Non-smoking Women Research Articles

Antenatal Classes in the Context of Prenatal Anxiety and Depression during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Perinatal maternal anxiety and depression negatively affect intrauterine fetal development, birth outcome, breastfeeding initiation, duration, and milk composition. Antenatal classes potentially reduce the anxiety of pregnant women and may thus contribute to healthy infant development. The study investigates the relationship between participation in online or in-person antenatal classes and levels of anxiety and depression in Polish women during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study group included 1774 adult, non-smoking pregnant women. We compared the state anxiety (STAI-State) and depression levels (EPDS) in women who (i) attended antenatal classes in-person, (ii) attended online classes, and (iii) did not attend any of them. The statistical analyses included a GLM model and trend analysis, while controlling for maternal trait anxiety, age, pregnancy complications, trimester of pregnancy, previous pregnancies, and COVID-19 infections. We observed statistically significant differences in the level of anxiety (and depression). Women who did attend antenatal classes in person had the lowest levels of anxiety and depression. Considering the importance of maternal mental well-being on fetal development, birth outcome, and breastfeeding, in-person participation in antenatal classes should be recommended to pregnant women.

Prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and gestational age at birth

Background:Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous chemicals with mechanisms of toxicity that include endocrine disruption. We examined associations of prenatal urinary PAH with spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) and gestational age (GA) at birth. We also assessed whether infant sex modifies the association of PAH exposure with spontaneous PTB and GA at birth.Methods:Participants included 1,677 non-smoking women from three cohorts (CANDLE, TIDES, and GAPPS) in the ECHO PATHWAYS Consortium. Twelve monohydroxylated-PAHs were measured in second trimester maternal urine. Seven metabolites with >60% overall detection were included in analyses: 1-hydroxynaphthalene [1-OH-NAP], 2-hydroxynaphthalene [2-OH-NAP], 2-hydroxyphenanthrene [2-OH-PHEN], 3-hydroxyphenanthrene [3-OH-PHEN], 1/9-hydroxyphenanthrene [1/9-OH-PHEN], 2/3/9-hydroxyfluorene [2/3/9-OH-FLUO], and 1-hydroxypyrene [1-OH-PYR]. Logistic and linear regression models were fit for spontaneous PTB and GA among births ≥34 weeks, respectively, with log10-transformed OH-PAH concentrations as the exposure, adjusted for specific gravity and suspected confounders. Effect modification by infant sex was assessed using interaction terms and marginal estimates.Results:Percent detection was highest for 2-OH-NAP (99.8%) and lowest for 1-OH-PYR (65.2%). Prevalence of spontaneous PTB was 5.5% (N = 92). Ten-fold higher 2-OH-NAP exposure was associated with 1.60-day (95% CI: −2.92, −0.28) earlier GA at birth. Remaining associations in the pooled population were null. Among females, we observed significant inverse associations between 1-OH-PYR and PTB (OR: 2.65 [95% CI: 1.39, 5.05]); and 2-OH-NAP with GA: −2.46 days [95% CI: −4.15, −0.77]). Among males, we observed an inverse association between 2/3/9-OH-FLUO and PTB (OR = 0.40 [95% CI: 0.17,0.98]). ORs for PTB were higher among females than males for 2-OH-PHEN (p = 0.02) and 1-OH-PYR (p = 0.02).Discussion:We observed inverse associations of 2-OH-NAP exposure with GA and null associations of remaining OH-PAHs with GA and PTB. Females may be more susceptible to spontaneous PTB or shorter GA following prenatal exposure to some OH-PAHs. This study is the first to assess sex-specific OH-PAH toxicity in relation to spontaneous PTB and GA.

Passive Smoking and Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus among Nonsmoking Women: A Prospective Cohort Study in China.

Background: Increasing evidence has shown that active smoking can increase the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but the effect of passive smoking is still unknown. Women in pregnancy are vulnerable to secondhand smoke. This study explored the association of passive smoking with GDM in China. Method: A total of 3083 nonsmoking pregnant women living in Beijing were recruited into a prospective cohort study. Sociodemographic and passive smoking data were collected with structured questionnaires during face-to-face interviews. Glucose levels were measured by physicians according to standard protocols. Multivariate logistic regression was performed for the association estimation after accounting for potential confounders. Result: In total, 562 of the 3083 participants developed GDM (18.23%); 779 participants (25.27%) reported exposure to passive smoking. After adjusting for age, BMI, ethnicity, education, occupation, and parity, passive smoking conferred an approximately 1.4-fold risk increase in GDM (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.11, 1.70)). The adjusted ORs with 95% CIs for passive smoking levels of <1, 1–6, and ≥7 times per week were 1.21 (0.94, 1.55), 1.81 (1.22, 2.69), and 1.70 (1.02, 2.84), respectively. An obvious passive-smoking–GDM association was observed among only nulliparous women (adjusted OR = 1.45, 95% CI: (1.14, 1.85)). Conclusion: Frequent exposure to secondhand smoke could increase the risk of GDM among nonsmoking pregnant women. Parity status might modify their association. Public policies should be advocated to prevent passive smoking among this population.

Exposure to arsenic and level of Vitamin D influence the number of Th17 cells and production of IL-17A in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in adults.

There is limited evidence on the effects of environmental exposure to arsenic (As) on the immune system in adults. In a population-based study, we have found that urinary As (UAs), and its metabolites [inorganic As (InAs), monomethylated arsenicals (MMA+3/+5), and dimethylated arsenicals (DMA+3/+5)] modulate or influence the number of T-helper 17 (Th17) cells and IL-17A cytokine production. In non-smoking women, we observed that UAs and DMA+3/+5 were associated with changes in Th17 cell numbers in a nonlinear fashion. In smoking males, we found that UAs was associated with a significant decrease of Th17 cell numbers. Similar association was observed among non-smoking males. Likewise, UAs, DMA+3/+5 and MMA+3/+5 were associated with diminished production of IL-17A among non-smoking males. When stratified by Vitamin D levels defined as sufficient (≥20 ng/ml) and insufficient (<20 ng/ml), we found a substancial decrease in Th17 cell numbers among those with insufficient levels. Individuals with sufficient VitD levels demonstrated significant inhibition of IL-17A production in non-smoking males. Collectively, we find that exposure to As via drinking water is associated with alterations in Th17 numbers and IL-17A production, and that these associations may be modified by Vitamin D status. Our findings have significance for health outcomes associated with As exposure.

Paternal smoking and preterm birth: a population-based retrospective cohort study among non-smoking women aged 20\u201349\xa0years in rural China

BackgroundTo comprehensively evaluate the association of paternal smoking and preterm birth (PTB).MethodsWe performed a population-based retrospective cohort study in rural areas of China among 5,298,043 reproductive-aged couples who participated in the National Free Pre-Pregnancy Checkups Project (NFPCP), regarding outcome events that occurred in 2010–2016. Multivariate Cox proportional regression was used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confident intervals (95%CI), and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were used to estimate the dose–response relationship.ResultsCompared to neither-smoker couples, the fully adjusted HR for PTB was 1.04 (95% CI, 1.03–1.04), 1.08 (0.96–1.22), and 1.11 (1.03–1.19) in the couples where only the female smoked, only the male smoked and both, respectively. HR of PTB for paternal smoking was 1.07 (1.06–1.07), compared with women without paternal smoking. Consistent with paternal smoking, preconception paternal smoking showed 1.07-fold higher risk of PTB (95%CI, 1.06–1.09). The multivariable-adjusted HRs of PTB were 1.05 (1.03–1.06), 1.04 (1.03–1.05), 1.05 (1.04–1.07), 1.07 (1.05–1.10) and 1.13 (1.12–1.14) for participants whose husband smoked 1–4, 5–9, 10–14, 15–19, and ≥ 20 cigarettes/day respectively, compared with participants without paternal smoking. The HRs of PTB also increased with the increment of paternal smoking and preconception paternal smoking categories (Plinear < 0.05).ConclusionsPaternal smoking and preconception paternal smoking was independently positively associated with PTB risk. The importance of tobacco control, should be emphasized during preconception and pregnancy counselling should be towards not only women but also their husband.

A one-year observational cohort study of menstrual cramps and ovulation in healthy, normally ovulating women

This is a prospective, observational community cohort study with the objective of investigating menstrual cramp occurrence related to ovulatory characteristics. Women reported cramp intensity on daily Menstrual Cycle Diary© records over one year. Ovulation and luteal phase lengths were assessed by validated Quantitative Basal Temperature© (QBT) analysis. Healthy, normal-weight, non-smoking community dwelling premenopausal women ages 21–41 years with two consecutive, normally ovulatory, normal-length menstrual cycles were enrolled. All 53 women, with 13.6 ± 2.8 cycles per woman, reported at least one cramp episode of median intensity 1.5 [0–4 scale; range 1.0–3.5], and 2.2 days’ [range 1.0–10.2] duration. Within the 49 women who experienced all ovulatory cycle types (normal, short luteal length [SLL < 10 days] and anovulatory), median cramp intensity was greater in normal-length cycles having subclinical ovulatory disturbances (SLL and anovulatory; median 1.4 [range 0.0–2.8]) than in normally ovulatory cycles (median 1.2 [range 0.0–2.3]) (P = 0.023). Cramp Scores did not differ by ovulatory status within the 19 women having both normally ovulatory and anovulatory cycles (P = 0.222). Within-woman 1-year Cramp Scores were not different in anovulatory and normally ovulatory menstrual cycles but were more intense with ovulatory disturbances.

Prenatal exposure to mixtures of persistent environmental chemicals and fetal growth outcomes in Western Australia.

Environmental chemicals have been implicated in the etiology of impaired fetal growth. However, few studies have assessed the effects of chemical mixtures or considered the possibility of non-monotonic exposure-response relationships for chemicals that act through the endocrine system. We assessed exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers, organochlorine pesticides, metals, and perfluorinated alkyl substances in blood and urine samples collected approximately two weeks prior to delivery in 166 non-smoking pregnant women, and subsequent birth weight, length, and head circumference of neonates who were part of the Australian Maternal Exposures to Toxic Substances (AMETS) study. We used Bayesian structured additive regression models with spike-slab priors to estimate mixture effects, identify important exposures, and model non-linearity in exposure-response relationships. Mixtures of polybrominated diphenyl ethers, organochlorine pesticides, metals, and perfluorinated alkyl substances were not associated with fetal growth outcomes. Estimated change in fetal growth outcomes for an increase in exposure from the 25th to 75th percentile suggested no meaningful associations; the strongest evidence was for a small inverse association between birth weight and cesium exposure measured in whole blood (-124g, 90% credible interval: -240 to -3g). We identified several chemicals that may be associated with fetal growth non-linearly; however, 90% credible intervals contained small values consistent with no meaningful association. Using a Bayesian penalized regression method, we assessed the shapes of exposure-response relationships, controlled for confounding by co-exposure, and estimated the single and combined effects of a large mixture of correlated environmental chemicals on fetal growth. Our findings, based on a small sample of mother-neonate pairs, suggest that mixtures of persistent chemicals are not associated with birth weight, length, and head circumference. The potential for non-monotonic relationships between environmental chemicals and fetal growth outcomes warrants further study.

Relationship between Eating Habits, Physical Activity and Tobacco and Alcohol Use in Pregnant Women: Sociodemographic Inequalities.

Pregnant women must maintain or acquire healthy habits during pregnancy to protect both their own health and their child’s. Such habits include an adequate eating pattern along with good adherence to the intake of certain supplements, practice of moderate physical activity and avoiding the consumption of toxic products such as tobacco and alcohol. The objective of this study is to assess the interrelation between such habits and their association with sociodemographic variables. To such end, a cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of pregnant women who attended the scheduled morphology echography consultation at the 20th gestational week in their reference public hospital in the city of Seville (Spain). Results: Younger pregnant women and with lower educational levels are the ones that present the worst eating habits and the highest smoking rate. Pregnant women with lower educational levels are the least active. Non-smoking pregnant women present better eating habits than those who smoke. Pregnant women with lower educational levels are those who accumulate more unhealthy habits during pregnancy. This should be taken into account when planning the health care provided to pregnant women and in public health intersectoral policies.

Association of household air pollution with cellular and humoral immune responses among women in rural Bangladesh

Household air pollution (HAP) arising from combustion of biomass fuel (BMF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in low-income countries. Air pollution may stimulate pro-inflammatory responses by activating diverse immune cells and cyto/chemokine expression, thereby contributing to diseases. We aimed to study cellular immune responses among women chronically exposed to HAP through use of BMF for domestic cooking. Among 200 healthy, non-smoking women in rural Bangladesh, we assessed exposure to HAP by measuring particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), black carbon (BC) and carbon monoxide (CO), through use of personal monitors RTI MicroPEM™ and Lascar CO logger respectively, for 48 h. Blood samples were collected following HAP exposure assessment and were analyzed for immunoprofiling by flow cytometry, plasma IgE by immunoassay analyzer and cyto/chemokine response from monocyte-derived-macrophages (MDM) and -dendritic cells (MDDC) by multiplex immunoassay. In multivariate linear regression model, a doubling of PM2.5 was associated with small increments in immature/early B cells (CD19+CD38+) and plasmablasts (CD19+CD38+CD27+). In contrast, a doubling of CO was associated with 1.20% reduction in CD19+ B lymphocytes (95% confidence interval (CI) = -2.36, −0.01). A doubling of PM2.5 and BC each was associated with 3.12% (95%CI = −5.85, −0.38) and 4.07% (95%CI = −7.96, −0.17) decrements in memory B cells (CD19+CD27+), respectively. Exposure to CO was associated with increased plasma IgE levels (beta(β) = 240.4, 95%CI = 3.06, 477.8). PM2.5 and CO exposure was associated with increased MDM production of CXCL10 (β = 12287, 95%CI = 1038, 23536) and CCL5 (β = 835.7, 95%CI = 95.5, 1576), respectively. Conversely, BC exposure was associated with reduction in MDDC-produced CCL5 (β = −3583, 95%CI = −6358, −807.8) and TNF-α (β = −15521, 95%CI = −28968, −2074). Our findings suggest that chronic HAP exposure through BMF use adversely affects proportions of B lymphocytes, particularly memory B cells, plasma IgE levels and functions of antigen presenting cells in rural women.

Extracellular domain of semaphorin 5A serves a tumor‑suppressing role by activating interferon signaling pathways in lung adenocarcinoma cells.

Semaphorin 5A (SEMA5A), which was originally identified as an axon guidance molecule in the nervous system, has been subsequently identified as a prognostic biomarker for lung cancer in nonsmoking women. SEMA5A acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting the proliferation and migration of lung cancer cells. However, the regulatory mechanism of SEMA5A is not clear. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to explore the roles of different domains of SEMA5A in its tumor‑suppressive effects in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. First, it was revealed that overexpression of full length SEMA5A or its extracellular domain significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of both A549 and H1299 cells using MTT, colony formation and gap closure assays. Next, microarray analyses were performed to identify genes regulated by different domains of SEMA5A. Among the differentially expressed genes, the most significant function of these genes that were enriched was the 'Interferon Signaling' pathway according to Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. The activation of the 'Interferon Signaling' pathway was validated by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting. In summary, the present study demonstrated that the extracellular domain of SEMA5A could upregulate genes in interferon signaling pathways, resulting in suppressive effects in lung adenocarcinoma cells.

Association of Computed Tomographic Screening Promotion With Lung Cancer Overdiagnosis Among Asian Women

As smoking continues to decline in many developed countries, the proportion of lung cancers in nonsmokers will rise. This shift may create substantial pressure to further expand lung cancer screening to lower-risk groups. To determine the association of lung cancer incidence with the promotion of screening in a largely nonsmoking population. This population-based ecological cohort study of stage-specific lung cancer incidence used the Taiwan Cancer Registry to identify women diagnosed with lung cancer from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2018. Smoking prevalence among Taiwanese women has been less than 5% since 1980. Data were analyzed from February 13, 2020, to November 10, 2021. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for lung cancer, initiated during the early 2000s. Change in stage-specific lung cancer incidence. An effective cancer screening program will not only increase the incidence of early-stage cancer but also decrease the incidence of cancer presenting at a late stage. A total of 57 898 women were diagnosed with lung cancer in a population of approximately 12 million Taiwanese women. After the introduction of LDCT screening, the incidence of early-stage (stages 0-I) lung cancer in women increased more than 6-fold, from 2.3 to 14.4 per 100 000 population (absolute difference, 12.1 [95% CI, 11.3-12.8]) from 2004 to 2018. There was no change, however, in the incidence of late-stage (stages II-IV) lung cancer, from 18.7 to 19.3 per 100 000 (absolute difference, 0.6 [95% CI, -0.5 to 1.7]). Because the additional 12.1 per 100 000 early-stage cancers were not accompanied by a concomitant decline in late-stage cancers, virtually all the additional cancers detected represent overdiagnosis. Despite stable mortality, 5-year survival more than doubled from 2004 to 2013, from 18% to 40%, which is arguably the highest lung cancer survival rate in the world. This population-based ecological cohort study found that low-dose computed tomographic screening of mostly nonsmoking Asian women was associated with considerable lung cancer overdiagnosis. Five-year survival is biased by the increased LDCT detection of indolent early-stage lung cancers. Unless randomized trials can demonstrate some value to low-risk groups, LDCT screening should remain targeted only to heavy smokers.

The immigrant birthweight paradox in an urban cohort: Role of immigrant enclaves and ambient air pollution.

Background:Foreign-born Black and Latina women on average have higher birthweight infants than their US-born counterparts, despite generally worse socioeconomic indicators and prenatal care access, i.e. ‘immigrant birthweight paradox’ (IBP). Residence in immigrant enclaves and associated social-cultural and economic benefits may be drivers of IBP. Yet, enclaves have been found to have higher air pollution, a risk factor for lower birthweight.Objective:We investigated the association of immigrant enclaves and children’s birthweight accounting for prenatal ambient air pollution exposure.Methods:In the Boston-based Children’s HealthWatch cohort of mother-child dyads, we obtained birthweight-for-gestational-age z-scores (BWGAZ) for US-born births, 2006–2015. We developed an immigrant enclave score based on census-tract percentages of foreign-born, non-citizen, and linguistically-isolated households statewide. We estimated trimester-specific PM2.5 concentrations and proximity to major roads based residential address at birth. We fit multivariable linear regressions of BWGAZ and examined effect modification by maternal nativity. Analyses were restricted to non-smoking women and term births.Results:Foreign-born women had children with 0.176 (95% CI: 0.092, 0.261) higher BWGAZ than US-born women, demonstrating the IBP in our cohort. Immigrant enclave score was not associated with BWGAZ, even after adjusting for air pollution exposures. However, this association was significantly modified by maternal nativity (pinteraction = 0.014), in which immigrant enclave score was positively associated with BWGAZ for only foreign-born women (0.090, 95% CI: 0.007, 0.172). Proximity to major roads was negatively associated with BWGAZ (−0.018 per 10m, 95% CI: −0.032, −0.003) and positively correlated with immigrant enclave scores. Trimester-specific PM2.5 concentrations were not associated with BWGAZ.Significance:Residence in immigrant enclaves was associated with higher birthweight children for foreign-born women, supporting the role of immigrant enclaves in the IBP. Future research of the IBP should account for immigrant enclaves and assess their spatial correlation with potential environmental risk factors and protective resources.

Second hand smoke exposure in pregnant women in Dehradun, Uttarakhand: A cross sectional study.

Aim:The aim of this study was to estimate the percentage and sources of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among non-smoking pregnant women. It was a cross-sectional study conducted among the non-smoking pregnant women registered at the primary health center (PHC) under the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), Rishikesh.Materials and Methods:All registered pregnant women at sub-center in the field practice area (Raiwala) of the Department of Community and Family Medicine, AIIMS Rishikesh were recruited in the study. In this study, a questionnaire was used for measuring the exposure of SHS. Mean and standard deviation (SD), median, minimum, and maximum were used for continuous variables. A Chi-square test was used to compare the association of categorical variables.Results:Out of the total participants, 62% were exposed to SHS. 33% of participants were exposed to SHS at home only, 24% at public places only, and 5% were the ones exposed both at home and public places. More than half (69%) of the participants were having inadequate knowledge about the harms caused by SHS.Conclusions:More than half of the participants were exposed to SHS. Inadequate knowledge among the participants about adverse effects of SHS exposure and insufficient practices and action were observed.

ВЛИЯНИЕ АКТИВНОГО И ПАССИВНОГО КУРЕНИЯ НА РИСК РАЗВИТИЯ ПРЕЖДЕВРЕМЕННЫХ РОДОВ И ДРУГИХ БОЛЬШИХ АКУШЕРСКИХ СИНДРОМОВ

Preterm birth is one of the leading causes of infant and neonatal mortality. Progressive placental and hypertensive disorders and pre-eclampsia often increase the proportion of induced preterm births. The study aims. There is conflicting evidence in the literature about the association of active and passive smoking with the risk of these gestational complications. The present study analysed the complications of pregnancy in smoking and non-smoking women according to the timing of delivery. According to the results, smoking is a significant risk factor for preterm birth, placental and hypertensive disorders. The chances of severe pre-eclampsia and fetal growth retardation were higher in women who smoked. The likelihood of these complications increases with the duration of smoking.

Lady Windermere syndrome: Reality or myth?

Introduction: Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a saprophytic bacterium which can cause pulmonary infection in patients with immunocompromised and structural lung disease. Infection in elderly, non-smoker and healthy women affecting right middle lobe is often referred as Lady Windermere syndrome.

Does a Course of Aerobic Training Affect the Inflammatory Status and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors of Hookah-smoker Women? Results of a Cross-sectional Study

BackgroundHookah consumption is a major risk factor for inflammation and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two-month aerobic training on metabolic profile and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in hookah-smoker women.MethodsIn this quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design, 22 hookah-smoker women (at least twice a week) matched in terms of age (27.82 ± 3.81 years) and body mass index (BMI) (26.66 ± 5.92 kg/m2) were recruited and randomly divided into two groups of smokers + aerobic exercise (n = 11) and smokers (n = 11). A matched control group of non-smoker women (n = 10, age: 27.11 ± 2.71 years, BMI: 26.20 ± 2.39 kg/m2) were also recruited for baseline comparison. The aerobic exercise program was performed three days a week, 35-50 minutes a day for 8 weeks. The smokers’ group were asked to continue their normal lives. Serum levels of CRP and metabolic risk factors were measured before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).FindingsAt baseline, non-smoker participants had significantly better CRP level (P = 0.001) and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) (P = 0.020) than hookah-smoker women. After 8 weeks of aerobic exercise, no significant change was observed in the lipid profile of hookah-smoker women (P > 0.050). Simultaneously, body weight (P = 0.030), VO2max (P = 0.001), and CRP levels (P = 0.010) improved significantly in response to aerobic exercise.ConclusionThese findings suggest that a course of aerobic exercise program improves the aerobic fitness of hookah-smoker women. This improvement is associated with reduction of CRP without significant changes in plasma lipid profile.

The Effects of Skin Health Care Awareness on Practic Behavior of Women in Their 20s

This study was conducted to study skin health care awareness and practices for women in their 20s who are highly interested in skin health care. From December 1, 2020, to February 1, 2021, women in their 20s who are currently living in Jinju-si Gyeongsangnam-do and Gwangju, and the study were surveyed using the Internet and SNS, and a total of 300 copies were used as final analysis data. The specific questionnaire consisted of a total of 40 items. Data analysis was conducted using the SPSWIN 21.0 program. First, in the difference between skin health care awareness and skin health care practice behavior according to general characteristics, age ‘26-29 years old’, marriage status ‘unmarried’, final education ‘university student/graduation’, occupation ‘student’, and monthly beauty-related expenses ‘less than 10-130,000 won’ drinking alcohol ‘1-2 times a week’ was the highest, and for the smoking, non-smoking women were the highest. Regarding skin health care awareness according to general characteristics, the overall average was 3.82, ‘harmful factors’ appeared to be the highest, and for the skin health care practice behavior, the overall average was 3.43, showing the highest average in ‘cosmetics selection’, and the difference in skin health care awareness according to age, educational background, and smoking was significant. In response, in this study, it is intended to be used as basic data to help maintain and improve skin health by grasping problems such as awareness of skin health care and practice behavior of women in their 20s.

Hair and nail nicotine levels of mothers and their infants as valid biomarkers of exposure to intrauterine tobacco smoke

INTRODUCTIONTobacco use remains the single most modifiable cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes. It is crucial to be able to accurately quantify the burden of tobacco exposure on both the mother and fetus to have better measures of efficacy with interventions being studied.METHODSThis is a descriptive and exploratory study conducted within a randomized controlled trial. Pregnant smoking and non-smoking women were followed from ≤22 weeks’ gestation through delivery with monthly maternal smoking questionnaires, urine cotinine levels, and collection of maternal and infant hair and nail samples, at delivery. Nicotine was extracted and measured (ng/mg) using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.RESULTSForty-six mother–infant dyads (34 pregnant smokers and 12 pregnant non-smokers) had successful completion of maternal and infant hair and nails samples. The median hair nicotine levels of the smoking mothers and their infants was significantly higher than those of the non-smokers (1.015 vs 0.037 ng/ mg, p<0.05 for the mothers; 0.445 vs 0.080 ng/mg, p<0.01 for the infants). Similarly, the median nail nicotine levels for smoking mothers and their infants were significantly higher than the non-smokers (2.130 vs 0.056 ng/mg, p<0.01 for the mothers; 0.594 vs 0.132 ng/mg, p<0.05 for the infants). We found a moderate but significant correlation between maternal hair and nail nicotine (r=0.64, p<0.001), infant hair and nail nicotine (r=0.64; p<0.001), maternal and infant hair nicotine (r=0.61, p<0.001), and maternal and infant nail nicotine levels (r=0.58, p<0.001).CONCLUSIONSOur study shows that both infant hair and nail nicotine levels are valid biomarkers of intrauterine tobacco smoke exposure, and can be used to identify prenatal smoke exposure, correlating well with the level of maternal nicotine exposure.

Social Predictors of Continued and Indoor Smoking Among Partners of Non-smoking Pregnant Women: The TMM BirThree Cohort Study.

BackgroundSecondhand smoke (SHS) from partners is a major source of exposure for non-smoking women. However, epidemiological studies have rarely examined social factors associated with continued and indoor smoking among pregnant women’s partners.MethodsWe analyzed data on 6,091 partners of non-smoking pregnant women in the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study. Partners’ age, education, income, workplace SHS exposure (almost never or sometimes, almost every day), and pregnant women’s smoking history (never, quit before pregnancy awareness, quit after pregnancy awareness) were used as social factors. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations of social factors with partners’ continued smoking and indoor smoking.ResultsAmong 2,432 smoking partners, 2,237 continued to smoke after pregnancy awareness. Workplace SHS exposure was associated with increased risk of partners’ continued smoking: the odds ratio of workplace SHS exposure almost every day compared with almost never or sometimes was 2.08 (95% confidence interval, 1.52–2.83). Women’s quitting smoking after—but not before—pregnancy awareness was associated with decreased risk of partners’ continued smoking: the odds ratio of women’s quitting after pregnancy awareness compared with never smoking was 0.57 (95% confidence interval, 0.40–0.80). About one-third of partners who continued to smoke did so indoors. Older age, lower education, workplace SHS exposure, and women’s quitting smoking after pregnancy awareness were associated with increased risk of partners’ indoor smoking.ConclusionsWorkplace SHS exposure and pregnant women’s smoking history were associated with continued smoking and indoor smoking among partners of non-smoking pregnant women.

Impact of Cigarette Smoking on the Expression of Oxidative Stress-Related Genes in Cumulus Cells Retrieved from Healthy Women Undergoing IVF

The female reproductive system represents a sensitive target of the harmful effects of cigarette smoke, with folliculogenesis as one of the ovarian processes most affected by this exposure. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of tobacco smoking on expression of oxidative stress-related genes in cumulus cells (CCs) from smoking and non-smoking women undergoing IVF techniques. Real time PCR technology was used to analyze the gene expression profile of 88 oxidative stress genes enclosed in a 96-well plate array. Statistical significance was assessed by one-way ANOVA. The biological functions and networks/pathways of modulated genes were evidenced by ingenuity pathway analysis software. Promoter methylation analysis was performed by pyrosequencing. Our results showed a down-regulation of 24 genes and an up-regulation of 2 genes (IL6 and SOD2, respectively) involved in defense against oxidative damage, cell cycle regulation, as well as inflammation in CCs from smoking women. IL-6 lower promoter methylation was found in CCs of the smokers group. In conclusion, the disclosed overall downregulation suggests an oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in CCs triggered by cigarette smoking exposure. This evidence adds a piece to the puzzle of the molecular basis of female reproduction and could help underlay the importance of antioxidant treatments for smoking women undergoing IVF protocols.