Key points
- Women living in downtown areas experienced greater exposure to air pollution
- Vehicle emissions are a primary source of PM2.5 pollution: Research
- Cortexolone and LysoPE(20:3) linked to air pollution, preterm birth
ISLAMABAD: Researchers at Emory University in the United States analysed blood samples from 330 African American pregnant women residing in the metropolitan area of Atlanta.
The study found that women living in downtown and midtown areas—where several major highways intersect—experienced greater exposure to air pollution over the course of a year compared to those living on the city’s outskirts.
The team noted that vehicle emissions are a primary source of PM2.5 pollution.
The study identified two key substances—‘cortexolone’ and ‘lysoPE(20:3)’—that appear to be involved in the link between short-term exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of preterm birth.
Cortexolone is a glucocorticoid hormone essential for regulating metabolism, inflammation, and the immune system, while lysoPE(20:3) is a lipid found in cells that plays a vital role in cellular function.
Study results
Published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, the findings reveal disruptions in how proteins are digested and absorbed—processes crucial for foetal development and immune health.
These disturbances may form part of the biological pathway connecting air pollution exposure to premature deliveries.
The researchers reported that these biochemical changes were associated with a heightened risk of adverse birth outcomes, including early births.
“The link between air pollution and premature birth is already well established, but this is the first time we’ve been able to examine the detailed pathways and specific fine particles that contribute to the increased risk,” said lead author Dr Donghai Liang, Associate Professor of Environmental Health at Emory University.
Posing risks
The authors wrote, “We identified significant indirect effects of cortexolone and lysoPE(20:3) in mediating the relationship between PM2.5 exposure and early births.” They further noted that “disruptions in protein digestion and aromatic amino acid metabolism may be responsible for these associations.”
Dr Liang emphasised that although even lower levels of air pollution pose risks, simply advising people to move from heavily polluted areas is not a practical solution.
“From a clinical intervention perspective, it’s vital to improve our understanding of the pathways and molecules affected by pollution. This knowledge could eventually help us develop targeted strategies or medical interventions to reduce these negative health effects,” he concluded.
