Citation:

Rogers, J. Tobacco as a Reproductive and Developmental Toxicant. Teratology Society Annual Meeting, Denver, Colorado, June 24 - 28, 2017.

Impact/Purpose:

This presentation will discuss the current state of the science in terms of effects on development and reproduction caused by or associated with tobacco use and the potential role of epigenomic changes in the etiology of these effects.

Description:

Maternal cigarette smoking has long been known to result in effects on offspring including lower birthweight and neurobehavioral effects. Continuing studies have expanded the list of adverse outcomes in offspring to include Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, impaired lung function, and components of the Metabolic Syndrome including obesity and diabetes that manifest in late childhood or adolescence. Paternal smoking has been linked to increased risk of childhood cancers. Exposure to second-hand smoke during pregnancy has also been associated with adverse birth outcomes. Epigenetic analyses of cord blood and placentae from smoking mothers and tissues of offspring have demonstrated consistent alterations of DNA methylation of genes known to be involved in development and xenobiotic metabolism. Paternal tobacco smoking has been associated with epigenetic changes in sperm and in offspring. Alterations to the genome in offspring of smoking parents may be permanent or at least persistent for many years. There is now concern that “third-hand smoke” (residue left on surfaces in areas where people smoke). This presentation will discuss the current state of the science in terms of effects on development and reproduction caused by or associated with tobacco use and the potential role of epigenomic changes in the etiology of these effects.

Record Details: