La exposición a la contaminación durante el embarazo se relaciona con cambios en las estructuras cerebrales fetales

The fetuses most exposed to certain air pollutants present Changes in the size of some brain structuresI specially during the second and third quarter of the Emarazo. This is the main conclusion of a new study led by the Global Health Institute of Barcelona (ISGlobal), a center imported by the Foundation «La Caixa», in collaboration with the center of Centro Pau. This is the first study that analyzes the associature between air pollution and cerebral fetal development during the Emarazo.

The study, published in Lancet planetary healthanalyzed data collected between 2018 and 2021 of 754 couples of mothers and fetuses Project participants Bisc (Barcelona’s life study cohort) In Barcelona. This study aimed to understand the relationship between air pollution in child health and brain development, and is considered one of the most complete made in this.

During the third trimester of the Emarazo, the participants were some of a transvaginal neurosonogram, a specialized ultrasound that allows the form of analyzing the shape of the structures of the fetal brain. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO_₂), Party material (P.M_2.5) and Carbonorocrometric It was estimated by hybrid models that combine data from real dictations with advanced statiny methods. The research of consideration «Microambientes«: The home, the workplace and the travel routes of the participants. The activity patterns were collected by means of an applied geolocation installed in the mobile phones of the participants.

The research team observed that the prenatal exhibition to no_₂P.M_2.5 and black carbon in all the aforementioned microambientes was associated Increase in the volume of cerebral cavities They contain cerebrospinal fluid. Specifically, direct associations are identified between exposure to these pollutants and the increase in volume of Lateral ventriclesLocated in each cerebral hemisphere, as well as a Magna cistern dilatacyA cavity located at the bottom of the brain. A Increase in the thickness of the cerebellarThe central part of the cerebellum, essential for balance and motor coordination.

The study results also showed an association between a mayor exposure to Carboro Negro and a Reduction in the depth of the lateral groove (Also known as Silvio’s fissure), a deep groove that crosses the brain, which could suggest less brain maturation.

Theociations of the exposure to air pollution and the changes in the morphology of these brain structures loud during the second and trimester tower of pregnancy. «During the middle and the end of gesture, the fetal brain enters a key phase of its development, which makes it particularly vulnerable to external factors such as contaminated,» explained explanation explained Payam DadvandIslobal researcher and senior author of the study.

«As doctors, we are now seeing convincing evidence that, inclusion in bos that seem healthy according to all conventional criteria, factors such as atmospheric contamination can subtly subtly affela afaacis afaazmas to increase awareness and education, both in the health community and throughout society,» they affirm Elisa Llurba AND Lola Gómez-RoigMedical of the Hospital of Sant Pau and the BCNatal-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, respective, and co-author of the study.

Significant differences at population level

The observed effects do not imply that the niens participating in the BISC project present pathological brain alterations. In fact, all measurements of the brain structures of the participants are within the range considered normal. «The point is that these differences, although small at the individual level, are relevant from a population perspective, since they inform us about how pollution affects fetal brain and its vulnerability to environmental exposures,» he says Laura Gómez-HerreraResearcher of Isglobal and co -author director of the study.

The research equity highlights the need to carry out more studies to confirm these findings and study their possible long -term consequences. «For now, we can only confirm that we have observed differences in the cerebros of the fetuses with mayor exposure to pollution compared to acuanos with less exposure. If they have implications in those resulting from neurodevelopment in stages later,» he emphasizes Jordi SunyerSenior author of the study.

A regret of the uncertainties that still exist, this study could have important implications for public health policy. «Our resulting reinforces evidence about the need to minimize the exposure of pregnant women to air pollution, special environment in urban environments,» he says Yu ZhaoResearcher of Isglobal and co -author director of the study.

Reference

Laura Gómez-Herrera, Yu Zhao, Ioar Rivas, Elisenda Eixarch, Carla Domínguez-Gallardo, Toni Galmes, Marta Muniesa, Maria Julia Zanini, Alan Domínguez, Marta Cirach, Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Xavier Basagaña, Xavier Querol, Maria Foraster, Mariona Bustaman Gascon, Elisa Llurba, María Dolores Gómez-Roig, Payam Dadvand, Jordi Sunyer. Air pollution and morphological development of the fetal brain: a prospective study. Lancet planetary healthVol 9, June 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2542-5196(25)00093-2