenatal PM2.5 exposure of 2332 participates in Shanghai (2013-2016) was estimated using high-performance machine learning models. Anoscrotal distance (AGDas) in male infants and anofourchette distance (AGDaf) in female infants were measured by well-trained examiners within 3 days after birth. We applied multiple linear regression models and multiple informant models to estimate the association between prenatal PM2.5 exposure and AGD. RESULTS Multiple linear regression models showed that a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure during full pregnancy, the second and third trimesters was inversely associated with AGDas (adjusted beta = - 1.76, 95% CI: - 2.21, - 1.31; - 0.73, 95% CI: - 1.06, - 0.40; and - 0.52; 95% CI: - 0.87, - 0.18, respectively) in males. A 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure during the full pregnancy, the first, second, and third trimesters was inversely associated with AGDaf (adjusted beta = - 4.55; 95% CI: - 5.18, - 3.92; - 0.78; 95% CI: - 1.10, - 0.46; - 1.11; 95% CI: - 1.46, - 0.77; - 1.45; 95% CI: - 1.78, - 1.12, respectively) in females after adjusting for potential confounders. Multiple informant models showed consistent but slightly attenuated associations. CONCLUSION Our study observed a significant association between gestational PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy and shortened AGD in newborns, and provided new evidence on potential reproductive toxicity of prenatal PM2.5 exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Shen
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Meng
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Cuiping Wang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangfeng Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200135, China
- Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Cai
- School of Public Health, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of the Ministry of Education and NHC Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianlong Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lichun Fan
- Women and Children's Medical Center of Hainan Province, No.75, Longkunnan Road, Haikou, 570100, Hainan, China.
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Wang Z, Niu J, Ji H, Miao M, Yang L, Chen X, Li X, Song X, Chen A, Liang H, Yuan W. Association of pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain with neonatal anogenital distance in a Chinese birth cohort. Reprod Health 2022; 19:152. [PMID: 35768839 PMCID: PMC9245211 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01458-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate the associations of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) with anogenital distance (AGD) among newborns. Methods The study included 556 mother-newborn pairs from the Jiashan birth cohort. AGD was measured as AGDAP (from the center of the anus to the anterior base of the penis, where the penile tissue meets the pubic bone) and AGDAS (from the center of the anus to the posterior base of the scrotum, where the skin changes from rugate to smooth) in males and AGDAC (from the center of the anus to the clitoris) and AGDAF (from the center of the anus to the posterior convergence of the fourchette) in females. Multiple linear regression models were used to estimate the associations of pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG, with AGD. Results After adjusting for pre-pregnancy BMI and other potential confounders, male newborns whose mothers had excessive GWG had shorter AGDAP than those whose mothers had normal GWG. Male newborns whose mothers had normal pre-pregnancy BMI and inadequate/excessive GWG had shorter AGDAP than the reference group where mothers had normal pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG in stratified analyses. Conclusion Gestational weight gain during pregnancy was associated with AGD in newborns in this birth cohort. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12978-022-01458-y. In China, the prevalence of underweight and overweight/obesity remained high among women. Appropriate pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestation weight gain (GWG) were critical to reduce the risk of adverse birth outcomes. The anogenital distance (AGD) was measured as an indicator of neonatal reproductive function and was associated with adverse reproductive outcomes in adults. Thus, we investigated the associations of both sub-optimal pre-pregnancy BMI, as well as GWG, with AGD among newborns to draw a picture about their effect on offspring reproductive health. A total of 556 mother-newborns were included in the study from the Jiashan birth cohort in China. We extracted information about maternal lifestyles, social demographic characteristics, diet, and medical history from questionnaires conducted during 8–16 gestational weeks and medical records. AGD among newborns was measured within 3 days of delivery. We found that maternal excessive GWG was associated with shorter AGD in male newborns after adjusting for maternal pre-pregnancy BMI in multiple linear regression models. The study also suggested that maternal inadequate GWG was associated with a shorter AGD in male newborns, which needed to be corroborated in further studies with a larger sample size. In conclusion, health professionals shall implement sufficient intervention to prevent suboptimal GWG during prenatal checkups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyang Wang
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, #779 Lao Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Jinbo Niu
- The First People's Hospital of Jiashan, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Honglei Ji
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, #779 Lao Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Maohua Miao
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, #779 Lao Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Limei Yang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Jiashan County, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Maternal Health Care Department, Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Jiashan County, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiufeng Li
- Maternal Health Care Department, Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Jiashan County, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiuxia Song
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, #779 Lao Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Aimin Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Hong Liang
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, #779 Lao Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Wei Yuan
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, #779 Lao Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
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Zeng Z, Xu X, Wang Q, Zhang Z, Meng P, Huo X. Maternal exposure to atmospheric PM 2.5 and fetal brain development: Associations with BAI1 methylation and thyroid hormones. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 308:119665. [PMID: 35738517 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Maternal exposure to atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during pregnancy is associated with adverse fetal development, including abnormal brain development. However, the underlying mechanisms and influencing factors remain uncertain. This study investigated the roles of DNA methylation in genes involving neurodevelopment and thyroid hormones (THs) in fetal brain development after maternal exposure to PM2.5 from e-waste. Among 939 healthy pregnant women recruited from June 2011 to September 2012, 101 e-waste-exposed and 103 reference mother-infant pairs (204 pairs totally) were included. Annual ground-level PM2.5 concentrations over e-waste-exposed area (116.38°E, 23.29°N) and reference area (116.67°E, 23.34°N) in 2011, 2012 were obtained by estimates and maternal exposure was evaluated by calculating individual chronic daily intakes (CDIs) of PM2.5. Methylation and THs including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) level were measured in umbilical cord blood collected shortly after delivery. We found higher ground-level PM2.5 concentrations led to greater individual CDI of PM2.5 in e-waste-exposed pregnant women. After adjustment for gender and birth BMI, significant mediation effects on the adverse associations of maternal PM2.5 exposure with birth head circumference were observed for methylations at positions +13 and + 32 (respectively mediated proportion of 9.8% and 5.3%, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) in the brain-specific angiogenesis inhibitor 1 (BAI1) gene, but not for methylations in the catenin cadherin-associated protein, alpha 2 (CTNNA2) gene. BAI1 (position +13) methylation was also significantly correlated with FT3 levels (rs = -0.156, P = 0.032), although maternal CDI of PM2.5 was positively associated with higher odds of abnormal TSH levels (OR = 5.03, 95% CI: 1.00, 25.20, P = 0.05) rather than FT3 levels. Our findings suggest that methylation (likely linked to THs) in neonates may play mediation roles associated with abnormal brain development risk due to maternal exposure to atmospheric PM2.5 from e-waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijun Zeng
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, Guangdong, China
| | - Xijin Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Qihua Wang
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhuxia Zhang
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, Guangdong, China
| | - Peipei Meng
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, Guangdong, China
| | - Xia Huo
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, Guangdong, China.
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Luan M, Liang H, Fang G, Wang Z, Su X, Chen A, Miao M, Yuan W. Association Between Neonatal Thyroid Function and Anogenital Distance from Birth to 48 Months of Age. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:736505. [PMID: 34566898 PMCID: PMC8456038 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.736505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence from animal studies has indicated that neonatal thyroid function is vital for the reproductive development. Anogenital distance (AGD), a sensitive biomarker of the fetal hormonal milieu, can be used to predict adult reproductive disorders. However, few human studies have examined the association between neonatal thyroid function and AGD. We aimed to explore their associations in a birth cohort study. METHODS Concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones (THs), including total triiodothyronine (TT3), total thyroxine (TT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) were measured in cord plasma in the Shanghai-Minhang Birth Cohort. The offspring AGD (AGDAP [anus-penis] and AGDAS [anus-scrotum] for boys and AGDAC [anus-clitoris] and AGDAF [anus-fourchette] for girls), body weight and anogenital index (AGI = AGD/weight [mm/kg]) were obtained at each follow-up visit. In total, 344 children (194 boys and 150 girls) with cord plasma concentrations of THs and TSH and at least one AGD measurement at birth and at 6, 12, and 48 months of age were included. Multiple linear regression and generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to examine the associations of cord plasma concentrations of THs and TSH with AGI. RESULTS Multiple linear regression models showed inverse associations of TT4, FT3, and FT4 with female AGI, although statistical significance was only reached at birth, 6 and 48 months of age. These associations were also found in GEE models: higher TT4 and FT4 concentrations were associated with lower AGIAC (TT4: β = -0.27, 95% CI: -0.50, -0.03 for middle vs. lowest tertile; FT4: β = -0.38, 95% CI: -0.61, -0.16 for middle and β = -0.30, 95% CI: -0.55, -0.04 for highest vs. lowest tertile). Besides, girls with the highest tertile of FT3 concentrations had lower AGIAF than those with the lowest tertile (the highest vs. lowest tertile: β = -0.22, 95% CI: -0.36, -0.08). Positive associations between TSH and AGI at birth and at 12 months of age were observed in boys. CONCLUSIONS This study provides further evidence on the effects of neonatal thyroid function on reproductive development at an early life stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Luan
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Liang
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanghong Fang
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziliang Wang
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiujuan Su
- Clinical Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Aimin Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Maohua Miao
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Maohua Miao,
| | - Wei Yuan
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Phipps KR, Danielewska-Nikiel B, Mushonganono J, Baldwin N. Reproductive and developmental toxicity screening study of an acetone extract of rosemary. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2020; 120:104840. [PMID: 33321148 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2020.104840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In 2017, JECFA requested reproductive and developmental toxicity studies to finalize an acceptable daily intake for solvent rosemary extracts. Thus, an OECD 421 reproductive/developmental toxicity study was conducted using an acetone rosemary extract that complied with JECFA and EFSA food additive specifications. Rosemary extract was provided to rats at dietary concentrations of 0 (control), 2100, 3600, or 5000 mg/kg, for 14 days before mating, during mating, and thereafter (throughout gestation and up to Lactation Day 13 for females) until necropsy. General toxicity (clinical signs, body weight, food consumption) and reproductive/developmental outcomes (fertility and mating performance, estrous cycles, anogenital distance, thyroid hormones, reproductive organ weights, thyroid histopathology) were assessed. There were no signs of general toxicity and no effects on reproduction; thus, the highest concentration tested (equivalent to mean daily intakes of 316 or 401 mg/kg bw/day [149 or 189 mg/kg bw/day carnosol and carnosic acid] for males and females, respectively) was established as the no-observed-adverse-effect level for general and reproductive toxicity. Dose-related reductions in T4 were observed for Day 13 pups (not seen on Day 4) but were not accompanied by thyroid weight changes or histopathological findings; further investigations are required to determine the biological relevance of these T4 reductions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirt R Phipps
- Intertek Health Sciences Inc, Room 1036, Building A8, Cody Technology Park, Ively Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, UK.
| | | | - Jessica Mushonganono
- Intertek Health Sciences Inc, 2233 Argentia Road, Suite 201, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nigel Baldwin
- Intertek Health Sciences Inc, Room 1036, Building A8, Cody Technology Park, Ively Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, UK
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Zhang Y, Huo X, Lu X, Zeng Z, Faas MM, Xu X. Exposure to multiple heavy metals associate with aberrant immune homeostasis and inflammatory activation in preschool children. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 257:127257. [PMID: 32534297 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals generate adverse health effects by interfering with immune homeostasis and promoting inflammation in individuals. Our objective was to explore the induction of immune and inflammatory responses by multiple heavy metals in children living in the e-waste contaminated area. A total of 147 preschool children were recruited, including 73 children from Guiyu, a typical e-waste recycling area, and 74 from a reference group. Blood levels of heavy metals, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As), were detected using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Immune cell counts (neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes) were determined by an automatic blood cell analyzer, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1RA, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13) were analyzed by a Luminex 200 multiplex immunoassay instrument. Multiple correspondences and linear regression analyses were applied to investigate the relationships between heavy metal exposure and relevant parameters. Results shows Guiyu children had higher levels of Pb, Cd, Hg, As, IL-1β and IL-6, but decreased lymphocyte, IL-1RA and IL-13. Neutrophil count was positively correlated with Pb, Cd and Hg exposure. Anti-inflammatory IL-1RA concentration was negatively related with Pb, Cd, Hg and As, while pro-inflammatory IL-1β and IL-6 were positively correlated with Pb. Guiyu children may have dysregulated immune response and high inflammation risk. Exposure to Pb, Cd, Hg and As could be harmful for immune response and inflammatory regulation. Our finding of decreased IL-RA production in children exposed to Pb, Cd, Hg, and As is novel and could be an opportunity for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China; Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Xia Huo
- School of Environment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Xueling Lu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China; Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Zhijun Zeng
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China; Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marijke M Faas
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713, GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Xijin Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China.
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Sun X, Liu C, Wang Z, Yang F, Liang H, Miao M, Yuan W, Kan H. Prenatal exposure to residential PM 2.5 and anogenital distance in infants at birth: A birth cohort study from Shanghai, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 264:114684. [PMID: 32380398 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is believed to be one of the most hazardous air pollution with a ubiquitous presence. Animal studies have reported the association between prenatal exposure to traffic pollutant (not exclusively including PM2.5) and reproductive development in male offspring. However, the effects of prenatal exposure to PM2.5 on reproductive health in children are still unknown. The present study was based on the Shanghai-Minhang Birth Cohort Study (S-MBCS). A total of 876 pregnant women and their infants were included. Infants' anogenital distance (AGD, the distance from the anus to the genitals; AGDap [anus-penis] and AGDas [anus-scrotum] for boys, and AGDac [anus-clitoris] and AGDaf [anus-fourchette] for girls) were measured at birth. PM2.5 concentrations during pregnancy were estimated using satellite based modeling approach. Multiple linear regression analysis and multiple informant model were conducted to examine the associations between prenatal exposure to PM2.5 (pre μg/m3) and offspring's AGDs (mm). In order to minimize the misclassification of exposure, a sensitivity analysis restricted to mothers being off work during pregnancy was performed. In multiple linear regression models, we found that prenatal exposure to PM2.5 during the 1st and 3rd trimesters was associated with shorter AGDs. In multiple informant model, similar patterns were found, and statistically significant reductions were observed in AGDap (β=-0.278, 95%CI: -0.343∼-0.212), AGDac (β=-0.188, 95%CI: -0.247∼-0.130) and AGDaf (β= -0.163, 95%CI: -0.238∼-0.088) with PM2.5 exposure during the 1st trimester, and AGDap (β=-0.201, 95%CI: -0.247∼-0.155), AGDas (β=-0.158, 95%CI: -0.198∼-0.117), AGDac (β=-0.128, 95%CI: -0.167∼-0.089) and AGDaf (β = -0.144, 95%CI: -0.194∼-0.094) with PM2.5 exposure during the 3rd trimester. The sensitivity analysis restricted to women being off work during pregnancy showed similar results. PM2.5 exposure during the 1st and 3rd trimesters was associated with shortened AGDs in offspring at birth. Our findings provide preliminary evidence that prenatal exposure to PM2.5 might be associated with the reproductive development of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Sun
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Cong Liu
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, 130 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ziliang Wang
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Fen Yang
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Hong Liang
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Maohua Miao
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- NHC Key Lab. of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), School of Public Health, Fudan University, 779 Old Hu Min Road, Shanghai, 200237, China.
| | - Haidong Kan
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, 130 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
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9
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Huang X, Xu X, Dai Y, Cheng Z, Zheng X, Huo X. Association of prenatal exposure to PAHs with anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and birth outcomes of newborns. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 723:138009. [PMID: 32213412 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemicals that cause serious concerns because of their carcinogenicity and endocrine disrupting ability. OBJECTIVE In the current study, we studied how urinary PAH metabolites are related with the dose-effects of hormone levels and birth outcomes. METHOD 163 pregnant women without health problems and 163 newborns were enrolled in hospitals in Guiyu (e-waste-exposed area) and Haojiang (reference area) from May 2016 to May 2017. Urine samples were collected to measure hydroxylated PAH (OH-PAH) metabolite levels. Umbilical cord blood was used for measurement of hormone levels. Anthropometric parameters of newborns, such as anogenital distance (AGD), were also measured. RESULTS Eight of ten urinary PAH metabolites in the exposed group were significantly higher than in the reference group. Levels of umbilical cord serum estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) in the exposed group were significantly lower than those in the reference group. Birth weight was positively correlated with 2-OHFlu (2-hydroxyfluorene). Head circumference was negatively correlated with 9-OHFlu, 3-OHPhe (3-hydroxyphenanthrene), 9-OHPhe, and ƩOHFlu (sum of 2-OHFlu and 9-OHFlu). Serum E2 and T levels were negatively correlated with most OH-PAHs. In addition, we found that serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level was positively correlated with AGD, and serum E2 level was negatively correlated with neonatal head circumference. CONCLUSIONS PAH exposure in pregnant women may adversely affect the birth outcomes of newborns, especially AGD; and AMH may be involved in the process. Establishing a baseline for the relationship between PAH exposure and health is important to protect the health of mothers and children living in electronic waste (e-waste) recycling areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofan Huang
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China; Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, Guangdong, China
| | - Xijin Xu
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Yifeng Dai
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China; Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 GZ, the Netherlands
| | - Zhiheng Cheng
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China; Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 GZ, the Netherlands
| | - Xiangbin Zheng
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, Guangdong, China
| | - Xia Huo
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, Guangdong, China.
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10
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Jonker SS, Louey S, Roselli CE. Cardiac myocyte proliferation and maturation near term is inhibited by early gestation maternal testosterone exposure. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2018; 315:H1393-H1401. [PMID: 30095996 PMCID: PMC6297822 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00314.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex and common disorder in women, and those affected experience an increased burden of cardiovascular disease. It is an intergenerational syndrome, as affected women with high androgen levels during pregnancy "program" fetal development, leading to a similar phenotype in their female offspring. The effect of excess maternal testosterone exposure on fetal cardiomyocyte growth and maturation is unknown. Pregnant ewes received biweekly injections of vehicle (control) or 100 mg testosterone propionate between 30 and 59 days of gestation (early T) or between 60 and 90 days of gestation (late T). Fetuses were delivered at ~135 days of gestation, and their hearts were enzymatically dissociated to measure cardiomyocyte growth (dimensional measurements), maturation (proportion binucleate), and proliferation (nuclear Ki-67 protein). Early T depressed serum insulin-like growth factor 1 and caused intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR; P < 0.0005). Hearts were smaller with early T ( P < 0.001) due to reduced cardiac myocyte maturation ( P < 0.0005) and proliferation ( P = 0.017). Maturation was also lower in male than female fetuses ( P = 0.004) independent of treatment. Late T did not affect cardiac growth. Early excess maternal testosterone exposure depresses circulating insulin-like growth factor 1 near term and causes IUGR in both female and male offspring. These fetuses have small, immature hearts with reduced proliferation, which may reduce cardiac myocyte endowment and predispose to adverse cardiac growth in postnatal life. While excess maternal testosterone exposure leads to polycystic ovary syndrome and cardiovascular disease in female offspring, it may also predispose to complications of IUGR and cardiovascular disease in male offspring. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using measurements of cardiac myocyte growth and maturation in an ovine model of polycystic ovary syndrome, this study demonstrates that early gestation excess maternal testosterone exposure reduces near-term cardiomyocyte proliferation and maturation in intrauterine growth-restricted female and male fetuses. The effect of testosterone is restricted to exposure during a specific period early in pregnancy, and the effects appear mediated through reduced insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling. Furthermore, male fetuses, regardless of treatment, had fewer mature cardiomyocytes than female fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonnet S Jonker
- Center for Developmental Health, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon
| | - Samantha Louey
- Center for Developmental Health, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon
| | - Charles E Roselli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon
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11
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Freire C, Ocón-Hernández O, Dávila-Arias C, Pérez-Lobato R, Calvente I, Ramos R, Olea N, Fernández MF. Anogenital distance and reproductive outcomes in 9- to 11-year-old boys: the INMA-Granada cohort study. Andrology 2018; 6:874-881. [PMID: 30113141 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies examining the association of anogenital distance (AGD), a biomarker of prenatal androgen exposure, with sexual development in children are lacking. OBJECTIVE To assess the association between AGD measures and reproductive outcomes, including puberty onset, testicular volume, reproductive hormone levels, and urogenital malformations in boys aged 9-11 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among children belonging to the Spanish Environment and Childhood (INMA) Project, a population-based birth cohort study. The present sample included 279 boys for whom data were available on AGD, pubertal stage, testicular volume, and relevant covariates. Out of the boys with AGD data, 187 provided a blood sample for hormone analysis. AGD was measured from the center of the anus to the base of the scrotum. Pubertal development was assessed according to Tanner stage of genital development (G1-G5), and testicular volume was measured with an orchidometer. RESULTS After adjusting for potential confounders, logistic regression analysis showed that AGD was positively associated with testicular volume but not with Tanner stage (>G1 vs. G1), serum hormone levels, or undescended testis. Regardless of their age, body mass index, and Tanner stage (G1 or >G1), boys with longer AGD showed increased odds of a testicular volume >3 mL (OR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.00-1.19 per 10% increment in AGD; and OR = 3.14, 95%CI = 0.99-9.94 for AGD >42 mm vs. <33 mm). DISCUSSION Longer AGD was associated with testicular growth, an indicator of gonadarche, but not with other reproductive outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Although AGD was positively associated with testicular volume, it remains unclear whether AGD predicts testis size at puberty or is related to puberty onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Freire
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Granada, Spain
| | - O Ocón-Hernández
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, San Cecilio University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | - C Dávila-Arias
- Radiology Unit, Health Science Technological Park University Hospital, Granada, Spain
| | - R Pérez-Lobato
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Psychology Clinic ISEP, Granada, Spain
| | - I Calvente
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain
| | - R Ramos
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain
| | - N Olea
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Granada, Spain.,Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - M F Fernández
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain.,Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Granada, Spain.,Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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