MATERNAL, DIETARY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PREDICTORS OF BULKY DNA ADDUCTS IN CORD BLOOD: A EUROPEAN MOTHER–CHILD STUDY (NEWGENERIS).

Abstract

Background: Bulky DNA adducts in cord blood reflect prenatal effective dose of exposure to genotoxic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, provide a reliable biomarker of genotoxic damage and possibly cancer risk. Little is known on sources of exposures resulting in these adducts particularly in neonates. Aims: We examined maternal, dietary and environmental predictors of bulky DNA adduct levels in neonates to better understand our previous finding of an association between higher adduct levels and lower birth weight. Methods: Pregnant women from Greece, Spain, England, Denmark and Norway were recruited in 2006-2010. Adducts were measured by the 32P-postlabelling technique in cord white blood cells (n=511). Maternal diet and other personal characteristics were assessed via questionnaires. Land-use regression models were used to estimate individual exposure to air pollution. Results: Adduct levels tended to be higher in neonates born to women who smoked as compared with those of non-smokers (10.0 (n=81) vs. 7.6 (n=424) adducts per 108 nucleotide, p=0.10). Spanish and Greek neonates had higher adduct levels than the Northern Europeans (12.7 (n=237) vs. 7.0 (n=373) adducts per 108 nucleotides, p<0.001). Neonates born during June-August had the highest adduct levels. Higher maternal pre-pregnancy body-mass index, births during June-August, and high maternal intake of cured and smoked meat was associated with higher adduct levels (p<0.05). A protective effect of maternal intake of fruits rich in vitamin C was also found (p=0.03). Ambient air pollution (PM2.5) at the home address during pregnancy was not associated with adduct levels in Greece and England. Estimation of air pollution is ongoing in the other countries and a complete analysis will be presented. Conclusions: These findings suggest that prenatal exposures from maternal lifestyle and so far unknown country-specific factors influence the bulky DNA adduct formation in neonates. Acknowledgement: NewGeneris and ESCAPE (EU FOOD-CT-2005-016320 and 211250).