Proteomic evaluation of human umbilical cord tissue exposed to polybrominated diphenyl ethers in an e-waste recycling...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Proteomics

Background:

• Parental exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) is associated with adverse birth outcomes.
• Electronic waste (e-waste) recycling areas present unique exposure risks.
• Understanding molecular mechanisms linking PBDEs to birth outcomes is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine differentially-expressed protein profiles in umbilical cord tissue from mothers exposed to PBDEs.
• To identify candidate biomarkers for PBDE exposure.
• To investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of PBDE-associated adverse birth outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Umbilical cord samples collected from e-waste (Guiyu) and reference (Haojiang) areas in China.
• PBDE concentrations determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
• Proteomic analysis using isobaric tagging for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) to identify differentially-expressed proteins.

Main Results:

• PBDE concentrations were significantly higher in umbilical cords from the e-waste area (Guiyu) compared to the reference area (Haojiang).
• Neonatal head circumference, BMI, and Apgar1 score were negatively correlated with PBDE concentration.
• Proteomic analysis revealed 697 differentially-expressed proteins, primarily involved in antioxidant defense, apoptosis, cell structure, and metabolism. Key proteins like catalase and glutathione S-transferase omega-1 were down-regulated, while cytochrome c was up-regulated.

Conclusions:

• PBDE exposure in e-waste areas is associated with reduced neonatal anthropometric measurements and Apgar scores.
• Altered protein expression in umbilical cord tissue suggests an imbalance in antioxidant defense and increased cell apoptosis.
• These molecular changes provide insights into the mechanisms underlying PBDE-induced adverse birth outcomes.