Sexually dimorphic cardiovascular impacts of prenatal exposure to a real-life environmental chemical mixture in adult offspring

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death that is sexually dimorphic. This study used an ovine model to investigate whether maternal exposure to an environmental chemical (EC) mixture (biosolids) prior to and throughout pregnancy, affected offspring cardiovascular (CV) structure and function in adulthood. CV function of male and female offspring from ewes grazed on either conventionally fertilised (control, C) or biosolids-treated pasture (B) was assessed. Males exhibited higher blood pressure compared to females with no significant effect of EC exposure. Heart rate variability in females suggested reduced autonomic regulation in the B group. EC-exposed males, but not females, showed significantly increased left ventricular dimensions, end-diastolic and systolic volumes, and cardiac output. The findings indicate sexually dimorphic effects of maternal EC mixture exposure on adult CV structure and function. Further studies are needed to explore the mechanisms and long-term implications of prenatal exposure to ECs on CV health.