Association of prenatal exposure to PAHs with anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels and birth outcomes of newborns

Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemicals that cause serious concerns because of their carcinogenicity and endocrine disrupting ability. Objective: In the current study, we studied how urinary PAH metabolites are related with the dose-effects of hormone levels and birth outcomes. Method: 163 pregnant women without health problems and 163 newborns were enrolled in hospitals in Guiyu (e-waste-exposed area) and Haojiang (reference area) from May 2016 to May 2017. Urine samples were collected to measure hydroxylated PAH (OH-PAH) metabolite levels. Umbilical cord blood was used for measurement of hormone levels. Anthropometric parameters of newborns, such as anogenital distance (AGD), were also measured. Results: Eight of ten urinary PAH metabolites in the exposed group were significantly higher than in the reference group. Levels of umbilical cord serum estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) in the exposed group were significantly lower than those in the reference group. Birth weight was positively correlated with 2-OHFlu (2-hydroxyfluorene). Head circumference was negatively correlated with 9-OHFlu, 3-OHPhe (3-hydroxyphenanthrene), 9-OHPhe, and ƩOHFlu (sum of 2-OHFlu and 9-OHFlu). Serum E2 and T levels were negatively correlated with most OH-PAHs. In addition, we found that serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level was positively correlated with AGD, and serum E2 level was negatively correlated with neonatal head circumference. Conclusions: PAH exposure in pregnant women may adversely affect the birth outcomes of newborns, especially AGD; and AMH may be involved in the process. Establishing a baseline for the relationship between PAH exposure and health is important to protect the health of mothers and children living in electronic waste (e-waste) recycling areas