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Prenatal Exposure to Perfluorinated Compounds Affects Birth Weight Through GSTM1 Polymorphism
Eun Jin Kwon1, Joon Soo Shin, Byung Mi Kim
1Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea (Ms Kwon, Drs Kim, Kulkarni, Park, Ha); Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea (Dr Park); Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea (Ms Kwon, Dr Kim); Department of Health, Environment & Safety, Eulji University, Seongnam, South Korea (Dr Kho); Cancer Policy Branch (Dr Kim), National Cancer Center, Goyang, South Korea; and Chicago Medical School (Mr Shin), Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Lake County, Illinois.
Prenatal exposure to perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) can reduce birth weight. Genetic variations, specifically glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) null genotype, may increase susceptibility to these effects.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Genetics
Background:
- Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are persistent environmental contaminants.
- Prenatal exposure to PFCs has been linked to adverse birth outcomes.
- The role of genetic factors in mediating these effects is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of genetic polymorphisms on the association between prenatal perfluorinated compound (PFC) exposure and birth weight.
- To explore potential genetic susceptibility in the relationship between PFCs and fetal development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of eight PFCs in cord blood from 268 subjects.
- Genotyping for two specific polymorphisms in maternal blood.
- Statistical analysis to determine associations between PFC levels, genotypes, and birth weight.
Main Results:
- Significant negative associations were observed between concentrations of several PFCs (PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA) and birth weight.
- In mothers with the glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) null genotype, these negative associations were more pronounced for PFNA, PFDA, and PFUnDA.
Conclusions:
- Glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) polymorphism appears to modify the relationship between prenatal PFC exposure and birth weight.
- Genetic susceptibility plays a role in the impact of prenatal PFC exposure on birth outcomes.
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