New Delhi . A research has revealed that the immune system of pregnant women can be affected due to exposure to air pollution (PM 2.5). Due to this, problems may arise at the time of child birth also.
Whereas previous research had linked PM 2.5 exposure to maternal and child health complications. These included preeclampsia, low birth weight and stunted physical growth. The new research published in Science Advances is the first study to examine the relationship between PM 2.5 and maternal and fetal health.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers focused on understanding the effects of air pollutants at the singlecell level.
Kari Nadeau, a professor of climate and population studies at the university, said the findings impact pregnancy, maternal health and fetal development.
The study included both normal women and women who were 20 weeks pregnant. Using an innovative technique, the team looked at how pollution affected the DNA of these women.
The researchers found that some changes occurred in proteins called histones within each cell. These release cytokines – which work to control inflammation in the body and can affect pregnancy.
The study found that exposure to PM 2.5 may affect the histone profile of pregnant women, which may disrupt the normal balance of cytokine genes and increase inflammation in both the woman and the fetus.
The study highlights the importance of reducing exposure to air pollution in pregnant women to protect maternal and fetal health.
The researchers also urged policy interventions to improve air quality and provide guidelines to protect pregnant women from exposure to pollution.
–
– .
Image Credit: KhasKhabar.