Effects of Prenatal Arsenic Exposure Via Maternal Blood on Placental GLI3 Expression and Neonatal Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Prenatal arsenic exposure can harm both the mother and foetus by changing gene expression and impacting foetal growth. The study aimed to assess the impact of arsenic exposure on GLI3 expression in feto-placental tissue via maternal blood and record neonatal outcomes. Material and Methods: The study used 54 mother-infant pairs. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer used for measuring arsenic in maternal blood. Based on the median value of arsenic content in maternal blood, samples were split into two groups: the arsenic-low and the arsenic-high group. Maternal age, gestational age, arsenic exposure history, neonatal data were compared between two groups. Using qRT-PCR fold change in GLI3 expression was determined. Results: Many participants resided in arsenic-contaminated regions and consumed underground water. The arsenic high group had a considerably higher mean arsenic content. The arsenic high group had a considerably lower gestational age than the low group. Neonatal birth weight significantly reduced in arsenic high group. Neonatal birth length increased in arsenic high group in comparison to arsenic-low group. Exposure to arsenic significantly decreased the relative expression of GLI3. Conclusion: Prenatal arsenic exposure via maternal blood reduces GLI3 expression and affects neonatal anthropometry.

Keywords

• Arsenic
• Pregnancy
• Maternal Health
• GLI3
• Fetus
• Neonatal Outcome