Decreased placental mitochondrial DNA-content in response to air pollution during in utero life

Abstract

Ambient particulate matter is of great concern to human health. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the influence of PM10 exposure during pregnancy on the mtDNA-content, an established marker of mitochondrial damage and dysfunction. We hypothesized that mtDNA-content changed during pregnancy in response to PM10 exposure and may underlie susceptibility to mitochondrial dysfunction. Our findings indicate a potential window for susceptibility by trimester exposure that may adversely affect mitochondrial function and possibly foetal outcome. Placental mtDNA-content is associated with distance to major road, a surrogate for traffic-related air pollution.