Insights into the Chemical Exposome during Pregnancy: A Non-Targeted Analysis of Preterm and Term Births

The study examines the chemical exposome in 95 pregnant women (35 preterm and 60 term) in NYC. Paired urine and serum samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap mass spectrometry to identify chemical features associated with preterm and term outcomes. The study identified 1524 chemical features, with 12 confirmed via standards. Notably, dodecyltrimethylammonium and N,N-dimethyldecylamine N-oxide were newly reported in human blood. Significant differences were observed between urine and serum, and between preterm and term births (p < 0.0001). Additionally, 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (tentative) was elevated in preterm serum, and associations between surfactants and fatty acid amides were noted.