Air Pollution Particles in Placenta
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Presence of Air Pollution Particles in Placental Macrophages
IRAS ID
219053
Contact name
Jonathan Grigg
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Microscopic soot particles (particulate matter, PM) from petrol and diesel engine emissions are linked to a wide range of adverse health effects.
Health of an unborn baby is closely related to maternal health during pregnancy. Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can affect the baby's development, both before and after birth. Before birth, cells are fast growing and sensitive to external factors. Breathing system (breathing tube) development begins at 4 weeks of gestation, continuing to early adulthood. Exposure to air pollution can disturb this, leading to impaired lung development and function. Previous studies have reported a link between maternal pollution exposure and adverse birth outcomes such as increased infant mortality, lower birth weight, impaired lung function and later breathing problems. Possible mechanisms include particles crossing barriers within the placenta. Potential transfer of small particles across the placenta was shown to be possible.
PM is usually taken up and removed by cells called macrophages, which remove unwanted material from the body. This usually takes place in the breathing tube following PM inhalation. One established way of assessing air pollution exposure is quantifying the amount of black carbon (BC), a type of PM, in macrophages within the breathing tube.
Similar idea can be applied to the protective and defense mechanism within the placenta. Many macrophages are present in the placenta, they can be detected early in the pregnancy. Placental macrophages assist in defense against infections, as well as placental development and maintenance of pregnancy. Any presence of black carbon should theoretically be taken up by placental macrophages.
To date, presence of PM in the placenta has not been studied. This pilot study will look into whether maternal exposure to PM, particularly black carbon, will result in transfer across the placenta, thereby having possible direct effect on birth outcomes.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0092
Date of REC Opinion
9 Feb 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion