Yasmina Kattou / Photo credit: Maciej Luczniewski / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP
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4:29 p.m., May 7, 2024
A study by Inserm and the University of Grenoble revealed this Tuesday that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy could modify the DNA of the placenta. There could be consequences for the fetus.
1,500 pregnant women participated in the Inserm and University of Grenoble study concerning exposure to air pollution during pregnancy. Among those who were most exposed to pollution, a modification in the activity of certain placental genes was observed.
Some phenomena could be reversible
Alterations which have consequences on the development of the fetal nervous system, on the immune system or even on the occurrence of diabetes in infants. Furthermore, scientists have noticed different changes depending on the sexes.
“The boys were affected more in regions which affect the development of the nervous system. While the girls, it was more in regions which are involved in oxidative stress which is then associated with chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity”, explains Joanna Lepeule, researcher at Inserm.
Studies are underway to evaluate whether these changes identified during pregnancy persist after delivery and as the child grows. Some phenomena could be reversible. The first results will be known within a few months.