Urinary Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Metabolite Associations with Biomarkers of Inflammation, Angiogenesis, and Oxidative Stress in Pregnant Women

Environmental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is prevalent and may adversely impact pregnancy and development of the fetus. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine urinary PAH metabolites in potential association with mediators of these outcomes. To do so, we measured a panel of 12 inflammatory, angiogenic, and oxidative stress biomarkers in plasma or urine from women in their third trimester of pregnancy (n = 200). Urinary PAH metabolites were highly detectable (>88%) in the study population, and most were higher in women who had lower education levels, higher body mass index, and who were African-American. Some PAH metabolites showed consistent positive associations with the plasma inflammation marker C-reactive protein (CRP) and the urinary oxidative stress markers 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 8-isoprostane. For example, an interquartile range increase in 2-hydroxynapthalene was associated with a 35% increase in CRP (95% confidence interval = -0.13, 83.2), a 14% increase in 8-OHdG (95% confidence interval =0.59, 30.1), and a 48% increase in 8-isoprostane (95% confidence interval =16.7, 87.0). These data suggest that exposure to PAHs may cause systemic changes during pregnancy that could lead to adverse pregnancy or developmental outcomes; however, these results should be corroborated in a larger study population.