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Perinatal polychlorinated biphenyl 126 exposure alters offspring body composition

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Rashid, Cetewayo S. | Carter, Lindsay G. | Hennig, Bernhard; ; | Pearson, Kevin J.;

Affiliations: Graduate Center for Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA | Department of Animal and Food Sciences, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA | University of Kentucky Superfund Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA

Note: [] Corresponding author: Dr. Kevin J. Pearson, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Wethington Building Room 591, 900 South Limestone, Lexington, KY 40536-0200, USA. Tel.: +1 859 218 1371; Fax: +1 859 257 3646; E-mail: kevin.pearson@uky.edu

Keywords: Programming, obesity, persistent organic pollutants, mice, aryl hydrocarbon receptor, coplanar

DOI: 10.3233/JPB-120072

Journal: Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 47-53, 2013

Received 5 February 2013
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Accepted 5 February 2013
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Published: 2013
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Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants whose exposure levels are associated with various health hazards. We hypothesized that in utero and lactational exposure to PCBs can cause changes in body composition and obesity in a mouse model. Pregnant mice were exposed biweekly to two concentrations of PCB 126 via oral gavage. Maternal PCB exposure did not result in heavier offspring, however, dose-dependent and sex specific changes in body composition were observed. Female offspring displayed the most susceptibility to PCB-induced alterations in body composition, having less percent lean body mass and increased adiposity compared to females born to control dams, and these effects were largely dose-dependent. In contrast to females, and independent of the exposure level of PCB 126, male offspring had reduced lean body mass but no change in fat mass compared to males born to control dams. In conclusion, perinatal PCB 126 exposure did not affect body weight, but rather modulated body composition in a dose-dependent and gender-specific manner.