A pathway-based genetic score for inflammation: An indicator of vulnerability to phthalate-induced adverse neurodevelopment outcomes.

Introduction: Phthalates, chemical additives used to enhance plastic products' flexibility, are easily released into the environment, and can harm the brain development through various mechanisms including inflammation. Genetic variation influencing an individual's susceptibility to inflammation may play a role in the effects of phthalate exposure on neurodevelopment however there is no summary measure developed for genetic susceptibility to inflammation.

Methods: We developed a genetic pathway function score for inflammation (gPFS), based on the transcriptional activity of the inflammatory response pathway in the brain and other tissues.

Cord blood lipid correlation network profiles are associated with subsequent attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder symptoms at 2 years: a prospective birth cohort study.

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental conditions with early life origins. Alterations in blood lipids have been linked to ADHD and ASD; however, prospective early life data are limited. This study examined (i) associations between the cord blood lipidome and ADHD/ASD symptoms at 2 years of age, (ii) associations between prenatal and perinatal predictors of ADHD/ASD symptoms and cord blood lipidome, and (iii) mediation by the cord blood lipidome.

Cord blood immune profile: Associations with higher prenatal plastic chemical levels.

Prenatal exposure to plastic chemicals has been associated with alterations to early-life immune function in children. However, previous studies have generally been small and focused on limited repertoires of immune indices. In a large population-based pre-birth cohort (n = 1074), third-trimester measurements of eight phthalate metabolites and three analogues of bisphenols were used to estimate prenatal exposure to phthalate and bisphenol compounds.