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Premranjith P, King W, Ashley-Martin J, Borghese MM, Bouchard M, Foster W, Arbuckle TE, Velez MP. Maternal exposure to metals and time-to-pregnancy: The MIREC cohort study. BJOG 2024; 131:589-597. [PMID: 38239019 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the association between maternal exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead, manganese and mercury, time-to-pregnancy (TTP) and infertility. DESIGN Pregnancy-based retrospective TTP cohort study. SETTING Hospitals and clinics from ten cities across Canada. POPULATION A total of 1784 pregnant women. METHODS Concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, lead, manganese and mercury were measured in maternal whole blood during the first trimester of pregnancy as a proxy of preconception exposure. Discrete-time Cox proportional hazards models generated fecundability odds ratios (FOR) for the association between metals and TTP. Logistic regression generated odds ratios (OR) for the association between metals and infertility. Models were adjusted for maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, education, income, recruitment site and plasma lipids. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES TTP was self-reported as the number of months of unprotected intercourse to become pregnant. Infertility was defined as TTP longer than 12 months. RESULTS A total of 1784 women were eligible for the analysis. Mean ± SD maternal age and gestational age at interview were 32.2 ± 5.0 years, and 11.6 ± 1.6 weeks, respectively. Exposure to arsenic, cadmium, manganese or mercury was not associated with TTP or infertility. Increments of one standard deviation of lead concentrations resulted in a shorter TTP (adjusted FOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.16); however, the association was not linear when exposure was modelled in tertiles. CONCLUSION Blood concentrations of metals at typical levels of exposure among Canadian pregnant women were not associated with TTP or infertility. Further studies are needed to assess the role of lead, if any, on TTP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Premranjith
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Will King
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael M Borghese
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maryse Bouchard
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Warren Foster
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria P Velez
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Ashley-Martin J, Hammond J, Velez MP. Assessing preconception exposure to environmental chemicals and fecundity: Strategies, challenges, and research priorities. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 125:108578. [PMID: 38522558 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
In 2022, approximately one out of six people globally experienced infertility at some point in their life. Environmental chemicals, particularly those with endocrine disrupting activity, may contribute to impaired fecundity and infertility. We review existing prospective cohort studies of environmental chemicals and fecundity, identify methodological challenges and biases, and outline future research priorities. Studies of preconception environmental chemical exposures and fecundity have occurred in US, Singapore, China and Denmark with recruitment as early as 1982-1986, as recent as 2015-2017 and sample sizes ranging from 99 to 936. Higher exposure to certain chemicals (e.g. heavy metals, perfluoroalkyl substances) was associated with longer time to pregnancy; yet the literature is scarce or nonexistent for many chemicals. Furthermore, prospective studies face challenges and potential biases related to recruiting participants prior to conception, measuring environmental chemicals during critical windows of exposure, and ascertaining when pregnancy occurred. Research priorities include expanding the scope of biomonitoring data collected during the preconception period, continuing to develop and validate analytic methods for self-sampled biospecimens in traditional and novel matrices, collecting data in male partners and investigating etiologic associations according to indicators of marginalization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacob Hammond
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Canada
| | - Maria P Velez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queens University, Canada
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Ashley-Martin J, Fisher M, Belanger P, Cirtiu CM, Arbuckle TE. Biomonitoring of inorganic arsenic species in pregnancy. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 2023; 33:921-932. [PMID: 35948664 PMCID: PMC10733137 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00457-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Exposure assessment of inorganic arsenic is challenging due to the existence of multiple species, complexity of arsenic metabolism, and variety of exposure sources. Exposure assessment of arsenic during pregnancy is further complicated by the physiological changes that occur to support fetal growth. Given the well-established toxicity of inorganic arsenic at high concentrations, continued research into the potential health effects of low-level exposure on maternal and fetal health is necessary. Our objectives were to review the value of and challenges inherent in measuring inorganic arsenic species in pregnancy and highlight related research priorities. We discussed how the physiological changes of pregnancy influence arsenic metabolism and necessitate the need for pregnancy-specific data. We reviewed the biomonitoring challenges according to common and novel biological matrices and discussed how each matrix differs according to half-life, bioavailability, availability of laboratory methods, and interpretation within pregnancy. Exposure assessment in both established and novel matrices that accounts for the physiological changes of pregnancy and complexity of speciation is a research priority. Standardization of laboratory method for novel matrices will help address these data gaps. Research is particularly lacking in contemporary populations of pregnant women without naturally elevated arsenic drinking water concentrations (i.e. <10 µg/l).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Environmental Health, Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Mandy Fisher
- Environmental Health, Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Patrick Belanger
- INSPQ, Centre de toxicologie du Québec, Direction de la santé environnementale, au travail et de la toxicology, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Ciprian Mihai Cirtiu
- INSPQ, Centre de toxicologie du Québec, Direction de la santé environnementale, au travail et de la toxicology, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health, Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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4
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Fisher M, Muckle G, Lanphear B, Arbuckle TE, Braun JM, Zidek A, Vélez MP, Lupien N, Bastien S, Ashley-Martin J, Oulhote Y, Borghese MM, Walker M, Asztalos E, Bouchard MF, Booij L, Palmert MR, Morrison KM, Cummings EA, Khatchadourian K, Panagiotopoulos C, Glendon G, Shutt R, Abdul-Fatah A, Seal K, Fraser WD. Cohort profile update: The Canadian Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals Child Development study (MIREC-CD PLUS). Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2023; 37:719-732. [PMID: 37921434 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.13013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pan-Canadian Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study was established to determine whether maternal environmental chemical exposures were associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in 2001 pregnant women. OBJECTIVES The MIREC-Child Development (CD PLUS) study followed this cohort with the goal of assessing the potential effects of prenatal exposures on anthropometry and neurodevelopment in early childhood. POPULATION MIREC families with children between the ages of 15 months and 5 years who had agreed to be contacted for future research (n = 1459) were invited to participate in MIREC-CD PLUS which combines data collected from an online Maternal Self-Administered Questionnaire with biomonitoring and neurodevelopment data collected from two in-person visits. PRELIMINARY RESULTS Between April 2013 and March 2015, 803 children participated in the Biomonitoring visit where we collected anthropometric measures, blood, and urine from the children. The Behavioural Assessment System for Children-2, Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function, MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories and the Communication subscale of the Adaptive Behaviour Scale from the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III are available on close to 900 children. There were 610 singleton children who completed in-person visits for neurodevelopment assessments including the Social Responsiveness Scale, Wechsler Preschool Primary Scale of Intelligence-III and NEuroPSYchological assessments (NEPSY). Currently, we are following the cohort into early adolescence to measure the impact of early life exposures on endocrine and metabolic function (MIREC-ENDO). CONCLUSIONS Data collection for the MIREC-CD PLUS study is complete and analysis of the data continues. We are now extending the follow-up of the cohort into adolescence to measure the impact of early life exposures on endocrine and metabolic function (MIREC-ENDO). MIREC-CD PLUS is limited by loss to follow-up and the fact that mothers are predominately of higher socioeconomic status and 'White' ethnicity, which limits our generalizability. However, the depth of biomonitoring and clinical measures in MIREC provides a platform to examine associations of prenatal, infancy and childhood exposures with child growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Fisher
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Bruce Lanphear
- Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Angelika Zidek
- Existing Substances and Risk Assessment Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Nicole Lupien
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Stephanie Bastien
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Youssef Oulhote
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael M Borghese
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Walker
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Asztalos
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maryse F Bouchard
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Linda Booij
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Research Centre/Eating Disorders Continuum, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mark R Palmert
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katherine M Morrison
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Constadina Panagiotopoulos
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, Department of Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gord Glendon
- Ontario Cancer Genetics Network, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robin Shutt
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ammanie Abdul-Fatah
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelsey Seal
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - William D Fraser
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
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Arbuckle TE, Gaudreau É, MacPherson S, Kabasakal M, Borghese MM, Fisher M, Bouchard MF, Foster W, Ashley-Martin J, Provencher G. Measurement of 24 phthalate metabolites in 1st trimester urine samples: The MIREC study. Chemosphere 2023; 338:139603. [PMID: 37480951 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates are non-persistent chemicals measured as metabolites in urine. Over time, new metabolites have been identified. In the original Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study (2008-2011), we measured 11 phthalate metabolites in first trimester urine samples. The goal of the present study was to develop a method to measure new metabolites, to increase the sensitivity for some previously measured metabolites, and to measure these new metabolites in biobanked urine samples from MIREC participants. Using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography with a tandem mass spectrometer, we developed a method to measure 24 metabolites from 10 different parent phthalates. Chromatographic interpretation of some of the di-iso-decyl phthalate metabolites (mono-(2-propyl-6oxoheptyl) phthalate (MOiDP), mono-(2,7-methyl-7-carboxyheptyl) phthalate (MCiNP), mono-(2-propyl-6-hydroxy-heptyl) phthalate (MHiDP)) and di-iso-nonyl phthalate metabolites (mono(oxo-isononyl) phthalate (MOiNP), mono(carboxy-isooctyl) phthalate (MCiOP), mono(hydroxy-isononyl) phthalate (MHiNP) and mono-isononyl phthalate (MiNP)) was challenging as these are complex isomeric mixtures. To validate and confirm our quantitation peaks, an assay using a high-resolution detection technique was developed on a Quadrupole Time-of-Flight (QToF) system. This system has a mass resolution of at least 0.005 amu, compared to 0.5 amu for the MS/MS detector. Using the QToF system, the distinction between an isomer and possible interference was achieved with the use of the exact mass. In about 1800 MIREC samples, mono-cyclo-hexyl phthalate (MCHP), mono-(7-carboxy-n-heptyl) phthalate (MCHpP), mono-iso-decyl phthalate (MiDP), and mono-n-octyl phthalate (MnOP) were rarely detected, while detection of MMP was improved. MCiOP, MiNP and MCiNP had to be reported semi-quantitatively. Given the complexity of isomeric mixtures of some phthalates, researchers must be careful in their determination of the analytes and the approach used in their quantification when generating biomonitoring data. This study produced biomonitoring data for a large population of pregnant people that can be used in risk assessment of phthalates. Future work will examine associations with birth and child outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tye E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Sciences and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Éric Gaudreau
- Centre de Toxicologie du Québec (CTQ), Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ), Québec, QC, G1V 5B3, Canada
| | - Susan MacPherson
- Environmental Health Sciences and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Muzeyyen Kabasakal
- Environmental Health Sciences and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Michael M Borghese
- Environmental Health Sciences and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Mandy Fisher
- Environmental Health Sciences and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Maryse F Bouchard
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, QC, H3N 1X9, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Warren Foster
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Environmental Health Sciences and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Gilles Provencher
- Centre de Toxicologie du Québec (CTQ), Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ), Québec, QC, G1V 5B3, Canada
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Packull-McCormick S, Ashley-Martin J, Singh K, Fisher M, Arbuckle TE, Lanphear B, Laird BD, Muckle G, Booij L, Asztalos E, Walker M, Bouchard MF, Saint-Amour D, Boivin M, Borghese M. Prenatal and concurrent blood mercury concentrations and associations with IQ in canadian preschool children. Environ Res 2023; 233:116463. [PMID: 37343750 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal and childhood mercury (Hg) exposures have been associated with negative impacts on child neurodevelopment. It is unclear if associations persist at the low Hg exposures typical in Western countries. OBJECTIVE To examine associations between prenatal/childhood blood Hg concentrations and child IQ in Canadian male and female children while considering the potential modifying role of prenatal fish consumption. METHODS We analyzed data from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals study. Hg was measured in first trimester (n = 527), cord (n = 430), and child (at 3-4 years of age, n = 355) blood and examined sex-stratified associations between blood Hg and children's Full Scale IQ (FSIQ), Verbal IQ (VIQ), Performance IQ (PIQ), and General Language Composite (GLC) scores (assessed with WPPSI-III). Prenatal Hg analyses were further stratified by prenatal fish consumption (low: 0-2, moderate: 3-7, or high: ≥8 times/month). RESULTS Higher cord blood Hg concentrations were associated with lower PIQ (ß = -3.27; 95%CI: 6.44, -0.09) in male children with the lowest prenatal fish consumption. Progressively stronger positive associations were observed with PIQ in male children for moderate (ß = 1.08; 95%CI: 0.10, 2.26) and high (ß = 3.07; 95%CI: 1.95, 4.19) prenatal fish consumption. Cord blood Hg concentrations were positively associated with female children's FSIQ (ß = 1.29; 95% CI: 0.77, 1.81) and PIQ (ß = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.19, 2.83); however, when stratified only in the highest fish consumption subgroup. Among female children, higher child blood Hg concentrations were associated with an approximately 1-point increase in FSIQ, VIQ, and GLC. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal exposure to low levels of Hg was associated with lower PIQ scores in male children with low prenatal fish intake. Positive associations between cord and child blood Hg concentrations and IQ were primarily observed in female children and may be due to beneficial effects of prenatal fish intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Packull-McCormick
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada; School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Kavita Singh
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Mandy Fisher
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | | | - Brian D Laird
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Gina Muckle
- Université Laval, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada; Quebec CHU Research Center, QC, G1E 6W2, Canada
| | - Linda Booij
- Research Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute & Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Rentre, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Asztalos
- Department of Newborn & Developmental Paediatrics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, ON, M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Mark Walker
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Maryse F Bouchard
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Montreal School of Public Health, QC, H3N 1X9, Canada
| | | | | | - Michael Borghese
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
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Borghese MM, Huang R, MacPherson S, Gaudreau E, Gagné S, Ashley-Martin J, Fisher M, Booij L, Bouchard MF, Arbuckle TE. A descriptive analysis of first trimester urinary concentrations of 14 bisphenol analogues in the MIREC Canadian pregnancy cohort. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 253:114225. [PMID: 37542835 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concern over the health effects of BPA, particularly for the developing fetus, has led to an increasing use of bisphenol analogues in industrial and consumer products, which may be as hormonally active as BPA. Biomonitoring data for many bisphenol analogues, especially in pregnant populations, are limited. METHODS We measured concentrations of 14 bisphenol analogues in 1st trimester urine samples (n = 1851) from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Canadian pregnancy cohort (2008-2011). We examined patterns of exposure according to sociodemographic and sampling characteristics as well as occupation and frequency of consumption of canned fish within the previous 3 months. RESULTS BPA was detected in 89% of participants with a specific gravity standardized geometric mean concentration of 0.990 μg/L. Biphenol 4,4' (BP 4,4'), 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl ether (DHDPE), and bisphenol E (BPE) were detected in >97% of participants. Bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) were detected in >60% of participants. Specific gravity standardized geometric mean concentrations of these 5 compounds ranged from 0.024 to 0.564 μg/L. Nine bisphenol analogues were detected in <9% of participants. Concentrations of BP 4,4', DHDPE, and BPE were higher in younger women and those with higher pre-pregnancy BMI, lower household income, lower education, and among smokers. We found a similar pattern of differences in BPF for age, education, and smoking status while BPS similarly differed across categories of pre-pregnancy BMI. Participants who were unemployed or working in the service industry had higher molar sum of 7 bisphenol analogues than those working in healthcare, education, or an office setting. Canned fish consumption was not related to bisphenol analogue concentrations. CONCLUSION BP 4,4', DHDPE, BPE, BPF, and BPS were highly detected in 1st trimester urine samples in this large pan-Canadian pregnancy cohort. This suggests widespread exposure to these analogues around 2008-2011 and warrants further investigation into associations with health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Borghese
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - R Huang
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - S MacPherson
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - E Gaudreau
- Centre du Toxicologie du Québec (CTQ), Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ), Quebec, Canada.
| | - S Gagné
- Centre du Toxicologie du Québec (CTQ), Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ), Quebec, Canada.
| | - J Ashley-Martin
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - M Fisher
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - L Booij
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health of the University of Montreal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | - M F Bouchard
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health of the University of Montreal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | - T E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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Palaniyandi J, Bruin JE, Kumarathasan P, MacPherson S, Borghese MM, Ashley-Martin J. Prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and inflammatory biomarker concentrations. Environ Epidemiol 2023; 7:e262. [PMID: 37545803 PMCID: PMC10403040 DOI: 10.1097/ee9.0000000000000262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants that induce immunotoxicity in experimental studies; however, epidemiological evidence-particularly during pregnancy-is scarce. We quantified associations between first trimester plasma perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) concentrations and third trimester concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers and determined if these associations were modified by fetal sex. Methods We analyzed data from 1411 participants, recruited between 2008 and 2011, in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals study. Our primary outcome was a composite inflammatory index derived by summing the z-scores of eight proinflammatory biomarkers. Using multivariable linear regression models, we quantified associations between each PFAS and the inflammatory index and individual biomarkers. We quantified the effects of the PFAS mixture using weighted quantile sum regression, and evaluated effect modification using product terms and sex-stratified models. Results Each doubling of PFOA and PFHxS was associated with a 0.38 (95% CI, 0.09, 0.67) and 0.21 (95% CI, 0.01, 0.41) SD increase in the proinflammatory index, respectively. A one-quartile increase in the PFAS mixture was associated with a 0.40 (95% CI, 0.09, 0.71) SD increase in the proinflammatory index. In individual models, we observed positive associations between PFAS and concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1β, and matrix metalloproteinases-9; however, the magnitude and precision varied according to the specific PFAS. Sex-specific findings were identified in few PFAS-biomarker associations. Conclusions PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS, individually and as a mixture, were positively associated with proinflammatory biomarkers during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Palaniyandi
- Department of Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario
| | - Jennifer E. Bruin
- Department of Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario
| | | | - Susan MacPherson
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
| | - Michael M. Borghese
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
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Goodman CV, Till C, Green R, El-Sabbagh J, Arbuckle TE, Hornung R, Lanphear B, Seguin JR, Booij L, Fisher M, Muckle G, Bouchard MF, Ashley-Martin J. Prenatal exposure to legacy PFAS and neurodevelopment in preschool-aged Canadian children: The MIREC cohort. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2023; 98:107181. [PMID: 37178772 PMCID: PMC10979774 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2023.107181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been shown to be neurotoxic in experimental studies, but epidemiological evidence linking prenatal PFAS exposure to child neurodevelopment is equivocal and scarce. OBJECTIVE To quantify associations between prenatal exposure to legacy PFAS and children's intelligence (IQ) and executive functioning (EF) in a Canadian pregnancy and birth cohort and to determine if these associations differ by child sex. METHODS We measured first-trimester plasma concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study and assessed children's full-scale (n = 522), performance (n = 517), and verbal (n = 519) IQ using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-III). Children's working memory (n = 513) and ability to plan and organize (n = 514) were assessed using a parent-reported questionnaire, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Preschool Version (BRIEF-P). We quantified associations between individual log2-transformed PFAS exposure and children's IQ and EF using multiple linear regression analyses and evaluated effect modification by child sex. We also used Repeated Holdout Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression models with effect modification by child sex to quantify the effect of combined exposure to all three PFAS chemicals on IQ and EF. All models were adjusted for key sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS Geometric mean plasma concentrations (IQR) for PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS were 1.68 (1.10-2.50), 4.97 (3.20-6.20) and 1.09 (0.67-1.60) μg/L respectively. We found evidence of effect modification by child sex in all models examining performance IQ (p < .01). Specifically, every doubling of PFOA, PFOS, and or PFHxS was inversely associated with performance IQ, but only in males (PFOA: B = -2.80, 95% CI: -4.92, -0.68; PFOS: B = -2.64, 95% CI: -4.77, -0.52; PFHxS: B = -2.92, 95% CI: -4.72, -1.12). Similarly, every quartile increase in the WQS index was associated with poorer performance IQ in males (B = -3.16, 95% CI: -4.90, -1.43), with PFHxS contributing the largest weight to the index. In contrast, no significant association was found for females (B = 0.63, 95% CI: -0.99, 2.26). No significant associations were found for EF in either males or females. CONCLUSIONS Higher prenatal PFAS exposure was associated with lower performance IQ in males, suggesting that this association may be sex- and domain-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly V Goodman
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christine Till
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Rivka Green
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jana El-Sabbagh
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Richard Hornung
- Pediatrics and Environmental Health, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (retired), United States
| | - Bruce Lanphear
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Jean R Seguin
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre and Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Linda Booij
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre and Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mandy Fisher
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gina Muckle
- École de psychologie, Université Laval, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Maryse F Bouchard
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre and Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Université du Quebec, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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Ashley-Martin J, MacPherson S, Zhao Z, Gaudreau É, Provencher G, Fisher M, Borghese MM, Bouchard MF, Booij L, Arbuckle TE. Descriptive analysis of organophosphate ester metabolites in a pan-Canadian pregnancy cohort. Sci Total Environ 2023; 883:163327. [PMID: 37030364 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are widely used in numerous consumer products for their flame retardant and plasticizing properties. Despite potential widespread exposure, biomonitoring data during critical windows of development are scarce and limited to the most widely studied metabolites. We quantified urinary concentrations of multiple OPE metabolites in a vulnerable Canadian population. Using data and biobanked specimens from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study (2008-2011), we measured first trimester urinary concentrations of 15 OPE metabolites as well as one flame retardant metabolite and quantified associations with sociodemographic and sample collection characteristics in 1865 pregnant participants. We applied 2 different analytical methods to quantify OPEs, one using UItra-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and the other using Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (APGC-MS/MS) with sensitive limits of detection (0.008-0.1 μg/L). We modelled associations between sociodemographic and sample collection characteristics and specific gravity-standardized chemical concentrations. Six OPE metabolites were detected in the majority (68.1-97.4 %) of participants. Bis-(2-chloroethyl) hydrogen phosphate had the highest detection rate (97.4 %). Diphenyl phosphate had the highest geometric mean concentration (0.657 μg/L). Metabolites of tricresyl phosphate were detected in few participants. Associations between sociodemographic characteristics varied according to each OPE metabolite. Pre-pregnancy body mass index tended to be positively associated with OPE metabolite concentrations whereas age tended to be inversely associated with OPE concentrations. OPE concentrations were, on average, higher in urine samples collected in the summer than other seasons the winter. We present the largest biomonitoring study of OPE metabolites in pregnant people to date. These findings demonstrate widespread exposure to OPEs and their metabolites and identify subpopulations who may experience heightened exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Susan MacPherson
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Zhao Zhao
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Éric Gaudreau
- Centre du Toxicologie du Québec (CTQ), Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec (INSPQ), Québec, QC G1V 5B3, Canada.
| | - Gilles Provencher
- Centre du Toxicologie du Québec (CTQ), Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec (INSPQ), Québec, QC G1V 5B3, Canada.
| | - Mandy Fisher
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Michael M Borghese
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Maryse F Bouchard
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Laval, Quebec, Canada; Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Linda Booij
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University and Research centre, Douglas Institute, Montreal H4H 1R3, Canada.
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada.
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Borghese MM, Fisher M, Ashley-Martin J, Fraser WD, Trottier H, Lanphear B, Johnson M, Helewa M, Foster W, Walker M, Arbuckle TE. Individual, Independent, and Joint Associations of Toxic Metals and Manganese on Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Results from the MIREC Canadian Pregnancy Cohort. Environ Health Perspect 2023; 131:47014. [PMID: 37079392 PMCID: PMC10117658 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxic metals, such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg), may be associated with a higher risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, whereas manganese (Mn) is an essential metal that may be protective. OBJECTIVES We estimated the individual, independent, and joint associations of Pb, Cd, As, Hg, and Mn on the risk of developing gestational hypertension and preeclampsia in a cohort of Canadian women. METHODS Metal concentrations were analyzed in first and third trimester maternal blood (n=1,560). We measured blood pressure after 20 wk gestation to diagnose gestational hypertension, whereas proteinuria and other complications defined preeclampsia. We estimated individual and independent (adjusted for coexposure) relative risks (RRs) for each doubling of metal concentrations and examined interactions between toxic metals and Mn. We used quantile g-computation to estimate the joint effect of trimester-specific exposures. RESULTS Each doubling of third trimester Pb (RR=1.54; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.22) and first trimester blood As (RR=1.25; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.58) was independently associated with a higher risk of developing preeclampsia. First trimester blood As (RR=3.40; 95% CI: 1.40, 8.28) and Mn (RR=0.63; 95% CI: 0.42, 0.94) concentrations were associated with a higher and lower risk, respectively, of developing gestational hypertension. Mn modified the association with As such that the deleterious association with As was stronger at lower concentrations of Mn. First trimester urinary dimethylarsinic acid concentrations were not associated with gestational hypertension (RR=1.31; 95% CI: 0.60, 2.85) or preeclampsia (RR=0.92; 95% CI: 0.68, 1.24). We did not observe overall joint effects for blood metals. DISCUSSION Our results confirm that even low blood Pb concentrations are a risk factor for preeclampsia. Women with higher blood As concentrations combined with lower Mn in early pregnancy were more likely to develop gestational hypertension. These pregnancy complications impact maternal and neonatal health. Understanding the contribution of toxic metals and Mn is of public health importance. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10825.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M. Borghese
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mandy Fisher
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - William D. Fraser
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Helen Trottier
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bruce Lanphear
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Markey Johnson
- Water and Air Quality Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Helewa
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Warren Foster
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Walker
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tye E. Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Fisher M, Marro L, Arbuckle TE, Potter BK, Little J, Weiler H, Morisset AS, Lanphear B, Oulhote Y, Braun JM, Kumarathasan P, Walker M, Borghese MM, Ashley-Martin J, Shutt R, Fraser WD. Association between toxic metals, vitamin D and preterm birth in the Maternal-Infant research on environmental chemicals study. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2023. [PMID: 36864001 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxic metals, like lead, are risk factors for preterm birth (PTB), but few studies have examined low levels found in most Canadians. Vitamin D, which may have antioxidant activity, protects against PTB. OBJECTIVES In this study, we investigated the impact of toxic metals (lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic) on PTB and examined if maternal plasma vitamin D concentrations modify these associations. METHODS We investigated whether concentrations of metals in whole blood measured in early and late pregnancy were associated with PTB (<37 weeks) and spontaneous PTB in 1851 live births from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals Study using discrete time survival analysis. We also investigated whether the risk of PTB was modified by first-trimester plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations. RESULTS Of 1851 live births, 6.1% (n = 113) were PTBs and 4.9% (n = 89) were spontaneous PTB. A 1 μg/dL increase in blood lead concentrations during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of PTB (relative risk [RR] 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00, 2.20) and spontaneous PTB (RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.13, 2.60). The risk was higher in women with insufficient vitamin D concentrations (25OHD <50 nmol/L) for both PTB (RR 2.42, 95% CI 1.01, 5.79) and spontaneous PTB (RR 3.04, 95% CI 1.15, 8.04). However, an interaction on the additive scale was not present. Arsenic was associated with a higher risk of PTB (RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02, 1.19) and spontaneous PTB (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03, 1.20) per 1 μg/L. CONCLUSIONS Gestational exposure to low levels of lead and arsenic may increase the risk of PTB and spontaneous PTB; individuals with insufficient vitamin D may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of lead. Given our relatively small number of cases, we encourage testing of this hypothesis in other cohorts, especially those with vitamin D-deficient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Fisher
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,University of Ottawa, School of Epidemiology and Public Health (SEPH), Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leonora Marro
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Beth K Potter
- University of Ottawa, School of Epidemiology and Public Health (SEPH), Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julian Little
- University of Ottawa, School of Epidemiology and Public Health (SEPH), Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hope Weiler
- Nutrition Research Division, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Bruce Lanphear
- Simon Fraser University. Vancouver, British Columbia Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Youssef Oulhote
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | | | - Mark Walker
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael M Borghese
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robin Shutt
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - William D Fraser
- Centre de Recherche du CHUS, and Department of Obstetrics and gynecology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
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13
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Ashley-Martin J, Huang R, MacPherson S, Brion O, Owen J, Gaudreau E, Bienvenu JF, Fisher M, Borghese MM, Bouchard MF, Lanphear B, Foster WG, Arbuckle TE. Urinary concentrations and determinants of glyphosate and glufosinate in pregnant Canadian participants in the MIREC study. Environ Res 2023; 217:114842. [PMID: 36410462 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glyphosate is the most widely applied herbicide in agriculture. Glufosinate is a broad spectrum herbicide used to manage glyphosate-resistant weeds. Despite the widespread use of these herbicides, biomonitoring data - which inform risk assessment and management - are sparse. OBJECTIVES To identify determinants of urinary concentrations of these herbicides and their metabolites in pregnancy. METHODS We measured urinary concentrations of glyphosate, glufosinate, and their primary metabolites aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) and 3-methylphosphinicopropionic acid (3-MPPA) in a single spot urine specimen collected during the first trimester of pregnancy from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study. MIREC recruited about 2000 pregnant women from 10 Canadian cities between 2008 and 2011. We used UItra-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) with sensitive limits of detection to quantify analyte concentrations. We examined urinary concentrations according to maternal sociodemographics, sample collection characteristics, reported pesticide use, and consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grain products. We used ANOVA models with specific gravity-standardized chemical concentrations as the dependent variable to determine associations with maternal and sample determinants. RESULTS Among women with biobanked urine samples (n = 1829-1854), 74% and 72% had detectable concentrations of glyphosate and AMPA, respectively. In contrast, one and six percent of women had detectable concentrations of glufosinate and 3-MPPA, respectively. The specific gravity-standardized geometric mean (95% CI) concentrations of glyphosate and AMPA were 0.112 (0.099-0.127) μg/L and 0.159 (0.147-0.172) μg/L, respectively. We observed a dose-response relationship between consumption of whole grain bread and higher urinary glyphosate concentrations. Season of urine collection and self-reported pesticide use were not associated with increased concentrations of any analyte. CONCLUSIONS We detected glyphosate and AMPA in the majority of pregnant women from this predominantly urban Canadian cohort. Diet was a probable route of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health, Research Science Bureau, Health Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Rong Huang
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health, Research Science Bureau, Health Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Susan MacPherson
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health, Research Science Bureau, Health Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Orly Brion
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health, Research Science Bureau, Health Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - James Owen
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health, Research Science Bureau, Health Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Eric Gaudreau
- INSPQ, Centre de Toxicologie du Québec, Direction de la Santé Environnementale et de la Toxicologie, Quebec, QC, G1V 5B3, Canada.
| | - Jean-Francois Bienvenu
- INSPQ, Centre de Toxicologie du Québec, Direction de la Santé Environnementale et de la Toxicologie, Quebec, QC, G1V 5B3, Canada.
| | - Mandy Fisher
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health, Research Science Bureau, Health Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Michael M Borghese
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health, Research Science Bureau, Health Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Maryse F Bouchard
- University of Montreal, Department of Environmental Health and Occupational Health, Montreal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada.
| | - Bruce Lanphear
- Simon Fraser, Faculty of Health Sciences, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Warren G Foster
- McMaster University, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada.
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health, Research Science Bureau, Health Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
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Ashley-Martin J, Fisher M, Borghese MM, Arbuckle TE. Descriptive Epidemiology: The Importance of Exposures. Am J Epidemiol 2023; 192:680. [PMID: 36642499 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwac215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mandy Fisher
- Environmental Health, Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON
| | - Michel M Borghese
- Environmental Health, Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health, Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON
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15
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Patti MA, Kelsey KT, MacFarlane AJ, Papandonatos GD, Arbuckle TE, Ashley-Martin J, Fisher M, Fraser WD, Lanphear BP, Muckle G, Braun JM. Maternal Folate Status and the Relation between Gestational Arsenic Exposure and Child Health Outcomes. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:11332. [PMID: 36141604 PMCID: PMC9517145 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Gestational arsenic exposure adversely impacts child health. Folate-mediated 1-carbon metabolism facilitates urinary excretion of arsenic and may prevent arsenic-related adverse health outcomes. We investigated the potential for maternal folate status to modify associations between gestational arsenic exposure and child health. We used data from 364 mother-child pairs in the MIREC study, a prospective pan-Canadian cohort. During pregnancy, we measured first trimester urinary arsenic concentrations, plasma folate biomarkers, and folic acid supplementation intake. At age 3 years, we evaluated twelve neurodevelopmental and anthropometric features. Using latent profile analysis and multinomial regression, we developed phenotypic profiles of child health, estimated covariate-adjusted associations between arsenic and these phenotypic profiles, and evaluated whether folate status modified these associations. We identified three phenotypic profiles of neurodevelopment and three of anthropometry, ranging from less to more optimal child health. Gestational arsenic was associated with decreased odds of optimal neurodevelopment. Maternal folate status did not modify associations of arsenic with neurodevelopmental phenotypic profiles, but gestational arsenic was associated with increased odds of excess adiposity among those who exceed recommendations for folic acid (>1000 μg/day). However, arsenic exposure was low and folate status was high. Gestational arsenic exposure may adversely impact child neurodevelopment and anthropometry, and maternal folate status may not modify these associations; however, future work should examine these associations in more arsenic-exposed or lower folate-status populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa A. Patti
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, 121 S Main St., Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Karl T. Kelsey
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, 121 S Main St., Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Amanda J. MacFarlane
- Nutrition Research Division, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - George D. Papandonatos
- Department of Biostatistics, Brown University, 121 S Main St., Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Tye E. Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Branch, Health Canada, 50 Colombine Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Branch, Health Canada, 50 Colombine Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Mandy Fisher
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Branch, Health Canada, 50 Colombine Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - William D. Fraser
- Department D’obstétrique et Gynécologie, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Bd de L’Université, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Bruce P. Lanphear
- Department of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 515 W Haastings St., Vancouver, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Gina Muckle
- School of Psychology, Université Laval, Ville de Québec, 2325 Rue de L’Université, Québec, QC G1V 0B4, Canada
| | - Joseph M. Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, 121 S Main St., Providence, RI 02903, USA
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Ashley-Martin J, Iannotti L, Lesorogol C, Hilton CE, Olungah CO, Zava T, Needham BL, Cui Y, Brindle E, Straight B. Heavy metal blood concentrations in association with sociocultural characteristics, anthropometry and anemia among Kenyan adolescents. International Journal of Environmental Health Research 2022; 32:1935-1949. [PMID: 34074180 PMCID: PMC8636529 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.1929871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To measure heavy metal concentrations among Kenyan youth and quantify associations with sociocultural, demographic, and health factors as well as anthropometry. METHODS Using data from a study of semi-nomadic pastoralists in Samburu County, Kenya, we measured blood concentrations of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) in 161 adolescents. We identified sociocultural, demographic and health characteristics associated with each metal and quantified the association between metals and adolescent anthropometry. RESULTS Median blood concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Hg were 1.82 µg/dL, 0.24 µg/L and 0.16 µg/L, respectively. Place of residence (highlands vs lowlands) was a determinant of metal concentrations. Hg was inversely related to anemia, and metals were not associated with anthropometry. CONCLUSIONS In this population of Samburu adolescents, median Pb and Cd blood concentrations were higher than other North American or European biomonitoring studies. These findings motivate further investigation into the environmental sources of metals in this community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Washington University in St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Lora Iannotti
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Carolyn Lesorogol
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Charles E Hilton
- Department of Anthropology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Charles Owuor Olungah
- Institute of Anthropology, Gender & African Studies, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Belinda L Needham
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Yuhan Cui
- Brown School, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Eleanor Brindle
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Bilinda Straight
- Department of Gender & Women's Studies, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
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Fisher M, Potter B, Little J, Oulhote Y, Weiler HA, Fraser W, Morisset AS, Braun J, Ashley-Martin J, Borghese MM, Shutt R, Kumarathasan P, Lanphear B, Walker M, Arbuckle TE. Blood metals and vitamin D status in a pregnancy cohort: A bidirectional biomarker analysis. Environ Res 2022; 211:113034. [PMID: 35240110 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), a biomarker of vitamin D status, is associated with reduced immune function and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth. Observational studies indicate that long-term, high level exposure to metals such as cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) can impact a person's vitamin D status. However, the directionality of the association is uncertain, particularly for low-level exposures. We used three distinct longitudinal data analysis methods to investigate cross-sectional, longitudinal and bidirectional relationships of Cd and Pb biomarkers with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) in a Canadian pregnancy cohort. Maternal whole blood Cd and Pb and plasma 25OHD concentrations were measured in the 1st (n = 1905) and 3rd (n = 1649) trimester and at delivery (25OHD only, n = 1542). Our multivariable linear regression analysis showed weak inverse associations between Cd and 25OHD concentrations cross-sectionally and longitudinally while the latent growth curve models showed weak associations with Pb on the 25OHD intercept. In the bidirectional analysis, using cross lagged panel models, we found no association between 1st trimester metals and 3rd trimester 25OHD. Instead, 1st trimester 25OHD was associated with 9% (-15%, -3%) lower 3rd trimester Cd and 3% (-7, 0.1%) lower Pb. These findings suggest the 25OHD may modify metal concentrations in pregnancy and demonstrates the value of controlling for contemporaneous effects and the persistence of a biomarker over time, in order to rule out reverse causation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Fisher
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health, Canada; University of Ottawa, School of Epidemiology and Public Health (SEPH), Canada.
| | - Beth Potter
- University of Ottawa, School of Epidemiology and Public Health (SEPH), Canada
| | - Julian Little
- University of Ottawa, School of Epidemiology and Public Health (SEPH), Canada
| | - Youssef Oulhote
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hope A Weiler
- Nutrition Research Division, Health Products and Food Branch, Health, Canada
| | | | | | - Joseph Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, USA
| | | | | | - Robin Shutt
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health, Canada
| | | | | | - Mark Walker
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Canada
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health, Canada
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18
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Ashley-Martin J, Gaudreau É, Dumas P, Liang CL, Logvin A, Bélanger P, Provencher G, Gagne S, Foster W, Lanphear B, Arbuckle TE. Direct LC-MS/MS and indirect GC-MS/MS methods for measuring urinary bisphenol A concentrations are comparable. Environ Int 2021; 157:106874. [PMID: 34537522 PMCID: PMC8801255 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bisphenol A (BPA) is typically measured in urine using an indirect method that involves enzymatic deconjugation and extraction. In contrast, the direct method measures free and conjugated BPA concurrently and sums them to estimate urinary BPA concentrations. Statistical comparison of total BPA results using the direct and indirect methods is necessary to accurately interpret biomonitoring data for risk assessments. OBJECTIVES To compare urinary BPA concentrations estimated from the indirect and direct methods in duplicate first trimester urine samples collected from 1879 pregnant women from the MIREC Study. METHODS For the indirect method, we measured urinary BPA concentrations using GC-MS/MS. For the direct method, we summed free and conjugated BPA concentrations measured using LC-MS/MS. We evaluated deviation between the two methods using the Bland-Altman analysis in the total sample and stratified (1) by specific gravity and (2) at the limit of quantification (LOQ). RESULTS Median urinary BPA concentrations for the direct and indirect methods were 0.89 µg BPA equivalents/L and 0.81 µg/L respectively. Concentrations from the direct method were, on average, 8.6% (95% CI: 6.7%, 10.5%) higher than the indirect method in a Bland-Altman analysis. The percent differences between the two methods was 4.0% in urines with specific gravities < 1.02 (n = 1348, 72%) and 20.3% in urine with specific gravity ≥ 1.02. In values below the LOQ (n = 663, 35%), we observed smaller average percent deviation (4.8%) between the two methods but wider limits of agreement. DISCUSSION Results from this study, based on the largest statistically rigorous comparison of the direct and indirect methods of BPA measurement, contrast previous findings reporting that the indirect method underestimates total BPA exposure. The difference in urinary BPA concentrations we observed with the indirect and direct methods is unlikely to alter the interpretation of health outcome data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Branch, Health Canada, Canada.
| | - Éric Gaudreau
- Centre de Toxicologie du Québec (CTQ), Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ), Québec, Canada.
| | - Pierre Dumas
- Centre de Toxicologie du Québec (CTQ), Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ), Québec, Canada.
| | - Chun Lei Liang
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Branch, Health Canada, Canada.
| | - Agata Logvin
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Branch, Health Canada, Canada.
| | - Patrick Bélanger
- Centre de Toxicologie du Québec (CTQ), Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ), Québec, Canada.
| | - Gilles Provencher
- Centre de Toxicologie du Québec (CTQ), Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ), Québec, Canada.
| | - Sebastien Gagne
- Centre de Toxicologie du Québec (CTQ), Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ), Québec, Canada.
| | - Warren Foster
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Canada.
| | - Bruce Lanphear
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Canada.
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Branch, Health Canada, Canada.
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19
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Alexander VM, Ashley-Martin J, Riley JK, Cooper AR, Ratts VS, Jungheim ES. Association between arthritis treatments and ovarian reserve: a prospective study. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 42:1203-1210. [PMID: 33931373 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION How do anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations in women with and without arthritis compare? Is there an association between AMH and arthritis drug regimen? DESIGN In this prospective cohort study, AMH was measured at two time points (T0 and T1) in 129 premenopausal women with arthritis. AMH at T0 was compared with that from a bank of serum samples from 198 premenopausal women without arthritis. Primary outcomes were: (i) diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) (AMH <1.1 ng/ml) and (ii) annual rate of AMH decrease. Univariate, multivariable and Firth logistic regression identified variables associated with annual AMH decrease in excess of the 75th percentile. RESULTS Median time between T0 and T1 was 1.72 years. At time T0, median age-adjusted AMH in women with arthritis was significantly lower than that of women without arthritis (median 2.21 ng/ml versus 2.78 ng/ml; P = 0.009). Women with arthritis at highest risk for DOR had a history of tubal sterilization or were over the age of 35. Those with highest odds of having an annual AMH decrease in excess of the 75th percentile (over 28% decrease per year) were those: over the age of 35 or who sought care for infertility. Women with arthritis taking methotrexate alone (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01-0.67) or methotrexate plus tumour necrosis factor-alpha antagonists (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02-0.89) were less likely to be in the highest quartile of annual AMH decrease than women with arthritis not taking medication. CONCLUSIONS Women with arthritis had lower AMH than healthy controls. Long-term methotrexate use was not associated with an annual AMH decrease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinita M Alexander
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Washington University, St. Louis Missouri, USA.
| | - Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Washington University, St. Louis Missouri, USA
| | - Joan K Riley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Washington University, St. Louis Missouri, USA
| | | | - Valerie S Ratts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Washington University, St. Louis Missouri, USA
| | - Emily S Jungheim
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago Illinois, USA
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20
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Zhao P, Ashley-Martin J, Brown KE, Herzog E, England SK, Jungheim E, Ju YE, Raghuraman N. 1062 Sleep period onset variability and risk of preterm birth. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2020.12.1087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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21
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Ashley-Martin J, Dodds L, Arbuckle TE, Lanphear B, Muckle G, Foster WG, Ayotte P, Zidek A, Asztalos E, Bouchard MF, Kuhle S. Urinary phthalates and body mass index in preschool children: The MIREC Child Development Plus study. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 232:113689. [PMID: 33445101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Childhood exposure to phthalates, a class of chemicals with known reproductive and developmental effects, has been hypothesized to increase the risk of obesity, but this association is not well understood in preschool children. We examined the association between urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites and concurrently measured body mass index (BMI) and skinfolds among children between the ages of two and five years. We collected anthropometric measures and biomonitoring data on approximately 200 children enrolled in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals Child Development Plus study. We measured 22 phthalate metabolites in children's urine and used the 19 metabolites detected in at least 40% of samples. Our primary outcome was BMI z-scores calculated using the World Health Organization growth standards. Skinfold z-scores were secondary outcomes. We used multivariable linear regression to evaluate the association between tertiles of phthalate concentrations and each anthropometric measure. We also used weighted quantile sum regression to identify priority exposures of concern. Our analytic sample included 189 singleton-born children with complete anthropometric data. Children with concentrations of the parent compound di-n-butyl phthalate (∑DnBP) in the third tertile had 0.475 (95% CI: 0.068, 0.883) higher BMI z-scores than those in the lower tertile. ∑DnBP was identified as a priority exposure in the weighted quantile sum regression BMI model. In this population of Canadian preschool aged children, we identified DnBP as a potential chemical of concern in regard to childhood obesity. Future research with serial phthalate measurements and anthropometric measurements in young children will help confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Linda Dodds
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Dalhousie University. 5850-5980 University Ave, Halifax, NS, B3K 6R8, Canada.
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Bruce Lanphear
- Faculty of Health Sciences. Simon Fraser University. 8888 University Drive Burnaby, B.C, V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Gina Muckle
- Laval University and CHU Research Centre, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Warren G Foster
- McMaster University Health Sciences Center, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec (INSPQ), Quebec, Canada.
| | - Angelika Zidek
- Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | - Maryse F Bouchard
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Montreal, Canada.
| | - Stefan Kuhle
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Dalhousie University. 5850-5980 University Ave, Halifax, NS, B3K 6R8, Canada.
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22
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Hartley M, Woolcott CG, Langley JM, Brown MM, Ashley-Martin J, Kuhle S. Birth by Caesarean section and otitis media in childhood: a retrospective cohort study. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5219. [PMID: 32251348 PMCID: PMC7090017 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62229-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to examine the association between birth by Caesarean section (CS) and otitis media (OM) in childhood. We assembled a retrospective cohort of children born between 2003 and 2007 in Nova Scotia and followed them through to 2014. The cohort was derived through a linkage of the Nova Scotia Atlee Perinatal Database with provincial administrative health data. Cox proportional hazards, negative binomial regression and logistic regression were used to examine the association between CS and OM. Among the 36,318 children, 27% were born by CS, and 78% had at least one OM episode (median 2 episodes). Children born by CS were at a slightly higher risk of OM (hazard ratio 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03, 1.09), had more OM episodes in the first 7 years of life (incidence rate ratio 1.04, 95% CI 1.01, 1.07), and were more likely to be above the 95th percentile for OM episodes than children born vaginally (odds ratio 1.10, 95% CI 0.99, 1.23). Our study shows that birth by CS is weakly associated with OM in childhood, but the clinical and public health impact of these findings is small.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Hartley
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Depts of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Christy G Woolcott
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Depts of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Joanne M Langley
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Mary M Brown
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Depts of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Depts of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Stefan Kuhle
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Depts of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
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23
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Brown MM, Woolcott CG, Dodds L, Ashley-Martin J, Allen VM, Fahey J, Kuhle S. The 3G Multigenerational Cohort of Nova Scotian women and their mothers and offspring. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2020; 34:214-221. [PMID: 32003903 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The negative impact of exposures such as maternal obesity, excessive gestational weight gain, and hypertension in pregnancy on the health of the next generation has been well studied. Evidence from animal studies suggests that the effects of in utero exposures may persist into the second generation, but the epidemiological literature on the influence of pregnancy-related exposures across three generations in humans is sparse. OBJECTIVES This cohort was established to investigate associations between antenatal and perinatal exposures and health outcomes in women and their offspring. POPULATION The cohort includes women who were born and subsequently had their own pregnancies in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia from 1980 onward. DESIGN Intergenerational linkage of data in the Nova Scotia Atlee Perinatal Database was used to establish a population-based dynamic retrospective cohort. METHODS The cohort has prospectively collected information on sociodemographics, maternal health and health behaviours, pregnancy health and complications, and obstetrical and neonatal outcomes for two generations of women and their offspring. PRELIMINARY RESULTS As of October 2018, the 3G cohort included 14 978 grandmothers (born 1939-1986), 16 766 mothers or cohort women (born 1981-2003), and 28 638 children (born 1996-2018). The cohort women were generally younger than Nova Scotian women born after 1980, and as a result, characteristics associated with pregnancy at a younger age were more frequently seen in the cohort women; sampling weights will be created to account for this design effect. The cohort will be updated annually to capture future deliveries to women who are already in the cohort and women who become eligible for inclusion when they deliver their first child. CONCLUSIONS The 3G Multigenerational Cohort is a population-based cohort of women and their mothers and offspring, spanning a time period of 38 years, and provides the opportunity to study inter- and transgenerational associations across the maternal line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary M Brown
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Departments of Pediatrics, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Christy G Woolcott
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Departments of Pediatrics, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Linda Dodds
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Departments of Pediatrics, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Departments of Pediatrics, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Victoria M Allen
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - John Fahey
- Reproductive Care Program of Nova Scotia, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Stefan Kuhle
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Departments of Pediatrics, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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24
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Ashley-Martin J, Karaceper M, Dodds L, Arbuckle TE, Ettinger AS, Fraser WD, Muckle G, Monnier P, Fisher M, Kuhle S. An examination of sex differences in associations between cord blood adipokines and childhood adiposity. Pediatr Obes 2020; 15:e12587. [PMID: 31845502 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Though the physiological roles of adipokines in metabolism, insulin resistance and satiety are clear, literature regarding associations between cord blood adipokine levels and childhood adiposity is equivocal. OBJECTIVES To determine whether cord blood levels of leptin and adiponectin are associated with adiposity in children 2 to 5 years of age, and whether such associations are modified by sex. METHODS Leptin and adiponectin levels were measured in cord blood and anthropometric measures were completed on 550 children enrolled in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals Child Development Plus study (MIREC-CD Plus). We used multivariable linear and Poisson regression models to determine associations between cord blood adipokine levels and child body mass index (BMI), triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness and risk of overweight/obesity and to assess effect modification by child sex. RESULTS Cord blood adiponectin was significantly associated with modest increases in BMI and the sum of triceps and subscapular skinfold z-scores in boys but not girls. A doubling of adiponectin levels was associated with a 30% increased risk of overweight/obesity in boys (RR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.64). Leptin was not associated with anthropometric measures in either sex. CONCLUSIONS The observed associations between adiponectin and adiposity in boys were statistically significant, of moderate magnitude, and underscore the value of considering sex-specific patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Karaceper
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Linda Dodds
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Population Studies Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Adrienne S Ettinger
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Michigan (MI), Ann Arbor, USA
| | - William D Fraser
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Gina Muckle
- School of Psychology, Universite Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | | | - Mandy Fisher
- Population Studies Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Stefan Kuhle
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
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25
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Ashley-Martin J, Dodds L, Arbuckle TE, Lanphear B, Muckle G, Bouchard MF, Fisher M, Asztalos E, Foster W, Kuhle S. Blood metal levels and early childhood anthropometric measures in a cohort of Canadian children. Environ Res 2019; 179:108736. [PMID: 31541908 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Fetal exposure to some toxic metals has been associated with reduced fetal growth, but the impact of contemporary, low-level metals on anthropometric measures in childhood is not well understood. Our primary objective was to quantify associations between childhood levels of toxic metals and concurrently measured body mass index (BMI) in a population of Canadian preschool-aged children. We collected biomonitoring data and anthropometric measures on 480 children between the ages of two and five years in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Child Development Plus study. Concentrations of four toxic metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury) were measured in whole blood collected from pregnant women and their children. Blood levels of key essential elements were also measured in children. Children's weight, height, and BMI z-scores were calculated using the World Health Organization growth standards. We used a series of linear regression models, adjusted for potential parental confounders, concurrently measured metals and elements, and prenatal blood metal levels, to evaluate associations between tertiles of each toxic metal and anthropometric measures. We tested for effect modification by sex. Of the 480 children, 449 (94%) were singleton births and had complete biomonitoring and anthropometric data. The majority of children had detectable concentrations of metals. In the adjusted models, girls with blood lead concentrations in the highest tertile (>0.82 μg/dL) had, on average, 0.26 (95% Cl: -0.55, 0.03) lower BMI z-scores than those in the referent category. In contrast, boys with lead levels in the highest tertile had, on average, 0.14 higher BMI z-scores (95% Cl: -0.14, 0.41) (p-value heterogeneity = 0.04). In this population of Canadian preschool-aged children with low-level blood lead concentrations, we observed effect modification by sex in the association between Pb and BMI but no statistically significant associations in the sex-specific strata. Child blood levels of As, Cd, and Hg were not associated with childhood BMI, weight, or height in boys or girls.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda Dodds
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Gina Muckle
- Laval University and Quebec CHU Research Center, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | | | - Mandy Fisher
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Stefan Kuhle
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
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26
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Ashley-Martin J, Ensenauer R, Maguire B, Kuhle S. Predicting cardiometabolic markers in children using tri-ponderal mass index: a cross-sectional study. Arch Dis Child 2019; 104:577-582. [PMID: 30655268 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2018-316028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To model the development of the tri-ponderal mass index (TMI, kg/m3) throughout childhood and adolescence and to compare the utility of the TMI with that of the body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) to predict cardiometabolic risk in a population-based sample of Canadian children and youth. METHODS We used data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey to model TMI from 6 to 19 years of age. Percentile curves were developed using the LMS method. Logistic regression was used to predict abnormal levels of cardiometabolic markers; predictive accuracy was assessed using the area under the ROC curve (AUC). RESULTS Mean TMI was relatively stable from ages 6 to 19 years for both sexes, but variability increased with age. There was no notable difference in AUC values for prediction models based on BMI z-score compared with TMI for any of the outcomes. For both BMI z-score and TMI, prediction accuracy was good for homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance and having ≥3 abnormal tests (AUC>0.80), fair for C-reactive protein and poor for the remainder of the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The use of a single sex-specific TMI cut-off for overweight or obesity is hampered by the increasing variability of the measure with age. Weight-for-height indices likely have only limited ability to predict cardiometabolic marker levels, and changing the scaling power of height is unlikely to improve predictive accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Regina Ensenauer
- Experimental Pediatrics and Metabolism, University Children's Hospital, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Kuhle
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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27
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Ashley-Martin J, Dodds L, Arbuckle TE, Bouchard MF, Shapiro GD, Fisher M, Monnier P, Morisset AS, Ettinger AS. Association between maternal urinary speciated arsenic concentrations and gestational diabetes in a cohort of Canadian women. Environ Int 2018; 121:714-720. [PMID: 30321846 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological and toxicological evidence suggests that maternal total arsenic (As) levels are associated with an elevated risk of gestational diabetes (GDM). Uncertainty remains regarding the metabolic toxicity of specific arsenic species, comprised of both organic and inorganic sources of arsenic exposure. OBJECTIVES We assessed associations between speciated As and GDM using data from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study. METHODS Concentrations of speciated As [(inorganic (trivalent, pentavalent)), methylated arsenic species metabolites (monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA)), and organic (arsenobetaine)] were measured in first trimester maternal urine samples. GDM cases were identified in accordance with Canadian guidelines. Multivariable regression models were used to estimate associations between speciated As and GDM, evaluate potential interaction between speciated As exposures, and assess fetal sex-specific findings. RESULTS Among 1243 women who had a live, singleton birth and no previous history of diabetes, 4% met the diagnostic criteria for GDM. Our analyses focused on DMA and arsenobetaine as these were the subtypes with detectable concentrations in at least 40% of samples. Compared to women in the lowest tertile of DMA (<1.49 μg As/L), women with concentrations exceeding 3.52 μg As/L (3rd tertile) experienced an increased risk of GDM (aOR = 3.86; 95% CI: 1.18, 12.57) (p-value for trend across tertiles = 0.04). When restricted to women carrying male infants, the magnitude of this association increased (aOR 3rd tertile = 4.71; 95% CI: 1.05, 21.10). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest a positive relation between DMA and GDM; potential differences in risk by fetal sex requires further investigation.
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Ashley-Martin J, Dodds L, Arbuckle TE, Ettinger AS, Shapiro GD, Fisher M, Monnier P, Morisset AS, Fraser WD, Bouchard MF. Maternal and cord blood manganese (Mn) levels and birth weight: The MIREC birth cohort study. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2018; 221:876-882. [PMID: 29886104 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have hypothesized that both insufficient and excess blood manganese (Mn) levels during pregnancy are associated with reduced fetal growth. This literature is characterized by inconsistent results and a limited focus on women with exposures representative of the general North American population. We examined the relationship between maternal and cord blood Mn levels and fetal growth among women enrolled in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals Study (MIREC). Mothers with singleton, term infants and complete maternal first and third trimester blood Mn data were eligible for inclusion in the present study (n = 1519). Mean birth weight and odds ratios of small for gestational age (SGA) births according to maternal and cord blood Mn levels (low (<10), referent (10-<90), high (≥90) percentiles) were estimated. We also evaluated the association between the ratio of cord and maternal blood Mn and birth weight. Women with low (<0.82 μg/dL) maternal blood third trimester Mn levels had infants that weighed an average of 64.7 g (95% CI: -142.3,12.8) less than infants born to women in the referent exposure group. This association was strengthened and became statistically significant when adjusted for toxic metals (lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium) [-83.3 g (95% CI: -162.4, -4.1)]. No statistically significant associations were observed in models of maternal first trimester or cord blood Mn. A one unit increase in the cord/maternal blood Mn ratio was associated with a 29.4 g (95% CI: -50.2, -8.7), when adjusted for maternal and neonatal characteristics. Our findings motivate additional research regarding the relation between Mn exposure and fetal growth. Further inquiry is necessary to determine whether an exposure threshold exists, how growth related effects of maternal and fetal Mn may differ, and how concurrent exposure to other toxic metals may impact the association between Mn and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda Dodds
- Dalhousie University, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, B3K6R8, Canada.
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Health Canada, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | | | - Gabriel D Shapiro
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A2, Canada.
| | - Mandy Fisher
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Patricia Monnier
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H4A 3J1, Canada.
| | - Anne-Sophie Morisset
- Centre hospitalier de l'universite Laval, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.
| | - William D Fraser
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada.
| | - Maryse F Bouchard
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada.
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Shapiro GD, Arbuckle TE, Ashley-Martin J, Fraser WD, Fisher M, Bouchard MF, Monnier P, Morisset AS, Ettinger AS, Dodds L. Associations between maternal triclosan concentrations in early pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance, gestational weight gain and fetal markers of metabolic function. Environ Res 2018; 161:554-561. [PMID: 29241065 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triclosan is a phenolic biocide used in a multitude of consumer products and in health care settings. It is widely detected in the American and Canadian populations and has been shown in animal models to act as an endocrine disrupting agent. However, there has been little examination to date of the effects of triclosan exposure in pregnancy on perinatal metabolic outcomes in human populations. METHODS Using data from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study, a Canadian pregnancy cohort, we measured associations of first-trimester urinary triclosan concentrations with total gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance in pregnancy, and fetal markers of metabolic function. Leptin and adiponectin were measured in plasma from umbilical cord blood samples in term neonates and categorized into low (< 10th percentile), intermediate (10th-90th percentile) and high (> 90th percentile) levels. Triclosan concentrations were grouped into quartiles and associations with study outcomes were examined using logistic regression models with adjustment for maternal age, race/ethnicity, pre-pregnancy BMI, education and urinary specific gravity. Restricted cubic spline analysis was performed to help assess linearity and shape of any dose-response relationships. All analyses for leptin and adiponectin levels were performed on the entire cohort as well as stratified by fetal sex. RESULTS Triclosan measures were available for 1795 MIREC participants with a live born singleton birth. Regression analyses showed a non-significant inverse association between triclosan concentrations and leptin levels above the 90th percentile that was restricted to female fetuses (OR for highest quartile of triclosan compared to lowest quartile = 0.4 (95% CI 0.2-1.1), p-value for trend across quartiles = 0.02). Triclosan concentrations in the second quartile were associated with elevated odds of adiponectin below the 10th percentile in male fetuses (OR for Q2 compared to Q1 = 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-5.9, p-value for trend across quartiles = 0.93). No significant linear associations between triclosan concentrations and leptin or adiponectin levels in overall or sex-specific analyses were observed from restricted cubic spline analyses. No significant associations were observed in adjusted analyses between triclosan concentrations and gestational diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance or gestational weight gain. CONCLUSIONS This study does not support an association between triclosan concentrations in pregnancy and fetal metabolic markers, glucose disorders of pregnancy, or excessive gestational weight gain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel D Shapiro
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - William D Fraser
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Centre de recherche du CHUS, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mandy Fisher
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maryse F Bouchard
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Patricia Monnier
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Linda Dodds
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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Whelan E, Armson BA, Ashley-Martin J, MacSween K, Woolcott C. Gestational Weight Gain and Interpregnancy Weight Change in Adolescent Mothers. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2017; 30:356-361. [PMID: 28274683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To examine the association between gestational weight gain (GWG) and interpregnancy weight change (IPWC) in adolescent mothers (younger than 20 years), and to determine if this association differs from adult women (aged 20-35 years). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS We included 3055 adolescents and 17,090 adult women with singleton pregnancies recorded in the Nova Scotia Atlee Perinatal Database with a subsequent pregnancy occurring between 2003 and 2014. INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES GWG in the first pregnancy was categorized as below, within, or above the current Institute of Medicine recommendations. IPWC was defined as the difference between the prepregnancy weights of the 2 pregnancies. Analyses were adjusted for parity, body mass index in the first pregnancy, and time between pregnancies. RESULTS Relative to adolescents with GWG within the recommendations, those who gained below had a 2.7 kg (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-3.9) lower mean IPWC whereas those who gained above had a 4.2 kg (95% CI, 3.3-5.1) higher mean IPWC. Smaller differences in IPWC between GWG categories were observed in adult women; relative to those with GWG within the recommendations, adults who gained below had a 1.3 kg (95% CI, 0.9-1.7) lower mean IPWC and those who gained above had a 2.9 kg (95% CI, 2.6-3.2) higher mean IPWC. CONCLUSION Mean IPWC differed across GWG categories and the differences were greater in adolescents than in adult women. This difference should be considered when assessing whether specific GWG recommendations are needed for adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Whelan
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - B Anthony Armson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Kayla MacSween
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Christy Woolcott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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Ashley-Martin J, Dodds L, Arbuckle TE, Bouchard MF, Fisher M, Morriset AS, Monnier P, Shapiro GD, Ettinger AS, Dallaire R, Taback S, Fraser W, Platt RW. Maternal Concentrations of Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Fetal Markers of Metabolic Function and Birth Weight. Am J Epidemiol 2017; 185:185-193. [PMID: 28172036 PMCID: PMC5391709 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kww213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous, persistent chemicals that have been widely used in the production of common household and consumer goods for their nonflammable, lipophobic, and hydrophobic properties. Inverse associations between maternal or umbilical cord blood concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonate and birth weight have been identified. This literature has primarily examined each PFAS individually without consideration of the potential influence of correlated exposures. Further, the association between PFAS exposures and indicators of metabolic function (i.e., leptin and adiponectin) has received limited attention. We examined associations between first-trimester maternal plasma PFAS concentrations and birth weight and cord blood concentrations of leptin and adiponectin using data on 1,705 mother-infant pairs from the Maternal Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study, a trans-Canada birth cohort study that recruited women between 2008 and 2011. Bayesian hierarchical models were used to quantify associations and calculate credible intervals. Maternal perfluorooctanoic acid concentrations were inversely associated with birth weight z score, though the null value was included in all credible intervals (log10 β = −0.10, 95% credible interval: −0.34, 0.13). All associations between maternal PFAS concentrations and cord blood adipocytokine concentrations were of small magnitude and centered around the null value. Follow-up in a cohort of children is required to determine how the observed associations manifest in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda Dodds
- Correspondence to Dr. Linda Dodds, Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, 7th Floor Women's Site, IWK Health Centre, 5980 University Avenue, P.O. Box 9700, Halifax, NS B3H 6R8, Canada (e-mail: )
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Ashley-Martin J, Lavigne E, Arbuckle TE, Johnson M, Hystad P, Crouse DL, Marshall JS, Dodds L. Air Pollution During Pregnancy and Cord Blood Immune System Biomarkers. J Occup Environ Med 2016; 58:979-986. [PMID: 27483336 PMCID: PMC5704662 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine whether average and trimester-specific exposures to ambient measures of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particular matter (PM2.5) were associated with elevated cord blood concentrations of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and two epithelial cell produced cytokines: interleukin-33 (IL-33) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). METHODS This study utilized data and biospecimens from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study. There were 2001 pregnant women recruited between 2008 and 2011 from 10 Canadian cities. Maternal exposure to NO2 and PM2.5 was estimated using land use regression and satellite-derived models. RESULTS We observed statistically significant associations between maternal NO2 exposure and elevated cord blood concentrations of both IL-33 and TSLP among girls but not boys. CONCLUSIONS Maternal NO2 exposure may impact the development of the newborn immune system as measured by cord blood concentrations of two cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia (Drs Ashley-Martin, Dodds); Air Health Science Division (Drs Lavigne, Johnson), Population Studies Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Dr Arbuckle); College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis (Dr Hystad); Department of Sociology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick (Dr Crouse); and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (Dr Marshall)
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Kuhle S, Ashley-Martin J, Maguire B, Hamilton DC. Percentile curves for skinfold thickness for Canadian children and youth. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2247. [PMID: 27547554 PMCID: PMC4963217 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Skinfold thickness (SFT) measurements are a reliable and feasible method for assessing body fat in children but their use and interpretation is hindered by the scarcity of reference values in representative populations of children. The objective of the present study was to develop age- and sex-specific percentile curves for five SFT measures (biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, medial calf) in a representative population of Canadian children and youth. Methods. We analyzed data from 3,938 children and adolescents between 6 and 19 years of age who participated in the Canadian Health Measures Survey cycles 1 (2007/2009) and 2 (2009/2011). Standardized procedures were used to measure SFT. Age- and sex-specific centiles for SFT were calculated using the GAMLSS method. Results. Percentile curves were materially different in absolute value and shape for boys and girls. Percentile girls in girls steadily increased with age whereas percentile curves in boys were characterized by a pubertal centered peak. Conclusions. The current study has presented for the first time percentile curves for five SFT measures in a representative sample of Canadian children and youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kuhle
- Departments of Pediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dalhousie University , Halifax , NS , Canada
| | - Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Departments of Pediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dalhousie University , Halifax , NS , Canada
| | - Bryan Maguire
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, Dalhousie University , Halifax , NS , Canada
| | - David C Hamilton
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, Dalhousie University , Halifax , NS , Canada
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Whelan E, Woolcott C, Ashley-Martin J, MacSween K, Armson BA. P-OBS/GYN-S-073 Gestational Weight Gain and Interpregnancy Weight Change in Adolescent Mothers in Nova Scotia. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2016.04.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Shapiro GD, Dodds L, Arbuckle TE, Ashley-Martin J, Ettinger AS, Fisher M, Taback S, Bouchard MF, Monnier P, Dallaire R, Morisset AS, Fraser W. Exposure to organophosphorus and organochlorine pesticides, perfluoroalkyl substances, and polychlorinated biphenyls in pregnancy and the association with impaired glucose tolerance and gestational diabetes mellitus: The MIREC Study. Environ Res 2016; 147:71-81. [PMID: 26852007 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies report increases in rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) over recent decades. Environmental chemicals may increase the risk of diabetes through impacts on glucose metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endocrine-disrupting mechanisms including effects on pancreatic β-cell function and adiponectin release. OBJECTIVES To determine the associations between pesticides, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) measured in early pregnancy and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and GDM in a Canadian birth cohort. METHODS Women enrolled in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study were included if they had a singleton delivery and did not have pre-existing diabetes. Exposure variables included three organophosphorus (OP) pesticide metabolites detected in first-trimester urine samples, as well as three organochlorine (OC) pesticides, three PFASs, and four PCBs in first-trimester blood samples. Gestational IGT and GDM were assessed by chart review in accordance with published guidelines. Adjusted logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between quartiles of environmental chemicals and both gestational IGT and GDM. RESULTS Of the 2001 women recruited into the MIREC cohort, 1274 met the inclusion criteria and had outcome and biomonitoring data available. Significantly lower odds of GDM were observed in the third and fourth quartiles of dimethylphosphate (DMP) and in the fourth quartile of dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP) in adjusted analyses (DMP Q3: OR=0.2, 95% CI=0.1-0.7; DMP Q4: OR=0.3, 95% CI=0.1-0.8; DMTP: OR=0.3, 95% CI=0.1-0.9). Significantly elevated odds of gestational IGT was observed in the second quartile of perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) (OR=3.5, 95% CI=1.4-8.9). No evidence of associations with GDM or IGT during pregnancy was observed for PCBs or OC pesticides. CONCLUSIONS We did not find consistent evidence for any positive associations between the chemicals we examined and GDM or IGT during pregnancy. We observed statistical evidence of inverse relationships between urine concentrations of DMP and DMTP with GDM. We cannot rule out the influence of residual confounding due to unmeasured protective factors, such as nutritional benefits from fruit and vegetable consumption, also associated with pesticide exposure, on the observed inverse associations between maternal OP pesticide metabolites and GDM. These findings require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel D Shapiro
- McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Maryse F Bouchard
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | | | - William Fraser
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche du CHUS, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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Lavigne E, Ashley-Martin J, Dodds L, Arbuckle TE, Hystad P, Johnson M, Crouse DL, Ettinger AS, Shapiro GD, Fisher M, Morisset AS, Taback S, Bouchard MF, Sun L, Monnier P, Dallaire R, Fraser WD. Air Pollution Exposure During Pregnancy and Fetal Markers of Metabolic function: The MIREC Study. Am J Epidemiol 2016; 183:842-51. [PMID: 27026336 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwv256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous evidence suggests that exposure to outdoor air pollution during pregnancy could alter fetal metabolic function, which could increase the risk of obesity in childhood. However, to our knowledge, no epidemiologic study has investigated the association between prenatal exposure to air pollution and indicators of fetal metabolic function. We investigated the association between maternal exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter (aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 µm) and umbilical cord blood leptin and adiponectin levels with mixed-effects linear regression models among 1,257 mother-infant pairs from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study, conducted in Canada (2008-2011). We observed that an interquartile-range increase in average exposure to fine particulate matter (3.2 µg/m(3)) during pregnancy was associated with an 11% (95% confidence interval: 4, 17) increase in adiponectin levels. We also observed 13% (95% confidence interval: 6, 20) higher adiponectin levels per interquartile-range increase in average exposure to nitrogen dioxide (13.6 parts per billion) during pregnancy. Significant associations were seen between air pollution markers and cord blood leptin levels in models that adjusted for birth weight z score but not in models that did not adjust for birth weight z score. The roles of prenatal exposure to air pollution and fetal metabolic function in the potential development of childhood obesity should be further explored.
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Ashley-Martin J, Dodds L, Arbuckle TE, Marshall J. Prenatal triclosan exposure and cord blood immune system biomarkers. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2016; 219:454-7. [PMID: 27167448 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Triclosan is widely used as an antimicrobial agent and preservative that has been hypothesized to play a role in asthma and allergic disease. The limited body of literature regarding the allergenicity of triclosan has not evaluated prenatal exposure and subsequent potential effects on the developing immune system. The objective of the present study was to determine the association between prenatal urinary triclosan concentrations and cord blood immune system biomarker concentrations. Umbilical cord blood samples were obtained from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Biobank and were tested for three immune system biomarkers: immunoglobulin E (IgE), thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and interleukin-33 (IL-33). Triclosan concentrations were measured in urine at 6-13 weeks gestation. No statistically significant associations were observed between prenatal triclosan concentrations and elevated concentrations of any immune system biomarker (n=1219 participants). Longitudinal studies are necessary to determine how the observed findings at birth translate into childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3K 6R8, Canada.
| | - Linda Dodds
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3K 6R8, Canada.
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Population Studies Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Jean Marshall
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
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Morisset AS, Weiler HA, Dubois L, Ashley-Martin J, Shapiro GD, Dodds L, Massarelli I, Vigneault M, Arbuckle TE, Fraser WD. Rankings of iron, vitamin D, and calcium intakes in relation to maternal characteristics of pregnant Canadian women. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2016; 41:749-57. [PMID: 27324651 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2015-0588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Iron, vitamin D, and calcium intakes in the prenatal period are important determinants of maternal and fetal health. The objective of this study was to examine iron, vitamin D, and calcium intakes from diet and supplements in relation to maternal characteristics. Data were collected in a subsample of 1186 pregnant women from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study, a cohort study including pregnant women recruited from 10 Canadian sites between 2008 and 2011. A food frequency questionnaire was administered to obtain rankings of iron, calcium, and vitamin D intake (16-21 weeks of pregnancy). Intakes from supplements were obtained from a separate questionnaire (6-13 weeks of pregnancy). Women were divided into 2 groups according to the median total intake of each nutrient. Supplement intake was an important contributor to total iron intake (median 74%, interquartile range (IQR) 0%-81%) and total vitamin D intake (median 60%, IQR 0%-73%), while the opposite was observed for calcium (median 18%, IQR 0%-27%). Being born outside of Canada was significantly associated with lower total intakes of iron, vitamin D, and calcium (p ≤ 0.01 for all). Consistent positive indicators of supplement use (iron, vitamin D, and calcium) were maternal age over 30 years and holding a university degree. In conclusion, among Canadian women, the probability of having lower iron, vitamin D, and calcium intakes is higher among those born outside Canada; supplement intake is a major contributor to total iron and vitamin D intakes; and higher education level and age over 30 years are associated with supplement intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sophie Morisset
- a Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada.,b Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Hope A Weiler
- c School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, McGill University, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Lise Dubois
- d School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Jillian Ashley-Martin
- e Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Gabriel D Shapiro
- b Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Linda Dodds
- e Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | | | | | - Tye E Arbuckle
- g Environmental Health, Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - William D Fraser
- a Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada.,b Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
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Ashley-Martin J, Dodds L, Arbuckle TE, Morisset AS, Fisher M, Bouchard MF, Shapiro GD, Ettinger AS, Monnier P, Dallaire R, Taback S, Fraser W. Maternal and Neonatal Levels of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Relation to Gestational Weight Gain. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2016; 13:ijerph13010146. [PMID: 26805861 PMCID: PMC4730537 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13010146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are ubiquitous, persistent pollutants widely used in the production of common household and consumer goods. There is a limited body of literature suggesting that these chemicals may alter metabolic pathways and growth trajectories. The relationship between prenatal exposures to these chemicals and gestational weight gain (GWG) has received limited attention. One objective was to analyze the associations among maternal plasma levels of three common perfluoroalkyl substances (perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexanesulfanoate (PFHxS)) and GWG. Additionally, we explored whether GWG was associated with cord blood PFAS levels. This study utilized data collected in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study, a trans-Canada cohort study of 2001 pregnant women. Our analysis quantified associations between (1) maternal PFAS concentrations and GWG and (2) GWG and cord blood PFAS concentrations. Maternal PFOS concentrations were positively associated with GWG (β = 0.39 95% CI: 0.02, 0.75). Interquartile increases in GWG were significantly associated with elevated cord blood PFOA (OR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.56) and PFOS (OR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.40) concentrations. No statistically significant associations were observed between GWG and either measure of PFHxS. These findings warrant elucidation of the potential underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS B3K 6R8, Canada.
| | - Linda Dodds
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3K 6R8, Canada.
| | | | - Anne-Sophie Morisset
- Sainte Justine Hospital Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, PQ H3T 1C5, Canada.
| | | | - Maryse F Bouchard
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, PQ H3T 1A8, Canada.
| | - Gabriel D Shapiro
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, PQ H3A 1A2, Canada.
| | - Adrienne S Ettinger
- Departmentof Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Patricia Monnier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, PQ H3A 1A1, Canada.
| | - Renee Dallaire
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, PQ G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Shayne Taback
- Departments of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada.
| | - William Fraser
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, PQ J1H 5N4, Canada.
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Shapiro GD, Dodds L, Arbuckle TE, Ashley-Martin J, Fraser W, Fisher M, Taback S, Keely E, Bouchard MF, Monnier P, Dallaire R, Morisset A, Ettinger AS. Exposure to phthalates, bisphenol A and metals in pregnancy and the association with impaired glucose tolerance and gestational diabetes mellitus: The MIREC study. Environ Int 2015; 83:63-71. [PMID: 26101084 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/24/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies from several countries report increases in rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) over recent decades. Exposure to environmental chemicals could contribute to this trend. OBJECTIVES To determine the associations between plasticisers and metals measured in early pregnancy with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and GDM in a Canadian pregnancy cohort. METHODS Women enrolled in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study were included if they had a singleton delivery and did not have pre-existing diabetes. Eleven phthalate metabolites and total bisphenol A (BPA) were measured in first-trimester urine samples, and four metals (lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic) were measured in first-trimester blood samples. IGT and GDM were assessed in accordance with standard guidelines by chart review. Chemical concentrations were grouped by quartiles, and associations with outcomes were examined using logistic regression with adjustment for maternal age, race, pre-pregnancy BMI, and education. Restricted cubic spline analysis was performed to help assess linearity and nature of any dose-response relationships. RESULTS Of 2001 women recruited into the MIREC cohort, 1274 met the inclusion criteria and had outcome data and biomonitoring data measured for at least one of the chemicals we examined. Elevated odds of GDM were observed in the highest quartile of arsenic exposure (OR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.4-9.6) in the adjusted analyses. A significant dose-response relationship was observed in a cubic spline model between arsenic and odds of GDM (p < 0.01). No statistically significant associations were observed between phthalates or BPA or other metals with IGT or GDM. CONCLUSIONS Our findings add to the growing body of evidence supporting the role of maternal arsenic exposure as a risk factor for gestational diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D Shapiro
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - L Dodds
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| | | | | | - W Fraser
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - M Fisher
- Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - S Taback
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - E Keely
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - M F Bouchard
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - P Monnier
- McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - R Dallaire
- Laval University, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - As Morisset
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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Ashley-Martin J, Dodds L, Levy AR, Platt RW, Marshall JS, Arbuckle TE. Prenatal exposure to phthalates, bisphenol A and perfluoroalkyl substances and cord blood levels of IgE, TSLP and IL-33. Environ Res 2015; 140:360-368. [PMID: 25913155 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Revised: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The fetal time period is a critical window of immune system development and resulting heightened susceptibility to the adverse effects of environmental exposures. Epidemiologists and toxicologists have hypothesized that phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA) and perfluoroalkyl substance have immunotoxic properties. Immunotoxic effects of chemicals may manifest in an altered immune system profile at birth. Immunoglobulin E, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and interleukin-33 (IL-33) are integral in the etiology of childhood allergy and detectable at birth. The objective of this study was to determine the association between maternal levels of phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and perfluoroalkyl substances and elevated umbilical cord blood levels of IgE, TSLP, and IL-33. This study utilized data collected in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study, a trans-Canada cohort study of 2001 pregnant women. Of these women, 1258 had a singleton, term birth and cord blood sample. A Bayesian hierarchical model was employed to determine associations between log-transformed continuous variables and immune system biomarkers while adjusting for potential confounding from correlated environmental contaminants. Inverse, nonlinear associations were observed between maternal urinary MCPP levels and elevated levels of both IL-33/TSLP and IgE and between maternal urinary BPA levels and elevated levels of IL-33/TSLP. In this primarily urban Canadian population of pregnant women and their newborns, maternal urinary and plasma concentrations of phthalate metabolites, BPA, and perfluoroalkyl substances were not associated with immunotoxic effects that manifest as increased odds of elevated levels of IgE, TSLP or IL-33.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Interdisciplinary PhD Program, Dalhousie University, IDPhD c/o Faculty of Graduate Studies, Room, 314 H Hicks Building, 6299 South Street, Halifax, NS, Canada B3H 4H6.
| | - Linda Dodds
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Dalhousie University, Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, 7th Floor Women's Site, IWK Health Centre, 5980 University Avenue, PO Box 9700, Halifax, NS, Canada B3H 6R8.
| | - Adrian R Levy
- Department of Community Health & Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Centre for Clinical Research, 5790 University Avenue, Halifax, NS, Canada B3H 1V7.
| | - Robert W Platt
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, Purvis Hall, 1020 Pine Avenue, West Montreal, QC, Canada H3A 1A2.
| | - Jean S Marshall
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building, Room 7-C 5850 College Street, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, 50 Colombine Dr., AL 0801A, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A 0K9.
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Ashley-Martin J, Levy AR, Arbuckle TE, Platt RW, Marshall JS, Dodds L. Maternal exposure to metals and persistent pollutants and cord blood immune system biomarkers. Environ Health 2015; 14:52. [PMID: 26084354 PMCID: PMC4470054 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-015-0046-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fetal time period is a critical window of immune system development and resulting heightened susceptibility to the adverse effects of environmental exposures. Epidemiologists and toxicologists have hypothesized that persistent organic pollutants, pesticides and metals have immunotoxic properties. Immunotoxic effects may manifest as an altered immune system profile at birth. Immunoglobulin E, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and interleukin-33 (IL-33) may be implicated in the etiology of childhood allergy and are detectable at birth. The objective of this study was to examine the potential relationship between maternal concentrations of metals, persistent organic pollutants, and pesticides and elevated umbilical cord blood concentrations of IgE, TSLP, and IL-33 in a Canadian birth cohort. METHODS This study utilized data collected in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study, a trans-Canada cohort study of 2,001 pregnant women. Of these women, 1258 had a singleton, term birth and cord blood sample. Logistic regression was used to determine associations between log-transformed continuous variables and immune system biomarkers. RESULTS Inverse relationships were observed between lead, DDE, PCB-118, and a summary index of organophosphorous metabolites and jointly elevated concentrations of IL-33 and TSLP. None of the environmental contaminants were associated with increased odds of a high cord blood immune system biomarker concentration. CONCLUSIONS In this primarily urban Canadian population of pregnant women and their newborns, maternal blood or urine concentrations of persistent organic pollutants, pesticides, and metals were not associated with immunotoxic effects that manifest as increased odds of elevated concentrations of IgE, TSLP or IL-33.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Interdisciplinary PhD Program, Dalhousie University, IDPhD c/o Faculty of Graduate Studies Room 314 Henry Hicks Building 6299 South St Halifax, Halifax, NS, B3H 4H6, Canada.
| | - Adrian R Levy
- Department of Community Health & Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Centre for Clinical Research, 5790 University Avenue, Halifax, NS, B3H 1 V7, Canada.
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Population Studies Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, 50 Colombine Dr., AL 0801A, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0 K9, Canada.
| | - Robert W Platt
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, Purvis Hall 1020 Pine Ave. West, Montreal, H3A 1A2, QC, Canada.
| | - Jean S Marshall
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building, Room 7-C5850 College Street, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - Linda Dodds
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Dalhousie University, Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, 7th Floor Women's Site, IWK Health Centre, 5980 University Ave, PO Box 9700, Halifax, NS, B3H 6R8, Canada.
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Ashley-Martin J, Dodds L, Arbuckle TE, Levy AR, Platt RW, Marshall JS. Predictors of interleukin-33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin levels in cord blood. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2015; 26:161-7. [PMID: 25620084 PMCID: PMC4471622 DOI: 10.1111/pai.12340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fetal immune system is a critical window of development. The epithelial cell-derived cytokines, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and interleukin-33 (IL-33) have received attention for their role in allergic responses but not been studied during this critical window. The objectives were to assess correlations among IL-33, TSLP, and IgE in umbilical cord blood samples and identify prenatal predictors of these biomarkers. METHODS This study utilized data and banked cord blood collected in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study, a trans-Canada cohort study of 2001 pregnant women. Our analytic sample comprised the 1254 women with a singleton, term birth with a cord blood sample. Spearman correlation coefficients (SCC) and logistic regression models were used to examine associations between biomarkers and identify potential predictors of elevated biomarker levels. RESULTS Thymic stromal lymphopoietin and IL-33 were more strongly correlated with each other (SCC = 0.75, p < 0.0001) than with IgE (IL-33 SCC = 0.14, TSLP SCC = 0.21). Maternal allergy, heavy street traffic, and elevated birth weight were significantly associated with jointly elevated TSLP and IL-33 levels, whereas maternal age and female infant sex were inversely associated with elevated IgE. CONCLUSIONS In this population of Canadian women and infants, TSLP and IL-33 were detectable in cord blood, more strongly correlated with each other than with IgE, and associated with maternal characteristics indicative of inflammatory responses. This study motivates investigation into the value of cord blood IL-33 and TSLP levels as childhood allergy predictors and raises interesting questions regarding in utero coordinated regulation of these cytokines.
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Ashley-Martin J, Dodds L, Arbuckle TE, Ettinger AS, Shapiro GD, Fisher M, Taback S, Bouchard MF, Monnier P, Dallaire R, Fraser WD. Maternal blood metal levels and fetal markers of metabolic function. Environ Res 2015; 136:27-34. [PMID: 25460617 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Revised: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to metals commonly found in the environment has been hypothesized to be associated with measures of fetal growth but the epidemiological literature is limited. The Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study recruited 2001 women during the first trimester of pregnancy from 10 Canadian sites. Our objective was to assess the association between prenatal exposure to metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury) and fetal metabolic function. Average maternal metal concentrations in 1st and 3rd trimester blood samples were used to represent prenatal metals exposure. Leptin and adiponectin were measured in 1363 cord blood samples and served as markers of fetal metabolic function. Polytomous logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between metals and both high (≥ 90%) and low (≤ 10%) fetal adiponectin and leptin levels. Leptin levels were significantly higher in female infants compared to males. A significant relationship between maternal blood cadmium and odds of high leptin was observed among males but not females in adjusted models. When adjusting for birth weight z-score, lead was associated with an increased odd of high leptin. No other significant associations were found at the top or bottom 10th percentile in either leptin or adiponectin models. This study supports the proposition that maternal levels of cadmium influence cord blood adipokine levels in a sex-dependent manner. Further investigation is required to confirm these findings and to determine how such findings at birth will translate into childhood anthropometric measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Ashley-Martin
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Linda Dodds
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
| | | | | | - Gabriel D Shapiro
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - William D Fraser
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Ashley-Martin J, Dodds L, Arbuckle TE, Ettinger AS, Shapiro GD, Fisher M, Morisset AS, Taback S, Bouchard MF, Monnier P, Dallaire R, Fraser WD. A birth cohort study to investigate the association between prenatal phthalate and bisphenol A exposures and fetal markers of metabolic dysfunction. Environ Health 2014; 13:84. [PMID: 25336252 PMCID: PMC4271497 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-13-84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity and type-2 diabetes are on the rise and in utero exposure to environmental contaminants is a suspected contributing factor. Our objective was to examine associations between prenatal exposure to potential endocrine disrupting chemicals and markers of fetal metabolic dysfunction. METHODS The Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals Study (MIREC) recruited 2001 women during the first trimester of pregnancy from 10 Canadian sites. First trimester maternal urine was measured for 11 phthalate metabolites and bisphenol A (BPA). Leptin and adioponectin measured in 1,363 available umbilical cord blood samples served as markers of metabolic function. Restricted cubic spline curves were used to assess the relationship between continuous measures of phthalate and BPA levels and cord blood adipokines. Polytomous logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between phthalates and BPA and both high (≥90th percentile) and low (≤10th percentile) fetal adiponectin and leptin, adjusting for confounding factors. Analyses were conducted for all subjects, overall, and separately by fetal sex. RESULTS Leptin was significantly higher in female than male infants. We observed an inverse, non-linear relationship between BPA and adiponectin among males in the restricted cubic spline and linear regression analysis. Mono-(3-carboxypropyl) (MCPP) was associated with increased odds of high leptin among males in the polytomous logistic regression models (4th quartile OR = 3.5 95% CI: 1.1-11.6). CONCLUSION Our findings contribute to the growing body of evidence examining the influence of early life exposure on metabolic regulation and function. Associations between maternal exposure to chemicals and markers of metabolic function appear to be potentially sex specific. However, further investigation is required to determine whether in utero and childhood exposure to BPA and phthalates are associated with metabolic dysfunctions later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Ashley-Martin
- />Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Linda Dodds
- />Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada
| | | | | | - Gabriel D Shapiro
- />University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec Canada
- />CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - William D Fraser
- />University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec Canada
- />CHU Sainte-Justine Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec Canada
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Ashley-Martin J, Woolcott C. Gestational Weight Gain and Postpartum Weight Retention in a Cohort of Nova Scotian Women. Matern Child Health J 2014; 18:1927-35. [DOI: 10.1007/s10995-014-1438-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Shapiro G, Dodds L, Arbuckle TE, Ashley-Martin J, Ettinger A, Fisher M, Taback S, Keely E, Bouchard M, Monnier P, Dallaire R, Fraser W. Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Gestational Diabetes. Can J Diabetes 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2013.08.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Battie MC, Videman T, Levalahti E, Kaprio J, Bisceglia L, de Nichilo G, Carrus A, Corsi P, Vimercati L, Assennato G, Fustinoni S, Campo L, Ashley-Martin J, Guernsey J, Cribb A, Van Leeuwen J, Andreou P, Schnatter AR, Irons RD, Ling L, Kerzic P, Bao L, Yang Y, Zou H, Fu H, Ye X, Gross S, Armstrong T, Burstyn I, Kim HM, Cherry NM, Li S, Yasui Y. Gene environment interactions. Occup Environ Med 2007. [DOI: 10.1136/oem.64.12.e14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Blatter BM, Heinrich J, Anema JR, Van der Beek AJ, Plato N, Shannon HS, Norman GR, Riklik L, Chung D, Verma D, Breslin FC, Smith P, Dunn JR, Koopmans PC, Roelen CAM, Groothoff JW, Ashley-Martin J, Van Leeuwen J, Guernsey J, Cribb A, Andreou P, Lavoue J, Droz PO, Cui J, Abramson M, de Klerk N, Dennekamp M, Monaco AD, Benke G, Musk B, Sim M. Methods and interventions. Occup Environ Med 2007. [DOI: 10.1136/oem.64.12.e25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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