The influence of maternal exposure to volatile organic compounds on the cytokine secretion profile of neonatal T cells

Abstract

Indoor VOC (volatile organic compound) exposure has been shown to be correlated with airway symptoms and allergic manifestations in children. An investigation was conducted within an ongoing birth cohort study (LISA: Lifestyle-Immune System-Allergy) of the association between maternal exposure to VOCs and immune status at birth, in particular the cytokine secretion profile of cord-blood T cells. In a randomly selected group of 85 neonates, cytokine-producing cord-blood T cells were analyzed using intracellular cytokine detection. VOC exposure was measured in children's dwellings by passive sampling, while parents were asked to complete questionnaires about possible sources of VOC exposure. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated by logistic regression based on categorized quartiles. A positive association was found between elevated percentages of interleukin-4-producing (IL-4) type 2 T cells and exposure to naphthalene (OR = 2.9) and methylcyclopentane (OR = 3.3). Exposure to tetrachloroethylene was associated with reduced percentages of interferon-gamma-producing (IFN-gamma) type 1 T cells (OR = 2.9). In addition, smoking during pregnancy was correlated with a higher indoor air concentration of naphthalene (OR = 3.8), new carpets in infants' bedrooms with elevated methylcyclopentane concentrations (OR = 4.1), and home renovation with a higher trichloroethylene burden (OR = 4.9). Our data suggest that maternal exposure to VOC may have an influence on the immune status of the newborn child.

Prenatal and early life home environment exposure in relation to preschool children’s asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema in Taiyuan, China

“…If the relationship is cause-and-effect, it is likely that an immune response is part of the mechanism [32]. One study reported that an increased level of IL-4 cytokine production in newborns was associated with maternal exposure to VOCs during pregnancy [33], noting that IL-4 was usually increased in atopic children.…”

Respiratory health and indoor air pollutants based on quantitative exposure assessments

“…This was confirmed by a survey using personal assessment of VOC exposure [134], showing an increased risk of doctor-diagnosed asthma among those exposed to VOCs and, in particular, to aromatic compounds (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.17-2.27). While two studies suggest that exposure to VOC in utero could have an impact on immune status of newborns [135,136], no epidemiological study using objective measurements reports significant associations between exposure to formaldehyde and allergic sensitisation.…”

Correlation between maternal milk and infant serum levels of chlorinated pesticides (CP) and the impact of elevated CP on bleeding tendency and immune status in some infants in Egypt

“…This has led to recognition of cytokine expression and secretion as a useful biomarker to assess the status and progression of a host immune response. Since then, numerous studies have used immune markers that include cytokine profiles to evaluate the effect of environmental toxicants such as volatile organic compounds, PCBs, and organochlorines on the immunity of children (Lehmann et al, 2002;Bilrha et al, 2003;ten Tusscher et al, 2003).…”