New Delhi, Nov 30 (IANS) Pregnant women’s exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) may alter immune responses, leading to adverse birth outcomes, according to a new study.
While previous research linked PM2.5 exposure to maternal and child health complications including preeclampsia, low birth weight, and developmental delays in early childhood, the new study, published in Science Advances, is the first to examine the relationship between PM2.5 and maternal and foetal health.
Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health focussed on understanding air pollutants’ impact on a single-cell level.
Kari Nadeau, Professor of Climate and Population Studies at the varsity said that the findings showcase “a substantial step forward in understanding the biological pathways by which PM2.5 exposure affects pregnancy, maternal health, and foetal development”.
The use of advanced methodology also can change the way “how we study immune responses to environmental exposures,” Nadeau said.
The study included participants both non-pregnant women and 20-week pregnant women. Using an innovative technology, the team examined how pollution modified the DNA of participants’ individual cells.
Within each cell, they were able to map changes to histones, the proteins that help control the release of cytokines — proteins that help control inflammation in the body and that can affect pregnancy.
The study found that PM2.5 exposure can influence the histone profiles of pregnant women, disrupting the normal balance of cytokine genes and leading to increased inflammation in both women and foetuses. In pregnant women, this increase in inflammation can correspond with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
The study highlights the importance of minimising air pollution exposure in pregnant women to protect maternal and foetal health.
The researchers also urged for policy interventions to improve air quality, and to provide clinical guidelines to help pregnant women reduce their exposure to pollution.
–IANS
rvt/
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by TodayIndia.news and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of TodayIndia.news We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Every effort is made to keep the website up and running smoothly. However, TodayIndia.news takes no responsibility for, and will not be liable for, the website being temporarily unavailable due to technical issues beyond our control.
For any legal details or query please visit original source link given with news or click on Go to Source.
Our translation service aims to offer the most accurate translation possible and we rarely experience any issues with news post. However, as the translation is carried out by third part tool there is a possibility for error to cause the occasional inaccuracy. We therefore require you to accept this disclaimer before confirming any translation news with us.
If you are not willing to accept this disclaimer then we recommend reading news post in its original language.
