Characterization of child health and cancer risks associated with dietary intakes of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Duration

2011-2013

Coordinator

Michelle Mendez

Funded by

Recercaixa

Diet is the source of 70-90% of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of carcinogenic and genotoxic contaminants capable of crossing the placental barrier among non-smokers. Some aspects of the Mediterranean diet promote elevated intakes of these compounds, due to high consumption of important food sources of these compounds, including shellfish, processed meats (embutidos), and grilled meats. PAHs have been associated with risk of several health outcomes, including breast and colorectal cancers, as well as childhood asthma, conditions with increasing incidence in Spain in recent years.

Several studies have reported cord blood DNA adducts reflecting total PAH exposure to be associated with lower birthweight, poorer neurodevelopment, and compromised respiratory health. Though maternal diet is the principal route of exposure, these studies have described these results largely as evidence of effects of exposure to contaminated air. To our knowledge, only our research group has published evidence of child health risks specifically from prenatal dietary PAH exposure, finding dietary PAH in pregnancy to be associated with lower birthweight. Similar research on neurodevelopment and respiratory health has not yet been conducted. Adverse effects of PAHs are thought to be attenuated by antioxidants that reduce DNA damage, but little is known about such interactions either for child health or for cancers. The majority of studies on dietary PAH and cancers have been conducted in the United States, where fruit and vegetable intakes may not be sufficiently high to counter such effects.

The proposed study aims to contribute to a better scientific understanding of child and adult health risks associated with dietary PAHs using two population-based epidemiological studies in Catalonia: the Infancia y Medio-Ambiente (INMA) child health study in Sabadell, and the multi-case control (MCC-Spain) study of cancer in Barcelona. We aim to conduct etiological research to quantify associations between prenatal dietary PAH and infant respiratory health and neurodevelopment, and between habitual dietary PAH exposure an risk of breast and colorectal cancers. We will examine interactions with antioxidants, and account for genetic susceptibility effects. Based on these results, we will develop culturally-appropriate dietary guidelines that enable both pregnant women and the general population in Catalonia/Spain to minimize thes health risks. Through the active dissemination of these guidelines, we hope to contribute to improvements in population health.