Chromosomal Instability in Amniocytes From Fetuses of Mothers Who Smoke

Abstract

Context Tobacco increases the risk of systemic diseases, and it has adverse effects on pregnancy. However, only indirect data have been published on a possible genotoxic effect on pregnancy in humans. Objectives To determine whether maternal smoking has a genotoxic effect on amniotic cells, expressed as an increased chromosomal instability, and to analyze whether any chromosomal regions are especially affected by exposure to tobacco. Design, Setting, and Patients In this prospective study, amniocytes were obtained by routine amniocentesis for prenatal diagnosis from 25 controls and 25 women who smoke (Ն10 cigarettes/d for Ն10 years), who were asked to fill out a smoking questionnaire concerning their smoking habits. Chromosomal instability was analyzed in blinded fashion by 2 independent observers in routine chromosome spreads. Breakpoints implicated in chromosomal abnormalities were identified by G-banding. Main Outcome Measures Association between maternal smoking and increased chromosomal instability in amniotic fluid cells, expressed as chromosomal lesions (gaps and breaks) and structural chromosomal abnormalities. Results Comparison of cytogenetic data between smokers and nonsmokers (controls) showed important differences for the proportion of structural chromosomal abnormalities (smokers: 12.1% [96/793]; controls: 3.5% [26/752]; P=.002) and to a lesser degree for the proportion of metaphases with chromosomal instability (smok

Prenatal Smoking Exposure and Neonatal DNA Damage in Relation to Birth Outcomes

“…The results showed increased DNA damage levels in neonates with antenatal ETS exposure. These results are consistent with the results found by examining SCE or frequency of chromosomal aberrations (21,35,36).…”

Free fetal DNA in maternal circulation: a potential prognostic marker for chromosomal abnormalities?

“…It has been reported that smoking during pregnancy is associated with increased chromosomal instability in amniocytes (De la Chica et al, 2005). However, in our study, no significant difference was found between smoking and non-smoking groups and the fetal and total cfDNA.…”

Cigarette smoke‐induced transgenerational alterations in genome stability in cord blood of human F1 offspring

“…This finding is in agreement with the identification of maternal cigarette smoke as a significant predictor for DNA damage in newborns, but not their mothers, who are known to have lower susceptibilities to toxicants. Furthermore, evidence for the impact of maternal cigarette smoking on the health of unborn offspring was given in many mother-child birth cohort studies (54) reporting chromosomal instability in amniocytes as well as chromosomal translocations, DNA damage, mutations, and micronucleation in the F1 offspring cord blood (17,(54)(55)(56). However, none of these motherchild birth cohort studies adjusted for the possible paternal impact as was done in the present study.…”