open access

https://hdl.handle.net/2115/96012

Status and Perspective of Birth Cohort Studies : Lessons from the Prospective Hokkaido Study of the Environment and Children’s Health : Malformations, Development, and Allergies

日本語

birth cohort

2010-12

国立保健医療科学院

Journal of the National Institute of Public Health

59(4)

366-371

Worldwide birth cohort studies can be divided into 2 major categories depending on the length of their follow-up period. The first is the European cohort, which was started in the mid-20th century. The study of this cohort led to the Barker hypothesis and the concept of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD). The second cohort was started in the late 20th century with the aim of examining the effect of environmental factors, such as endocrine-disturbing chemicals, on children. The study of this cohort is now focused on an examination of the interplay of genetic and social factors.We implemented the Hokkaido Study of the Environment and Children’s Health: Malformations, Development, and Allergies (the Hokkaido study) in 2010 with the aim of examining the cause-effect relationship of children’s health and environmental risk factors through epidemiological studies. The Hokkaido study is a prospective birth cohort study in which we focus on the following: (1) low-level exposure of environmental chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid; (2) evaluation of prenatal exposure; (3) risk analysis of several outcomes such as congenital anomalies, body size, neurobehavioral development, thyroid function, and the immunologic system; and (4) predisposing factors of individual genetic susceptibility. Our fi ndings suggest that prenatal low-level exposures to polychlorinated dibenzodioxins are associated with lower birth weight, especially in male infants. Effects on neurobehavioral development and the immunologicsystem have also been suggested. Children in the Hokkaido cohort will be followed-up further in order to evaluate the following:(1) the relationship of allergies and attention defi cit hyperactivity disorder, (2) the effects of multiple exposures, (3) postnatal exposure, and (4) epigenetic effects. There are an increasing number of birth cohorts worldwide, and, among them, there are several prospective birth cohorts in Japan. In order to elucidate risk factors for illness or health disorders, we need to study children in these cohorts from birth through childhood and adolescence. During this process, an epidemiological approach and an analysis of social factors will berequired. Further participation of the National Institute of Public Health is necessary for the cohort studies on children’s health and environment.

学術雑誌論文

Version of Record

1347-6459

2432-0722