Investigation of the relationship between placenta trace element levels and methylated arginines

Abstract

Aim: Environmental exposure and maternal nutrition are vital for placental and fetal development during pregnancy. Essential elements such as zinc, copper and selenium are important elements that are needed for human growth and development. Research indicates that methylated arginines play a key role in pregnancy and offspring outcomes. The aim of the study was to compare the placental tissue levels of trace elements and methylated arginines. In addition, we aimed to evaluate this placental trace elements and methylated arginine levels in terms of placental and birth weight. Material and Method: This is a case-control study with 133 pregnant women. Two groups were formed: women with higher risk of exposure to chemicals (working in chemistry, metal and other industrial sectors) and those with no risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals (house wives and working in other non-hazardous workplaces). Placenta zinc, copper and selenium and asymmetric dimethylarginine, symmetric dimethylarginine, arginine, citrulline, homoarginine and L-N-monomethyl arginine levels were investigated. Results: There was a positive correlation between birth weight with copper, L-N-monomethyl arginine, total methylarginines; there was a negative relationship between birth weight and asymmetric dimethylarginine, symmetric dimethylarginine, arginine, citrulline. However, no statistically significant relationship was found between trace elements such as zinc, copper and selenium with methylated arginines, except for L-N-monomethyl arginine (r=0.178; p<0.05). Conclusion: Zinc, copper and selenium levels are not related to processes that reduce birth weight and vascular factors.