Occupational Exposure to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Birth Weight and Length of Gestation: A European Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: Women of reproductive age can be exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) at work and exposure to EDCs in pregnancy may affect fetal growth. OBJECTIVES: We assessed whether maternal occupational exposure to EDCs during pregnancy as classified by application of a job exposure matrix was associated with birth weight, term low birth weight (LBW), length of gestation, and preterm delivery. METHODS: Using individual participant data from 133,957 mother-child pairs in 13 European cohorts spanning births from 1994 to 2011, we linked maternal job titles with exposure to 10 EDC groups as assessed through a job exposure matrix. For each group, we combined the two levels of exposure categories (possible and probable) and compared birth outcomes with the unexposed group (exposure unlikely). We performed meta-analyses of cohort-specific estimates. RESULTS: Eleven percent of pregnant women were classified as exposed to EDCs at work during pregnancy based on job title. Classification of exposure to one or more EDC group was associated with an increased risk of term LBW (OR 1.25, 95%CI 1.04, 1.49), as were most specific EDC groups; this association was consistent across cohorts. Further, the risk increased with increasing number of EDC groups (OR 2.11 95%CI 1.10, 4.06 for exposure to 4 or more EDC groups). There were few associations (p < 0.05) with the other outcomes; women holding job titles classified as exposed to bisphenol A or brominated flame retardants were at higher risk for longer length of gestation. CONCLUSION: Results from our large population-based birth cohort design indicate that employment during pregnancy in occupations classified as possibly or probably exposed to EDCs was associated with an increased risk of term LBW

Maternal occupation during pregnancy, birth weight, and length of gestation: Combined analysis of 13 European birth cohorts

Objectives We assessed whether maternal employment during pregnancy – overall and in selected occupational sectors – is associated with birth weight, small for gestational age (SGA), term low birth weight (LBW), length of gestation, and preterm delivery in a population-based birth cohort design. Methods We used data from >200 000 mother-child pairs enrolled in 13 European birth cohorts and compared employed versus non-employed women. Among employees, we defined groups of occupations representing the main sectors of employment for women where potential reproductive hazards are considered to be present. The comparison group comprised all other employed women not included in the occupational sector being assessed. We performed meta-analyses of cohort-specific estimates and explored heterogeneity. Results Employees had a lower risk of preterm delivery than non-employees [adjusted odds ratio (ORadj) 0.86, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.81–0.91]. Working in most of the occupational sectors studied was not associated with adverse birth outcomes. Being employed as a nurse was associated with lower risk SGA infants (ORadj 0.91, 95% CI 0.84–0.99) whereas food industry workers had an increased risk of preterm delivery (ORadj 1.50, 95% CI 1.12–2.02). There was little evidence for heterogeneity between cohorts. Conclusions This study suggests that, overall, employment during pregnancy is associated with a reduction in the risk of preterm birth and that work in certain occupations may affect pregnancy outcomes. This exploratory study provides an important platform on which to base further prospective studies focused on the potential consequences of maternal occupational exposures during pregnancy on child development

Cocoa and classical music: effect on anxiety and antioxidant activity in Wistar rats

The effect of cocoa powder and subchronic exposure to classical music in Wistar rats behavior on anxiety evaluation tests and their antioxidant activity was evaluated. The animals were divided into four groups: control group (CG), cocoa powder group (CPG), music group (MG) and cocoa powder with music group (CPMG). During 15 days, CPG and CPMG received commercial non-alkalized cocoa powder daily (66 mg total polyphenols / g of product, by oral gavage), while MG and CPMG were exposed to the music of Mozart (Serenade N.10 in B flat major for woodwinds and bass, "Gran partita" K.361 / 370a, Largo movement, 8:35 minutes long). At the end of the experiment, the animals were submitted to elevated plus-maze (EPM) and openfield (OF) tests, and serum analysis of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances index (TBA-RS) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Animals from MG and CPMG groups showed the highest total horizontal locomotion and more time spent at the central area and reduced immobility time at the OF. The TBA-RS average of the treated groups were lower than the GC. The average activity of CAT was higher in CPMG than the others, and the average activity of SOD and GSH-Px were higher only in CPG and CPMG. We concluded that the treatment with this classical music showed mild anxiolytic activity. Both treatments (cocoa and music) improved serum antioxidant status, but the peripheral activity of different serum enzymes was mainly improved by the cocoa powder.Se evalu&oacute; el efecto de cacao en polvo y la exposici&oacute;n subcr&oacute;nica a la m&uacute;sica cl&aacute;sica sobre el comportamiento de ratas Wistar en pruebas de evaluaci&oacute;n de la ansiedad y su actividad antioxidante. Los animales fueron divididos en cuatro grupos: control (GC), cacao en polvo (GCP), m&uacute;sica (GM) y cacao en polvo con m&uacute;sica (GCPM). Durante 15 d&iacute;as, GCP y GCPM recibieron cacao en polvo comercial no alcalinizado diariamente (66 mg de polifenoles totales / g de producto, mediante una sonda nasog&aacute;strica), mientras que GM y GCPM fueron expuestos a la m&uacute;sica de Mozart (Serenata N.10 em Si bemol mayor, "Gran Partita" K.361 / 370a, movimiento Largo, 8:35 minutos de duraci&oacute;n). Al final del experimento, los animales fueron sometidos a las pruebas de laberinto en cruz elevado (LCE) y de campo abierto (CA), y el an&aacute;lisis s&eacute;rica del &iacute;ndice de sustancias reactivas al &aacute;cido tiobarbit&uacute;rico (TBA-RS) y la actividad de las enzimas antioxidantes catalasa (CAT), super&oacute;xido dismutasa (SOD) y glutati&oacute;n peroxidasa (GSH-Px). Los animales GM y GCPM mostraron la mayor locomoci&oacute;n horizontal, m&aacute;s tiempo en la zona central y un tiempo reducido de inmovilidad en el CA. El TBA-RS promedio de los grupos tratados fue m&aacute;s bajo que el control. La actividad media de CAT fue mayor para GCPM que los otros, y la actividad media de la SOD y GSH-Px fueron mayores s&oacute;lo en GCP y GCPM. Concluimos que el tratamiento con esta m&uacute;sica cl&aacute;sica mostr&oacute; modesta actividad ansiol&iacute;tica. Ambos tratamientos (cacao y m&uacute;sica) mejoraron el estado antioxidante en suero, pero la actividad perif&eacute;rica de diferentes enzimas fue mejorada principalmente por acci&oacute;n del caca

Cocoa and classical music: effect on anxiety and antioxidant activity in Wistar rats

The effect of cocoa powder and subchronic exposure to classical music in Wistar rats behavior on anxiety evaluation tests and their antioxidant activity was evaluated. The animals were divided into four groups: control group (CG), cocoa powder group (CPG), music group (MG) and cocoa powder with music group (CPMG). During 15 days, CPG and CPMG received commercial non-alkalized cocoa powder daily (66 mg total polyphenols / g of product, by oral gavage), while MG and CPMG were exposed to the music of Mozart (Serenade N.10 in B flat major for woodwinds and bass, "Gran partita" K.361 / 370a, Largo movement, 8:35 minutes long). At the end of the experiment, the animals were submitted to elevated plus-maze (EPM) and openfield (OF) tests, and serum analysis of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances index (TBA-RS) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Animals from MG and CPMG groups showed the highest total horizontal locomotion and more time spent at the central area and reduced immobility time at the OF. The TBA-RS average of the treated groups were lower than the GC. The average activity of CAT was higher in CPMG than the others, and the average activity of SOD and GSH-Px were higher only in CPG and CPMG. We concluded that the treatment with this classical music showed mild anxiolytic activity. Both treatments (cocoa and music) improved serum antioxidant status, but the peripheral activity of different serum enzymes was mainly improved by the cocoa powder.Se evalu&oacute; el efecto de cacao en polvo y la exposici&oacute;n subcr&oacute;nica a la m&uacute;sica cl&aacute;sica sobre el comportamiento de ratas Wistar en pruebas de evaluaci&oacute;n de la ansiedad y su actividad antioxidante. Los animales fueron divididos en cuatro grupos: control (GC), cacao en polvo (GCP), m&uacute;sica (GM) y cacao en polvo con m&uacute;sica (GCPM). Durante 15 d&iacute;as, GCP y GCPM recibieron cacao en polvo comercial no alcalinizado diariamente (66 mg de polifenoles totales / g de producto, mediante una sonda nasog&aacute;strica), mientras que GM y GCPM fueron expuestos a la m&uacute;sica de Mozart (Serenata N.10 em Si bemol mayor, "Gran Partita" K.361 / 370a, movimiento Largo, 8:35 minutos de duraci&oacute;n). Al final del experimento, los animales fueron sometidos a las pruebas de laberinto en cruz elevado (LCE) y de campo abierto (CA), y el an&aacute;lisis s&eacute;rica del &iacute;ndice de sustancias reactivas al &aacute;cido tiobarbit&uacute;rico (TBA-RS) y la actividad de las enzimas antioxidantes catalasa (CAT), super&oacute;xido dismutasa (SOD) y glutati&oacute;n peroxidasa (GSH-Px). Los animales GM y GCPM mostraron la mayor locomoci&oacute;n horizontal, m&aacute;s tiempo en la zona central y un tiempo reducido de inmovilidad en el CA. El TBA-RS promedio de los grupos tratados fue m&aacute;s bajo que el control. La actividad media de CAT fue mayor para GCPM que los otros, y la actividad media de la SOD y GSH-Px fueron mayores s&oacute;lo en GCP y GCPM. Concluimos que el tratamiento con esta m&uacute;sica cl&aacute;sica mostr&oacute; modesta actividad ansiol&iacute;tica. Ambos tratamientos (cacao y m&uacute;sica) mejoraron el estado antioxidante en suero, pero la actividad perif&eacute;rica de diferentes enzimas fue mejorada principalmente por acci&oacute;n del caca

Cocoa and classical music: effect on anxiety and antioxidant activity in Wistar rats

The effect of cocoa powder and subchronic exposure to classical music in Wistar rats behavior on anxiety evaluation tests and their antioxidant activity was evaluated. The animals were divided into four groups: control group (CG), cocoa powder group (CPG), music group (MG) and cocoa powder with music group (CPMG). During 15 days, CPG and CPMG received commercial non-alkalized cocoa powder daily (66 mg total polyphenols / g of product, by oral gavage), while MG and CPMG were exposed to the music of Mozart (Serenade N.10 in B flat major for woodwinds and bass, "Gran partita" K.361 / 370a, Largo movement, 8:35 minutes long). At the end of the experiment, the animals were submitted to elevated plus-maze (EPM) and openfield (OF) tests, and serum analysis of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances index (TBA-RS) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Animals from MG and CPMG groups showed the highest total horizontal locomotion and more time spent at the central area and reduced immobility time at the OF. The TBA-RS average of the treated groups were lower than the GC. The average activity of CAT was higher in CPMG than the others, and the average activity of SOD and GSH-Px were higher only in CPG and CPMG. We concluded that the treatment with this classical music showed mild anxiolytic activity. Both treatments (cocoa and music) improved serum antioxidant status, but the peripheral activity of different serum enzymes was mainly improved by the cocoa powder.Se evalu&oacute; el efecto de cacao en polvo y la exposici&oacute;n subcr&oacute;nica a la m&uacute;sica cl&aacute;sica sobre el comportamiento de ratas Wistar en pruebas de evaluaci&oacute;n de la ansiedad y su actividad antioxidante. Los animales fueron divididos en cuatro grupos: control (GC), cacao en polvo (GCP), m&uacute;sica (GM) y cacao en polvo con m&uacute;sica (GCPM). Durante 15 d&iacute;as, GCP y GCPM recibieron cacao en polvo comercial no alcalinizado diariamente (66 mg de polifenoles totales / g de producto, mediante una sonda nasog&aacute;strica), mientras que GM y GCPM fueron expuestos a la m&uacute;sica de Mozart (Serenata N.10 em Si bemol mayor, "Gran Partita" K.361 / 370a, movimiento Largo, 8:35 minutos de duraci&oacute;n). Al final del experimento, los animales fueron sometidos a las pruebas de laberinto en cruz elevado (LCE) y de campo abierto (CA), y el an&aacute;lisis s&eacute;rica del &iacute;ndice de sustancias reactivas al &aacute;cido tiobarbit&uacute;rico (TBA-RS) y la actividad de las enzimas antioxidantes catalasa (CAT), super&oacute;xido dismutasa (SOD) y glutati&oacute;n peroxidasa (GSH-Px). Los animales GM y GCPM mostraron la mayor locomoci&oacute;n horizontal, m&aacute;s tiempo en la zona central y un tiempo reducido de inmovilidad en el CA. El TBA-RS promedio de los grupos tratados fue m&aacute;s bajo que el control. La actividad media de CAT fue mayor para GCPM que los otros, y la actividad media de la SOD y GSH-Px fueron mayores s&oacute;lo en GCP y GCPM. Concluimos que el tratamiento con esta m&uacute;sica cl&aacute;sica mostr&oacute; modesta actividad ansiol&iacute;tica. Ambos tratamientos (cacao y m&uacute;sica) mejoraron el estado antioxidante en suero, pero la actividad perif&eacute;rica de diferentes enzimas fue mejorada principalmente por acci&oacute;n del caca

Antioxidant effect of simvastatin throught oxidative imbalance caused by lisdexamfetamine dimesylate

The present study aims to directly investigate the behavioral and antioxidant effects of simvastatin in a model of bipolar mania induced by lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. Wistar rats were treated for 30 days with simvastatin. On the 24th day after the start of treatment, each rat was administered lisdexamfetamine dimesylate for 7 days. The results suggest that simvastatin combined with lisdexamfetamine dimesylate induced a significant increased locomotion and lisdexamfetamine dimesylate administration causes an oxidative imbalance determined by an increment in lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and alterations in the activities of antioxidant enzymes in brain areas; moreover, in the presence of simvastatin, most of these effects were prevented. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the critical roles of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, associated with increased oxidative stress and changes in antioxidant enzymatic defense. In view of the central role played by lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, the established antioxidant effect of simvastatin therapy is of major interest

Antioxidant effect of simvastatin throught oxidative imbalance caused by lisdexamfetamine dimesylate

The present study aims to directly investigate the behavioral and antioxidant effects of simvastatin in a model of bipolar mania induced by lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. Wistar rats were treated for 30 days with simvastatin. On the 24th day after the start of treatment, each rat was administered lisdexamfetamine dimesylate for 7 days. The results suggest that simvastatin combined with lisdexamfetamine dimesylate induced a significant increased locomotion and lisdexamfetamine dimesylate administration causes an oxidative imbalance determined by an increment in lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation and alterations in the activities of antioxidant enzymes in brain areas; moreover, in the presence of simvastatin, most of these effects were prevented. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the critical roles of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, associated with increased oxidative stress and changes in antioxidant enzymatic defense. In view of the central role played by lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, the established antioxidant effect of simvastatin therapy is of major interest

Pregnancy and birth cohort resources in Europe : a large opportunity for aetiological child health research

Background. During the past 25 years, many pregnancy and birth cohorts have been established. Each cohort provides unique opportunities for examining associations of early-life exposures with child development and health. However, to fully exploit the large amount of available resources and to facilitate cross-cohort collaboration, it is necessary to have accessible information on each cohort and its individual characteristics. The aim of this work was to provide an overview of European pregnancy and birth cohorts registered in a freely accessible database located at http://www.birthcohorts.net. Methods. European pregnancy and birth cohorts initiated in 1980 or later with at least 300 mother–child pairs enrolled during pregnancy or at birth, and with postnatal data, were eligible for inclusion. Eligible cohorts were invited to provide information on the data and biological samples collected, as well as the timing of data collection. Results. In total, 70 cohorts were identified. Of these, 56 fulfilled the inclusion criteria encompassing a total of more than 500 000 live-born European children. The cohorts represented 19 countries with the majority of cohorts located in Northern and Western Europe. Some cohorts were general with multiple aims, whilst others focused on specific health or exposure-related research questions. Conclusion. This work demonstrates a great potential for cross-cohort collaboration addressing important aspects of child health. The web site, http://www.birthcohorts.net, proved to be a useful tool for accessing information on European pregnancy and birth cohorts and their characteristicsAplinkotyros katedraVytauto Didžiojo universiteta

Occupational Exposure to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Birth Weight and Length of Gestation: A European Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: Women of reproductive age can be exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) at work, and exposure to EDCs in pregnancy may affect fetal growth. OBJECTIVES: We assessed whether maternal occupational exposure to EDCs during pregnancy as classified by application of a job exposure matrix was associated with birth weight, term low birth weight (LBW), length of gestation, and preterm delivery. METHODS: Using individual participant data from 133,957 mother-child pairs in 13 European cohorts spanning births from 1994 through 2011, we linked maternal job titles with exposure to 10 EDC groups as assessed through a job exposure matrix. For each group, we combined the two levels of exposure categories (possible and probable) and compared birth outcomes with the unexposed group (exposure unlikely). We performed meta-analyses of cohort-specific estimates. RESULTS: Eleven percent of pregnant women were classified as exposed to EDCs at work during pregnancy, based on job title. Classification of exposure to one or more EDC group was associated with an increased risk of term LBW [odds ratio (OR) = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.49], as were most specific EDC groups; this association was consistent across cohorts. Further, the risk increased with increasing number of EDC groups (OR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.10, 4.06 for exposure to four or more EDC groups). There were few associations (p &lt; 0.05) with the other outcomes; women holding job titles classified as exposed to bisphenol A or brominated flame retardants were at higher risk for longer length of gestation. CONCLUSION: Results from our large population-based birth cohort design indicate that employment during pregnancy in occupations classified as possibly or probably exposed to EDCs was associated with an increased risk of term LBW