Neural Tube Defects, Its Etiology: Environmental Exposures and Genes, Possible Risk Factors

Aim The etiology behind abnormal development of the neural tube during embryonic life is not well understood. The evidence for associations of environmental cause and genes remains controversial. However recent analysis suggests excessive corresponding risks at environmental exposure levels and involvement of genes. Methods We analyzed the research on developmental defects of neural tube and developed priorities and strategies to understand its etiology and risks associated with environmental factors and genes involved. We conducted searches for peer-reviewed papers published since 1990, using the term “NTD’s”, AND “Pesticide exposure” AND “Congenital malformations”. Results Research on the investigation of neural tube defects may offer an excellent opportunity to understand and characterize high-risk population and to understand association between environmental factors and gene involved in the etiology of NTDs. Such study may lead us to evaluate etiological hypothesis i.e. the possible environmental factors exposure level and genetic factors that may initiate NTD pathogenesis. The environmental exposures include organic solvents, agricultural pesticides, water nitrates, and heavy metals; ionizing radiation; and water disinfection by products. Our review supports an association between environmental exposures, genetic involvement and NTDs. Conclusions Future research is needed to understand neural tube defects prevalence and its etiological association with the exposure of environmental factors and genetics. Epidemiological and experimental studies will provide us the information regarding the physiology of NTD and analyzing the novel etiological hypothesis. Thus, it is necessary for us to consider maternal exposure and effect on the developing embryo, also the possible interactions among them.