Abstract
Previous studies have reported that arsenic (As) exposure in pregnancy induces DNA damage and increased risk of fetal health and development. However, the associations between As-induced DNA damage and adverse birth outcomes in newborns have yet to be established. We aimed to elucidate the association between As exposure and DNA damages in pregnant women, and link it to the increased risks of adverse birth outcomes in newborn. A birth cohort of 309 mother-newborn pairs was recruited during 2001-2002. We collected maternal urine samples during the third trimester of pregnancy for measurements of metabolites of inorganic arsenic (iAs), and DNA damage biomarkers. Birth weight, birth length, head circumference, chest girth and Apgar score of newborns were collected to assess newborn health. We found a significant correlation between maternal As exposure and increased levels of 8-OHdG (β = 0.39, p < 0.001) and N7-MeG (β = 0.26, p < 0.001) in the urine of pregnant women. The significant increased risk of Apgar score at the 1st min (<7) in newborns was associated with increased levels of urinary iAs (OR: 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.06) and N7-MeG (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.10-1.25). These findings suggest that maternal As exposure may contribute to the formation of DNA damages and impaired fetal and infant health. © 2012 Taylor & Francis Group.