Effect of Benzo[a]pyrene-DNA Adduct in Cord Blood on the Neurodevelopment of 12-Month-Old Infants in Qingdao City

Introduction: The study was designed to explore the possible adverse effects of prenatal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the neurodevelopment of the infants at the age of 12 months in a birth cohort in Qingdao of China. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)-DNA adduct level in umbilical cord blood was measured by enzyme immunoassay. Methods: Child neurodevelopment was assessed at both 6 months and 12 months of age using the Gesell Development Inventory (GDI). Results: This study results reveal that multivariate linear analysis, cord BaP-DNA adduct level was inversely associated with developmental quotient score in the adaptive domain [beta = -0.08; 95% CI: (-0.16, -0.003); p = 0.04], gross motor domain [beta = -0.10; 95% CI: (-0.20, -0.01); p = 0.02], fine motor domain [beta = -0.15; 95% CI: (-0.25, -0.05); p = 0.01], language domain [beta = -0.12; 95% CI: (-0.21, -0.03); p = 0.02], and personal-social domain [beta = -0.13; 95% CI: (-0.22, -0.04); p<0.01]. Further, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed increased cord BaP-DNA adduct levels associated with increased odds of delayed in language domain. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study suggested that prenatal PAH exposure monitored by umbilical cord blood BaP-DNA adducts may adversely affect the neurodevelopment of the infants at 12 months of age.