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Prenatal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure, antioxidant levels and behavioral development of children

Jeanine M Genkinger1, Laura Stigter2, Wieslaw Jedrychowski3

  • 1Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.

Environmental Research
|April 12, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Lower levels of certain micronutrients like alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, and carotenoids may negatively impact child neurodevelopment. These findings suggest potential protective roles for these nutrients against environmental exposures.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Neurodevelopmental Science
  • Nutritional Epidemiology

Background:

  • Prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is linked to increased DNA adducts and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • Micronutrients are hypothesized to modify the detrimental effects of PAHs on child development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether prenatal micronutrient concentrations modify the association between PAH exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children.
  • To assess the relationship between specific micronutrient levels and behavioral problems in children exposed prenatally to PAHs.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 151 children aged 6-9 years was evaluated using the Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL).
  • Micronutrient concentrations (alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, carotenoids, retinol) were measured in cord blood.
  • Prenatal airborne PAH exposure was assessed via personal air monitoring; statistical models estimated associations with CBCL outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Lower concentrations of alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol were associated with increased thought problems, aggressive behavior, and externalizing problems.
  • Reduced carotenoid levels correlated with more thought and externalizing problems.
  • No significant associations were found for retinol concentrations or consistent interaction patterns between antioxidants and PAH exposure.

Conclusions:

  • Low levels of alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, and carotenoids may adversely affect neurodevelopment, independent of PAH exposure.
  • Identifying modifiable factors like micronutrient status is crucial for mitigating harmful environmental effects on child development.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore interventions.
Abstract

Keywords:
AntioxidantsChildrenCohortNeurodevelopmentPAH

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