Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to compare for the first time IL-6 (Interleukin 6), testosterone (T) and estradiol (E) levels, their ratio (E/T), micronucleus (MN), and nuclear bridge (NB) frequency between newborns with regard to their mother’s residency and diet. Our results should enable an assessment of the possible environmental endocrine effects and interaction between biomarkers, pointing to possible associated health risks. Methods: Fifty full-term newborns of both sexes, whose mothers were healthy and not occupationally exposed to any known carcinogen, were analyzed. All of the mothers filled in a detailed questionnaire. Results: The results showed significantly higher levels of E in newborns of mothers with agricultural residency than those born by mothers with urban residency. Significantly, lower levels of E were measured in newborns of mothers who drank milk and carbonated beverages more frequently. Testosterone was significantly higher in boys of mothers with agricultural residency than from mothers with urban residency. Residence and other parameters had no impact on the difference in MN frequency. IL-6 levels were higher in newborns of mothers with agricultural residency. NB levels were significantly associated with E. A significant association between E levels and IL-6 was found. Conclusion: Our results were the first to show a significant impact of the mother’s agricultural residency and diet on their newborns’ sex hormone and IL-6 levels and their association.
Highlights
The complex mechanisms and dynamics of intrauterine development, which, if disturbed, may have lifelong consequences on health and susceptibility to xenobiotics, represent the top priorities of research
A detailed questionnaire was used for data collected on mother occupational and environmental exposure, age, weight gain during pregnancy, delivery type, residency, diet, smoking and drinking habit, biocide usage, and wall painting/decorating
Levels of E and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) were significantly higher in newborns of mothers with agricultural residency in comparison with newborns of mothers with urban residency
Summary
The complex mechanisms and dynamics of intrauterine development, which, if disturbed, may have lifelong consequences on health and susceptibility to xenobiotics, represent the top priorities of research. Of specific interests are endocrine disruptors (EDS), which may interact with a large number of mechanisms in the human body that cause not just traditionally sex hormone-related diseases but are involved in mechanisms of carcinogenesis, immunology disturbance, infertility, and brain development [1]. Exposure to urban pollution has been for decades associated with a large number of diseases, an agricultural living environment may be associated with exposure to different xenobiotics, Int. J. Results: The results showed significantly higher levels of E in newborns of mothers with agricultural residency than those born by mothers with urban residency. Testosterone was significantly higher in boys of mothers with agricultural residency than from mothers with urban residency. IL-6 levels were higher in newborns of mothers with agricultural residency.
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