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Chen B, de Launoit E, Renier N, Schneeberger M. Maternal nutritional programming shapes the cerebral landscape. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:367-370. [PMID: 37949733 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The escalating prevalence of maternal obesity raises concerns about its influence on offspring health. Exposure to obesogenic environments during early development leads to persistent alterations in brain function contributing to neurological disorders. Nutritional programming emerges as a promising avenue to counteract the deleterious effects of maternal obesity on offspring neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandy Chen
- Laboratory of Neurovascular Control of Homeostasis, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Elisa de Launoit
- Laboratoire de Plasticité Structurale Sorbonne Université, ICM Paris Brain Institute, INSERM U1127, CNRS UMR7225, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Renier
- Laboratoire de Plasticité Structurale Sorbonne Université, ICM Paris Brain Institute, INSERM U1127, CNRS UMR7225, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Marc Schneeberger
- Laboratory of Neurovascular Control of Homeostasis, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Wu Tsai Institute for Mind and Brain, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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2
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Cavalcanti CCL, Manhães-de-Castro R, Chaves WF, Cadena-Burbano EV, Antonio-Santos J, da Silva Aragão R. Influence of maternal high-fat diet on offspring's locomotor activity during anxiety-related behavioral tests: A systematic review. Behav Brain Res 2024; 462:114869. [PMID: 38246396 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this review was to summarize and discuss the impact of a maternal high-fat diet on the locomotor activity of offspring during anxiety-related behavioral tests. A search was performed in the LILACS, Web of Science, SCOPUS and PUMBED databases, using the following inclusion criteria: studies in which rodent dams were submitted to a high-fat diet during gestation and/or lactation and in which the locomotor activity parameters of offspring were evaluated during an anxiety-related test. Twenty-three articles met these criteria and were included. Most studies, 14 out of 23, found that a maternal high-fat diet did not alter offspring locomotor activity. Six articles found that a maternal high-fat diet increased the locomotor activity of offspring, while three found decreased locomotion. This effect may be associated with the initial response to the test and the fact that it was the first day of exposure to the apparatus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raul Manhães-de-Castro
- Graduate Program in Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901 PE, Brazil; Graduate Program in Nutrition, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil; Unit of Studies in Nutrition and Plasticity, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901 PE, Brazil
| | - Wenicios Ferreira Chaves
- Graduate Program in Nutrition, Sports Sciences and Metabolism, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, 13484-350 Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | | | - José Antonio-Santos
- Unit of Studies in Nutrition and Plasticity, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901 PE, Brazil; Physical Education and Sports Sciences Unit, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 55608-680 Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil
| | - Raquel da Silva Aragão
- Graduate Program in Nutrition, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil; Unit of Studies in Nutrition and Plasticity, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901 PE, Brazil; Physical Education and Sports Sciences Unit, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 55608-680 Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil.
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3
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Scarborough J, Iachizzi M, Schalbetter SM, Müller FS, Weber-Stadlbauer U, Richetto J. Prenatal and postnatal influences on behavioral development in a mouse model of preconceptional stress. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 29:100614. [PMID: 38357099 PMCID: PMC10865047 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Depression during pregnancy is detrimental for the wellbeing of the expectant mother and can exert long-term consequences on the offspring's development and mental health. In this context, both the gestational environment and the postpartum milieu may be negatively affected by the depressive pathology. It is, however, challenging to assess whether the contributions of prenatal and postnatal depression exposure are distinct, interactive, or cumulative, as it is unclear whether antenatal effects are due to direct effects on fetal development or because antenatal symptoms continue postnatally. Preclinical models have sought to answer this question by implementing stressors that induce a depressive-like state in the dams during pregnancy and studying the effects on the offspring. The aim of our present study was to disentangle the contribution of direct stress in utero from possible changes in maternal behavior in a novel model of preconceptional stress based on social isolation rearing (SIR). Using a cross-fostering paradigm in this model, we show that while SIR leads to subtle changes in maternal behavior, the behavioral changes observed in the offspring are driven by a complex interaction between sex, and prenatal and postnatal maternal factors. Indeed, male offspring are more sensitive to the prenatal environment, as demonstrated by behavioral and transcriptional changes driven by their birth mother, while females are likely affected by more complex interactions between the pre and the postpartum milieu, as suggested by the important impact of their surrogate foster mother. Taken together, our findings suggest that male and female offspring have different time-windows and behavioral domains of susceptibility to maternal preconceptional stress, and thus underscore the importance of including both sexes when investigating the mechanisms that mediate the negative consequences of exposure to such stressor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Scarborough
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Monica Iachizzi
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sina M. Schalbetter
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Flavia S. Müller
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Weber-Stadlbauer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Juliet Richetto
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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4
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Arutjunyan AV, Milyutina YP, Shcherbitskaia AD, Kerkeshko GO, Zalozniaia IV. Epigenetic Mechanisms Involved in the Effects of Maternal Hyperhomocysteinemia on the Functional State of Placenta and Nervous System Plasticity in the Offspring. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:435-456. [PMID: 37080931 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923040016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
According to modern view, susceptibility to diseases, specifically to cognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders, can form during embryonic development. Adverse factors affecting mother during the pregnancy increase the risk of developing pathologies. Despite the association between elevated maternal blood homocysteine (Hcy) and fetal brain impairments, as well as cognitive deficits in the offspring, the role of brain plasticity in the development of these pathologies remains poorly studied. Here, we review the data on the negative impact of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) on the neural plasticity, in particular, its possible influence on the offspring brain plasticity through epigenetic mechanisms, such as changes in intracellular methylation potential, activity of DNA methyltransferases, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA expression in brain cells. Since placenta plays a key role in the transport of nutrients and transmission of signals from mother to fetus, its dysfunction due to aberrant epigenetic regulation can affect the development of fetal CNS. The review also presents the data on the impact of maternal HHcy on the epigenetic regulation in the placenta. The data presented in the review are not only interesting from purely scientific point of view, but can help in understanding the role of HHcy and epigenetic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of diseases, such as pregnancy pathologies resulting in the delayed development of fetal brain, cognitive impairments in the offspring during childhood, and neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders later in life, as well as in the search for approaches for their prevention using neuroprotectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V Arutjunyan
- Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia.
- St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, St. Petersburg, 197110, Russia
| | - Yulia P Milyutina
- Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia
- St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, St. Petersburg, 194100, Russia
| | - Anastasia D Shcherbitskaia
- Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, 194223, Russia
| | - Gleb O Kerkeshko
- Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia
- St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, St. Petersburg, 197110, Russia
| | - Irina V Zalozniaia
- Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia
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5
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Smaga I, Gawlińska K, Gawliński D, Surówka P, Filip M. A maternal high-fat diet during pregnancy and lactation disrupts short-term memory functions via altered hippocampal glutamatergic signaling in female rat offspring. Behav Brain Res 2023; 445:114396. [PMID: 36934986 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
A maternal high-fat diet (HFD) provokes changes in the offspring's brain's structure, function, and development. These changes may cause neuropsychiatric disorders in the early life of offspring the basis of which may be memory impairment. In this study, the effects of maternal HFD during pregnancy and lactation on the short-term memory in adolescent and young adult offspring were evaluated. We analyzed the expression of genes encoding the glutamatergic transporters in the hippocampus to verify the association between changes in glutamatergic transporters and behavioral changes in offspring. Next, we examined whether maternal diet-induced changes in the mRNA levels of genes encoding the NMDA receptor subunits and the AMPA receptor subunits, as well as BDNF in this structure in offspring. All significant changes were validated at the protein level. We found that a maternal HFD during pregnancy and lactation disrupts short-term memory in adolescent and young adult females. The latter change is likely related to the dysregulation of hippocampal levels of GluN2B subunit of NMDA receptors and of reduced levels of BDNF. In summary, we showed that a maternal HFD during pregnancy and lactation triggered several changes within the glutamatergic system in the hippocampus of rat offspring, which may be related to producing behavioral changes in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Smaga
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Kinga Gawlińska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Dawid Gawliński
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Paulina Surówka
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Filip
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
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Natale F, Spinelli M, Rinaudo M, Cocco S, Nifo Sarrapochiello I, Fusco S, Grassi C. Maternal High Fat Diet Anticipates the AD-like Phenotype in 3xTg-AD Mice by Epigenetic Dysregulation of Aβ Metabolism. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020220. [PMID: 36672155 PMCID: PMC9856666 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal overnutrition has been reported to affect brain plasticity of the offspring by altering gene expression, regulating both synaptic plasticity and adult neurogenesis. However, whether perinatal metabolic stress may influence the accumulation of misfolded proteins and the development of neurodegeneration remains to be clarified. We investigated the impact of maternal high fat diet (HFD) in an experimental model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The 3xTg-AD mice born to overfed mothers showed an impairment of synaptic plasticity and cognitive deficits earlier than controls. Maternal HFD also altered the expression of genes regulating amyloid-β-protein (Aβ) metabolism (i.e., Bace1, Ern1, Ide and Nicastrin) and enhanced Aβ deposition in the hippocampus. Finally, we found an epigenetic derangement and an aberrant recruitment of transcription factors NF-kB and STAT3 and chromatin remodeler HDAC2 on the regulatory sequences of the same genes. Collectively, our data indicate that early life metabolic stress worsens the AD phenotype via epigenetic alteration of genes regulating Aβ synthesis and clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Natale
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Spinelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Rinaudo
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Cocco
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Salvatore Fusco
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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7
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Maternal Hyperhomocysteinemia Disturbs the Mechanisms of Embryonic Brain Development and Its Maturation in Early Postnatal Ontogenesis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12010189. [PMID: 36611982 PMCID: PMC9818313 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal hyperhomocysteinemia causes the disruption of placental blood flow and can lead to serious disturbances in the formation of the offspring's brain. In the present study, the effects of prenatal hyperhomocysteinemia (PHHC) on the neuronal migration, neural tissue maturation, and the expression of signaling molecules in the rat fetal brain were described. Maternal hyperhomocysteinemia was induced in female rats by per os administration of 0.15% aqueous methionine solution in the period of days 4-21 of pregnancy. Behavioral tests revealed a delay in PHHC male pups maturing. Ultrastructure of both cortical and hippocampus tissue demonstrated the features of the developmental delay. PHHC was shown to disturb both generation and radial migration of neuroblasts into the cortical plate. Elevated Bdnf expression, together with changes in proBDNF/mBDNF balance, might affect neuronal cell viability, positioning, and maturation in PHHC pups. Reduced Kdr gene expression and the content of SEMA3E might lead to impaired brain development. In the brain tissue of E20 PHHC fetuses, the content of the procaspase-8 was decreased, and the activity level of the caspase-3 was increased; this may indicate the development of apoptosis. PHHC disturbs the mechanisms of early brain development leading to a delay in brain tissue maturation and formation of the motor reaction of pups.
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8
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Ono T, Hino K, Kimura T, Uchimura Y, Ashihara T, Higa T, Kojima H, Murakami T, Udagawa J. Excessive folic acid intake combined with undernutrition during gestation alters offspring behavior and brain monoamine profiles. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2022; 62:169-180. [PMID: 35531602 DOI: 10.1111/cga.12472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Dietary folic acid augmentation during gestation reduces neurodevelopmental disorder risk in offspring; however, it is still unclear if excessive maternal folic acid intake can impair brain function in offspring. We examined if excessive folic acid intake throughout gestation altered the behavior of male offspring under poor nutrition during early gestation (E5.5-E11.5). Dams were divided into four groups: control (CON, 2 mg folic acid/kg of food), excessive folic acid fortification (FF, 10 mg folic acid/kg of food), undernutrition (UN, 40% food reduction from E5.5-E11.5), and excessive folic acid fortification plus undernutrition (UN-FF). Excess maternal folic acid fortification induced hyperactivity in the open-field and lower anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze at 9 weeks of age. These behavioral changes were accompanied by reduced dopamine in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), norepinephrine in the amygdala, and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the dorsal midbrain (DM), PFC, and amygdala where 5-HT neurons project from the DM. Furthermore, canonical discriminant analysis, including dopamine and DOPAC concentrations in the PFC, norepinephrine concentrations in the PFC, amygdala, and pons, and 5-HT and 5-HIAA concentrations in the amygdala and DM, correctly classified 73.5% of the offspring in CON, FF, UN, and UN-FF groups. The first discriminant function mainly classified groups based on nutritional status, whereas the second function mainly classified groups based on folic acid intake. Our study suggests that combined transformations of brain monoamine profiles by maternal undernutrition and excess folic acid intake is involved in the behavioral alteration of offsprings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan.,Omihachiman Community Medical Center, Omihachiman, Shiga, Japan
| | - Kodai Hino
- Department of Anatomy, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kimura
- Department of Anatomy, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan.,Department of Physical Therapy, Kyoto Tachibana University, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Uchimura
- Department of Anatomy, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Takashi Ashihara
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biomedical Engineering, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Takako Higa
- Department of Anatomy, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Hideto Kojima
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Takashi Murakami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Jun Udagawa
- Department of Anatomy, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
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Lippert RN, Brüning JC. Maternal Metabolic Programming of the Developing Central Nervous System: Unified Pathways to Metabolic and Psychiatric Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:898-906. [PMID: 34330407 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The perinatal period presents a critical time in offspring development where environmental insults can have damaging impacts on the future health of the offspring. This can lead to sustained alterations in offspring development, metabolism, and predisposition to both metabolic and psychiatric diseases. The central nervous system is one of the most sensitive targets in response to maternal obesity and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus. While many of the effects of obesity on brain function in adults are known, we are only now beginning to understand the multitude of changes that occur in the brain during development on exposure to maternal overnutrition. Specifically, given recent links between maternal metabolic state and onset of neurodevelopmental diseases, the specific changes that are occurring in the offspring are even more relevant for the study of disease onset. It is therefore critical to understand the developmental effects of maternal obesity and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus and further to define the underlying cellular and molecular changes in the fetal brain. This review focuses on the current advancements in the study of maternal programming of brain development with particular emphasis on brain connectivity, specific regional effects, newly studied peripheral contributors, and key windows of interventions where maternal bodyweight and food intake may drive the most detrimental effects on the brain and associated metabolic and behavioral consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel N Lippert
- German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam Rehbrücke, Potsdam, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens C Brüning
- German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany; Policlinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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10
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Gallo R, Stoccoro A, Cagiano R, Nicolì V, Ricciardi R, Tancredi R, Trovato R, Santorelli FM, Calderoni S, Muratori F, Migliore L, Coppedè F. Correlation among maternal risk factors, gene methylation and disease severity in females with autism spectrum disorder. Epigenomics 2022; 14:175-185. [PMID: 35081728 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To detect early-life environmental factors leading to DNA methylation changes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-related genes in young ASD females and reveal epigenetic biomarkers of disease severity. Materials & methods: We investigated blood methylation levels of MECP2, OXTR, BDNF, RELN, BCL2, EN2 and HTR1A genes in 42 ASD females. Results: Maternal gestational weight gain correlated with BDNF methylation levels (Bonferroni-corrected p = 0.034), and lack of folic acid supplementation at periconception resulted in higher disease severity in the ASD children (Bonferroni-corrected p = 0.048). RELN methylation levels were inversely correlated with disease severity (Bonferroni corrected p = 0.042). Conclusion: The present study revealed gene-environment interactions and potential epigenetic biomarkers of disease severity in ASD females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Gallo
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Romina Cagiano
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, Pisa, 56128, Italy
| | - Vanessa Nicolì
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Rosanna Ricciardi
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | | | - Rosanna Trovato
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, Pisa, 56128, Italy
| | | | - Sara Calderoni
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, Pisa, 56128, Italy.,Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Filippo Muratori
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, Pisa, 56128, Italy.,Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
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11
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Monteiro S, Nejad YS, Aucoin M. Perinatal diet and offspring anxiety: A scoping review. Transl Neurosci 2022; 13:275-290. [PMID: 36128579 PMCID: PMC9449687 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2022-0242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Health behaviors during pregnancy have an impact on the developing offspring. Dietary factors play a role in the development of mental illness: however, less is known about the impact of diet factors during pre-conception, gestation, and lactation on anxiety levels in offspring. This scoping review sought to systematically map the available research involving human and animal subjects to identify nutritional interventions which may have a harmful or protective effect, as well as identify gaps. Studies investigating an association between any perinatal diet pattern or diet constituent and offspring anxiety were included. The number of studies reporting an association with increased or decreased levels of anxiety were counted and presented in figures. A total of 55,914 results were identified as part of a larger scoping review, and 120 articles met the criteria for inclusion. A greater intake of phytochemicals and vitamins were associated with decreased offspring anxiety whereas maternal caloric restriction, protein restriction, reduced omega-3 consumption, and exposure to a high fat diet were associated with higher levels of offspring anxiety. Results were limited by a very large proportion of animal studies. High quality intervention studies involving human subjects are warranted to elucidate the precise dietary factors or constituents that modulate the risk of anxiety in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Monteiro
- Department of Research and Clinical Epidemiology, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, 1255 Sheppard Ave E, Toronto, ON, M2K 1E2, Canada
| | - Yousef Sadat Nejad
- Department of Research and Clinical Epidemiology, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, 1255 Sheppard Ave E, Toronto, ON, M2K 1E2, Canada
| | - Monique Aucoin
- Department of Research and Clinical Epidemiology, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, 1255 Sheppard Ave E, Toronto, ON, M2K 1E2, Canada
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12
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Curi HT, Dias CT, da Luz Camargo MLM, Dos Santos Gomez P, Gomes MFP, Beserra-Filho JIA, Medeiros A, Ribeiro AM, Simabuco FM, Lambertucci RH, Mendes-da-Silva C. Maternal high-fat diet increases anhedonic behavior and modulates hippocampal Mash1 and BDNF expression in adult offspring. Neurosci Lett 2021; 764:136239. [PMID: 34509569 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy and perinatal periods can lead to long-term effects in the offspring central nervous system, affecting pathways related to neurogenesis and behavior, and increasing predispositions to depressive and anxiety-like behaviors. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a maternal HFD on the hippocampi of adult offspring and behaviors related to anxiety and depression. METHODS The protein and mRNA expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Mash1, Notch1, Hes5, serotonin transporter (SERT), 5-HT1A serotonergic receptor (5-HT1A), tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2, key enzyme of serotonin synthesis), JNK and pJNK were analyzed in the hippocampi of male Swiss mice. Hippocampal serotonin levels were measured using ELISA. The lipid peroxidation, total oxidant status, total antioxidant status, and GSH/GSSG were evaluated as oxidative stress measures. For the behavioral analysis, the open field, elevated plus maze, and sucrose preference tests were used. RESULTS Maternal HFD led to increased body weight in dams and their offspring, as well as altered body composition and LDL levels in the offspring. There were no alterations in oxidative stress or JNK phosphorylation. Hippocampal Mash1 and BDNF expression were altered in HFD offspring. The HFD offspring exhibited anhedonic behavior. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that maternal HFD leads to long-term alterations in the offspring's neurotrophic systems, impairing their behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haidar Tafner Curi
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Nutrition, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo/UNIFESP, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Clarissa Tavares Dias
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Nutrition, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo/UNIFESP, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Paula Dos Santos Gomez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Nutrition, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo/UNIFESP, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Moisés Felipe Pereira Gomes
- Laboratory of Experimental Physical Training, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - José Ivo Araujo Beserra-Filho
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Bioprospecting of Natural Products, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Medeiros
- Laboratory of Experimental Physical Training, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Mussi Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Bioprospecting of Natural Products, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando Moreira Simabuco
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Food and Health (LabMAS), School of Applied Sciences (FCA), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Herling Lambertucci
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Nutrition, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo/UNIFESP, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Mendes-da-Silva
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Nutrition, Department of Biosciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo/UNIFESP, Santos, SP, Brazil.
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13
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Ortiz-Valladares M, Pedraza-Medina R, Pinto-González MF, Muñiz JG, Gonzalez-Perez O, Moy-López NA. Neurobiological approaches of high-fat diet intake in early development and their impact on mood disorders in adulthood: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 129:218-230. [PMID: 34324919 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The early stage of development is a vulnerable period for progeny neurodevelopment, altering cytogenetic and correct cerebral functionality. The exposure High-Fat Diet (HFD) is a factor that impacts the future mental health of individuals. This review analyzes possible mechanisms involved in the development of mood disorders in adulthood because of maternal HFD intake during gestation and lactation, considering previously reported findings in the last five years, both in humans and animal models. Maternal HFD could induce alterations in mood regulation, reported as increased stress response, anxiety-like behavior, and depressive-like behavior. These changes were mostly related to HPA axis dysregulations and neuroinflammatory responses. In conclusion, there could be a relationship between HFD consumption during the early stages of life and the development of psychopathologies during adulthood. These findings provide guidelines for the understanding of possible mechanisms involved in mood disorders, however, there is still a need for more human clinical studies that provide evidence to improve the understanding of maternal nutrition and future mental health outcomes in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ricardo Pedraza-Medina
- Medical Science Postgraduate Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima, Mexico
| | | | - Jorge Guzmán Muñiz
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima, Mexico
| | - Oscar Gonzalez-Perez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima, Mexico
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14
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Arutjunyan AV, Kerkeshko GO, Milyutina YP, Shcherbitskaia AD, Zalozniaia IV. Prenatal Stress in Maternal Hyperhomocysteinemia: Impairments in the Fetal Nervous System Development and Placental Function. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 86:716-728. [PMID: 34225594 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297921060092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The article presents current views on maternal hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) as an important factor causing prenatal stress and impaired nervous system development in fetuses and newborns in early ontogenesis, as well as complications in adulthood. Experimental data demonstrate that prenatal HHcy (PHHcy) affects the morphological maturation of the brain and activity of its neurotransmitter systems. Cognitive deficit observed in the offspring subjected to PHHcy in experimental studies can presumably cause the predisposition to various neurodegenerative diseases, as the role of maternal HHcy in the pathogenesis such diseases has been proven in clinical studies. The review also discusses molecular mechanisms of the HHcy neurotoxic action on the nervous system development in the prenatal and early postnatal periods, which include oxidative stress, apoptosis activation, changes in the DNA methylation patterns and microRNA levels, altered expression and processing of neurotrophins, and neuroinflammation induced by an increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Special attention is given to the maternal HHcy impact on the placenta function and its possible contribution to the brain function impairments in the offspring. Published data suggest that some effects of PHHcy on the developing fetal brain can be due to the disturbances in the transport functions of the placenta resulting in an insufficient supply of nutrients necessary for the proper formation and functioning of brain structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V Arutjunyan
- Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O.Ott, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia. .,St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, St. Petersburg, 197110, Russia
| | - Gleb O Kerkeshko
- St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, St. Petersburg, 197110, Russia
| | - Yuliya P Milyutina
- Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O.Ott, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia
| | - Anastasiia D Shcherbitskaia
- Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O.Ott, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia.,Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, 104223, Russia
| | - Irina V Zalozniaia
- Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O.Ott, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia
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15
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Davis J, Mire E. Maternal obesity and developmental programming of neuropsychiatric disorders: An inflammatory hypothesis. Brain Neurosci Adv 2021; 5:23982128211003484. [PMID: 33889757 PMCID: PMC8040564 DOI: 10.1177/23982128211003484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal obesity is associated with the development of a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders; however, the mechanisms behind this association are not fully understood. Comparison between maternal immune activation and maternal obesity reveals similarities in associated impairments and maternal cytokine profile. Here, we present a summary of recent evidence describing how inflammatory processes contribute towards the development of neuropsychiatric disorders in the offspring of obese mothers. This includes discussion on how maternal cytokine levels, fatty acids and placental inflammation may interact with foetal neurodevelopment through changes to microglial behaviour and epigenetic modification. We also propose an exosome-mediated mechanism for the disruption of brain development under maternal obesity and discuss potential intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Davis
- Hodge Centre for Neuropsychiatric Immunology, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Erik Mire
- Hodge Centre for Neuropsychiatric Immunology, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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16
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Behavioral changes and brain epigenetic alterations induced by maternal deficiencies of B vitamins in a mouse model. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:1213-1222. [PMID: 33496816 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05766-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE B vitamins play essential roles in brain development and functionality; however, the effects of their deficiency during early life on mental health are not thoroughly understood. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of a maternal deficiency of vitamin B6, B9 (folate), and B12 on behavioral changes in adult offspring. METHODS Female C57BL/6 J mice were put on a diet lacking vitamin B6, B9, B12, or the above three vitamins from pregnancy to weaning. The growth and developmental characteristics of both the pregnant mothers and offspring were collected. In the adult offspring, the serum levels of neuroactive substances were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The level of BDNF and dimethylated lysine 9 on histone H3 (H3K9me2) was detected by immunohistochemical staining. In addition, their depressive-like behaviors, anxiety-like behaviors, and sociability were recorded using sucrose preference, a forced swim, social interaction, tail suspension, and open field tests. RESULTS The maternal deficiency of the three B vitamins delayed offspring development. Compared to the controls, all of the groups showed decreased serum levels of 5-HT and neuropeptide Y. In the groups with deficiency of B9 or the three B vitamins, there were significant changes in sociability and social novelty preference. In groups with deficiencies in B9, B12, or all three B vitamins, the expression levels of BDNF and H3K9me2 in the hippocampus were significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS Maternal deficiencies of the major B vitamins caused changes in social behaviors in adult mice accompanied with epigenetic alterations in the brain and changes in the serum levels of neuroactive substances.
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17
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Yuan QC, Gong H, Du M, Mao XY. Supplementation of milk polar lipids to obese dams improves neurodevelopment and cognitive function in male offspring. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21454. [PMID: 33749945 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001974rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Milk contains about 4% fat globules with its surface covered by polar lipids. Despite the abundant consumption of dairy products, the biological effects of dietary milk polar lipids on metabolic health have only been sparsely examined. Maternal obesity results in neurodevelopmental disorders and cognitive impairment in offspring. Considering the importance of maternal nutrition, the effects of polar lipids-enriched milk fat globule membrane (MFGM-PL) supplementation to dams during pregnancy and lactation on neurodevelopment and its long-term programming effects on offspring cognition were examined. Female Sprague-Dawley rats consumed 8-week control diet (CON) or high-fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity before mating. Then, female rats were fed CON or HFD with or without the supplementation of 400 mg/kg body weight MFGM-PL during pregnancy and lactation. The offspring were fed 11-week HFD after weaning. MFGM-PL supplementation to obese dams suppressed body weight gain and hyperinsulinemia in both dams and offspring. Offspring born to obese dams displayed delayed neurological reflexes development, impaired neurogenesis before weaning, and cognitive impairment in adulthood, which were recovered by maternal MFGM-PL supplementation. Insulin resistance and aberrant brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling were induced in the hippocampus of neonatal and adult offspring due to maternal and progeny HFD, but recovered by maternal MFGM-PL administration. This study demonstrates that maternal MFGM-PL supplementation can promote neurodevelopment and exert long-term effects against HFD-induced cognitive impairment in offspring via alleviating hippocampal insulin resistance. Hence, MFGM-PL is a promising ingredient for exerting beneficial programming effects on the brain health of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Chen Yuan
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Han Gong
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Du
- Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Xue-Ying Mao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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18
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Cavalcanti CCL, Da Silva Aragão R, Cadena-Burbano EV, Oliveira TRDP, Silva JM, Benjamim RDAC, Lago AB, Silva EHM, Costa TL, Manhães-De-Castro R. High-caloric or isocaloric maternal high-fat diets differently affect young-adult offspring behavior in anxiety-related tests and offspring sensitivity to acute fluoxetine. Behav Brain Res 2021; 403:113141. [PMID: 33508349 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to evaluate the influence of two maternal high-fat diets with different caloric contents on anxiety-like behavior in young-adult offspring and their sensitivity to acute fluoxetine. METHODS females Wistar rats were used and divided according to diet received during gestation and lactation: Control (CTR), high-fat/isocaloric (HI) and high-fat/high-caloric (HH). Offspring were subsequently divided into three subgroups according to acute administration of vehicle or fluoxetine (1 or 10 mg/kg). To assess animals' anxiety-like behaviors, three tests were used: open field (OF), elevated plus-maze (EPM) and free-exploratory paradigm (FEP). RESULTS In OF, HI and HH showed increased hyperactivity- and anxiety-related behaviors, HI being more hyperactive than HH. In response to fluoxetine, HI offspring decreased number of quadrants entered, decreased number of central entries and spent less time in rearing in peripheral areas, while HH offspring showed less time spent in rearing in the OF peripheral area. In EPM test, HI pups spent more time in closed arms than the HH pups. Fluoxetine decreased number of open arms entries for HI offspring and increased percentage of time spent in central area for HH animals. Maternal diet did not influence FEP test, neither HI nor HH presented a response after fluoxetine acute administration. CONCLUSION Maternal high-fat diets influence offspring anxiety-like behavior in state-anxiety tests but not in trait-anxiety test. Responsiveness to acute fluoxetine depended on maternal diet, dose and which behavioral tests were being evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raquel Da Silva Aragão
- Graduate Program of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Phenotypic Plasticity Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 55608-680, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil; Graduate Program of Nutrition, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil; Physical Education and Sport Science Nucleus Academic Center of Vitoria, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 55608-680, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Jacqueline Maria Silva
- Graduate Program of Nutrition, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | | | - Amanda Braz Lago
- Department of Nutrition, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | | | - Thuani Lamenha Costa
- Physical Education and Sport Science Nucleus Academic Center of Vitoria, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 55608-680, Vitória de Santo Antão, PE, Brazil.
| | - Raul Manhães-De-Castro
- Graduate Program of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil; Graduate Program of Nutrition, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil.
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Engdahl E, Alavian-Ghavanini A, Forsell Y, Lavebratt C, Rüegg J. Childhood adversity increases methylation in the GRIN2B gene. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 132:38-43. [PMID: 33038564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Childhood adversity is an early life stressor associated with increased risk of several psychiatric disorders such as depression. Epigenetic changes, primarily DNA methylation, can be affected by early life stress, which in turn might contribute to altered disease susceptibility later in life. One plausible biomarker of early life stress is methylation of the ionotropic glutamate receptor NMDA type subunit 2B (GRIN2B) gene, which has been previously shown to be epigenetically affected by prenatal environmental stressors. Here, we set out to investigate if stress-inducing adversity during childhood is associated with changes in methylation of GRIN2B in adulthood. We studied 186 individuals from a Swedish naturalistic population-based cohort who had provided saliva samples (DNA) as well as information regarding both childhood adversity (CA) and depressive symptoms (dep) (nCA,dep = 41, nCA,no-dep = 56, nno-CA,dep = 40, Nno-CA,no-dep = 49). Methylation at four CpG sites in a regulatory region of GRIN2B was analysed using bisulfite pyrosequencing. Associations for methylation status to childhood adversity and to depression status were investigated using linear regression models. Our study shows that childhood adversity is associated with increased methylation levels of GRIN2B in adulthood, for three of the measured CpGs (p = 0.007, 0.006 and 5 × 10-14). This indicates that GRIN2B methylation is susceptible to early life stress, and that methylation at this gene is persistent over time. No association was found between GRIN2B methylation and depression status. Yet, this does not rule out a role for alterations in GRIN2B methylation for other neuropsychological outcomes not studied here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin Engdahl
- Karolinska Institutet, Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM), Unit of Integrative Toxicology, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | - Yvonne Forsell
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Global Public Health, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catharina Lavebratt
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Uppsala University, Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala, Sweden
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20
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McEwan A, Erickson JC, Davidson C, Heijkoop J, Turnbull Y, Delibegovic M, Murgatroyd C, MacKenzie A. The anxiety and ethanol intake controlling GAL5.1 enhancer is epigenetically modulated by, and controls preference for, high-fat diet. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 78:3045-3055. [PMID: 33313982 PMCID: PMC8004485 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03705-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Excess maternal fat intake and obesity increase offspring susceptibility to conditions such as chronic anxiety and substance abuse. We hypothesised that environmentally modulated DNA methylation changes (5mC/5hmC) in regulatory regions of the genome that modulate mood and consumptive behaviours could contribute to susceptibility to these conditions. We explored the effects of environmental factors on 5mC/5hmC levels within the GAL5.1 enhancer that controls anxiety-related behaviours and alcohol intake. We first observed that 5mC/5hmC levels within the GAL5.1 enhancer differed significantly in different parts of the brain. Moreover, we noted that early life stress had no significant effect of 5mC/5hmC levels within GAL5.1. In contrast, we identified that allowing access of pregnant mothers to high-fat diet (> 60% calories from fat) had a significant effect on 5mC/5hmC levels within GAL5.1 in hypothalamus and amygdala of resulting male offspring. Cell transfection-based studies using GAL5.1 reporter plasmids showed that 5mC has a significant repressive effect on GAL5.1 activity and its response to known stimuli, such as EGR1 transcription factor expression and PKC agonism. Intriguingly, CRISPR-driven disruption of GAL5.1 from the mouse genome, although having negligible effects on metabolism or general appetite, significantly decreased intake of high-fat diet suggesting that GAL5.1, in addition to being epigenetically modulated by high-fat diet, also actively contributes to the consumption of high-fat diet suggesting its involvement in an environmentally influenced regulatory loop. Furthermore, considering that GAL5.1 also controls alcohol preference and anxiety these studies may provide a first glimpse into an epigenetically controlled mechanism that links maternal high-fat diet with transgenerational susceptibility to alcohol abuse and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew McEwan
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
| | - Johanna Celene Erickson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
| | - Connor Davidson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
| | - Jenny Heijkoop
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
| | - Yvonne Turnbull
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
| | - Mirela Delibegovic
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Alasdair MacKenzie
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK.
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21
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Yang Y, Yang S, Jia Y, Yin C, Zhao R. Sex-biased transgenerational transmission of betaine-induced epigenetic modifications in glucocorticoid receptor gene and its down-stream BDNF/ERK pathway in rat hippocampus. Nutr Neurosci 2020; 25:746-757. [PMID: 32840180 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2020.1807711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expressed in hippocampus is critical for the homeostasis of stress responses and susceptible to epigenetic modulation caused by maternal factors. Here we show that maternal methyl nutrition causes sex-biased changes in hippocampal expression of GR exon 1 mRNA variants, associated with promoter DNA methylation, across two offspring generations in rats.Methods: Three-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats (F0) were fed a diet supplemented with 1% betaine throughout the gestation and lactation. F0 dams and their F1 and F2 offspring of both sexes at weaning were used in the study.Results: A sex-specific transgenerational effect was observed. F2 females, but not males, followed the same pattern of their grand dams showing increased mRNA expression of total GR and its exons 1.4, 1.7, 1.10 and 1.11 variants coincided with promoter DNA hypomethylation in the hippocampus. However, F1 females, but not males, exhibited an opposite pattern, showing decreased expression of GR and its mRNA variants accompanied with promoter hypermethylation. The protein content of phospho-GR and BDNF/ERK in the hippocampus displayed the same sex and generation specificity.Discussion: These results indicate that maternal betaine exerts transgenerational effects on hippocampal GR expression and BDNF/ERK pathway in female rat offspring, with generation-dependent patterns of DNA methylation on alternative GR promoters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu Yang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yimin Jia
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Yin
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruqian Zhao
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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22
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Interplay between Metabolism, Nutrition and Epigenetics in Shaping Brain DNA Methylation, Neural Function and Behavior. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11070742. [PMID: 32635190 PMCID: PMC7397264 DOI: 10.3390/genes11070742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression in the brain is dramatically regulated by a variety of stimuli. While the role of neural activity has been extensively studied, less is known about the effects of metabolism and nutrition on transcriptional control mechanisms in the brain. Extracellular signals are integrated at the chromatin level through dynamic modifications of epigenetic marks, which in turn fine-tune gene transcription. In the last twenty years, it has become clear that epigenetics plays a crucial role in modulating central nervous system functions and finally behavior. Here, we will focus on the effect of metabolic signals in shaping brain DNA methylation, both during development and adulthood. We will provide an overview of maternal nutrition effects on brain methylation and behavior in offspring. In addition, the impact of different diet challenges on cytosine methylation dynamics in the adult brain will be discussed. Finally, the possible role played by the metabolic status in modulating DNA hydroxymethylation, which is particularly abundant in neural tissue, will be considered.
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23
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Zhao N, Yang S, Feng Y, Sun B, Zhao R. Enhanced hepatic cholesterol accumulation induced by maternal betaine exposure is associated with hypermethylation of CYP7A1 gene promoter. Endocrine 2019; 64:544-551. [PMID: 30924082 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-019-01906-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Betaine contains three methyl groups and plays a critical role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism via epigenetic modifications. However, it is unclear whether prenatal betaine intake could affect cholesterol metabolism of progeny through DNA methylation. METHODS Hence, pregnant rats were randomly divided into control and betaine groups fed standard diet or 1% betaine supplementation diet, respectively, throughout gestation and lactation. RESULTS Maternal betaine exposure significantly (P < 0.05) increased serum and hepatic cholesterol contents but not triglyceride levels in offspring rats. Accordantly, maternal intake of betaine markedly downregulated (P < 0.05) hepatic cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) expression at both the mRNA and protein level, while the protein content of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) was upregulated in the liver of betaine-exposed rats. In addition, prenatal betaine supplementation extremely increased (P < 0.05) hepatic betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) expression at the mRNA and protein level but not affected the expression of other key enzymes involved in methionine metabolism. Furthermore, hepatic hypermethylation of CYP7A1 gene promoter was observed in progeny rats derived from betaine-supplemented dams. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide evidence that maternal betaine supplementation significantly enhances hepatic cholesterol contents accompanied with alterations of cholesterol metabolic genes and hypermethylation in offspring rats at weaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Zhao
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Shu Yang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Yue Feng
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Bo Sun
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Ruqian Zhao
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, P. R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, Nanjing Agricultural University, 210095, Nanjing, P. R. China.
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Yang Y, Yang S, Liu J, Feng Y, Qi F, Zhao R. DNA Hypomethylation of GR Promoters is Associated with GR Activation and BDNF/AKT/ERK1/2-Induced Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Mice Derived From Folic-Acid-Supplemented Dams. Mol Nutr Food Res 2019; 63:e1801334. [PMID: 30920123 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201801334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
SCOPE Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mediates the nutritional programing of offspring performance. Maternal folic acid has been shown to regulate hippocampal neurogenesis and affect cognitive function in offspring, yet it remains unclear whether and how GR is involved in such effects. METHODS AND RESULTS Adult male mice derived from dams fed basal or folic-acid-supplemented diet (5 mg folic acid/kg) throughout gestation and lactation are used in this study. Maternal folic acid significantly enhances offspring learning and memory with less fear-related behavior. Concurrently, hippocampal neurogenesis is improved with upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its downstream AKT/ERK1/2 signaling pathway. More GR immune-positive cells are observed in hippocampus of folic acid group, which are in line with higher GR protein and mRNA abundances. Differential expression of GR exon 1 transcript variants is detected, which is inversely associated with modified DNA methylation on their alternate promoters. CONCLUSION The results indicate that maternal folic acid supplementation promotes hippocampal neurogenesis and improves learning and memory behavior in mouse offspring. The mechanisms involve modification of DNA methylation on GR alternate promoters and GR upregulation in the hippocampus, which is associated with activation of BDNF/AKT/ERK1/2 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P. R. China
| | - Shu Yang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P. R. China
| | - Jie Liu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P. R. China
| | - Yue Feng
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P. R. China
| | - Fulei Qi
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P. R. China
| | - Ruqian Zhao
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health & Food Safety, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology & Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, P. R. China
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Adverse neuropsychiatric development following perinatal brain injury: from a preclinical perspective. Pediatr Res 2019; 85:198-215. [PMID: 30367160 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-018-0222-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Perinatal brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability in young children. Recent advances in obstetrics, reproductive medicine and neonatal intensive care have resulted in significantly higher survival rates of preterm or sick born neonates, at the price of increased prevalence of neurological, behavioural and psychiatric problems in later life. Therefore, the current focus of experimental research shifts from immediate injury processes to the consequences for brain function in later life. The aetiology of perinatal brain injury is multi-factorial involving maternal and also labour-associated factors, including not only placental insufficiency and hypoxia-ischaemia but also exposure to high oxygen concentrations, maternal infection yielding excess inflammation, genetic factors and stress as important players, all of them associated with adverse long-term neurological outcome. Several animal models addressing these noxious stimuli have been established in the past to unravel the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of altered brain development. In spite of substantial efforts to investigate short-term consequences, preclinical evaluation of the long-term sequelae for the development of cognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders have rarely been addressed. This review will summarise and discuss not only current evidence but also requirements for experimental research providing a causal link between insults to the developing brain and long-lasting neurodevelopmental disorders.
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