Prenatal Organophosphate Pesticide Exposure and Targeted Maternal Pregnancy Metabolomic Profiles in the NYU CHES Cohort

Abstract

Prior research links prenatal exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides to adverse health outcomes via molecular mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, neurotransmitter disruption, and mitochondrial dysfunction. This study investigates such mechanisms by assessing the relationships between prenatal OP pesticide exposure and targeted urinary maternal metabolomic profiles using data from the New York University Children’s Health and Environment Study (NYU CHES) cohort (n = 890). Urine samples were collected at three time points during pregnancy (T1, T2, T3) and analyzed for six dialkyl phosphate (DAP) metabolites and a targeted set of 188 metabolites related to key biological functions. Associations between DAP concentrations and individual metabolites were estimated using linear and logistic regression models, with adjustment for potential confounders. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between OP exposure and the studied maternal metabolomic profile, with the most associations observed during late pregnancy (T3). The most robust associations across all models and time points were observed for acylcarnitine profiles, which were consistently altered in association with OP exposure. This study identifies specific metabolic signatures associated with OP pesticide exposure during pregnancy, providing insights into potential mechanisms of toxicity and implications for maternal and child health. Additional research is needed to validate these findings and further understand the functional significance of the identified metabolic disturbances.