The platform consists of two parts: experimental analysis and big data analysis. The experimental part includes preprocessing and quantitative analysis instruments for biological samples. Preprocessing instruments include the MARS6 microwave extraction/digestion system, gel permeation chromatography, solid-phase extraction system, etc. Quantitative instruments include gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (equipped with EI and CI sources), and Agilent gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (equipped with high-efficiency EI and CI sources). The constructed exposome big data analysis platform comprises six main sections: mass spectrometry analysis, statistical analysis, biological interpretation, epidemiological analysis, data visualization, and support database. It is accessible to users via the website (http://www.exposomex.cn/) and the R package (https://github.com/ExposomeX).

We have conducted multiple applied case studies in regions with high pollution emissions, quantitatively assessing the relationship between maternal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), perfluoro/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), metal elements, and adverse reproductive health outcomes. Three representative works are as follows: (1) A case-control study was conducted in Hebei and Shanxi provinces, where PAH emissions are high, revealing a clear dose-response relationship between PAH concentration in maternal serum and the risk of fetal neural tube defects (NTDs), with higher molecular weight PAHs exhibiting a more pronounced trend of increased risk (Environ Sci Technol, 2015, 49: 588-596); (2) A cohort study was conducted in Shanxi, Beijing, and Shandong provinces, recruiting women of childbearing age, revealing that at current exposure levels, PFASs do not increase the risk of early miscarriage or spontaneous preterm birth, two important reproductive health outcomes (Environ Sci Technol. 2020, 54:8259-8268; Environ Int, 2021, 157: 106837); however, at the molecular level, it was found that even at low levels of PFASs exposure, they may inhibit the expression of crucial immune factors in the blood (interleukin-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1); (3) In Hebei and Shanxi provinces, where air pollution is severe, the advantage of hair specimen analysis was utilized to trace the exposure characteristics of pregnant women during the critical period of neural tube closure. It was found for the first time that the content of germanium in the hair of mothers in early pregnancy was significantly associated with the risk of fetal NTDs, with consistent observations in two local populations; furthermore, verification using other independent birth cohorts suggested that maternal exposure to germanium may increase the risk of fetal NTDs by raising the level of DNA oxidative damage or reducing immune function; in addition, animal model validation found that the content of germanium in rat hair eff

Considering the analytical techniques, exposure characteristics, regional distribution, and risk assessment of these pollutants, the applicant led the development of a series of toolkits for rapid analysis of the relationship between multi-pollutant exposure and health risks. These toolkits include six main sections, including mass spectrometry analysis, statistical analysis, biological interpretation, epidemiological analysis, data visualization, and support databases. They are publicly available for free use through the website (http://www.exposomex.cn/) and the R package (https://github.com/ExposomeX). Currently, they have effectively supported research on environmental exposure assessment and human health risk relationships (Environ Health Perspect, 2023, 131(3):37009; Environmental Science & Technology. 2024, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c10904; Environ Pollut. 2024, 347, 123679; Environ Sci Technol Lett, 2023, 10, 11, 1036–1044).

Principal Investigator: Bin Wang

Office: Room 707B, West Building of Science and Technology

Email: binwang@pku.edu.cn