The relationship between particulate matter and neonate liver enzymes concentration (case study: Isfahan city)

Particulate matter is an important air pollutant in urban areas with unknown effects on the fetus. The present study investigated the effect of PM2.5 concentration on the level of liver enzymes in the neonate born in Isfahan city, one of the most polluted cities in Iran was investigated.

This case study was conducted between March 2019 to September 2020 in Isfahan. Blood samples were collected from the umbilical cord of 200 newborns to measure the level of liver enzymes from their blood serum using quantitative diagnostic kits and the spectrophotometry method. Seasonal distribution of PM2.5 concentrations was estimated using the data of monitoring stations; thus, modeled and used to measure their correlations with liver enzyme levels at trimester in buffers of 500, 1000, and 2000 meters.

The mean levels of liver enzymes were 38.42 (AST), 10.09 (ALT), 407 (ALP), and 152 (GGT) IU/L. Spring and fall with PM2.5 concentrations of 24.35 and 35.35 and μg/m3 had the lowest and highest levels, respectively. Enzyme levels within the third trimester and the whole period of pregnancy in the 2000-m buffers had the highest correlation coefficient, which indicates the effect of high PM2.5 concentrations on neonatal liver function, especially in late pregnancy.

Proximity to particulate matter sources in cities will increase the likelihood of elevated neonatal liver enzymes during the fetal period which is higher and more effective in late pregnancy.