Impact of transplacental exposure to tobacco smoke in the DNA of newborn: genetic and epigenetic effects

Abstract

Over the years, it became also clear that tobacco use in pregnant women increases the risk of different health problems not only in mother but also the fetus. Nevertheless, few studies have examined the influence of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) during pregnancy on the newborn health.The present study aims to assess the damage in DNA and changes in patterns of DNA methylation and histone modifications in newborns resulting from in utero exposure to ETS. Study population will include pregnant women and newborns of Porto district being analyzed different samples in order to obtain information concerning the consequences of transplacental exposure to ETS on newborns DNA. In order to address simultaneous exposure to other DNA-damaging chemicals, a wide number of chemicals will also be analyzed in biological matrices.A deep characterization of early-life exposure to a wide range of chemicals and its association with genetics and epigenetics in the newborn is the main purpose of this study.The information collected can provide relevant information to awareness campaigns and provide scientific support for the possible implementation of coherent measures for disease prevention in early stages of life. Moreover, the results provide scientific support for the possible implementation of coherent and effective health promotion and disease prevention in early stages of life in order to optimize the current and future health not only of women but also their children. (AU)