Kishi Reiko, Ikeda Atsuko, Ketema Rahel Mesfin
Distinguished Professor, Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
WHO Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health and Prevention of Chemical Hazards, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
Proc Jpn Acad Ser B Phys Biol Sci. 2025;101(4):197-215. doi: 10.2183/pjab.101.015.
In 2001, we launched the Hokkaido Study, the first prospective birth cohort study in Japan. We are currently tracking the effects of environmental chemicals, using a life course approach. The study examines life circumstances after birth, and the longest follow-up to date is 20 years of age. We have measured prenatal exposure to dioxins, organochlorine pesticides, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, plasticizers such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and bisphenol A. Our findings have mostly revealed that increased exposure to these environmental chemicals is linked to increased risk of lower birth size, effects on thyroid and steroid hormones, adipokine levels, as well as disruption of neurodevelopment, including causing asthma and respiratory symptoms. However, it should be noted that our findings also include protective or null findings, which may be due to low chemical concentrations or differences in prenatal or postnatal exposure. We would like to emphasize the importance of long-term continuation of the cohort, effective utilization of the data, and application of the results to environmental and health policies.
2001年，我们启动了北海道研究，这是日本首个前瞻性出生队列研究。目前，我们正在采用生命历程方法追踪环境化学物质的影响。该研究考察出生后的生活环境，迄今最长的随访时间为到20岁。我们已经测量了产前接触二噁英、有机氯农药、全氟和多氟烷基物质、邻苯二甲酸二（2-乙基己基）酯等增塑剂以及双酚A的情况。我们的研究结果大多表明，接触这些环境化学物质的增加与出生时体重较低、对甲状腺和类固醇激素的影响、脂肪因子水平以及神经发育紊乱（包括引发哮喘和呼吸道症状）的风险增加有关。然而，应当指出的是，我们的研究结果也包括具有保护作用或无关联的结果，这可能是由于化学物质浓度较低或产前或产后接触存在差异所致。我们想强调该队列长期持续、有效利用数据以及将结果应用于环境与健康政策的重要性。
