Biomedical subjects

Reiko Kishi

Publications and source records attributed to Reiko Kishi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Influence of genetic polymorphisms of styrene-metabolizing enzymes and smoking habits on levels of urinary metabolites after occupational exposure to styrene.

Here we evaluate the influence of individual genetic polymorphisms of drug-metabolizing enzymes as well as body mass index (BMI) and lifestyle (smoking, alcohol consumption) on urinary metabolites after occupational exposure to styrene. Seventy-three workers exposed to styrene in a reinforced-plastics workplace were studied. The personal styrene exposure in the air and the urinary styrene metabolites mandelic acid and phenylglyoxylic acid were measured. The subjects' genetic polymorphisms in the genes that encode the styrene-metabolizing enzymes CYP2E1, CYP2B6, EPHX1, GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 were determined. Neither genotype nor lifestyle significantly affected urinary metabolites. There was, however, an interaction between the CYP2E1 genotype and smoking. Among non-smokers, urinary styrene metabolites were significantly decreased in subjects with c1/c1 alleles of CYP2E1 as compared with those with the c1/c2 genotype. There was no significant difference in urinary metabolites among smokers. When the combined influence of the CYP2B6 genotype and the predicted activity of EPHX1 were examined, urinary metabolites in subjects with low enzyme activity were lower than in those with medium or high activity after high styrene exposure (>or=50 ppm). The results suggest that genetic susceptibility and lifestyle should be considered in biological monitoring of exposure to styrene.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Acute effects of styrene inhalation on the neuroendocrinological system of rats and the different effects in male and female rats.

There have been several epidemiological and experimental studies about styrene from the neuroendocrinological viewpoint. Some reported that styrene exposure affected the neuroendocrinological system and enhanced prolactin (PRL) secretion, but others have denied those effects. It was assumed that styrene exposure caused depletion of dopamine (DA), which is a PRL inhibitor, and that, in consequence, the PRL level increased. However, not only DA but also many other factors control PRL secretion. Therefore, the mechanism of hypersecretion of PRL has not yet been clearly elucidated. In addition, effects of styrene on the female reproductive system have been reported, but the susceptibility needs to be further studied. Therefore, to investigate what causes hypersecretion of PRL and how different the susceptibility is in males and females, we studied acute effects of styrene exposure on the neuroendocrinological system in male and female rats. Immediately after exposure to 150 ppm styrene vapor for 10 days (8 h/day), male and female rats were killed, and blood and brain samples were collected. The styrene concentration in blood, hormones such as PRL, growth hormone (GH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in plasma and neurotransmitters in various brain regions were measured. The styrene concentration in the blood of female rats was higher than that in male rats, and the PRL level was significantly increased in female exposed rats compared with controls. No significant change was observed in male rats. We did not observe any significant changes in DA, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) or their metabolites. Because neurotransmitters were not affected in either male or female rats, the mechanism enhancing PRL secretion remains unclear. These results suggest that styrene exposure may cause hypersecretion of PRL and that the sensitivity to styrene exposure of the female may be higher than that of the male.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed2005

Divergence of natural killer cell receptor and related molecule in the decidua from sporadic miscarriage with normal chromosome karyotype.

The aim of this cohort study was to investigate immunophenotypic characteristics of natural killer (NK) cells by assessing specific molecules expressed in the decidua of sporadic miscarriages and induced abortions. The deciduae were obtained from 29 consecutively seen women whose pregnancies ended in first trimester miscarriages (MS), and the fetal chromosome karyotype of these MS was analysed. Additionally, 13 deciduae were obtained from induced abortion (IA) with informed consent. The expression of perforin, CD94, CD161, CD158a, CD158b, CD244 on CD3-CD56+NK cells, and perforin on CD3+CD8+ T cells was analysed by flow cytometry. The CD158a (mean+/-SD, 26.2+/-14.7%) and CD94 (50.2+/-25.7%) expressions in MS with normal chromosome karyotype (MSNK; n=11) were significantly decreased as compared with those (41.5+/-19.5%, 71.4+/-20.4%) in MS with abnormal karyotype (MSAK; n=18) and those (44.3+/-21.9%, 80.8+/-17.5%) in IA (n=13). Conversely, the perforin expression on CD3-CD8-CD56+NK cells (76.3+/-11.0%) and CD3+CD8+T cells (30.6+/-9.2%) in MSNK was significantly increased as compared with those (66.8+/-16.6%, 23.6+/-8.7%) in MSAK and those (62.9+/-11.6%, 19.7+/-8.1%) in IA. A positive correlation between CD94 and CD158a expressions on NK cells, negative correlations between CD94 on NK cells and perforin on NK cells/T cells, and between CD158a on NK cells and perforin on T cells were found in the decidua. A divergence of NK cell repertoire in the decidua might be related to aetiology of sporadic MSNK.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

PubMed2005

Parental and neonatal risk factors for cryptorchidism.

BACKGROUND: Cryptorchidism is one of the most common congenital malformations in males. As male sexual differentiation is critically dependent on normal androgen concentrations, increased exposure to environmental factors affecting androgen homeostasis during fetal life may cause cryptorchidism. We investigated the relation between cryptorchidism and lifestyle, occupational exposure and the characteristics of parents and/or the perinatal and delivery characteristics. MATERIAL/METHODS: Case-control study conducted among the eligible 96 cases underwent orchiopexy between 1990 and 2003 and 116 controls were enrolled among boy outpatients born in between 1985 and 2001 and who were determined by pediatricians not to have genitourinary malformation. All the cases and controls were surveyed between 1999 and 2003 in Japan. RESULTS: We found significant positive associations between cryptorchidism and cesarean section (OR=2.19, 95% CI=1.09-4.40), paternal smoking before and during pregnancy (OR=1.87, 95% CI=1.03-3.37 and OR=1.94, 95% CI=1.08-3.50, respectively) and paternal exposure to diesel exhaust before and during pregnancy (OR=2.42, 95% CI=1.06-5.55 and OR=2.35, 95% CI=0.99-5.59, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We found associations of cryptorchidism with unusual delivery and paternal smoking during pregnancy. These findings suggested that cryptorchidism might be associated with not only genetic factors but also increased parental exposure to environmental factors. In the future, prospective study is needed to do risk assessment accurately in the hormone-dependent stages of pregnancy critical for testicular descent.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

PubMed2005

Caffeine intake, CYP1A2 polymorphism and the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss.

Some case-control studies have demonstrated that caffeine intake and high CYP1A2 activity increase risks of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) but the multifactorial effect is obscure. To investigate whether susceptible women who have more caffeine intake are at high risk of RPL, a case-control study of 58 cases with two or more RPL and fertile 147 controls was performed. The association between daily caffeine intake together with CYP1A21F (AA versus CA and CC) genotype and RPL was assessed. Without consideration of the genotype, there were no significant differences of the RPL risk in proportion to daily caffeine intake [less than 100 mg (reference); 100-299 mg: odds ratio (OR), 1.29; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.66-2.50; 300 mg or more: OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 0.72-4.58; P for trend, 0.20]. However, the RPL risk significantly increased only among women who had homozygous CYP1A21F alleles with a dosage effect of daily caffeine intake [less than 100 mg (reference); 100-299 mg: OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 0.57-6.66; 300 mg or more: OR, 5.23; 95% CI, 1.05-25.9; P for trend, 0.03]. It was demonstrated for the first time that an increase in caffeine intake deteriorates the fecundity among susceptible women.

Abortion, Habitual↗

PubMed2005

Genetic factors in fetal growth restriction and miscarriage.

Recently, several investigations concerning disadvantageous genetic factors in human reproduction have progressed. Inherited thrombophilia, such as factor V Leiden, prothrombin, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase mutations; gene polymorphisms of detoxification enzyme (CYP1A1); growth factors (insulin-like growth factor-I); and hormones such as angiotensinogen and CYP17 are involved in the pathogenesis of fetal growth restriction. The inherited thrombophilia, gene polymorphisms of coagulation and anticoagulation factor such as thrombomodulin, endothelial protein C receptor, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, and factor XIII; human lymphocyte antigen (HLA-G); detoxification enzymes (glutathione- S-transferase M1); cytokines such as interleukin (IL) -1 and IL-6; hormones (CYP17); vasodilators (nitric oxide synthase 3); and vitamins (transcobalamin) are involved in the pathogenesis of sporadic and recurrent miscarriage. It is likely that a gene polymorphism or mutation susceptible to reproductive failure has a beneficial effect on the process of human reproduction with or without the environmental interaction. The factor V Leiden mutation has genetic advantages that are believed to be an improved implantation rate in in vitro fertilization and a reduction of maternal intrapartum blood loss. It has also been demonstrated that the CYP17 A2 allele has bidirectional effects on human reproduction, including increases in susceptibility to recurrent miscarriage and fetal growth enhancement.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

PubMed2005

[Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and human health: a review of epidemiological studies focused on hypospadias and cryptorchidism].

Hypospadias and cryptorchidism are common congenital anomalies. Recently, increases in the prevalence of hypospadias and cryptorchidism have been reported in various countries, including Japan. As male sexual differentiation is critically dependent on normal androgen concentrations, increased exposure to environmental factors affecting androgen homeostasis during fetal life (i.e. EDCs with estrogenic or anti-androgenic effects) may cause hypospadias or cryptorchidism. However, the results from the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Monitoring System (ICBDMS), hospital-based studies in each country and population-based studies in Japan are different, because in the present system there are some problems such as the standardization of diagnostic criteria and the difference of the time of diagnosis, we hope to improve the monitoring system method. Previous papers have reported that hypospadias and cryptorchidism were associated with maternal exposure to progesterone, estrogen, diethylstilbestrol (DES) and pesticide. However, there are few studies evaluating the quantity of endocrine disrupting chemicals, using biological samples. In the future, a well-designed epidemiological study is needed to elucidate the relation between endocrine disrupting chemicals and genital development.

Agrochemicals↗

PubMed2005

Relationship of Helicobacter pylori infection to arterial stiffness in Japanese subjects.

The role of Helicobacter pylori in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis remains controversial, and the relationship between H. pylori and the early stage of atherosclerosis has not been fully investigated. We investigated the influence of H. pylori infection on arterial stiffness to clarify whether H. pylori infection is related to early-stage atherosclerosis. The subjects were 3,412 males and 854 females. Anti-H. pylori antibody and C-reactive protein (CRP) level were measured. Arterial stiffness was evaluated using the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV). In multivariate logistic repression analyses of male subjects, H. pylori seropositivity (odds ratio [OR] 1.27 [95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.52]) and H. pylori seropositivity with a high CRP value (>0.045 mg/dl) (OR 1.50 [1.14-1.98]) were significantly related to a high value of PWV. In the analyses of male subjects aged < or = 49 years, H. pylori seropositivity (OR 1.40 [1.04-1.88]) and H. pylori seropositivity with a high CRP value (OR 1.81 [1.16-2.80]) were also significantly related to a high value of PWV. However, in male subjects aged > or = 50 years and female subjects, no associations were found. These results suggest that inflammation following H. pylori infection contributes to the early stage of atherosclerosis in younger males.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Effects of pregnancy, age and sex in the metabolism of styrene in rat liver in relation to the regulation of cytochrome P450 enzymes.

To elucidate the effect of maternal styrene exposure, which is due to various postnatal changes in the development and behavior of offspring, we investigated pregnancy-induced changes in the metabolism of styrene in rat liver in relation to the regulation of cytochrome P450 enzymes. We also examined age and sex-induced changes in the metabolism of styrene. Pregnancy appeared to exert a negative effect on cytochrome P450 content at the late stage, whereas microsomal protein content showed little change during pregnancy. Pregnancy significantly decreased the rate of formation of styrene glycol at the late stage. The percentage of remaining activity in microsomes exposed to anti-CYP2E1 was lower than that exposed to anti-CYP2C11/6 in pregnant and non-pregnant female rats and immature male rats, indicating that CYP2E1 contributes to the metabolism of styrene more than CYP2C11/6 in these rats. Although pregnancy seemed to decrease styrene metabolism, the contribution of CYP2E1 seemed to be slightly increasing. In conclusion, pregnancy clearly influences the metabolism of styrene as well as other characteristic factors such as age and sex. It is very important to elucidate the changes in specific P450 isozyme composition related to their characteristic modification and in their affinity for chemicals.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2005

[A review of epidemiological studies about pulse wave velocity for prevention of cardiovascular disease].

Early arteriosclerosis can be prevented by medication and life style changes. However, late cardiac disease, called cardiovascular disease, could be fatal or have severe sequelae. Therefore, it is important to develop a method for early diagnosis. Since no symptoms become evident until endothelial/vascular dysfunction, a simple and sensitive diagnostic method using a biological parameter needs to be developed for prevention and medical treatment. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a noninvasive and simple measure for evaluating arterial wall stiffness and several studies have indicated this is a good marker for vascular damage, although not all results were consistent. This review concerns the following three aspects: 1. PWV as a marker of vascular damage 2. PWV as a prognostic predictor 3. Brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) Blood pressure is strongly related with PWV, along with BMI, fasting blood glucose, and cholesterol. However, no relation was rated cigarette smoking. While many reports have shown that rise of PWV can serve as a prognostic predictor of disease, the situation with baPWV remains unclear. It is to be expected that improvements in methods for PWV will greatly contribute to primary and secondary prevention in the future.

Aging↗

PubMed2005

[Effects of stressful life events which cause depression in the elderly, and the role of the social support network--a longitudinal study in Hokkaido prefecture].

The effects of stressful life events which cause depression in the elderly and the role of the social support network--a longitudinal study in Hokkaido prefecture It has been reported that various stressful life events experienced by the elderly increase the risk of depression, and that a support network mitigates the effects. However, reports in our country are still lacking. This research was a longitudinal study in a former coal mining area, conducting a baseline survey on 1991. Every three to four years, we followed-up the elderly in the area. The questionnaire included :1) base attributes 2) stressful life events 3) networks, 4) instrumental/emotional support, support provided themselves, 4) Zung's Self Rating Depression Scale, 5) subjective health/number of illness/hospital admission/body aches/vision and hearing/urinary incontinence/signs of dementia, 6) hobbies and motivation in life/ADL/IADL. Whether male or female, SDS scores after three years were significantly high in cases of poor health, body aches, and signs of dementia. Females who did not participate in social activities scored significantly high after three years. In cross-sectional analysis, both males and females who were not working had significantly high scores. The effect of networks on SDS scores in females was significantly recognized for items regarding children living separately, neighborhood, close friends/relatives, and groups. However, it was not significant for males. Thus, a gender difference was found. In females, the level of depression was low when there were supports, though it was not significant in males. The subjective health condition was significantly different from SDS scores in both male and female groups. Admission to hospital, existence of body aches and vision disturbance were significantly different in females. Nevertheless, those were not significant in the male group. For social activity, whether the persons possessed hobbies and motivation in life or not created a significant difference in SDS scores. For stressful life events, both males and females had significantly high SDS scores caused by aggravation of health condition. In the female group, moving against the will, illness of spouse/family, and increased borrowing showed significance, and life events experienced within a year and SDS scores were significantly related. In multivariate analysis using parameters of males in 1995, only subjective health condition significantly increased the level of depression. In females, when the number of experienced life events was large, the level of depression was higher even when adjusted for the subjective health condition. Moreover, even then when "home visits by children separately living" were rare, the level of depression tended to be higher. As future issues, (1) adequate measures for evaluation of social support networks and (2) early preventive action in each community with validated scales for stressful life events are important.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

No difference in natural killer or natural killer T-cell population, but aberrant T-helper cell population in the endometrium of women with repeated miscarriage.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the natural killer (NK) cell and natural killer T (NKT) cell populations and cytokine expression of T-helper (Th) cells in the endometrium of women who suffered from unexplained repeated miscarriage (RM). METHODS: The percentages of NK cells, NKT cells and CD4(+) cells expressing intracellular interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-4 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were measured by flow cytometry in the endometrium of 20 RM women and 17 fertile control women in the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. RESULTS: No significant differences in CD56(+) NK cell or CD3(+)CD4(-)CD8(-)Valpha24(+)Vbeta11(+) NKT cell percentages were found between RM and control women. However, in RM women compared with control women, the percentages of CD3(+) cells (mean 40.3 versus 56.5%), CD4(+)IFN-gamma(+) cells (28.4 versus 39.5%) and CD4(+)TNF-alpha(+) cells (32.9 versus 45.8%) were significantly lower. The Th1/Th2 cell balance in RM women did not differ from that of controls. CONCLUSIONS: Immunodystrophism detected as diminution of the Th cell population rather than Th1 predominance, NK cell or NKT cell accentuation in the endometrium might underlie the pathophysiology of unexplained RM. This finding provokes an additional controversy on the Th1/Th2 balance concerning RM aetiology.

Abortion, Habitual↗

PubMed2004

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region of the interleukin-6 gene and the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss in Japanese women.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationships between recurrent pregnancy loss and single nucleotide polymorphisms (-634C-->G and -174G-->C genotypes) in the promoter region of the interleukin (IL)-6 gene in the Japanese population. DESIGN: A case-control study. SETTING: Obstetrics and gynecology department of a university hospital. PATIENT(S): Cases were 76 women with recurrent pregnancy loss; controls were 93 fertile women. INTERVENTION(S): Determination of IL-6 promoter gene polymorphisms performed by polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Frequency and distribution of the promoter region of the IL-6 gene allele. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the -634C-->G genotype frequency (CC vs. CG/GG) between women with recurrent pregnancy loss and controls. The risk of recurrent pregnancy loss was lower in the carriers of the G allele than in women with the wild type (CC) (odds ratio = 0.46; 95% confidence interval = 0.24-0.91). On the other hand, we did not detect any carrier of -174C among the 169 subjects. CONCLUSION(S): The results suggest that, in the Japanese population, women carrying the -634G allele of the IL-6 gene might have a decreased risk of recurrent pregnancy loss.

Abortion, Habitual↗

PubMed2004

A polymorphism in the CYP17 gene and intrauterine fetal growth restriction.

Intrauterine fetal growth restriction is a multifactorial disorder, and its aetiology includes both environmental and genetic components. We aimed to investigate whether maternal genetic polymorphisms of metabolic enzymes affects fetal growth and pregnancy duration. Genomic DNA was obtained from 134 women who experienced singleton deliveries beyond 24 weeks of gestation. Maternal age, birth weight, gestational age at birth and frequencies of fetal growth restriction, prematurity and pregnancy-induced hypertension were compared among genotypic subgroups of cytochrome p450 (CYP) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes. The polymorphisms of CYP1A1 (MspI), CYP17 (MspAI) and GSTP1 (BsmAI) genotypes, and the presence or absence of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes were analysed by PCR-based methods. The frequency of fetal growth restriction (<10th percentile/<-1.5 SD; 22.7%/11.4%) in 44 women who were homozygous for the A1 allele (A1A1) of CYP17 was significantly higher than that (7.8%/2.2%) in 90 women who carried the A2 allele (A1A2/A2A2) of CYP17 (P < 0.05), with an odds ratio =3.41 (95% confidence interval = 1.18-9.84). The gestational age at birth (mean +/- SD, 37.5 +/- 3.1 weeks) in 67 women with GSTM1 null genotype was significantly lower than that (38.5 +/- 2.4 weeks) in 67 women who carried GSTM1 (P < 0.05). The polymorphism of CYP17 that encodes the cytochrome p450c17alpha enzyme might be associated with the pathophysiology underlying fetal growth restriction.

Case-Control Studies↗

PubMed2004

Genistein-induced changes in gene expression in Panc 1 cells at physiological concentrations of genistein.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of genistein on gene expression in Panc 1 cells using microarray technology. METHODS: Panc 1 cells were treated with 10 micromol/L genistein or DMSO (vehicle control) for 0, 1, 3, 6, or 12 hours. Total RNA from each sample was isolated, and biotin-labeled probes were hybridized to the human genome U133A chip, after which the chip was washed and scanned. Data were analyzed using DMT software (Affymetrix). For genes that showed large changes in expression due to genistein, these changes were confirmed using real-time PCR assays. RESULTS: Two independent microarray experiments showed that genistein significantly changed the expression of 47 genes: up-regulating of egr-1 and IL-8 and down-regulating of EGF-R AKT2, CYP1B1, NELL2, SCD, DNA ligase III, Rad as well as 18s and 28s rRNA and others. These alterations in expression were confirmed using real-time PCR, although the increase in change was not exactly the same in the 2 assays. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest the reported apparent ability of genistein to inhibit carcinogenesis may involve a number of pathways. The most obvious target is the EGF-R signaling pathway since the expression of 5 genes related to this pathway was reduced (EGFR, egr-1, AKT2, CYP1B1, and NELL2). Genistein may also act by disabling cancer cell self-protection by inhibiting expression of AKT2, CYP1B1, and DNA ligase III. Furthermore, genistein may inhibit car-cinogenesis by inhibiting expression of SCD. Finally, our data support findings indicating that genistein inhibits rRNA formation, which is an important mechanism by which genistein regulates tumor cell growth.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2004

Decrease in a specific killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor on peripheral natural killer cells in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion of unexplained etiology.

PROBLEM: The aim of this study was to investigate immunophenotypic characteristics of natural killer (NK) cells by assessing specific molecules expressed in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) of unexplained etiology. METHOD OF STUDY: Peripheral blood cells were obtained from 20 RSA women and 15 fertile controls. The expression of perforin, CD94, CD161, CD158a, CD158b, and CD244 on CD3- CD56+ NK cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: A significant decrease in CD158a expression was demonstrated in RSA women (mean +/- SD, 22.9 +/- 8.7%) as compared with that in controls (33.6 +/- 15.7%) (P < 0.05). The percentage of NK cells showing dual expression of CD94 and CD161 was relatively higher in RSA women (55.1 +/- 10.2%) than in the controls (47.1 +/- 19.0%), but without statistically significant (P = 0.096). The expression of perforin, CD158b, or CD244 in RSA women did not differ from that in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: A divergence of the specific NK cell repertoire might be related to the etiology of RSA.

Abortion, Habitual↗

PubMed2004

Interleukin-4 gene polymorphism is not involved in the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss.

PROBLEM: Enhanced secretion of type-2 T-helper (Th2) cytokine is a characteristic feature in normal physiological pregnancy. A study has demonstrated defective production of interleukine-4 (IL-4) and other Th2 cytokine in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Several studies have suggested that IL-4 variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) gene polymorphism is probably associated with different IL-4 production. METHODS OF STUDY: The IL-4 VNTR genotypes were assessed in 109 Japanese women with RPL and 210 ethnically matched women experiencing at least one live birth and no spontaneous abortion. RESULTS: No significant differences in IL-4 VNTR genotype frequencies were found between the RPL and the control [B1B1 genotype (reference); B1/B2 and B2/B2 genotypes, odds ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-1.45]. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that the IL-4 VNTR allele is not a major genetic regulator in RPL.

Abortion, Habitual↗

PubMed2004

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and related perfluorinated compounds in human maternal and cord blood samples: assessment of PFOS exposure in a susceptible population during pregnancy.

Fluorinated organic compounds (FOCs), such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluoro-octanoate (PFOA), and perfluorooctane sulfonylamide (PFOSA), are widely used in the manufacture of plastic, electronics, textile, and construction material in the apparel, leather, and upholstery industries. FOCs have been detected in human blood samples. Studies have indicated that FOCs may be detrimental to rodent development possibly by affecting thyroid hormone levels. In the present study, we determined the concentrations of FOCs in maternal and cord blood samples. Pregnant women 17-37 years of age were enrolled as subjects. FOCs in 15 pairs of maternal and cord blood samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry coupled with online extraction. The limits of quantification of PFOS, PFOA, and PFOSA in human plasma or serum were 0.5, 0.5, and 1.0 ng/mL, respectively. The method enables the precise determination of FOCs and can be applied to the detection of FOCs in human blood samples for monitoring human exposure. PFOS concentrations in maternal samples ranged from 4.9 to 17.6 ng/mL, whereas those in fetal samples ranged from 1.6 to 5.3 ng/mL. In contrast, PFOSA was not detected in fetal or maternal samples, whereas PFOA was detected only in maternal samples (range, < 0.5 to 2.3 ng/mL, 4 of 15). Our results revealed a high correlation between PFOS concentrations in maternal and cord blood (r2 = 0.876). However, we did not find any significant correlations between PFOS concentration in maternal and cord blood samples and age bracket, birth weight, or levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone or free thyroxine. Our study revealed that human fetuses in Japan may be exposed to relatively high levels of FOCs. Further investigation is required to determine the postnatal effects of fetal exposure to FOCs. Key words: cord blood, fluorinated organic compounds, human, PFOA, PFOS, PFOSA, pregnancy.

Adolescent↗