Arsenic and the Placental Epigenome: Unlocking the Secrets of Prenatal Exposure

Lindsey Konkel is a New Jersey–based journalist who reports on science, health, and the environment. About This Article open Citation: Konkel L. 2016. Arsenic and the placental epigenome: unlocking the secrets of prenatal exposure. Environ Health Perspect 124:A148; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.124-A148 Published: 1 August 2016 PDF Version (399 KB) Related EHP Article Epigenome-Wide Assessment of DNA Methylation in the Placenta and Arsenic Exposure in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study (USA) Benjamin B. Green, Margaret R. Karagas, Tracy Punshon, Brian P. Jackson, David J. Robbins, E. Andres Houseman, and Carmen J. Marsit Experts suspect that epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation may be involved in adverse health effects associated with fetal arsenic exposure.1 Previous studies have investigated associations between arsenic exposure and DNA methylation in adult and umbilical cord blood cells.1,2,3 Now researchers present an extensive epigenome-wide analysis of placental DNA methylation in relation to fetal arsenic exposure.4 Methylation varies among different cells and tissues, so past DNA methylation studies have been limited by their reliance on blood cells. By studying methylation in placental cells, investigators are able to measure variations in a tissue where it may have specific impacts on health outcomes. The placenta is a rich source of information on fetal exposures and development. © Kurt Drubbel/Getty Images The placenta, which connects the...
Source: EHP Research - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Featured News Science Selection August 2016 Source Type: research