Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Toronto (Canada), 2002
Chemical exposure is linked to reproductive effects in humans. This study was aimed at determining the effects of exposure to persistent organic pollutants on time to pregnancy (TTP). TTP is defined as the time taken from planned intercourse to conception. Polychlorinated dioxins, furans and biphenyls found among the persistent organic pollutants can activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), and induce expression of cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1). The resulting expression of CYP1A1 has been used as a biomarker of exposure to AHR activating ligands. CYP1A1 activity was assayed in full-term placentas from two groups of non-smoking mothers in the Hamilton, Ontario region: those identified as long TTP and those identified as short TTP. CYP1A1 activity was well within the range reported for non-smokers. Our results show no difference between the short and long TTP groups indicating that CYP1A1 may not be a good marker of delayed time to pregnancy, in this group
