Exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ether-47 increases the risk of post-partum depression.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Post-partum depression (PPD) affects up to 19.1% of pregnancies and is associated with increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, inflammation, and reductions in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Previous work by our team suggests that environmental toxins such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) enhance placental inflammation and reduce BDNF production. Nearly, 100% of studied women in California have some level of exposure to these compounds due to extensive use of the flame retardants. High levels of exposure to PBDEs has been linked to increased risk of adverse pregnancy complications associated with placental inflammation such as preterm birth and gestational diabetes but their effects on risk of PPD is unclear.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine if PPD is associated with higher levels of PBDE-47, the most common PBDE congener in maternal plasma.

METHODS:

PBDE-47 was quantified in first trimester plasma samples collected from a cohort of 367 asymptomatic pregnant women that were routinely screened for depressive symptoms for 1 year post-partum. Data were analyzed using general linear models and multivariable logistic regression to determine if higher levels of PBDE-47 in the first trimester are associated with development of PPD.

RESULTS:

Women who developed PPD (n = 22) had significantly higher PBDE-47 levels in their plasma (p=.031) relative to those in which PPD was not diagnosed. Logistic regression analysis suggested that each two-fold increase in PBDE-47 concentrations increased the risk of PPD by 22% (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.47). Groups were similar regarding PTB rate, race-ethnicity, parity, child's sex, maternal pre-pregnancy obesity status, maternal age, family income, and study center. Results remained significant after adjustment for these possible confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results suggest that PBDE-47 exposure in the first trimester is associated with increased risk of PPD.

• Authors: Morgan R Peltier, Michael J Fassett, Yuko Arita, Vicki Y Chiu, Harpreet S Takhar, Darios Getahun
• Journal: The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians (J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med) Vol. 35 Issue 25 Pg. 8350-8354 (Dec 2022) ISSN: 1476-4954 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 34510997 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether
• Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
• Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers

Topics

• Female
• Humans
• Infant, Newborn
• Pregnancy
• Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
• Depression, Postpartum (epidemiology, etiology)
• Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers (adverse effects)
• Inflammation
• Maternal Exposure (adverse effects)
• Placenta
• Premature Birth (chemically induced)