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Published on: March 6, 2018
Exposure assessment of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in umbilical cord blood of Korean infants
Tae Hyung Kim1, Young Jun Lee, Ena Lee
1Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Pusan, South Korea.
Insights
This study found no link between polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) and infant thyroid hormones in Korean newborns. PBDE levels in cord blood were comparable to North American levels, indicating placental transfer.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants with potential endocrine-disrupting effects.
- Prenatal exposure to PBDEs is a concern due to their persistence and bioaccumulation.
- Understanding PBDE levels in vulnerable populations like newborns is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations in umbilical cord blood of Korean infants.
- To investigate the association between PBDE levels and thyroid hormone concentrations in newborns.
- To assess PBDE transfer across the placenta.
Main Methods:
- Umbilical cord blood samples (n=108) were collected from infants born in Seoul, Korea.
- PBDE congeners were quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
- Serum thyroid hormone levels (including thyroxine) were measured.
Main Results:
- The average total PBDE concentration was 8.377 ng/g lipid, with BDE-47 being the most abundant congener.
- No significant correlation was observed between PBDE levels and infant thyroid hormone concentrations.
- PBDE concentrations in Korean infants were similar to or lower than those reported in North America.
Conclusions:
- PBDEs readily cross the placental barrier, exposing the fetus.
- Current PBDE levels in Korean newborns do not appear to be associated with altered thyroid hormone levels.
- Further research on maternal-fetal PBDE blood levels is recommended for comprehensive exposure assessment.
Abstract:
This study examined the levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in the umbilical cord blood of infants, and investigated the relationship between PBDE concentration and thyroid hormone levels. The concentration of PBDE were measured in the cord blood samples of 108 infants collected in Cheil Woman's Hospital, Seoul, Korea, in 2007. Of 108 pregnant woman reported, the average age was 31.9 +/- 3.54 yr (range 20-42 yr). The mean body weight of the infants was 3.15 +/- 0.57 kg (1.89-4.43 kg), and no birth defects were documented. The concentrations of the total PBDEs (7 congeners) found in the umbilical cord blood averaged 8.377 +/- 6.381 ng/g lipid, ranging from not determined (ND) to 29.407 ng/g lipid. Of the seven congeners detected, BDE-47 (4.571 +/- 2.903 ng/g lipid) accounted for the majority (38% of total PBDE) of total PBDE, followed in descending order by BDE-153 (3.080 +/- 2.231 ng/g lipid) and BDE-183 (2.933 +/- 2.386). There was no apparent correlation between the serum PBDE levels and thyroid hormone concentrations. Similarly, there was no apparent relationship between the infant thyroxine (T4) levels and four prevalent PBDE congener concentrations. Data suggest that the concentration of PBDE in umbilical cord blood of Korean infants is similar to or lower than concentrations reported from North America. In addition, PBDE readily crossed the blood placenta barrier. Therefore, further study on the relationship between the maternal and fetal blood concentrations of PBDE is recommended for a more comprehensive exposure assessment of PBDE in Koreans.
