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Association of prenatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls with cleft lip and/or palate risk in offspring: A
Sainan Li1, Shujian Lin1, Yongyan Chen1
1Institute of Reproductive and Child Health/National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
Insights
Prenatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is linked to an increased risk of cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) in newborns. Specific PCB compounds and mixtures were identified as significant contributors to this congenital facial defect risk.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Reproductive Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) is a common congenital facial malformation.
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants and endocrine disruptors.
- PCBs can cross the placental barrier, potentially impacting fetal development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between prenatal exposure to single PCBs and PCB mixtures and the risk of CL/P in offspring.
- To identify specific PCB congeners contributing to CL/P risk.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter case-control study involving 149 CL/P cases and 292 controls.
- Measurement of thirteen specific PCBs in placental tissue using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
- Analysis of single PCB exposure and PCB mixture effects using multipollutant models.
Main Results:
- Significant associations were found between placental levels of 2,2',5,5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl and 3,4,4',5-tetrachlorobiphenyl and increased CL/P risk (OR > 1).
- Multipollutant models indicated a positive association between prenatal exposure to a PCB mixture and CL/P risk.
- 2,2',5,5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl and 3,4,4',5-tetrachlorobiphenyl were identified as primary contributors to the mixture's risk.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence linking prenatal PCB exposure to an elevated risk of CL/P.
- Specific PCB congeners and their mixtures pose a risk to fetal development, contributing to CL/P.
- Highlights the need for environmental remediation to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants like PCBs.
Abstract:
Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) is a congenital facial defect. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are recognized as both persistent organic pollutants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which can cross the placental barrier, leading to an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, there is no study to evaluate the association of prenatal exposure to PCBs with CL/P risk in offspring. Therefore, we investigated a multicenter case-control study, comprising 149 cases and 292 controls, to explore the association of prenatal exposure to single PCB and a PCB mixture with CL/P risk in offspring. Thirteen PCBs were measured using a gas chromatograph coupled with a triple-quad mass spectrometer. The single exposure analysis indicated a significant statistical association of placental 2,2',5,5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl and 3,4,4',5-tetrachlorobiphenyl levels with CL/P risk (OR = 1.23, 95 % CI: 1.03, 1.48; OR = 1.20, 95 % CI: 1.03, 1.41, respectively). Three multipollutant models demonstrated a positive association between prenatal exposure to the PCB mixture and CL/P risk, with 2,2',5,5'-tetrachlorobiphenyl and 3,4,4',5-tetrachlorobiphenyl being the primary contributors to this risk. This study pioneers the investigation of the association between prenatal exposure to PCBs and the risk for CL/P, which not only deepens our understanding of the toxic effects of PCBs but also serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to intensify efforts to remediate contaminated environments.
