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Background: Prenatal or early childhood secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure increases obesity risk. However, the potential mechanisms underlying this association are unclear, but obesogenic eating behaviors are one pathway that components of SHS could perturb. Our aim was to assess associations of prenatal and early childhood SHS exposure with adolescent eating behaviors. Methods: Data came from a prospective pregnancy and birth cohort (N = 207, Cincinnati, OH). With multiple informant models, we estimated associations of prenatal (mean of 16 and 26 weeks of gestation maternal serum cotinine concentrations) and early childhood cotinine (average concentration across ages 12, 24, 36, and 48 months) with eating behaviors at age 12 years (Child Eating Behaviors Questionnaire). We tested whether associations differed by exposure periods and adolescent's sex. Models adjusted for maternal and child covariates. Results: We found no statistically significant associations between cotinine measures and adolescent's eating behaviors. Yet, in females, prenatal cotinine was associated with greater food responsiveness (β: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.38) and lower satiety responsiveness (β: -0.14; 95% CI: -0.26, -0.02); in males, prenatal and postnatal cotinine was related to lower food responsiveness (prenatal: β: -0.25; 95% CI: -0.04, -0.06; postnatal: β: -0.36; 95% CI: -0.06, -0.11). No significant effect modification by sex or exposure window was found for other eating behaviors. Conclusion: Prenatal and early childhood SHS exposures were not related to adolescent's eating behavior in this cohort; however, biological sex may modify these associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been associated with adverse human health outcomes. To explore the plausible associations between maternal PAH exposure and maternal/newborn metabolomic outcomes, we conducted a cross-sectional study among 75 pregnant people from Cincinnati, Ohio. Method: We quantified 8 monohydroxylated PAH metabolites in maternal urine samples collected at delivery. We then used an untargeted high-resolution mass spectrometry approach to examine alterations in the maternal (n = 72) and newborn (n = 63) serum metabolome associated with PAH metabolites. Associations between individual maternal urinary PAH metabolites and maternal/newborn metabolome were assessed using linear regression adjusted for maternal and newborn factors while accounting for multiple testing with the Benjamini-Hochberg method. We then conducted functional analysis to identify potential biological pathways. Results: Our results from the metabolome-wide associations (MWAS) indicated that an average of 1% newborn metabolome features and 2% maternal metabolome features were associated with maternal urinary PAH metabolites. Individual PAH metabolite concentrations in maternal urine were associated with maternal/newborn metabolome related to metabolism of vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleotides, energy, xenobiotics, glycan, and organic compounds. Conclusion: In this cross-sectional study, we identified associations between urinary PAH concentrations during late pregnancy and metabolic features associated with several metabolic pathways among pregnant women and newborns. Further studies are needed to explore the mediating role of the metabolome in the relationship between PAHs and adverse pregnancy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early life phthalate exposures may disrupt metabolism but results from human studies are inconsistent and few have examined body composition during adolescence. We investigated associations of gestational and childhood urinary phthalate biomarker concentrations with body composition at age 12 years. We used data from 206 mother-child pairs in a prospective pregnancy and birth cohort enrolled in Cincinnati, OH from 2003 to 2006. We measured nine phthalate metabolites in spot urine samples collected twice from mothers during pregnancy and up to seven times from children at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 12 years. At age 12 years, we assessed fat and lean mass of the whole body and android and gynoid subregions, and visceral fat area with dual x-ray absorptiometry, and calculated android to gynoid %fat ratio and age- and sex-standardized fat and lean mass index z-scores. Using a multiple informant model, we estimated covariate-adjusted associations between urinary phthalate biomarker concentrations at each time period and outcomes at age 12 years. We assessed effect measure modification by child sex using stratified models. Generally, urinary mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP) concentrations were modestly associated with lower fat and lean mass. Each 10-fold increase in urinary MBzP concentrations during gestation and at ages 5 and 8 years was associated with a −0.34 (95%CI: −0.72, 0.05), −0.44 (95% CI: −0.83, −0.05), and −0.35 (95% CI: −0.71, 0.00) z-score difference in lean body mass index, respectively. Urinary monoethyl phthalate, mono-(3-carboxypropyl) phthalate, and summed di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites were associated with greater lean mass at some exposure periods. Slightly weaker but similar patterns of association were found with other body composition measures; associations did not differ by child sex. While most associations were weak, exposure to certain phthalates during gestation and childhood may be associated with adolescent body composition, particularly lean mass. • Phthalate exposures are ubiquitous among pregnant women and children. • Phthalates may be metabolic disruptors that affect adolescent body composition. • Certain phthalates were associated with body composition, especially lean mass. • There was no consistent period of heightened susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have examined the association between maternal exposure to organophosphate esters (OPEs) and systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) during pregnancy. We analyzed data from 346 women with a singleton live birth in the HOME Study, a prospective birth cohort in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. We quantified four OPE metabolites in maternal spot urine samples collected at 16 and 26 weeks pregnancy, standardized by specific gravity. We calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). We extracted the first two recorded BP measurements (<20 weeks), the two highest recorded BP measurements (≥20 weeks), and diagnoses of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) via chart review. Women with two BP measurements ≥140/90 mmHg or HDP noted in the chart at ≥20 weeks pregnancy were defined as HDP cases. We used linear mixed models and modified Poisson regression with covariate adjustment to estimate associations between OPE concentrations as continuous variables or in tertiles with maternal BP and HDP. ICCs of OPEs were 0.17–0.45. Diphenyl phosphate (DPHP) had the highest geometric mean concentration among OPE metabolites. Increasing the average bis(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (BCEP) concentrations were positively associated with two highest recorded DBP ≥20 weeks pregnancy. Compared with women in the 1st DPHP tertile, women in the 3rd tertile at 16 weeks pregnancy had 1.72 mmHg (95% CI: -0.01, 3.46) higher DBP <20 weeks pregnancy, and women in the 3rd tertile of the average DPHP concentrations had 2.25 mmHg (95% CI: 0.25, 4.25) higher DBP ≥20 weeks pregnancy. 33 women (9.5%) were identified with HDP. Di-n-butyl phosphate (DNBP) concentrations at 16 weeks were positively associated with HDP, with borderline significance (RR = 2.98, 95% CI 0.97–9.15). Other OPE metabolites were not significantly associated with HDP. Maternal urinary BCEP and DPHP concentrations were associated with increased BP during pregnancy. Maternal urinary DNBP concentrations were associated with HDP, with borderline significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of prenatal exposure to organophosphate esters (OPEs) and replacement brominated flame retardants (RBFRs) with respiratory outcomes has not been previously investigated in humans, despite reports that these chemicals can cross the placenta and alter lung development as well as immune functions. In a cohort of 342 pregnant women recruited between 2003 and 2006 in the greater Cincinnati, Ohio Metropolitan area, we measured indoor dust OPEs and RBFRs at 20 weeks of gestation and urinary OPEs at 16 and 26 weeks of gestation and at delivery. We performed generalized estimating equations and linear mixed models adjusting for covariates to determine the associations of prenatal OPEs and RBFRs exposures with adverse respiratory outcomes in childhood, reported every six months until age 5 years and with lung function at age 5 years. We used multiple informant modeling to examine time-specific associations between maternal urinary OPEs and the outcomes. Dust concentrations of triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) (RR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.18–1.66), 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (RR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.23–1.85), and bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (RR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.28–1.94) were associated with higher risk of wheezing during childhood. Dust TPHP concentrations were associated with higher risk of respiratory infections (RR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.08–1.94), and dust tris-(2-chloroethyl) phosphate concentrations were associated with hay fever/allergies (RR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01–1.21). We also found that dust tris-(2-chloroethyl) phosphate loadings were associated with lower lung function. Urinary OPEs mainly at week 16 of gestation tended to be associated with adverse respiratory outcome, while bis(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate and diphenyl phosphate at delivery were associated with lower risk of hay fever/allergies. In-utero exposure to OPEs and RBFRs may be a risk factor for adverse respiratory outcomes in childhood, depending on the timing of exposure. • In-utero exposure to replacement brominated flame retardants and organophosphate esters tends to be associated with adverse childhood respiratory outcomes. • Urinary bis(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BCIPP) detection was associated with higher risk of wheeze at any of the prenatal sampling time points. • Urinary bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCIPP) at 16 weeks of gestation was associated with higher risk of wheeze. • Urinary bis-2-chloroethyl phosphate and BDCIPP at 16 weeks of gestation were associated with higher risk of respiratory infections. • BDCIPP and diphenyl phosphate around delivery were associated with lower risk of hay fever or allergies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children are highly exposed to flame retardants in indoor environments, partly through inhalation. However, the associations of early life exposure to novel organophosphate (OPFRs) and replacement brominated flame retardants (RBFRs) with adverse respiratory outcomes during childhood are unclear. We used a prospective birth cohort of 234 children recruited from the greater Cincinnati, Ohio metropolitan area between 2003 and 2006. OPFRs and RBFRs were analyzed in dust sampled from the homes' main activity room and the children's bedroom floor at child age 1 year. Caregivers reported subsequent respiratory symptoms every six months until child age 5 years and we measured forced expiratory volume in 1 s as well as peak expiratory flow (PEF) at child age 5 years. We performed generalized estimating equations and linear regression modeling adjusted for covariates to examine the exposure-outcome associations. Geometric means (GMs) (standard error [SE]) for dust concentrations were 10.27 (0.63) μg/g for total OPFRs (ΣOPFRs) and 0.48 (0.04) μg/g for total RBFRs (ΣRBFRs); GMs (SE) for dust loadings were 2.82 (0.26) μg/m2 for ΣOPFRs and 0.13 (0.01) μg/m2 for ΣRBFRs. Dust ∑OPFRs concentrations at age 1 year were associated with higher subsequent risks of wheezing (relative risk [RR]: 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20–2.34), respiratory infections (RR: 4.01, 95% CI: 1.95–8.24), and hay fever/allergies (RR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.10–1.60), whereas ∑OPFRs dust loadings at age 1 year were associated with higher risks of subsequent respiratory infections (RR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.05–3.34) and hay fever/allergies (RR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.19–1.51). PEF (mL/min) was lower with higher ∑OPFRs dust loadings (β: -12.10, 95% CI: -21.10, −3.10) and with the RBFR bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (β: -9.05, 95% CI: -17.67, −0.43). Exposure to OPFRs and RBFRs during infancy may be a risk factor for adverse respiratory outcomes during childhood. • We studied the associations of house dust organophosphate (OPFRs) and replacement brominated flame retardants (RBFRs) during infancy with adverse respiratory outcomes. • Dust OPFRs and RBFRs levels were associated with higher risks of subsequent wheeze, respiratory infections, and/or hay fever/allergies. • Peak expiratory flow (PEF) during childhood was lower with higher OPFRs dust loadings in infancy. • PEF during childhood was also lower with bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate dust loadings in infancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2017–2018 U.S. PFAS exposure burden calculator was designed to provide a summary exposure score for per - and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) mixtures using targeted PFAS analyte data. Its aim was to place PFAS burden score estimates onto a common scale based on nationally representative U.S. reference ranges from 2017 to 2018, enabling comparisons of overall PFAS burden scores across studies even if they did not measure the same set of PFAS analytes. To use the U.S. PFAS exposure burden calculator for comparing the same mixture of PFAS compounds in similarly aged adolescents and their associations with cardiometabolic outcomes in the HOME Study and NHANES between 2015 and 2018. We applied the PFAS burden calculator to 8 PFAS analytes measured in the serum of adolescents from the HOME Study (Cincinnati, Ohio; age range 11–14 years; years: 2016–2019; n = 207) and NHANES (US; age range 12–14 years; years 2015–2018; n = 245). We used the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test and chi-squared test to compare the two study samples. In both studies, we examined associations of PFAS burden scores with the same cardiometabolic outcomes, adjusted for the same core set of covariates using regression analyses. We conducted sensitivity analyses to verify robustness of exposure-outcome associations, by accounting for measurement error of PFAS burden scores. PFAS burden scores were significantly different (p = 0.004) between the HOME Study (median: 0.00, interquartile range − 0.37, 0.34) and the NHANES samples (median: 0.04, IQR -0.11, 0.54), while no significant difference was found for PFAS summed concentrations (p = 0.661). In the HOME Study, an interquartile (IQR) increase in PFAS burden score was associated with higher total cholesterol [7.0 mg/dL, 95% CI: 0.6, 13.4]; HDL [2.8 mg/dL, 95% CI: 0.4, 5.2]; LDL [5.9 mg/dL, 95% CI: 0.5, 11.3], insulin [0.1 log(mIU/L), 95% CI: 0.01, 0.2], and HOMA-IR [0.1, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.2]. In NHANES, an IQR increase in PFAS burden score was associated with higher diastolic blood pressure [2.4 mmHg, 95% CI: 0.4, 4.4] but not with other outcomes. Sensitivity analyses in the HOME Study and NHANES were consistent with the main findings. Performance of the U.S. PFAS exposure burden calculator was similar in a local versus national sample of adolescents, and may be a useful tool for the assessment of PFAS mixtures across studies. • A PFAS exposure burden calculator estimate a person's overall exposure burden to PFASs. • In the NHANES sample, adolescent PFAS exposure burden was associated with higher cholesterol and insulin resistance. • In the HOME Study sample, adolescent PFAS exposure burden was associated with higher diastolic blood pressure. • A standardized PFAS exposure burden metric can be useful for cross-study comparisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diet is the primary exposure pathway for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in non-occupationally exposed populations. Few studies have examined associations of dietary quality and macronutrient intake with PFAS exposure among US adolescents. To assess relationships of self-reported dietary quality and macronutrient intake with serum PFAS concentrations in adolescents. We used cross-sectional data from 193 Cincinnati, Ohio area adolescents (median age 12.3 years) collected from 2016 to 2019. Using 24-h food recalls completed by adolescents on three separate days, we derived Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores, HEI components, and macronutrient intake. We measured perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) concentrations in fasting serum samples. Using linear regression, we estimated covariate-adjusted associations between dietary variables and serum PFAS concentrations. The median HEI score was 44 and median serum PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and PFNA concentrations were 1.3, 2.4, 0.7, and 0.3 ng/mL respectively. In adjusted models, higher total HEI scores, whole fruit and total fruit HEI component scores, and total dietary fiber intake were associated with lower concentrations of all four PFAS. For example, serum PFOA concentrations were 7% lower (95% CI: −15, 2) per standard deviation increase in total HEI score and 9% lower (95% CI: −18, 1) per standard deviation increase in dietary fiber. Given adverse health effects associated with PFAS exposure, it is crucial to understand modifiable exposure pathways. Findings from this study may inform future policy decisions aiming to limit human exposure to PFAS. • We estimated associations between diet and serum PFAS concentrations in adolescents. • Higher overall dietary quality associated with lower serum PFAS concentrations. • Diets higher in fruit or fiber associated with lower serum PFAS concentrations. • Understanding PFAS exposure pathways may help to prevent adverse health impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify periods of heightened susceptibility to the association of secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure with cardiometabolic (CM) risk at age 12 years. We used data from 212 adolescents from the HOME Study, a prospective pregnancy and birth cohort in Cincinnati, OH. Using multiple informant models, we estimated associations of maternal serum cotinine (mean of concentrations at 16 and 26 weeks of pregnancy) and children's serum cotinine concentrations (mean of concentrations at ages 1, 2, 3, and 4 years) with a CM risk summary score constructed of five risk components measured at age 12 years. We determined if these associations differed for pre- and postnatal exposure periods, and adolescent's sex. We found some evidence that the cotinine-outcome associations differed by exposure period and sex. Postnatal, but not prenatal, cotinine was associated with higher CM risk scores and individual CM risk component values (interaction p-values = 0.04 to 0.35). Each 10-fold increase in postnatal cotinine was associated with 0.57 (95% CI: 0.32, 1.45), 0.09 (95% CI: 0.13, 0.31), 0.14 (−0.08, 0.35), 0.07 (95% CI: 0.34, 0.48), and 0.11 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.27) higher CM risk, HOMA-IR, TG to HDL-C ratio, leptin to adiponectin ratio, and visceral fat area. Postnatal cotinine was associated with higher visceral fat area among females but not males (sex × period × cotinine interaction p-value = 0.01). Serum cotinine concentrations during the postnatal period had greater influence on adolescent's CM risk compared to the prenatal period, and these associations may be sex-specific. This study reinforces the need for ongoing public health interventions to minimize children's exposure to SHS. [Display omitted] • Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of disability and death in the USA. • SHS exposure is associated with increased risk of CVD. • Postnatal cotinine is associated with higher CM risk during adolescence. • Associations between cotinine and CM risk components may be sex-specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organophosphate esters (OPEs), widely used as flame retardants and plasticizers for commercial and residential purposes, are suspected of being neurotoxic. We aimed to assess exposure to an OPE mixture in early life and its relationship to parent-reported child behavior. We measured urinary concentrations of three OPE metabolites, bis-2-chloroethyl phosphate (BCEP), bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCIPP), and diphenyl phosphate (DPHP), at pregnancy (16 and 26 weeks of gestation and delivery) and postnatal time points (ages 1, 2, 3, and 5 years) in the Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment Study, a longitudinal pregnancy and birth cohort in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA (enrolled 2003–2006, n = 219). We used latent variable analysis in structural equations models and quantile g-computation to investigate associations of a mixture of the three OPE metabolites with parent-reported child behaviors at 3 and 8 years, measured using the Behavioral Assessment System for Children, Second Edition. Higher log-transformed urinary OPE latent variable values at 16 weeks were associated with fewer externalizing problem behaviors (ß = −5.74; 95% CI = −11.24, −0.24) and fewer overall behavioral problems at age 3 years (ß = −5.26; 95% CI = −10.33, −0.19), whereas having higher OPEs at delivery was associated with poorer overall behavioral problems at age 3 years (ß = 2.87; 95% CI = 0.13, 5.61). OPE latent variable values at 16 weeks, 26 weeks, and delivery were not associated with child behavior at 8 years. However, higher OPE latent variable values at 3 years were associated with fewer externalizing behaviors at 8 years (ß = −2.62; 95% CI = −5.13, −0.12). The quantile g-computation estimates had directions largely consistent with the latent variable analysis results. Pregnancy and postnatal urinary OPE metabolite mixtures were associated with child internalizing, externalizing, and overall negative behaviors at 3 and 8 years, but we did not identify a consistent pattern in terms of the direction of the effects or a particularly sensitive time point. • We studied pregnancy and postnatal OPEs and child behavior in a longitudinal cohort. • We used latent variable analysis and quantile g-computation to assess OPE mixtures. • Pregnancy OPEs were associated with child behavior at 3 years. • The direction of associations and vulnerable time points were inconsistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early life environmental exposures may affect bone mass accrual in childhood, but only one study has assessed the role of environmental phenols on child bone health. We used data from 223 mother-child dyads enrolled in the Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment (HOME) Study (Cincinnati, OH; 2003–2006). We quantified benzophenone-3, bisphenol A (BPA), 2,5-dichlorophenol, and triclosan in maternal urine collected at 16- and 26-weeks gestation and calculated the average of creatinine-adjusted concentrations. We performed dual x-ray absorptiometry at age 12 years and calculated Z-scores for whole body (less head), total hip, femoral neck, and 1/3rd distal radius bone mineral content (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) as well as ultra-distal radius aBMD and spine BMC and bone mineral apparent density (BMAD). We estimated covariate-adjusted associations per doubling of maternal urinary environmental phenol concentrations in linear regression models. We also examined effect measure modification by child's sex and estimated associations of the environmental phenol mixture with BMC and aBMD using quantile g-computation. We observed generally null associations for all analytes and bone measures. Yet, in adjusted models, higher urinary 2,5-dichlorophenol concentrations were associated with higher 1/3rd distal radius BMC (β: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.17) and aBMD (β: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.17) Z-scores in the overall sample. In sex-stratified analyses, the magnitude of the BMC association was positive for females (β: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.26) and null for males (β: 0.02; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.13). The environmental phenol mixture was associated with greater 1/3rd distal radius BMC and aBMD Z-scores in both sexes, which was mostly driven by benzophenone-3 in males and 2,5-dichlorophenol in females. In this prospective cohort study, we observed generally null associations for environmental phenols with BMC and aBMD at age 12 years. While there was a positive association of 2,5-dichlorophenol concentrations during fetal development with distal radius BMC and aBMD at age 12 years, future studies utilizing methods capable of differentiating cortical and trabecular bone are needed to elucidate potential mechanisms and implications for bone strength and microarchitecture. • Gestational urinary 2,5-dichlorophenol concentrations were associated with greater distal radius bone mineral density. • Associations for gestational urinary benzophenone-3, bisphenol A, and triclosan were null. • The environmental phenol mixture was associated with greater distal radius bone mineral content and density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early-life phthalate exposures may disrupt metabolic processes; however few prospective studies have assessed whether these associations extend to cardiometabolic outcomes during adolescence. Among 183 mother-adolescent pairs in a prospective cohort study that enrolled pregnant women in Cincinnati, OH (2003–2006), we quantified nine phthalate metabolites in spot urine samples collected twice from mothers during pregnancy and up to seven times from children. At age 12 years, we assessed triglycerides, high-density (HDL) and low-density (LDL) lipoprotein cholesterol, insulin, and glucose from fasting serum samples and calculated homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Using multiple informant models, we estimated covariate-adjusted associations between urinary phthalate concentrations at each time period and cardiometabolic biomarkers at age 12 years, including modification by child sex. Although most associations were weak or null, monoethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), and monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) concentrations were generally associated with lower LDL at age 12 years. A 10-fold increase in 4- and 12-year MEP was associated with −15.3 mg/dL (95% CI: 27.5, −3.13 mg/dL) and −11.8 mg/dL (−22.0, −1.51 mg/dL) lower LDL, respectively. Discrepant associations were observed in females versus males: a 10-fold increase in 3-year MEP concentrations was associated with 12.0 mg/dL (95% CI: 7.11, 31.1 mg/dL) higher LDL levels in males and −30.4 mg/dL (95% CI: 50.9, −9.8 mg/dL) lower LDL levels in females. Some urinary phthalate concentrations were cross-sectionally associated with HOMA-IR. Early-life phthalate biomarker concentrations may be inversely associated with LDL during early adolescence in an exposure-period and sex-dependent manner. • Phthalate exposures are ubiquitous among pregnant women and children. • Phthalates may be metabolic disruptors that affect cardiometabolic health. • Some phthalates were associated with lower lipid levels. • Associations varied by exposure period and child sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of organophosphate esters (OPEs) as flame retardants, which has increased over the past two decades, raises concerns that OPEs may be harmful to humans, especially children. Animal studies and some human studies have reported that OPEs may adversely impact brain development, but few human studies evaluated OPE exposure during early childhood and neurodevelopmental outcomes. We aimed to fill this knowledge gap with the present study on urinary OPE metabolite concentrations at ages 1–5 years and cognitive abilities at 8 years. We used data of 223 children from the Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment (HOME) Study, a prospective pregnancy and birth cohort in Cincinnati, Ohio. The point estimates for bis-2-chloroethyl-phosphate (BCEP) and bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)-phosphate (BDCIPP) in association with IQ tended to be small and positive, while the point estimates for diphenyl-phosphate (DPHP) were small and negative, with 95% CIs including the null. However, we did find that socioeconomic status (SES) variables modified associations between OPEs and child IQ, with adverse OPE-IQ associations being stronger in socioeconomically disadvantaged children than in others. We identified an additional 1- to 2-point decrease in Full Scale IQ for every log-unit increase in BDCIPP, BCEP, and DPHP among those with lower maternal education, non-white race, lower income, or living in more deprived neighborhoods. We observed similar results for the Perceptual Reasoning, Verbal Comprehension, and Working Memory Index Scores. We suspect that there is residual confounding related to socioeconomic disadvantage, which was not captured with the available SES variables typically used in epidemiologic studies. • This cohort study examines OPEs at ages 1–5 years and cognition at age 8 years. • In child urine, BCEP was detected at 90–95%, BDCIPP at 99%, and DPHP at 99–100%. • Point estimates for OPEs and cognition were small, and 95% CIs included the null. • SES variables modified associations; disadvantaged children have worse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • We examined associations between gestational PBDE exposure and outcomes at age 12. • Outcomes included self- and caregiver-reported social skills and problem behaviors. • Gestational PBDE exposure was associated with poorer outcomes in adolescent males. • No associations were noted among female participants. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent environmental pollutants used as flame retardants. Gestational PBDE exposure has been associated with a variety of behavior problems in children, but little is known about its impact into adolescence, particularly on social skills, which are important for achieving social competence, establishing identity, and forming lasting relationships. We investigated associations between gestational exposure to PBDEs and social skills and problem behaviors in early adolescence in a longitudinal pregnancy and birth cohort in Cincinnati, Ohio (recruited 2003–2006). We measured maternal serum concentrations of five PBDE congeners during gestation. At age 12, we measured social skills and problem behaviors scores for 243 adolescents using self- and caregiver-report on the Social Skills Improvement System (SSiS). We used multivariable linear regression models to estimate associations between maternal PBDE concentrations and SSiS scores, controlling for potential covariates. We report associations for the five congeners and a summary exposure variable (∑ 5 BDE: the sum of BDE- 28, 47, 99, 100, and 153, n = 197). We found sex-specific associations of ∑ 5 BDE concentrations with adolescent-reported Problem Behaviors (∑ 5 BDE × sex p int = 0.02) and caregiver-reported Social Skills (∑ 5 BDE × sex p int = 0.02). In sex-stratified models, log 10 transformed data revealed increased maternal ∑ 5 BDE concentration among males was associated with decreased caregiver-reported Social Skills composite score (β = -10.2, 95% CI: −19.5, −1.0), increased adolescent-reported Problem Behaviors composite score (β = 12.1, 95% CI: 5.4, 18.8), and increased caregiver-reported Problem Behaviors composite score (β = 6.2, 95% CI: 0.7, 11.7). Further analysis on SSiS subscales revealed similar patterns in significant associations among males. There were no statistically significant associations in stratified models among females despite higher ∑ 5 BDE exposure (Female GM=40.15 ng/g lipid, GSE=1.10; Male GM=35.30 ng/g lipid, GSE=1.09). We found gestational PBDE exposure in males was associated with poorer behavioral outcomes, extending previous findings among this cohort into early adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxicological studies have raised concerns regarding the neurotoxic effects of per - and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, observational evidence from human studies investigating the association between childhood PFAS and neurobehavior is limited and remains unclear. To examine whether childhood PFAS concentrations are associated with neurobehavior in children at age 8 years and whether child sex modifies this relationship. We used data from 208 mother-child dyads in the Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment (HOME) Study, a prospective pregnancy and birth cohort (Cincinnati, OH, USA). We quantified PFAS in child serum at 3 and 8 years. We assessed neurobehavioral domains using the Behavior Assessment System for Children-2 at 8 years. We used multiple informant models to estimate score changes per ln-increase in repeated PFAS concentrations. Childhood PFAS were not associated with Externalizing or Internalizing Problems at 8 years. However, we noted effect measure modification by sex, with higher scores in Externalizing Problems among males per ln-unit increase in perfluorononanoate (PFNA) at 3 years (β = 4.3 points, 95% CI: 1.0, 7.7) while females had lower scores (β = −2.8 points, 95% CI: −4.7, −1.0). More Internalizing Problems were observed among males per ln-unit increase in concurrent PFNA concentrations (β = 3.7 points, 95% CI: 0.7, 6.8), but not in females (β = −1.7 points, 95% CI: −4.6, 1.2). Childhood PFNA concentrations were associated with lower scores for attention problems and activity of daily living. While findings do not consistently support an association between childhood PFAS serum concentrations and neurobehavior, child sex may play a role in this relationship. • Childhood PFAS were not associated with externalizing or internalizing behaviors at 8 years. • Sex modified the relationship between childhood PFAS and neurobehavior, with males having worse scores. • Childhood PFNA was associated with poorer scores for activity of daily living and lower attention problems. • Prenatal PFAS were associated with more externalizing and internalizing problems even after adjustment for childhood PFAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]