Sex Differences in Impacts of Early Gestational and Peri-Adolescent Ozone Exposure on Lung Development in Rats: Implications for Later Life Disease in Humans

Janice A Dye ¹, Helen H Nguyen ², Erica J Stewart ²

⁰Cardiopulmonary and Immunotoxicology Branch, Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

The American Journal of Pathology +

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August 25, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Early life ozone exposure impacts lung development differently in male and female rats. Gestational exposure harmed females, while peri-adolescent exposure affected males, suggesting sex-specific risks for respiratory diseases.

Area Of Science

Environmental Health
Toxicology
Developmental Biology

Background

Air pollution, specifically ozone, is a significant environmental concern.
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is linked to long-term respiratory issues.
Early life exposures can have lasting impacts on lung development.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate sex differences in the effects of early life ozone exposure on lung development and maturation.
To evaluate impacts of gestational, peri-adolescent, and cumulative ozone exposure.
To explore potential links to pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Main Methods

Utilized an established model of asymmetrical FGR in Long-Evans rats.
Assessed lung development and maturation following gestational and peri-adolescent ozone exposure.
Examined effects of cumulative exposure across both developmental periods.

Main Results

Female offspring showed adverse effects from gestational ozone exposure, including impaired primary alveolarization, reduced lung capacity, fewer mature alveoli, and pulmonary artery medial hypertrophy.
Male offspring, particularly those with FGR, were more impacted by peri-adolescent ozone exposure, exhibiting increased ductal areas due to disrupted secondary alveolarization.
Sex-specific differences in lung development alterations were observed.

Conclusions

Early life ozone exposure has distinct sex-specific impacts on lung development and maturation.
These alterations may increase susceptibility to respiratory diseases like pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Findings highlight the importance of sex-specific analysis in environmental health research and underscore the risks of ozone exposure.