Air pollution represents a “significant risk for the proper development of pregnancy.” This is stated by researchers from Inserm and the University of Grenoble Alpes in a new study published this Tuesday, May 7, in the journal The Lancet Planetary Health.
According to them, exposure to outdoor air pollution “is suspected to be the cause of cardiometabolic, respiratory or even neuropsychological pathologies in the fetus,” they wrote in a statement.
The placenta seen as a “file”
The study was based on data obtained from almost 1,500 pregnant women in France. Scientists then became interested in epigenetic modifications – which induce changes in gene expression – of the placenta, seen as an “archive” of the child’s prenatal environment because it is “particularly vulnerable to many chemical compounds.”
According to the study, a third of placental changes are associated with indicators of child development such as birth weight and height, head circumference or duration of pregnancy.
“Other placental modifications refer to genes involved in the development of the nervous system, the immune system and metabolism, including genes involved in the development of diabetes or neonatal obesity,” Inserm added.
Gender disparities
In addition to these visible changes for both sexes, researchers have highlighted more vulnerable gestation periods depending on the sex of the child: the first trimester in boys and the third trimester in girls.
For children, air pollution can alter genes involved in the development of the nervous system and intellect. While in girls, the affected genes are involved in fetal development and the regulation of oxidative stress.
Inserm explained below: “Therefore, they could be associated with developmental defects that may increase the risk of developing chronic metabolic diseases (hypertension, diabetes, obesity, etc.) in the future, but also with the occurrence of spontaneous abortions or preeclampsia in the mother.
Now, researchers are trying to understand the molecular mechanisms behind these modifications. They also hope that new studies will analyze the influence of these placental epigenetic changes after childbirth and their development during childhood.
Source: BFM TV
