We investigated the association between maternal exposure to low level organic solvents and infant birth length, and whether the association is modified by two maternal susceptibility genes: Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1-Msp1) and Glutathion-s-Transferases (GSTM1 and GSTT1).
This analysis is based on 744 (436 exposed, 208 nonexposed) nonsmoking and nondrinking mothers of singleton live births at Beijing Yanshan Petrochemical Corporation Staff Hospital, China, during 1996-1997. Exposure to organic solvents was assessed by an industrial hygienist based on the mothers' job title and job activity. Other information was obtained from medical records and questionnaire interview.
The individual and combined associations of the genotypes and organic solvent exposure with infant's birth length were evaluated by multiple linear regression analyses, with adjustment for infant's gestational age, sex, maternal age, education, parity, passive smoking, pre-pregnancy weight and height, and shift work, father's height and weight. Individually, the infant's birth length was significantly reduced among mothers with organic solvents exposure (-0.26 cm, p=0.017), with variant genotype in GSTM1 (-0.24 cm, p=0.015) or in GSTT1 (-0.24 cm, p=0.014), respectively. When examined in eight subgroups defined by organic solvent exposure and the genotypes, the reduction in infant's birth length was the greatest among exposed mothers with variant genotypes in CYP1A1 and GSTT1 (-0.55 cm, p=0.006), or with variant genotypes in CYP1A1 and GSTM1 (-0.65 cm, p=0.002), compared to non-exposed mothers with wild genotypes.
Although the magnitude of the effect is relatively small, the study provides evidence of gene-environment interaction.
Learning Objectives: The participant will be able to: 1. Discuss the role of susceptibility gene in the health effect of environmental exposure. 2. Discuss a method to assess possible gene-gene interaction and gene-environmental interaction
Keywords: Birth Outcomes, Environmental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.