Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry 2013; 03(01): 047-053
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1586427
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart – New York

Perinatal polychlorinated biphenyl 126 exposure alters offspring body composition

Cetewayo S. Rashid
a   Graduate Center for Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
,
Lindsay G. Carter
a   Graduate Center for Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
,
Bernhard Hennig
a   Graduate Center for Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
b   Department of Animal and Food Sciences, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
c   University of Kentucky Superfund Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
,
Kevin J. Pearson
a   Graduate Center for Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
c   University of Kentucky Superfund Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
› Author Affiliations

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Further Information

Publication History

05 February 2013

05 February 2013

Publication Date:
01 August 2016 (online)

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.