Abstract
BackgroundGenetic susceptibility to tobacco smoke might modify the effect of smoking on pregnancy outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a case–control study of 543 women who delivered singleton live births in Kaunas (Lithuania), examining the association between low-level tobacco smoke exposure (mean: 4.8 cigarettes/day) during pregnancy, GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms and birthweight of the infant. Multiple linear-regression analysis was performed adjusting for gestational age, maternal education, family status, body mass index, blood pressure, and parity. Subsequently, we tested for the interaction effect of maternal smoking, GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes polymorphisms with birthweight by adding all the product terms in the regression models.ResultsThe findings suggested a birthweight reduction among light-smoking with the GSTT1–null genotype (−162.9 g, P = 0.041) and those with the GSTM1–null genotype (−118.7 g, P = 0.069). When a combination of these genotypes was considered, birthweight was significantly lower for infants of smoking women the carriers of the double-null genotypes (−311.2 g, P = 0.008). The interaction effect of maternal smoking, GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes was marginally significant on birthweight (−234.5 g, P = 0.078). Among non-smokers, genotype did not independently confer an adverse effect on infant birthweight.ConclusionsThe study shows the GSTT1–null genotype, either presents only one or both with GSTM1–null genotype in a single subject, have a modifying effect on birthweight among smoking women even though their smoking is low level. Our data also indicate that identification of the group of susceptible subjects should be based on both environmental exposure and gene polymorphism. Findings of this study add additional evidence on the interplay among two key GST genes and maternal smoking on birth weight of newborns.
Highlights
Genetic susceptibility to tobacco smoke might modify the effect of smoking on pregnancy outcomes
One of the explanations of tobacco smoking influence on infants birthweight is that individual genetic susceptibility to tobacco smoke might have an effect on the foetal development [12]; – this variability may be related to the interplay of environmental exposures, such as exposure to cigarette smoke, and host-modified metabolic processes [13]
The findings suggested a birthweight reduction among low-level smoking mothers with the GSTT1–null genotype (−162.9 g, P = 0.041)
Summary
Genetic susceptibility to tobacco smoke might modify the effect of smoking on pregnancy outcomes. Recent epidemiological studies have linked maternal tobacco-smoking and other environmental exposures to increased risk of low birth weight, preterm delivery, congenital anomalies, pregnancy loss, foetal growth, birthweight [1,2]. Low birth weight of infant is recognised to be associated with demographic and environmental factors; tobacco-smoking remains the most important modifiable risk factor for foetal-growth restriction [8]. One of the explanations of tobacco smoking influence on infants birthweight is that individual genetic susceptibility to tobacco smoke might have an effect on the foetal development [12]; – this variability may be related to the interplay of environmental exposures, such as exposure to cigarette smoke, and host-modified metabolic processes [13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
