Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 19, 2026

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

11.9K

Prenatal traffic-related air pollution exposures, cord blood adipokines and infant weight

T L Alderete1, A Y Song1, T Bastain1

  • 1Department of Preventive Medicine, Division of Environmental Health, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA.

Pediatric Obesity
|November 4, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) may increase childhood obesity risk. Higher TRAP exposure was linked to specific adipokines in cord blood, which were associated with infant weight gain, particularly in females.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Prenatal exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is a potential contributor to childhood obesity.
  • The precise biological mechanisms linking TRAP to early-life weight gain remain unclear.
  • Circulating adipokines are hypothesized to mediate the association between TRAP and infant weight gain.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between prenatal TRAP exposure and adipokine levels in cord blood.
  • To examine the relationship between cord blood adipokines, TRAP exposure, and infant weight change from birth to six months.
  • To explore potential sex-specific effects on infant weight change.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Maternal and Child Health Study birth cohort (n=136).
  • Estimated prenatal residential TRAP exposure using air pollution models.
  • Employed linear regression to analyze associations between adipokines, TRAP exposure, and infant weight change.

Main Results:

  • Increased prenatal exposure to non-freeway nitrogen oxides was associated with higher leptin and high molecular weight adiponectin levels in cord blood.
  • Mothers living closer to major roadways had significantly higher cord blood leptin levels.
  • Higher cord blood leptin levels were associated with increased infant weight change in female infants.

Conclusions:

  • Higher prenatal TRAP exposures correlate with elevated cord blood leptin and high molecular weight adiponectin.
  • These adipokines may play a role in mediating the impact of TRAP on infant weight gain, particularly in female infants.
  • Findings suggest potential implications for future obesity risk in children exposed to TRAP prenatally.
Abstract

Keywords:
Air pollutioncord bloodhigh molecular weight adiponectinleptin

More Related Videos

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

88.1K
A Rat Model of Mild Intrauterine Hypoperfusion with Microcoil Stenosis06:19

A Rat Model of Mild Intrauterine Hypoperfusion with Microcoil Stenosis

Published on: January 7, 2018

10.9K

Related Concept Videos

Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
4.3K
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
1.1K
Environmental Influences on Intelligence01:29

Environmental Influences on Intelligence

Despite the strong genetic influence on traits like intelligence, environmental factors significantly shape outcomes. For example, while over 90% of height variation is due to genetic differences, environmental factors such as nutrition also have a notable impact. Similarly, for intelligence, changes in a child's surroundings can significantly alter their IQ. Research shows that enriched environments boost children's academic success and help them develop key cognitive skills. Children...
993
Regression Toward the Mean01:52

Regression Toward the Mean

Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when...
7.2K