Association of selected persistent organic pollutants in the placenta with the risk of neural tube defects

Abstract

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been associated with a wide range of adverse health effects. Our case-control study was performed to explore the association between placental levels of selected POPs and risks for neural tube defects (NTDs) in a Chinese population with a high prevalence of NTDs. Cases included 80 fetuses or newborns with NTDs, whereas the controls were 50 healthy, nonmalformed newborn infants. Placental concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The medians of PAHs, o,p′-isomers of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and metabolites, α-and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), and α-endosulfan were significantly higher in case placentas than in controls. PAH concentrations above the median were associated with a 4.52-fold [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.10-9.74) increased risk for any NTDs, and 5.84-(95% CI, 2.28-14.96) and 3.71-fold (95% CI, 1.57-8.79) increased risks for anencephaly and spina bifida, respectively. A dose-response relationship was observed between PAH levels and the risk of NTDs, with odds ratios for the second, third, and fourth quartiles, compared with the first, of 1.77-(95% CI, 0.66-4.76), 3.83-(95% CI, 1.37-10.75), and 11.67-fold (95% CI, 3.28-41.49), respectively. A dose-response relationship was observed for anencephaly and spina bifida subtypes. Similar results were observed for o,p′-DDT and metabolites, α-HCH, γ-HCH, and α-endosulfan, whereas no dose-response relationship was observed for the last two pollutants. Elevated placental concentrations of PAHs, o,p′-DDT and metabolites, and α-HCH were associated with increased risks of NTDs in this population.congenital abnormalities | indoor air pollution

A review of airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their human health effects

“…However, in a case-control study, insignificant associations were observed between estimated maternal occupational exposure to PAHs and CHDs in offspring (Lupo et al, 2012). Ren et al (2011) investigated placental PAH levels in 80 fetuses or newborns with neural tube defects in China. The results of their study showed that the risk of a defect was 4 to 5 times greater, when the levels of PAHs were above the average of 597 ng g −1 of lipids.…”

Pesticide consumption, central nervous system and cardiovascular congenital malformations in the South and Southeast region of Brazil

“…pesticides and increased risk of spina bifida or anencephaly [37]. Although CVS malformations are among the most common severe birth defects, epidemiological evidence of a link with pesticide exposure is limited.…”

Excretion Profiles and Half-Lives of Ten Urinary Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Metabolites after Dietary Exposure

“…3 Notably, a recent study found a dose-response relationship between PAHs in placenta and the risk of neural tube defects. 4 Exposure to PAHs in the general population occurs mostly through inhalation of polluted air and cigarette smoke, and ingestion of food containing PAHs, with ingestion reportedly as more dominant. 5 In certain occupational settings, such as coke oven plants, dermal and inhalation exposure are the major routes.…”