Pregnancy rate of carcinogenic molecules tenfold in the fetus from the first quarter, when the mother smokes

The rate of carcinogenic molecules derived from tobacco is multiplied by almost 10 in the body of the fetus when the mother smokes and right from the first trimester of pregnancy, according to a U.S. study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR ) to Orlando (Florida).

It is already established that smoking during the last trimester of pregnancy, the fetus exposed to carcinogens from tobacco.

But this is the first time, according to Steven Myers and his colleagues at the University of Louisville (Kentucky), the demonstration is made for the first trimester of pregnancy during which the risk to the fetus is even higher that in late pregnancy: during this period, not only is there a risk of mutations that promote cancer but also a risk of malformations later.

The researchers studied the amniotic fluid from amniocentesis performed between the 16th and the 20th week of pregnancy more than 500 women. They sought polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons including derivatives of benzo (a) pyrene hydroxylated carcinogenic molecules derived from tobacco smoke.

The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons rate was 1.54 mcg / l in amniotic fluid in women not smoking and up to 11.72 mcg / L in those who smoke more than two packs a day during pregnancy.

Similarly, the rate of derivatives of benzo (a) pyrene hydroxy increased from 1.41 mcg / l for non-smokers to 11.56 mcg / L in those who smoke more than two packs a day.

In a second study presented at Orlando performed on several (North American Chinese Polish,) populations, researchers have focused on DNA damage induced in the fetus by polycyclic aromatic, not directly related to smoking but how broader exposure to these molecules from burning-through air pollution.

They show as well as DNA damage associated with these carcinogenic molecules check in newborns, in similar amount or a higher level compared to that observed with their mother. This means that the fetus would be much more exposed to the risk of mutagenic products.

In fact, "even small exposures to these pollutants pose risks to the fetus," which "supports preventive measures to limit the exposure of pregnant women and children," say Frederica Perera of Columbia University in New York and colleagues.