In Utero Pesticides Exposure and Generation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Associated Translocation (8; 21)

Abstract

Background: Although the etiology of childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is not known, environmental and genetic contribution were reported. The aim of this study was to detect the relationship between in utero-exposure to pesticides and development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) associated translocation (8;21). Subject and methods: Cord blood and fetal meconium were collected from 190 subjects. Four Pesticides (DDT, Lindane, Diazinon, and Malathion) were detected in meconium by gas chromatography and mass-spectrometry (GC-MS). AML translocation (8;21) was detected by RT-PCR on RNA extracted from cord blood. Result(s): Thirty eight out of 190 (20%) of the cord blood samples were positive for the AML1-ETO translocation. The mean levels of the 4 tested pesticides were higher in meconium of the AML-ETO translocation carriers; P value is < 0.001 for DDT, and Malathion, 0.004 for Diazinone, and 0.042 for Lindane. Rural residents showed higher frequency of translocation detection than urban residents (P value = 0.007), they also expressed higher values of pesticides; P values are 0.04, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.01 for DDT, Lindane, Malathion, and Diazinon respectively. Maternal age, gestational age, birth weight and working status of the mothers showed no impact on the rate of translocation detection or pesticides levels. Conclusion(s): Pesticides exposure is potentially related to the occurrence of AML (8;21)translocation in cord blood of the apparently healthy newborn. Being rural resident seems to increase the possibility of exposure to pesticides; it subsequently imparts a higher risk for carrying such leukemia translocation. Strict regulation for pesticides uses is indicated.