Association of Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution With Thyroid Function During Pregnancy

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Abstract
Exposure to ambient air pollution is a leading contributor to the burden of disease globally. Exposure to air pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), during pregnancy is associated with brain structural alterations, impaired executive function, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems in offspring.1-4 Oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and the disruption of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis are some underlying factors.5,6 Endocrine disruption might be among other mechanisms; for example, PAHs induce activation of the estrogen receptor gene, and PAHs and PM can interfere with nuclear receptors, such as estrogen receptor signaling.7,8 Experimental and epidemiological studies have also shown associations between PAH exposure and thyroid function.9,10 Nonetheless, evidence on whether exposure to air pollution might also disrupt thyroid signaling and thyroid function is limited.

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