Prenatal air pollutant exposure may negatively impact cell processes in healthy newborns
Prenatal air pollutant exposure may negatively impact cell ... Healio
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Key takeaways:
- Levels of three proteins related to autophagy changed with prenatal nitrogen dioxide exposure.
- Researchers note an “individual response” to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter in newborns.
Traffic-related pollutant exposure during pregnancy may negatively impact autophagy in healthy newborns
According to a presentation at the European Respiratory Society International Congress, traffic-related pollutant exposure during pregnancy may negatively impact autophagy in healthy newborns. Autophagy is a cell process in which one’s cells consume damaged cells as a response to stress.
Traffic-related pollutant exposure during pregnancy may negatively impact autophagy in healthy newborns, according to a presentation at the European Respiratory Society International Congress. Image: Adobe Stock
Olga Gorlanova
“The knowledge gained from our research contributes to the overall understanding of how autophagy may play a role in the defense against the harmful effect of air pollution,” Olga Gorlanova, MD, research physician at the University Children’s Hospital, University of Basel, Switzerland, told Healio. “Findings from our study may provide a basis for the development of clinical applications that could target the autophagy pathway for prevention of air-pollution-related lung disease (eg, asthma, COPD).”
Using the Bern Basel Infant Lung Development birth cohort study, Gorlanova and colleagues assessed 449 healthy term babies to determine if prenatal exposure to traffic-related pollutants (nitrogen dioxide and fine particle matter of 10 µm or less) changes levels of 11 different autophagy-related proteins found in serum and plasma of cord blood.
With prenatal exposure to nitrogen dioxide, researchers observed lower expressions of SIRT1 and IL-8 in newborns through an adjusted multiple Tobit regression model. This type of air pollutant exposure was also linked to elevated levels of Beclin-1 protein, which Gorlanova noted plays a key role in starting autophagy.
Further, researchers used protein concentrations to group newborns together, revealing four different clusters each with differing prenatal exposure levels to the two studied pollutants.
Researchers noted that two of these clusters — both of which were exposed to lower levels of prenatal air pollution than the others — showed differing concentrations of proteins, indicating that newborns may have individualized responses to air pollution. Specifically, one cluster had low levels of nine proteins and the other cluster had increased levels of IL-8 and IL-1B (inflammatory and remodeling proteins)
“Our hypothesis was that healthy newborns have an individual response to air pollution and that the air pollution during pregnancy may cause changes in the level of proteins involved in the autophagy,” Gorlanova told Healio. “Even though our hypothesis was proved, it is still remarkable that air pollution can affect a baby even before it is born.”
Notably, “distinct protein-protein correlation patterns” were observed when analyzing the four clusters of newborns, according to researchers.
“Future research should confirm our findings by replicating them in other studies,” Gorlanova told Healio. “The next step would be also to see whether this effect occurs in older children.”
“This study is not a stand-alone science project,” she added. “We work within a large research group based across Switzerland and we also collaborate with several other international research groups. This single study is part of a much larger research effort: all the researchers work together to build a better picture of lung development in unborn children, infants and older children, and how the environment (including air pollution) can impact human health.”
Reference:
- Gorlanova O, et al. Abstract OA4941. Presented at: European Respiratory Society International Congress; Sept. 9-13, 2023; Milan.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the negative impact of traffic-related pollutant exposure during pregnancy on autophagy in newborns. This issue is directly related to SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. It is also connected to SDG 11, as it highlights the importance of creating sustainable cities and communities with clean air. Additionally, the issue is relevant to SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
The article’s content aligns with Target 3.9, as it highlights the negative health effects of air pollution on newborns. It also relates to Target 11.6, as it emphasizes the importance of improving air quality in cities to protect the health of residents. Furthermore, the issue is relevant to Target 13.2, as it demonstrates the need to address climate change and its impact on air pollution.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Levels of autophagy-related proteins in newborns’ serum and plasma
- Expressions of SIRT1, IL-8, and Beclin-1 proteins in newborns
- Protein concentrations and correlation patterns in different clusters of newborns
The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include the levels of autophagy-related proteins in newborns’ serum and plasma, the expressions of specific proteins (SIRT1, IL-8, and Beclin-1) in newborns, and the protein concentrations and correlation patterns observed in different clusters of newborns.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Levels of autophagy-related proteins in newborns’ serum and plasma – Expressions of SIRT1, IL-8, and Beclin-1 proteins in newborns – Protein concentrations and correlation patterns in different clusters of newborns |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Levels of autophagy-related proteins in newborns’ serum and plasma – Expressions of SIRT1, IL-8, and Beclin-1 proteins in newborns – Protein concentrations and correlation patterns in different clusters of newborns |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Levels of autophagy-related proteins in newborns’ serum and plasma – Expressions of SIRT1, IL-8, and Beclin-1 proteins in newborns – Protein concentrations and correlation patterns in different clusters of newborns |
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Source: healio.com
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