Arsenic-Associated Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Immune Disruption in Human Placenta and Cord Blood

• DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1002086
• Publication Date: 2010-10-12T18:58:25Z
• Authors: Sultan Ahmed; Sultana Mahabbat-...; Rokeya Sultana Rekha; Renee M. Gardner; Syeda Shegufta Ameer; Sophie Moore; Eva-Charlotte Eks...; Marie Vahter; Rubhana Raqib
• Keywords: Cord blood; Proinflammatory cytokine

BackgroundArsenic (As) exposure during pregnancy induces oxidative stress and increases the risk of fetal loss low birth weight.ObjectivesIn this study we aimed to elucidate effects As on immune markers in placenta cord blood, involvement stress.MethodsPregnant women were enrolled around gestational week (GW) 8 our longitudinal, population-based, mother–child cohort Matlab, an area rural Bangladesh with large variations concentrations well water. Women (n = 130) delivering at local clinics included present study. We collected maternal urine twice (GW8 GW30) for measurements As, blood delivery assessment inflammatory markers. Placental measured by immunohistochemistry, cytokines multiplex cytokine assay.ResultsIn multivariable adjusted models, urinary (U-As) both GW8 GW30 was significantly positively associated placental 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) interleukin-1β (IL-1β); U-As GW8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) interferon-γ (IFNγ); GW30, leptin; inversely CD3+ T cells placenta. Cord (IL-1β, IL-8, IFNγ, TNFα) showed a U-shaped association GW30. 8-oxoG proinflammatory cytokines. Multivariable analyses suggested that enhanced expression (TNFα IFNγ) primarily influenced stress, whereas leptin appeared be mostly mediated IL-1β As.ConclusionAs enhance responses (in part increasing stress), reduce cells, alter These findings suggest function may contribute impaired infant health.