Effects of perinatal dioxin exposure on mirror neuron activity in 9-year-old children living in a hot spot of dioxin contamination in Vietnam

For 8 years, we have followed up a birth cohort comprising 241 mother-and-infant pairs living around the Da Nang airbase, hot spot of dioxin contamination in Vietnam, and reported impacts perinatal exposure on neurodevelopment children at various ages. In present study, 9 years after birth, investigated effects mu theta rhythms by analyzing EEG power during execution observation hand movements, which indicate mirror neuron system activity. One hundred fifty-five 9-year-old (86 boys 69 girls) from participated examination with free viewing movements. The levels their mothers’ breast milk, measured 1 month were used as markers. A log transform ratio or movements relative to bouncing ball for was evaluate both brain hemispheres, band significantly higher (i.e., less reduction power) girls exposed high TCDD. boys, however, congeners other than TCDD, including HxCDDs several PCDF congeners, contributed increased ratios band. Particularly lowest group among 4 groups decreasing increasing dose. Perinatal TCDD may influence brain, plays an important role social-emotional behavior children, particularly Vietnam. • decreased activity girls. Increasing some boys. Mirror impairment be involved developmental deficits due exposure.