The Effect of Nitric Oxide Pollution on Oxidative Stress in Pregnant Women Living in Durban, South Africa

Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 2018 Feb;74(2):228-239. doi: 10.1007/s00244-017-0465-y. Epub 2017 Oct 24.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect nitric oxide (NO x ) pollution had on maternal serum 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women living in Durban, South Africa (SA). Women, in their third trimester with singleton pregnancies, were recruited from the heavily industrialised south (n = 225) and less industrialised north (n = 152). Biomarker levels of serum 8-OHdG concentrations were analysed, and the women were genotyped for glutathione-S-transferases pi 1 (GSTP1) and glutathione-S-transferases mu 1 (GSTM1) polymorphisms. The level of NO x pollution in the two regions was determined by using land use regression modelling. The serum 8-OHdG was shown to correlate significantly with NO x levels; this relationship was strengthened in the south (p < 0.05). This relationship was still observed after adjusting for maternal characteristics. GSTP1 was significantly associated with the south region, where the variant (AG+GG) genotype was associated with increased 8-OHdG levels as a result of NO x exposure (p < 0.05). GSTM1 null genotype was associated with a positive correlation between NO x and 8-OHdG levels (p < 0.05). NO x levels were found marginally to reduce gestational age (p < 0.05) with mothers carrying male neonates. Variant GSTP1 and living in the north were factors that contributed to gestational age reduction (p < 0.05). Our study demonstrated that NO x exposure resulted in increased 8-OHdG levels in pregnant women living in Durban, SA, which led to gestational age reduction. The GSTP1 variant increased susceptibility of individuals to harmful effects of NO x .

MeSH terms

  • 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine
  • Adult
  • Air Pollution / adverse effects*
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Birth Weight
  • Deoxyguanosine / analogs & derivatives
  • Deoxyguanosine / blood
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Gestational Age
  • Glutathione S-Transferase pi / genetics*
  • Glutathione Transferase / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Nitric Oxide / toxicity*
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Third / blood
  • Pregnant People
  • South Africa

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Nitric Oxide
  • 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine
  • GSTP1 protein, human
  • Glutathione S-Transferase pi
  • Glutathione Transferase
  • glutathione S-transferase M1
  • Deoxyguanosine