Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
Intrauterine metal exposures and aberrations in placental processes are known contributors to being born small for gestational age (SGA). However, studies to date have largely focused on independent effects, failing to account for potential interdependence among these markers.Objectives
We evaluated the inter-relationship between multi-metal indices and placental gene network modules related to SGA status to highlight potential molecular pathways through which in utero multi-metal exposure impacts fetal growth.Methods
Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression was performed using a panel of 16 trace metals measured in post-partum maternal toe nails collected from the Rhode Island Child Health Study (RICHS, n?=?195), and confirmation of the derived SGA-related multi-metal index was conducted using Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). We leveraged existing placental weighted gene coexpression network data to examine associations between the SGA multi-metal index and placental gene expression. Expression of select genes were assessed using RT-PCR in an independent birth cohort, the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study (NHBCS, n?=?237).Results
We identified a multi-metal index, predominated by arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd), that was positively associated with SGA status (Odds ratio?=?2.73 [1.04, 7.18]). This index was also associated with the expression of placental gene modules involved in "gene expression" (??=?-0.02 [-0.04, -0.01]) and "metabolic hormone secretion" (??=?0.02 [0.00, 0.05]). We validated the association between cadmium exposure and the expression of GRHL1 and INHBA, genes in the "metabolic hormone secretion" module, in NHBCS.Conclusion
We present a novel approach that integrates the application of advanced bioinformatics and biostatistics methods to delineate potential placental pathways through which trace metal exposures impact fetal growth.
SUBMITTER: Deyssenroth MA
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6288802 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Deyssenroth Maya A MA Gennings Chris C Liu Shelley H SH Peng Shouneng S Hao Ke K Lambertini Luca L Jackson Brian P BP Karagas Margaret R MR Marsit Carmen J CJ Chen Jia J
Environment international 20180817
<h4>Background</h4>Intrauterine metal exposures and aberrations in placental processes are known contributors to being born small for gestational age (SGA). However, studies to date have largely focused on independent effects, failing to account for potential interdependence among these markers.<h4>Objectives</h4>We evaluated the inter-relationship between multi-metal indices and placental gene network modules related to SGA status to highlight potential molecular pathways through which in utero ...[more]