Evaluation of the impact of intrauterine exposure to formaldehyde in the development of pulmonary infection in the offspring

• Grant number: 13/19708-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2014
• End date: March 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Toxicological Analysis
• Principal Investigator: Adriana Lino dos Santos Franco
• Grantee: Beatriz Silva Ibrahim
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 11/51711-9 - Exposure to ambient and occupational pollution in uterus and its repercussion on development of allergic lung inflammation in offspring: correlation with epigenetic mechanisms, AP.JP

Abstract

Formaldehyde (FA) is a chemical agent widely used in health and in the production of materials. The FA is an irritant of airways, eyes and is a potent inducer of inflammatory lung diseases such as asthma. Moreover, FA causes carcinogenic effects.The literature has shown the correlation between exposure to environmental pollutants during pregnancy as a risk factor for onset of lung disease in young or adult sphase, however the mechanisms involved are unclear. In addition, studies show that some pollutants play an important immunosuppressive effects causing increased susceptibility of infections reducing function of neutrophils, macrophages and natural killer.The mechanisms underlying the acute lung inflammation caused by a systemic infection can be investigated experimentally by the administration of LPS systemically to laboratory animals. This model develops lung injury mainly characterized by neutrophil infiltration which is enhanced by several cytokines such as IL-1², IL-8, and TNF-± and LPS also causes bronchial hyperreactivity.Based on the above it is reasonable to assume that intrauterine exposure to pollutants such as FA may exert effects on the immune response of the offspring by altering functions in cells of the innate immune system, impairing the body's defense by infections. Thus, studies to evaluate these possible changes are relevant.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

IBRAHIM, BEATRIZ SILVA; BARIONI, ERIC DIEGO; HELUANY, CINTIA; BRAGA, TARCIO TEODORO; DREWES, CARINE CRISTIANE; COSTA, SILVIA GOES; SARAIVA CAMARA, NIELS OLSEN; POLISELLI FARSKY, SANDRA HELENA; LINO-DOS-SANTOS-FRANCO, ADRIANA. Beneficial effects of vitamin C treatment on pregnant rats exposed to formaldehyde: Reversal of immunosuppression in the offspring. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, v. 300, p. 77-81, JUN 1 2016. (13/19708-3, 11/51711-9)

IBRAHIM, BEATRIZ SILVA; DA SILVA, CRISTIANE MIRANDA; BARIONI, ERIC DIEGO; CORREA-COSTA, MATHEUS; DREWES, CARINE CRISTIANE; SARAIVA CAMARA, NIELS OLSEN; TAVARES-DE-LIMA, WOTHAN; POLISELLI FARSKY, SANDRA HELENA; LINO-DOS-SANTOS-FRANCO, ADRIANA. Formaldehyde inhalation during pregnancy abolishes the development of acute innate inflammation in offspring. Toxicology Letters, v. 235, n. 2, p. 147-154, JUN 1 2015. (13/19708-3)