Association of Organophosphate Pesticide Exposure and Paraoxonase with Birth Outcome in Mexican-American Women

2011

Pesticide Exposure and Birth Outcomes in Mexican-American Women

Sample size: 467 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Harley Kim G., Huen Karen, Aguilar Schall Raul, Holland Nina T., Bradman Asa, Barr Dana Boyd, Eskenazi Brenda

Primary Institution: Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley

Hypothesis

Is maternal organophosphate pesticide exposure associated with poorer fetal growth, and does paraoxonase (PON1) modify this association?

Conclusion

Infants with certain PON1 genotypes and enzyme activity levels were found to have decreased fetal growth and shorter gestation periods due to organophosphate pesticide exposure.

Supporting Evidence

Infants with the PON1−108TT genotype had shorter gestational age and smaller head circumference compared to those with the PON1−108CC genotype.
Maternal DAP concentrations were associated with larger birth weight and head circumference in infants with non-susceptible genotypes.
Infants' PON1 genotype and activity were associated with birth outcomes, but mothers' were not.

Takeaway

This study found that babies whose mothers were exposed to certain pesticides during pregnancy might be born smaller and earlier, especially if they have specific genetic traits.

Methodology

The study analyzed urine samples from pregnant women for pesticide metabolites and assessed infant birth outcomes in relation to maternal PON1 genotype and enzyme activity.