In utero exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) has been linked to child lung function. Overlapping evidence suggests that child sex and exposure timing may modify effects and associations may be mediated through glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) methylation.

Prenatal PM2.5 exposure in late pregnancy was associated with impaired early childhood lung function and hypermethylation of GSTPI in DNA isolated from nasal epithelial cells. There was a trend towards higher GSTP1 percent methylation being associated with reduced FEV1. All findings were most evident among boys.

Published Apr 27, 2018

Lee, A.G., Le Grand, B., Hsu, HH.L. et al. Prenatal fine particulate exposure associated with reduced childhood lung function and nasal epithelia GSTP1 hypermethylation: Sex-specific effects. Respir Res 19, 76 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12931-018-0774-3