Objectives This study was performed to detect the brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) and aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) levels of neonates and Ahr levels of pregnant women with PAHs exposure during pregnancy, and to compare the effects of maternal PAHs exposure on the offspring of BDNF in the early pregnancy, middle, late and whole pregnancies.

Methods 115 parturients with PAHs exposure during early, middle, late and whole pregnancies were selected. enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) method was used to detect the concentrations of Ahr and BDNF of neonatesas well as Ahr of parturients. Three groups of test result were statistically analyzed in pairs.

Results There was no significant difference (Z values were -1.799 and -1.360, vespectively, P>0.05) in BDNF of neonates and Ahr of parturient between the early, middle and late pregnancy exposures to the PAHs. There were statistically significant differences (Z=-3.052, P < 0.01) in Ahr of neonates. There were statistically significant differences (Z values were -3.300, -3.614 and -1.360, respectively, P < 0.01) in BDNF and Ahr of neonates and Ahr of parturients between the early, middle and late pregnancies. There were no statistically significant differences (Z values were -0.800, -0.540 and -0.485, respectively P>0.05) in BDNF and Ahr of neonates and Ahr of parturients between the middle, late and whole pregnancies. The correlation analysis between BDNF and Ahr of neonates or between BDNF of neonates and Ahr of parturients showed no statistical significance (r_s=-0.013, -0.062, P>0.05).

Conclusions The effect of PAHs exposure on BDNF of neonates in early pregnancy is greater. PAHs exposed parturients and neonates more easily absorbed PAHs in the early pregnancy.