Immune System Exposures Linked to Prenatal/Postnatal Diseases

Scientists can reduce the health toll from a range of diseases by focusing more attention on the identification of environmental factors that can damage the prenatal immune system as well as that of infants and children.

Early immune system exposures are linked to chronic disease, exposure to biologic materials, drugs, medical devices, chemicals, and other environmental factors affecting the developing immune system in fetuses, infants, and children. Scientists suggest that links exist between these factors and an increased risk of asthma, autism, diabetes, leukemia, and other important diseases.

In a study performed out by Rodney R. Dietert, Ph.D. and colleagues from Cornell University (Ithaca, NY, USA) the scientific field known as developmental immunotoxicology (DIT) was examined. It focused on the consequences to the human immune system of toxic effects on fetuses.

The study appeared in the January 19, 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society (ACS). The publication discusses diseases associated with DIT and recommends an increase in awareness of preadult immune dysfunction and its consequences on life-long chronic disease.

According to the study authors, a protected, well-functioning immune system would not only improve the quality of life during adulthood, it would also reduce future healthcare needs. Professor Dietert emphasized that identifying hazards for developing immune systems and protection against dysfunction provide opportunities for reducing health risks for the most significant chronic diseases of children and adults.

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