Placental mitochondrial DNA content and particulate air pollution during in utero life.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Studies emphasize the importance of particulate matter (PM) in the formation of reactive oxygen species and inflammation. We hypothesized that these processes can influence mitochondrial function of the placenta and fetus.

Objective

We investigated the influence of PM₁₀ exposure during pregnancy on the mitochondrial DNA content (mtDNA content) of the placenta and umbilical cord blood.

Methods

DNA was extracted from placental tissue (n = 174) and umbilical cord leukocytes (n = 176). Relative mtDNA copy numbers (i.e., mtDNA content) were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Multiple regression models were used to link mtDNA content and in utero exposure to PM₁₀ over various time windows during pregnancy.

Results

In multivariate-adjusted a

SUBMITTER: Janssen BG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3440109 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature