Exploring the associations between prenatal PCB exposures and gene expression: Observations from a study of newborn Slovak infants

TL;DR

This study explores how prenatal exposure to PCBs affects gene expression in newborns from Slovakia.

Contribution

The study identifies specific genes associated with PCB exposure in mother-infant pairs using gene expression analysis.

Findings

Mother’s and cord blood PCB concentrations were highly correlated.

Higher PCB levels were linked to differential expression of multiple genes, including XIST, EXOC6B, and others.

Gender-based analysis revealed dysregulation of genes like RUFY1 and S100A8.

Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants known to have deleterious effects on child and adult development; however, less is known about the relationship between mother-newborn exposure levels. The objective of this study is to understand prenatal PCB exposure and its association with gene expression, using data from a cohort of exposed mothers and infants in eastern Slovakia. For 91 mothers and infants participating in this study, serum PCB concentrations were determined using gas chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Affymetrix microarray was performed utilizing Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 gene chip. Statistical analysis compared the genetic expression levels of high versus low exposure mother-infant pairs (< 368.57 ng/g lipid vs. > 368.57 ng/g lipid). Statistical analysis results showed that mother’s blood and cord blood PCB concentrations were highly correlated. Results showed that higher levels of PCB concentrations were associated with differential expressions of multiple genes. Global gene analysis identified significant dysregulation of genes XIST, EXOC6B, EIF1AY, and RPS4Y1. Gender-based gene analysis identified significant dysregulation of genes RUFY1, S100A8, ELOVL7, FXYD3, DEFB124, and DAB2. Further such investigations should be implemented to confirm these observations and more fully define the legacy of environmental PCB contamination.

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