Can cell proliferation of umbilical cord blood cells reflect environmental exposures?

Abstract

Environmental hazards were shown to have an impact on cell proliferation (CP). We investigated CP of lymphocytes in umbilical cord blood in relation to prenatal environmental exposures in a sample of 346 Arab-Bedouin women giving birth in a local hospital. Information on subjects’ addresses at pregnancy, potential household exposures and demographical status was collected in an interview during hospitalization. This population is usually featured by high rates of neonatal morbidity and multiple environmental exposures, originating from the local industrial park (IP), household hazards and frequent male smoking. A geometric mean CP ratio 2.17 (2.06; 2.29), and was high in women residing in a direction of prevailing winds from the local IP (p value = 0.094) and who gave birth during fall-winter season (p value = 0.024). Women complaining on disturbing exposure to noise had lower CP (p value = 0.015), compared to other women. CP was not indicative of neonatal morbidity. However, our findings suggest that CP of umbilical cord might be modified by environmental exposures. A long-term follow-up of the children is required to assess their developmental outcomes.

Exposure to metals and morbidity at eight years follow-up in women of childbearing age

“…This population is leading a semi nomadic lifestyle, while approximately half of them lives in temporary tents or shacks, frequently using open fire for cooking or heating. The majority of the male population is smoking 12 , 16 , 17 . This way of life coupled with low socioeconomic status makes the Arab-Bedouin minority potentially susceptible to pollution and possibly contributes to the high morbidity rates 18 , 19 .…”

The effect of exposure to particulate matter during pregnancy on lower respiratory tract infection hospitalizations during first year of life

“…Approximately half of the Arab-Bedouin population lives in temporary settlements that cannot be hermetically sealed from outdoor pollutants and therefore is more likely to be exposed to and affected by them. These different lifestyles, coupled with the lower socioeconomic status create the difference between the two populations and has a potential to modify the environmental effects on health [9,10].…”