The relationship between particulate matter and kidney biomarkers in pregnant women: A case study in Yazd city

Background: Cities negatively affect the environment. Urban pollution levels have risen considerably, affecting sensitive groups such as pregnant women. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between particulate matter and kidney biomarkers of pregnant women in Yazd from September to November ۲۰۲۳. Urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels were measured in ۳۰ pregnant women (third trimester). The concentration of PM۲.۵ was estimated using the land use regression (LUR) model and ۵ independent variables of road networks, distance from the city center, building density, elevation, and slope. For each mother, the mean concentration of the modeled PM۲.۵ was measured in multiple buffer rings drawn around her residential location. Generalized additive model (GAM) was employed to establish a relationship between PM۲.۵ concentrations with physiological indicators. Results: Average urea, uric acid, and creatinine were ۱۸.۰۶ ± ۵.۷۴, ۳.۶۵ ± ۱.۱۱, and ۰.۷۹ ± ۰.۱۲ mg/dL, respectively. The LUR model identified road networks and distance from the city center as critical factors contributing to increased particulate matter concentration. The GAM R۲ was ۰.۷۹, ۰.۳۱, and ۰.۲۸ for urea, uric acid, and creatinine, respectively. The mean PM۲.۵ within a radius of ۲۰۰۰ m was identified as the most significant independent variable and showed an increasing impact on the renal parameters. Conclusion: According to the results, reducing pollutant levels and preventing the creation of pollution hotspots via lowering road density are vital urban planning strategies to protect vulnerable groups, especially pregnant women.

کلیدواژه ها:

Particulate matter ، Pregnant women ، Environmental biomarkers ، Urban pollution