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Sullivan MC, Brewer PL, Roberts MB, Wild RA, Shadyab AH, Sealy-Jefferson S, Eaton CB. Intergenerational Occurrence of Premature Birth and Reproductive Health in Prematurely-Born Women in the Women's Health Initiative. Matern Child Health J 2024; 28:1793-1811. [PMID: 39192085 PMCID: PMC11420327 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-024-03980-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare reproductive history and postmenopausal health by birth status (preterm vs. full term) in a U.S. longitudinal study of postmenopausal women. Birth status was examined according to region of residence, household, and neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS In the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study, 2271 women were born prematurely (< 37 weeks). ANOVA and Chi-square determined birth status differences of reproductive history, pregnancy, and postmenopausal health. Odds ratios were calculated using either binary logistic or multinomial logistic regression. SES and U.S. region of residence were examined as potential effect modifiers. RESULTS Preterm-born women compared to term-born women had higher risk of delivering a premature infant (aOR 1.68, 95% CI [1.46, 1.93]), higher odds of later-age first pregnancy (aOR 1.27 95% CI [1.02, 1.58]), longer duration to become pregnant (> 1 year to pregnancy) (aOR 1.10 95% CI [1.01, 1.21]), more miscarriages (aOR 1.23 95% CI [1.11, 1.37]), and more pregnancy complications including hypertension (aOR 1.58 95% CI (1.13, 2.21)], preeclampsia (aOR 1.64 95% CI [1.24, 2.16]), and gestational diabetes (aOR 1.68 95% CI [1.11, 2.53]). Preterm-born women had higher odds of menopause before age 50 (aOR 1.09 95% CI [1.05, 1.14]). Post-menopause, they had higher rates of diabetes (p = .01), hypertension (p = .01), hysterectomy (p = .045), and higher Charlson Comorbidity Index scores (p = .01). CONCLUSIONS Preterm-born women had higher reproductive and pregnancy risks which when coupled with early menopause, may indicate a shorter childbearing period than term-born women. Guidelines for integration of preterm history in women's health care across the life course are needed to identify and manage their higher risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Sullivan
- College of Nursing, University of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Pamela L Brewer
- College of Nursing, University of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Mary B Roberts
- Care New England Medical Group/Primary Care and Specialty Services, Center for Primary Care and Prevention, Pawtucket, RI, USA
| | - Robert A Wild
- Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Aladdin H Shadyab
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Charles B Eaton
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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2
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Ambalavanan N, Cotten CM, Erickson SW, Mathur R, Torgerson D, Ballard PL. Genomic Differences between Spontaneous versus Indicated Extreme Preterm Birth. Am J Perinatol 2024. [PMID: 38889886 DOI: 10.1055/a-2347-3751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Extremely preterm infants are at high risk of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Extreme preterm birth (PTB) may result from spontaneous preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes or may be indicated due to preeclampsia, eclampsia, hypertension, or other causes. Our objective was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and biological pathways associated with spontaneous versus indicated extreme PTB using the neonatal genome. STUDY DESIGN We evaluated 523 spontaneous births and 134 indicated births weighing 401 to 1,000 g at birth from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network's Genomics dataset by genome-wide association study (GWAS) and pathway analysis. The TOLSURF cohort was used to replicate the results. RESULTS In the NRN GWAS, no statistically significant results were found, although the Manhattan plot showed one almost significant peak (rs60854043 on chromosome 14 at p = 1.03E-07) along with many other modest peaks at p = 1-9E-06, for a total of 15 suggestive associations at this locus. In the NRN pathway analysis, multiple pathways were identified, with the most significant being "GO_mf:go_low_density_lipoprotein_particle_receptor_activity" at p = 1.14E-06. However, these results could not be replicated in the TOLSURF cohort. CONCLUSION Genomic differences are seen between infants born by spontaneous versus indicated extreme PTB. Due to the limited sample size, there is a need for larger studies. KEY POINTS · Genomic differences are seen between infants born by spontaneous versus indicated very PTB.. · Future studies with large sample sizes evaluating extreme PTB are necessary.. · Spontaneous PTB is more common than indicated extreme PTB..
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C Michael Cotten
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Stephen W Erickson
- Genomics Research Center, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Ravi Mathur
- Genomics Research Center, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Dara Torgerson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Philip L Ballard
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland
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3
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Blanchett R, Chen Y, Aguate F, Xia K, Cornea E, Burt SA, de Los Campos G, Gao W, Gilmore JH, Knickmeyer RC. Genetic and environmental factors influencing neonatal resting-state functional connectivity. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:4829-4843. [PMID: 36190430 PMCID: PMC10110449 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging has been used to identify complex brain networks by examining the correlation of blood-oxygen-level-dependent signals between brain regions during the resting state. Many of the brain networks identified in adults are detectable at birth, but genetic and environmental influences governing connectivity within and between these networks in early infancy have yet to be explored. We investigated genetic influences on neonatal resting-state connectivity phenotypes by generating intraclass correlations and performing mixed effects modeling to estimate narrow-sense heritability on measures of within network and between-network connectivity in a large cohort of neonate twins. We also used backwards elimination regression and mixed linear modeling to identify specific demographic and medical history variables influencing within and between network connectivity in a large cohort of typically developing twins and singletons. Of the 36 connectivity phenotypes examined, only 6 showed narrow-sense heritability estimates greater than 0.10, with none being statistically significant. Demographic and obstetric history variables contributed to between- and within-network connectivity. Our results suggest that in early infancy, genetic factors minimally influence brain connectivity. However, specific demographic and medical history variables, such as gestational age at birth and maternal psychiatric history, may influence resting-state connectivity measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reid Blanchett
- Genetics and Genome Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Imaging, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Fernando Aguate
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Kai Xia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Emil Cornea
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - S Alexandra Burt
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Gustavo de Los Campos
- Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Statistics and Probability, Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Wei Gao
- Biomedical Imaging Research Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Imaging, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - John H Gilmore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Rebecca C Knickmeyer
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Institute for Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Workalemahu T, Page JM, Meeks H, Yu Z, Guinto E, Fraser A, Varner MW, Theilen LH, Quinlan A, Coon H, Enquobahrie DA, Ananth CV, Tekola-Ayele F, Jorde LB, Silver RM. Familial aggregation of stillbirth: A pedigree analysis of a matched case-control study. BJOG 2023; 130:454-462. [PMID: 36161750 PMCID: PMC9991941 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether stillbirth aggregates in families and quantify its familial risk using extended pedigrees. DESIGN State-wide matched case-control study. SETTING Utah, United States. POPULATION Stillbirth cases (n = 9404) and live birth controls (18 808) between 1978 and 2019. METHODS Using the Utah Population Database, a population-based genealogical resource linked with state fetal death and birth records, we identified high-risk pedigrees with excess familial aggregation of stillbirth using the Familial Standardised Incidence Ratio (FSIR). Stillbirth odds ratio (OR) for first-degree relatives (FDR), second-degree relatives (SDR) and third-degree relatives (TDR) of parents with a stillbirth (affected) and live birth (unaffected) were estimated using logistic regression models. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Familial aggregation estimated using FSIR, and stillbirth OR estimated for FDR, SDR and TDR of affected and unaffected parents using logistic regression models. RESULTS We identified 390 high-risk pedigrees with evidence for excess familial aggregation (FSIR ≥2.00; P-value <0.05). FDRs, SDRs and TDRs of affected parents had 1.14-fold (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-1.26), 1.22-fold (95% CI 1.11-1.33) and 1.15-fold (95% CI 1.08-1.21) higher stillbirth odds compared with FDRs, SDRs and TDRs of unaffected parents, respectively. Parental sex-specific analyses showed male FDRs, SDRs and TDRs of affected fathers had 1.22-fold (95% CI 1.02-1.47), 1.38-fold (95% CI 1.17-1.62) and 1.17-fold (95% CI 1.05-1.30) higher stillbirth odds compared with those of unaffected fathers, respectively. FDRs, SDRs and TDRs of affected mothers had 1.12-fold (95% CI 0.98-1.28), 1.09-fold (95% CI 0.96-1.24) and 1.15-fold (95% CI 1.06-1.24) higher stillbirth odds compared with those of unaffected mothers, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We provide evidence for familial aggregation of stillbirth. Our findings warrant investigation into genes associated with stillbirth and underscore the need to design large-scale studies to determine the genetic architecture of stillbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica M Page
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Intermountain Healthcare, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Huong Meeks
- Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Zhe Yu
- Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Emily Guinto
- Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Alison Fraser
- Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Michael W Varner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Intermountain Healthcare, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lauren H Theilen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Aaron Quinlan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Hilary Coon
- Department of Psychiatry and Huntsman Mental Health Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Cande V Ananth
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA.,Cardiovascular Institute of New Jersey, and Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.,Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Fasil Tekola-Ayele
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lynn B Jorde
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Robert M Silver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Intermountain Healthcare, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Husby A, Wohlfahrt J, Melbye M. Gestational age at birth and cognitive outcomes in adolescence: population based full sibling cohort study. BMJ 2023; 380:e072779. [PMID: 36653028 PMCID: PMC9846680 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-072779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between gestational age at birth and cognitive outcomes in adolescence. DESIGN Nationwide population based full sibling cohort study. SETTING Denmark. PARTICIPANTS 1.2 million children born between 1 January 1986 and 31 December 2003, of whom 792 724 had one or more full siblings born in the same period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Scores in written language (Danish) and mathematics examinations as graded by masked assessors at the end of compulsory schooling (ninth grade, ages 15-16 years), in addition to intelligence test score at military conscription (predominantly at age 18 years) for a nested sub-cohort of male adolescents. School grades were standardised as z scores according to year of examination, and intelligence test scores were standardised as z scores according to year of birth. RESULTS Among 792 724 full siblings in the cohort, 44 322 (5.6%) were born before 37+0 weeks of gestation. After adjusting for multiple confounders (sex, birth weight, malformations, parental age at birth, parental educational level, and number of older siblings) and shared family factors between siblings, only children born at <34 gestational weeks showed reduced mean grades in written language (z score difference -0.10 (95% confidence interval -0.20 to -0.01) for ≤27 gestational weeks) and mathematics (-0.05 (-0.08 to -0.01) for 32-33 gestational weeks, -0.13 (-0.17 to -0.09) for 28-31 gestational weeks, and -0.23 (-0.32 to -0.15) for ≤27 gestational weeks), compared with children born at 40 gestational weeks. In a nested sub-cohort of full brothers with intelligence test scores, those born at 32-33, 28-31, and ≤27 gestational weeks showed a reduction in IQ points of 2.4 (95% confidence interval 1.1 to 3.6), 3.8 (2.3 to 5.3), and 4.2 (0.8 to 7.5), respectively, whereas children born at 34-39 gestational weeks showed a reduction in intelligence of <1 IQ point, compared with children born at 40 gestational weeks. CONCLUSIONS Cognitive outcomes in adolescence did not differ between those born at 34-39 gestational weeks and those born at 40 gestational weeks, whereas those with a gestational age of <34 weeks showed substantial deficits in multiple cognitive domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Husby
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jan Wohlfahrt
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mads Melbye
- Center for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Norwegian University for Science and Technology, Norway
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA, USA
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
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6
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Jain VG, Monangi N, Zhang G, Muglia LJ. Genetics, epigenetics, and transcriptomics of preterm birth. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 88:e13600. [PMID: 35818963 PMCID: PMC9509423 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth contributes significantly to neonatal mortality and morbidity. Despite its global significance, there has only been limited progress in preventing preterm birth. Spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) results from a wide variety of pathological processes. Although many non-genetic risk factors influence the timing of gestation and labor, compelling evidence supports the role of substantial genetic and epigenetic influences and their interactions with the environment contributing to sPTB. To investigate a common and complex disease such as sPTB, various approaches such as genome-wide association studies, whole-exome sequencing, transcriptomics, and integrative approaches combining these with other 'omics studies have been used. However, many of these studies were typically small or focused on a single ethnicity or geographic region with limited data, particularly in populations at high risk for sPTB, or lacked a robust replication. These studies found many genes involved in the inflammation and immunity-related pathways that may affect sPTB. Recent studies also suggest the role of epigenetic modifications of gene expression by the environmental signals as a potential contributor to the risk of sPTB. Future genetic studies of sPTB should continue to consider the contributions of both maternal and fetal genomes as well as their interaction with the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viral G. Jain
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Nagendra Monangi
- Division of Neonatology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Ge Zhang
- Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Louis J. Muglia
- Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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7
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Kobayashi S, Sata F, Kishi R. Gene-environment interactions related to maternal exposure to environmental and lifestyle-related chemicals during pregnancy and the resulting adverse fetal growth: a review. Environ Health Prev Med 2022; 27:24. [PMID: 35675978 PMCID: PMC9251623 DOI: 10.1265/ehpm.21-00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are only limited numbers of reviews on the association of maternal-child genetic polymorphisms and environmental and lifestyle-related chemical exposure during pregnancy with adverse fetal growth. Thus, this article aims to review: (1) the effect of associations between the above highlighted factors on adverse fetal growth and (2) recent birth cohort studies regarding environmental health risks. Methods Based on a search of the PubMed database through August 2021, 68 epidemiological studies on gene-environment interactions, focusing on the association between environmental and lifestyle-related chemical exposure and adverse fetal growth was identified. Moreover, we also reviewed recent worldwide birth cohort studies regarding environmental health risks. Results Thirty studies examined gene-smoking associations with adverse fetal growth. Sixteen maternal genes significantly modified the association between maternal smoking and adverse fetal growth. Two genes significantly related with this association were detected in infants. Moreover, the maternal genes that significantly interacted with maternal smoking during pregnancy were cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), X-ray repair cross-complementing protein 3 (XRCC3), interleukin 6 (IL6), interleukin 1 beta (IL1B), human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DQ alpha 1 (HLA-DQA1), HLA DQ beta 1 (HLA-DQB1), and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Fetal genes that had significant interactions with maternal smoking during pregnancy were glutathione S-transferase theta 1 (GSTT1) and fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO). Thirty-eight studies examined the association between chemical exposures and adverse fetal growth. In 62 of the 68 epidemiological studies (91.2%), a significant association was found with adverse fetal growth. Across the studies, there was a wide variation in the analytical methods used, especially with respect to the genetic polymorphisms of interest, environmental and lifestyle-related chemicals examined, and the study design used to estimate the gene-environment interactions. It was also found that a consistently increasing number of European and worldwide large-scale birth cohort studies on environmental health risks have been conducted since approximately 1996. Conclusion There is some evidence to suggest the importance of gene-environment interactions on adverse fetal growth. The current knowledge on gene-environment interactions will help guide future studies on the combined effects of maternal-child genetic polymorphisms and exposure to environmental and lifestyle-related chemicals during pregnancy. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1265/ehpm.21-00033.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fumihiro Sata
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University.,Health Center, Chuo University
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University
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Rumph JT, Stephens VR, Martin JL, Brown LK, Thomas PL, Cooley A, Osteen KG, Bruner-Tran KL. Uncovering Evidence: Associations between Environmental Contaminants and Disparities in Women's Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031257. [PMID: 35162279 PMCID: PMC8835285 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Over the years, industrial accidents and military actions have led to unintentional, large-scale, high-dose human exposure to environmental contaminants with endocrine-disrupting action. These historical events, in addition to laboratory studies, suggest that exposure to toxicants such as dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls negatively impact the reproductive system and likely influence the development of gynecologic diseases. Although high-level exposure to a single toxicant is rare, humans living in industrialized countries are continuously exposed to a complex mixture of manmade and naturally produced endocrine disruptors, including persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals. Since minorities are more likely to live in areas with known environmental contamination; herein, we conducted a literature review to identify potential associations between toxicant exposure and racial disparities in women's health. Evidence within the literature suggests that the body burden of environmental contaminants, especially in combination with inherent genetic variations, likely contributes to previously observed racial disparities in women's health conditions such as breast cancer, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, uterine fibroids, and premature birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelonia T. Rumph
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (J.T.R.); (J.L.M.); (L.K.B.); (P.L.T.); (A.C.)
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (V.R.S.); (K.G.O.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Victoria R. Stephens
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (V.R.S.); (K.G.O.)
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Joanie L. Martin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (J.T.R.); (J.L.M.); (L.K.B.); (P.L.T.); (A.C.)
| | - LaKendria K. Brown
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (J.T.R.); (J.L.M.); (L.K.B.); (P.L.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Portia L. Thomas
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (J.T.R.); (J.L.M.); (L.K.B.); (P.L.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Ayorinde Cooley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (J.T.R.); (J.L.M.); (L.K.B.); (P.L.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Kevin G. Osteen
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (V.R.S.); (K.G.O.)
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Kaylon L. Bruner-Tran
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (V.R.S.); (K.G.O.)
- Correspondence:
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Tong C, Wen L, Wang L, Fan X, Zhao Y, Liu Y, Wang X, Huang S, Li J, Li J, Wang L, Gan J, Yu L, Wang L, Ge H, He C, Yu J, Liu T, Liu X, Yang Y, Li X, Jin H, Mei Y, Tian J, Leong P, Kilby MD, Qi H, Saffery R, Baker PN. Cohort Profile: The Chongqing Longitudinal Twin Study (LoTiS). Int J Epidemiol 2022; 51:e256-e266. [PMID: 35051283 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyab264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Chongqing Women and Children's Health Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Fan
- Department of Child Healthcare, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Child Healthcare, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Yamin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Chongqing Women and Children's Health Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Xing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuai Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junnan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Longqiong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lian Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lianlian Wang
- Department of Reproduction Health and Infertility, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huisheng Ge
- Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chengjin He
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiaxiao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tianjiao Liu
- Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiyao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huili Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Youwen Mei
- Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Pamela Leong
- Molecular Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark D Kilby
- Fetal Medicine Centre, Birmingham Women's & Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.,Institute of Metabolism & Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Hongbo Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Obstetrics, Chongqing Women and Children's Health Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Richard Saffery
- Molecular Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Philip N Baker
- State Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Chongqing Municipality, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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10
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Braveman P, Dominguez TP, Burke W, Dolan SM, Stevenson DK, Jackson FM, Collins JW, Driscoll DA, Haley T, Acker J, Shaw GM, McCabe ERB, Hay WW, Thornburg K, Acevedo-Garcia D, Cordero JF, Wise PH, Legaz G, Rashied-Henry K, Frost J, Verbiest S, Waddell L. Explaining the Black-White Disparity in Preterm Birth: A Consensus Statement From a Multi-Disciplinary Scientific Work Group Convened by the March of Dimes. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2021; 3:684207. [PMID: 36303973 PMCID: PMC9580804 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.684207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2017-2019, the March of Dimes convened a workgroup with biomedical, clinical, and epidemiologic expertise to review knowledge of the causes of the persistent Black-White disparity in preterm birth (PTB). Multiple databases were searched to identify hypothesized causes examined in peer-reviewed literature, 33 hypothesized causes were reviewed for whether they plausibly affect PTB and either occur more/less frequently and/or have a larger/smaller effect size among Black women vs. White women. While definitive proof is lacking for most potential causes, most are biologically plausible. No single downstream or midstream factor explains the disparity or its social patterning, however, many likely play limited roles, e.g., while genetic factors likely contribute to PTB, they explain at most a small fraction of the disparity. Research links most hypothesized midstream causes, including socioeconomic factors and stress, with the disparity through their influence on the hypothesized downstream factors. Socioeconomic factors alone cannot explain the disparity's social patterning. Chronic stress could affect PTB through neuroendocrine and immune mechanisms leading to inflammation and immune dysfunction, stress could alter a woman's microbiota, immune response to infection, chronic disease risks, and behaviors, and trigger epigenetic changes influencing PTB risk. As an upstream factor, racism in multiple forms has repeatedly been linked with the plausible midstream/downstream factors, including socioeconomic disadvantage, stress, and toxic exposures. Racism is the only factor identified that directly or indirectly could explain the racial disparities in the plausible midstream/downstream causes and the observed social patterning. Historical and contemporary systemic racism can explain the racial disparities in socioeconomic opportunities that differentially expose African Americans to lifelong financial stress and associated health-harming conditions. Segregation places Black women in stressful surroundings and exposes them to environmental hazards. Race-based discriminatory treatment is a pervasive stressor for Black women of all socioeconomic levels, considering both incidents and the constant vigilance needed to prepare oneself for potential incidents. Racism is a highly plausible, major upstream contributor to the Black-White disparity in PTB through multiple pathways and biological mechanisms. While much is unknown, existing knowledge and core values (equity, justice) support addressing racism in efforts to eliminate the racial disparity in PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Braveman
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Tyan Parker Dominguez
- USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Wylie Burke
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Siobhan M. Dolan
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | | | | | - James W. Collins
- Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Deborah A. Driscoll
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Terinney Haley
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Julia Acker
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Gary M. Shaw
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Edward R. B. McCabe
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | | | - Kent Thornburg
- School of Medicine, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, United States
| | | | - José F. Cordero
- University of Georgia College of Public Health, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Paul H. Wise
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Gina Legaz
- March of Dimes, White Plains, NY, United States
| | | | | | - Sarah Verbiest
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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11
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Yang Z, Slone J, Wang X, Zhan J, Huang Y, Namjou B, Kaufman KM, Pauciulo M, Harley JB, Muglia LJ, Chepelev I, Huang T. Validation of low-coverage whole-genome sequencing for mitochondrial DNA variants suggests mitochondrial DNA as a genetic cause of preterm birth. Hum Mutat 2021; 42:1602-1614. [PMID: 34467602 PMCID: PMC9290920 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB), or birth that occurs earlier than 37 weeks of gestational age, is a major contributor to infant mortality and neonatal hospitalization. Mutations in the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) have been linked to various rare mitochondrial disorders and may be a contributing factor in PTB given that maternal genetic factors have been strongly linked to PTB. However, to date, no study has found a conclusive connection between a particular mtDNA variant and PTB. Given the high mtDNA copy number per cell, an automated pipeline was developed for detecting mtDNA variants using low‐coverage whole‐genome sequencing (lcWGS) data. The pipeline was first validated against samples of known heteroplasmy, and then applied to 929 samples from a PTB cohort from diverse ethnic backgrounds with an average gestational age of 27.18 weeks (range: 21–30). Our new pipeline successfully identified haplogroups and a large number of mtDNA variants in this large PTB cohort, including 8 samples carrying known pathogenic variants and 47 samples carrying rare mtDNA variants. These results confirm that lcWGS can be utilized to reliably identify mtDNA variants. These mtDNA variants may make a contribution toward preterm birth in a small proportion of live births.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Yang
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jesse Slone
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Xinjian Wang
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jack Zhan
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Yongbo Huang
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology (CAGE), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Bahram Namjou
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology (CAGE), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Kenneth M Kaufman
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology (CAGE), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,US Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael Pauciulo
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - John B Harley
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology (CAGE), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,US Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Louis J Muglia
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Iouri Chepelev
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology (CAGE), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Taosheng Huang
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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12
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Coe CL, Lubach GR. Maternal determinants of gestation length in the rhesus monkey. TRENDS IN DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2021; 14:63-72. [PMID: 35431473 PMCID: PMC9012481 DOI: 10.31300/tdb.14.2021.63-72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A gestation length of normal duration and natural delivery at term are considered to be important indicators of a healthy pregnancy, especially given the potentially adverse consequences for neonates of being born premature. While many have assessed the factors influencing gestation length in humans, and there has been considerable interest in the pregnancy duration of domesticated farm animals, this topic has not been re-assessed recently in rhesus monkeys, the most commonly used primate in biomedical research. In older articles, it's gestation length was typically reported to be 165 days, although most authors acknowledged that viable pregnancies could occur out to 180 days. Predicting the normal range of acceptable due dates has important veterinary implications for when to intervene in a prolonged pregnancy. Using archival records from a large, established breeding program, gestation lengths and infant birthweights were analyzed for 408 pregnancies across a 25-year period. The potential influence of maternal factors, including age and parity, was assessed. Familial concordance in gestation length within mother-daughter matrilines was examined, as well as similarity in length across repeat pregnancies for 84 multiparous females. Mean duration from mating to delivery was 168.8 days, longer than reported in most but not all previous articles. Many females birthed successfully at a longer duration that might have prompted consideration of a caesarian delivery. Gestation length for an individual female was fairly stable and significantly correlated across multiple pregnancies. There was not a pronounced transgenerational influence on gestation length even though familial propensities for birthing small and large infants were evident in the female descendants. Typical pregnancy lengths and birthweights are provided as reference norms to assist other breeding programs and to enhance our understanding of the natural reproduction of rhesus macaques that still live in many forested and urban locations across South Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L. Coe
- Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Gabriele R. Lubach
- Harlow Center for Biological Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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13
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Sole-Navais P, Bacelis J, Helgeland Ø, Modzelewska D, Vaudel M, Flatley C, Andreassen O, Njølstad PR, Muglia LJ, Johansson S, Zhang G, Jacobsson B. Autozygosity mapping and time-to-spontaneous delivery in Norwegian parent-offspring trios. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:3845-3858. [PMID: 33291140 PMCID: PMC7861013 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Parental genetic relatedness may lead to adverse health and fitness outcomes in the offspring. However, the degree to which it affects human delivery timing is unknown. We use genotype data from ≃25 000 parent-offspring trios from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study to optimize runs of homozygosity (ROH) calling by maximizing the correlation between parental genetic relatedness and offspring ROHs. We then estimate the effect of maternal, paternal and fetal autozygosity and that of autozygosity mapping (common segments and gene burden test) on the timing of spontaneous onset of delivery. The correlation between offspring ROH using a variety of parameters and parental genetic relatedness ranged between −0.2 and 0.6, revealing the importance of the minimum number of genetic variants included in an ROH and the use of genetic distance. The optimized compared to predefined parameters showed a ≃45% higher correlation between parental genetic relatedness and offspring ROH. We found no evidence of an effect of maternal, paternal nor fetal overall autozygosity on spontaneous delivery timing. Yet, through autozygosity mapping, we identified three maternal loci TBC1D1, SIGLECs and EDN1 gene regions reducing the median time-to-spontaneous onset of delivery by ≃2–5% (P-value < 2.3 × 10−6). We also found suggestive evidence of a fetal locus at 3q22.2, near the RYK gene region (P-value = 2.0 × 10−6). Autozygosity mapping may provide new insights on the genetic determinants of delivery timing beyond traditional genome-wide association studies, but particular and rigorous attention should be given to ROH calling parameter selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pol Sole-Navais
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 41685, Sweden
| | - Jonas Bacelis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 41685, Sweden
| | - Øyvind Helgeland
- Center for Diabetes Research, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway.,Division of Health Data and Digitalization, Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo 0213, Norway
| | - Dominika Modzelewska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 41685, Sweden
| | - Marc Vaudel
- Center for Diabetes Research, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway.,Department of Pediatrics and Adolescents, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen 5021, Norway
| | - Christopher Flatley
- Division of Health Data and Digitalization, Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo 0213, Norway
| | - Ole Andreassen
- NORMENT, University of Oslo, Oslo 0450, Norway.,Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo 0450, Norway.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Pål R Njølstad
- Center for Diabetes Research, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway.,Department of Pediatrics and Adolescents, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen 5021, Norway
| | - Louis J Muglia
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.,Division of Human Genetics, The Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Stefan Johansson
- Center for Diabetes Research, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway.,Center for Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen 5021, Norway
| | - Ge Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.,Division of Human Genetics, The Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 41685, Sweden.,Division of Health Data and Digitalization, Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo 0213, Norway.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg 41685, Sweden
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14
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Koire A, Chu DM, Aagaard K. Family history is a predictor of current preterm birth. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2020; 3:100277. [PMID: 33451608 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2020.100277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reliable prediction of spontaneous preterm birth remains limited, particularly for nulliparous and multiparous women without a personal history of preterm birth. Although previous preterm birth is a risk factor for recurrent preterm birth, most spontaneous preterm births occur in women with no previous history of preterm birth. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether patients' self-reported maternal family history of preterm births among siblings and across 3 generations was an independent risk factor for spontaneous preterm births after controlling for potential confounders. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively acquired cohort using a comprehensive single, academic center database of deliveries from August 2011 to July 2017. The objective of the current analysis was to evaluate the risk of preterm birth among women with and without a family history of preterm birth. All subjects in the database were directly queried regarding familial history across 3 generations, inclusive of obstetrical morbidities. Index subjects with probable indicated preterm birth (eg, concurrent diagnosis of preeclampsia; hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count; or placenta previa or placenta accreta) were excluded, as were nonsingleton pregnancies. Univariate and multivariate analyses with logistic regression were used to determine significance and adjusted relative risk. RESULTS In this study, 23,816 deliveries were included, with 2345 (9.9%) born prematurely (<37 weeks' gestation). Across all subjects, preterm birth was significantly associated with a maternal family history of preterm birth by any definition (adjusted relative risk, 1.44; P<.001), and the fraction of preterm birth occurring in women with a positive family history increased with decreasing gestational age at which the index subjects of preterm birth occurred. For nulliparous women, a history in the subject's sister posed the greatest risk (adjusted relative risk, 2.25; P=.003), whereas for multiparous women with no previous preterm birth, overall family history was most informative (P=.003). Interestingly, a personal history of the index subject herself being born preterm presented the greatest individual risk factor (adjusted relative risk, 1.94; P=.004). CONCLUSION Spontaneous preterm birth in the current pregnancy was significantly associated with a maternal family history of preterm birth among female relatives within 3 generations and notably sisters. The risk persisted among gravidae without a previous preterm birth, demonstrating the capacity for familial history to independently predict risk of spontaneous preterm birth even in the context of a negative personal history. This study provides evidence that self-reported maternal family history is relevant in a US population cohort and across more distant generations than has previously been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Koire
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Derrick M Chu
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Interdepartmental Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Kjersti Aagaard
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Interdepartmental Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.
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15
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Modzelewska D, Sole-Navais P, Sandstrom A, Zhang G, Muglia LJ, Flatley C, Nilsson S, Jacobsson B. Changes in data management contribute to temporal variation in gestational duration distribution in the Swedish Medical Birth Registry. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241911. [PMID: 33156833 PMCID: PMC7647076 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple factors contribute to gestational duration variability. Understanding the sources of variability allows to design better association studies and assess public health measures. Here, we aimed to assess geographical and temporal changes in the determination of gestational duration and its reporting in Sweden between 1973 and 2012. Singleton live births between 1973 and 2012 were retrieved from the Swedish Medical Birth Register. Gestational duration trends in percentiles and rates of pre- and post-term deliveries were analyzed by plotting the values over time. Temporal changes in gestational duration based on ultrasound and last menstrual period (LMP) estimation methods were compared. Intervals between LMP date and LMP-based due date were analyzed to assess changes in expected gestational duration. In total, 3 940 577 pregnancies were included. From 1973 until 1985, the median of gestational duration estimated based on LMP or ultrasound decreased from 283 to 278 days, and remained stable until 2012. The distribution was relatively stable when ultrasound-based estimates were used. Until the mid-1990s, there was a higher incidence than expected of births occurring on every seventh gestational day from day 157 onward. On an average, these gestational durations were reported 1.8 times more often than adjacent durations. Until 1989, the most common expected gestational duration was 280 days, and thereafter, it was 279 days. The expected gestational duration varied from 279 to 281 days across different Swedish counties. During leap years, the expected gestational duration was one day longer. Consequently, leap years were also associated with significantly higher preterm and lower post-term delivery rates than non-leap years. Changes in data handling and obstetrical practices over the years contribute to gestational duration variation. The resulting increase in variability might reduce precision in association studies and hamper the assessment of public health measures aimed to improve pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Modzelewska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pol Sole-Navais
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Sandstrom
- Department of Medicine, Solna, Clinical Epidemiology Division, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Women's and Children's health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Ge Zhang
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America.,Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Louis J Muglia
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America.,Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America.,Office of the President, Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Christopher Flatley
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Division of Health Data and Digitalization, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Staffan Nilsson
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Division of Health Data and Digitalization, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Region Västra Götaland, Sweden
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16
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Importance of the environment for gestational duration variability and correlation between relatives - results from the Medical Swedish Birth Registry, 1973-2012. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236494. [PMID: 32706811 PMCID: PMC7380618 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that the intergenerational associations in gestational age at delivery are considerably affected by temporal changes in the environmental conditions. We explored whether changing environment affects familial resemblance of gestational age at delivery. Understanding how correlation changes in different settings allows to design better studies aimed to detect genes and environmental factors involved in the parturition process. The Swedish Medical Birth Register was used to retrieve births during 1973–2012. In total, 454,433 parent-child, 2,247,062 full sibling, 405,116 maternal half-sibling and 469,995 paternal half-sibling pairs were identified. A decreasing trend in correlation, associated with increasing age gaps, was observed among all siblings, with the largest drop for full siblings, from ρ = 0.32 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.31, 0.33) for full siblings with one-year gap to ρ = 0.16 (95% CI: 0.10, 0.22) for full siblings with age gap above 20 years. A variation in association between full siblings born up to two years apart was observed; estimate ρ = 0.28 (95% CI: 0.26, 0.3) in 1973, and ρ = 0.36 (95% CI: 0.33, 0.38) in 2012. Observed variability in the association in gestational age at delivery between the relatives with respect to their birth year or age gap suggests the existence of temporally changing environmental factors.
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17
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Rezaeean SM, Abedian Z, Latifnejad-Roudsari R, Mazloum SR, Abbasi Z. The Effect of Prenatal Self-Care Based on Orem's Theory on Preterm Birth Occurrence in Women at Risk for Preterm Birth. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY RESEARCH 2020; 25:242-248. [PMID: 32724771 PMCID: PMC7299423 DOI: 10.4103/ijnmr.ijnmr_207_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth is increasing as a major cause of perinatal complications and mortality in Iran. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of prenatal self-care based on Orem's theory on preterm birth occurrence in women at risk for preterm birth. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present clinical trial was conducted on 176 pregnant women at 24-26 weeks at risk for preterm birth in Mashhad, Iran, from December 2015 to October 2016. A multistage sampling method was used in this study. The intervention group (88 pregnant women) received individual self-care education but the control group (88 pregnant women) received only common prenatal care. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference between intervention and control groups in terms of preterm birth occurrence (6.80% vs 20.50%) (χ2 = 6.90, df = 1,p = 0.008). The incidence of preterm birth in the intervention group was approximately three times higher than that in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Given that educational interventions could reduce the incidence of preterm birth, it is suggested that the women at risk for preterm birth are trained for prenatal self-care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zahra Abedian
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Robab Latifnejad-Roudsari
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed-Reza Mazloum
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zohreh Abbasi
- Department of Midwifery, Medical Faculty, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
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18
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Wadon M, Modi N, Wong HS, Thapar A, O'Donovan MC. Recent advances in the genetics of preterm birth. Ann Hum Genet 2019; 84:205-213. [PMID: 31853956 PMCID: PMC7187167 DOI: 10.1111/ahg.12373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Preterm birth is associated with short- and long-term impairments affecting physical, cognitive, and neuropsychiatric health. These sequelae, together with a rising preterm birth rate and increased survival, make prematurity a growing public health issue because of the increased number of individuals with impaired health throughout the life span. Although a major contribution to preterm birth comes from environmental factors, it is also modestly heritable. Little is known about the architecture of this genetic contribution. Studies of common and of rare genetic variation have had limited power, but recent findings implicate variation in both the maternal and fetal genome. There is some evidence risk alleles in mothers may be enriched for processes related to immunity and inflammation, and in the preterm infant, processes related to brain development. Overall genomic discoveries for preterm birth lag behind progress for many other multifactorial diseases and traits. Investigations focusing on gene-environment interactions may also provide insights, but these studies still have a number of limitations. Adequately sized genetic studies of preterm birth are a priority for the future especially given the breadth of its negative health impacts across the life span and the current interest in newborn genome sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Wadon
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales
| | - Neena Modi
- Section of Neonatal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hilary S Wong
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anita Thapar
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales
| | - Michael C O'Donovan
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales
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Biele G, Gustavson K, Czajkowski NO, Nilsen RM, Reichborn-Kjennerud T, Magnus PM, Stoltenberg C, Aase H. Bias from self selection and loss to follow-up in prospective cohort studies. Eur J Epidemiol 2019; 34:927-938. [PMID: 31451995 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-019-00550-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Self-selection into prospective cohort studies and loss to follow-up can cause biased exposure-outcome association estimates. Previous investigations illustrated that such biases can be small in large prospective cohort studies. The structural approach to selection bias shows that general statements about bias are not possible for studies that investigate multiple exposures and outcomes, and that inverse probability of participation weighting (IPPW) but not adjustment for participation predictors generally reduces bias from self-selection and loss to follow-up. We propose to substantiate assumptions in structural models of selection bias through calculation of genetic correlations coefficients between participation predictors, outcome, and exposure, and to estimate a lower bound for bias due to self-selection and loss to follow-up by comparing effect estimates from IPP weighted and unweighted analyses. This study used data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study and the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Using the example of risk factors for ADHD, we find that genetic correlations between participation predictors, exposures, and outcome suggest the presence of bias. The comparison of exposure-outcome associations from regressions with and without IPPW revealed meaningful deviations. Assessment of selection bias for entire multi-exposure multi-outcome cohort studies is not possible. Instead, it has to be assessed and controlled on a case-by-case basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Biele
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Heidi Aase
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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20
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Urquia ML, Wall-Wieler E, Ruth CA, Liu X, Roos LL. Revisiting the association between maternal and offspring preterm birth using a sibling design. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2019; 19:157. [PMID: 31138142 PMCID: PMC6540384 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-019-2304-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have reported an intergenerational association between maternal and offspring preterm birth (PTB) but the nature of the association remains unclear. We assessed the association between maternal and offspring preterm birth using a quasi-experimental sibling design and distinguishing between preterm birth types. Methods We conducted a retrospective intergenerational cohort study of 39,573 women born singleton in Manitoba, Canada (1980–2002) who gave birth to 79,198 singleton infants (1995–2016). To account for familial confounding we defined a subcohort of 1033 sisters with discordant PTB status who subsequently gave birth and compared offspring PTB rates between 2499 differentially exposed cousins using log-binomial fixed-effects generalized estimating equation models. PTB was defined as a delivery < 37 gestation weeks, divided into spontaneous and provider-initiated. Results In the population cohort, mothers born preterm were more likely to give birth preterm [Adjusted Relative Risk (ARR): 1.39; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.25, 1.54] and very preterm birth [ARR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.29, 2.41]. However, in the siblings cohort, the intergenerational association was not apparent among births to sisters with discordant PTB status [ARR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.77, 1.34 for preterm birth and ARR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.38, 2.02 for very preterm birth]. Mothers born at term with a sister born preterm had a similarly elevated risk of delivering a preterm infant (10%) than their preterm sisters. Intergenerational patterns were observed for spontaneous PTB but not for provider-initiated PTB. Conclusions Our findings suggest that it is not the fact of having been born preterm that puts women at higher risk of delivering preterm, but the fact of having been born to a mother who ever delivered preterm. Consideration of a female family history of PTB may better identify women at higher risk of preterm delivery than relying on maternal preterm birth status alone. Further research may benefit from distinguishing preterm birth types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo L Urquia
- Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 408-727 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3P5, Canada.
| | - Elizabeth Wall-Wieler
- Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 408-727 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3P5, Canada
| | - Chelsea A Ruth
- Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 408-727 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3P5, Canada
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences; Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Leslie L Roos
- Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 408-727 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 3P5, Canada
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21
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Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) complications are the leading cause of long-term morbidity and mortality in children. By using whole blood samples, we integrated whole-genome sequencing (WGS), RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and DNA methylation data for 270 PTB and 521 control families. We analyzed this combined dataset to identify genomic variants associated with PTB and secondary analyses to identify variants associated with very early PTB (VEPTB) as well as other subcategories of disease that may contribute to PTB. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and methylated genomic loci and performed expression and methylation quantitative trait loci analyses to link genomic variants to these expression and methylation changes. We performed enrichment tests to identify overlaps between new and known PTB candidate gene systems. We identified 160 significant genomic variants associated with PTB-related phenotypes. The most significant variants, DEGs, and differentially methylated loci were associated with VEPTB. Integration of all data types identified a set of 72 candidate biomarker genes for VEPTB, encompassing genes and those previously associated with PTB. Notably, PTB-associated genes RAB31 and RBPJ were identified by all three data types (WGS, RNA-seq, and methylation). Pathways associated with VEPTB include EGFR and prolactin signaling pathways, inflammation- and immunity-related pathways, chemokine signaling, IFN-γ signaling, and Notch1 signaling. Progress in identifying molecular components of a complex disease is aided by integrated analyses of multiple molecular data types and clinical data. With these data, and by stratifying PTB by subphenotype, we have identified associations between VEPTB and the underlying biology.
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Zhang J, Simonti CN, Capra JA. Genome-wide maps of distal gene regulatory enhancers active in the human placenta. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209611. [PMID: 30589856 PMCID: PMC6320013 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental dysfunction is implicated in many pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia and preterm birth (PTB). While both these syndromes are influenced by environmental risk factors, they also have a substantial genetic component that is not well understood. Precisely controlled gene expression during development is crucial to proper placental function and often mediated through gene regulatory enhancers. However, we lack accurate maps of placental enhancer activity due to the challenges of assaying the placenta and the difficulty of comprehensively identifying enhancers. To address the gap in our knowledge of gene regulatory elements in the placenta, we used a two-step machine learning pipeline to synthesize existing functional genomics studies, transcription factor (TF) binding patterns, and evolutionary information to predict placental enhancers. The trained classifiers accurately distinguish enhancers from the genomic background and placental enhancers from enhancers active in other tissues. Genomic features collected from tissues and cell lines involved in pregnancy are the most predictive of placental regulatory activity. Applying the classifiers genome-wide enabled us to create a map of 33,010 predicted placental enhancers, including 4,562 high-confidence enhancer predictions. The genome-wide placental enhancers are significantly enriched nearby genes associated with placental development and birth disorders and for SNPs associated with gestational age. These genome-wide predicted placental enhancers provide candidate regions for further testing in vitro, will assist in guiding future studies of genetic associations with pregnancy phenotypes, and aid interpretation of potential mechanisms of action for variants found through genetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Corinne N. Simonti
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - John A. Capra
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Peralta V, Fañanás L, Martín-Reyes M, Cuesta MJ. Dissecting the catatonia phenotype in psychotic and mood disorders on the basis of familial-genetic factors. Schizophr Res 2018; 200:20-25. [PMID: 28919129 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examines the familial aggregation (familiality) of different phenotypic definitions of catatonia in a sample of multiplex families with psychotic and mood disorders. METHODS Participants were probands with a lifetime diagnosis of a DSM-IV functional psychotic disorder, their parents and at least one first-degree relative with a psychotic disorder. The study sample included 441 families comprising 2703 subjects, of whom 1094 were affected and 1609 unaffected. Familiality (h2) was estimated by linear mixed models using family membership as a random effect, with h2 indicating the portion of phenotypic variance accounted for by family membership. RESULTS Familiality estimates highly varied for individual catatonia signs (h2=0.17-0.65), principal component analysis-derived factors (h2=0.29-0.49), number of catatonia signs present (h2=0.03-0.43) and severity of the catatonia syndrome (h2=0.25-0.59). Phenotypes maximizing familiality estimates included individual signs (mutism and rigidity, both h2=0.65), presence of ≥5 catatonia signs (h2=0.43), a classical catatonia factor (h2=0.49), a DSM-IV catatonia syndrome at a severity level of moderate or higher (h2=0.59) and the diagnostic construct of psychosis with prominent catatonia features (h2=0.56). Familiality estimates of a DSM-IV catatonia syndrome did not significantly differ across the diagnostic categories of psychotic and mood disorders (h2=0.40-0.47). CONCLUSIONS The way in which catatonia is defined has a strong impact on familiality estimates with some catatonia phenotypes exhibiting substantial familial aggregation, which may inform about the most adequate phenotypes for molecular studies. From a familial-genetic perspective, the catatonia phenotype in psychotic and mood disorders has a transdiagnostic character.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Peralta
- Mental Health Department, Servicio Navarro de Salud, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNa), Spain.
| | - Lourdes Fañanás
- Unitat d' Antropologia, Department of Biology Animal, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain
| | - Migdyrai Martín-Reyes
- Mental Health Department, Servicio Navarro de Salud, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNa), Spain
| | - Manuel J Cuesta
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNa), Spain; Psychiatry Service, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Spain
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Yamamoto S, Premji S. The Role of Body, Mind, and Environment in Preterm Birth: Mind the Gap. J Midwifery Womens Health 2017; 62:696-705. [PMID: 29135075 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.12658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth continues to be a problem affecting low-, middle-, and high-income countries, with rates increasing in some areas despite ongoing efforts to reduce the incidence. This emphasizes the need for more effective interventions, particularly if we aim to achieve the broad health targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The current focus on medically-oriented interventions such as reducing nonmedically-indicated induction of labor, cesarean birth, and multiple embryo transfers associated with assisted reproductive technologies, as well as the application of cervical cerclage and use of progesterone therapy, though important, are likely only partial solutions to the complex phenomenon of preterm birth. Preterm birth has multiple etiologies. The biologic mechanisms involved in preterm labor and how it may be triggered are not well understood. There is growing evidence to suggest some of these triggers may also be related to stress and environmental conditions. In this review, we focus on evidence concerning psychosocial (mind) and environmental factors (environment) as well as briefly review the evidence related to maternal and fetal factors (body) associated with the risk of preterm birth, with reference to some of the SDGs. We also assess emerging evidence regarding the interaction of the body, mind, and environment in relation to preterm birth, currently a gap in our knowledge, and how these interactions could impact clinical practice. Findings suggest that multidisciplinary expertise and approaches will be needed to develop effective interventions to address the complex etiologies of preterm birth, as opposed to single-risk-factor mitigation. Clinicians and researchers will play key roles in identifying many of these risk factors and shaping interventions that address this complex issue. Addressing the interlinkages between body, mind, and environment through the integration of research and clinical practice is critical to reducing the risk of preterm birth and contributing to the achievement of the SDGs.
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25
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Dorner RA, Rankin KM, Collins JW. Early Preterm Birth Across Generations Among Whites and African-Americans: A Population-Based Study. Matern Child Health J 2017; 21:2061-2067. [DOI: 10.1007/s10995-017-2311-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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26
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Hong X, Hao K, Ji H, Peng S, Sherwood B, Di Narzo A, Tsai HJ, Liu X, Burd I, Wang G, Ji Y, Caruso D, Mao G, Bartell TR, Zhang Z, Pearson C, Heffner L, Cerda S, Beaty TH, Fallin MD, Lee-Parritz A, Zuckerman B, Weeks DE, Wang X. Genome-wide approach identifies a novel gene-maternal pre-pregnancy BMI interaction on preterm birth. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15608. [PMID: 28598419 PMCID: PMC5472707 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) contributes significantly to infant mortality and morbidity with lifelong impact. Few robust genetic factors of PTB have been identified. Such 'missing heritability' may be partly due to gene × environment interactions (G × E), which is largely unexplored. Here we conduct genome-wide G × E analyses of PTB in 1,733 African-American women (698 mothers of PTB; 1,035 of term birth) from the Boston Birth Cohort. We show that maternal COL24A1 variants have a significant genome-wide interaction with maternal pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity on PTB risk, with rs11161721 (PG × E=1.8 × 10-8; empirical PG × E=1.2 × 10-8) as the top hit. This interaction is replicated in African-American mothers (PG × E=0.01) from an independent cohort and in meta-analysis (PG × E=3.6 × 10-9), but is not replicated in Caucasians. In adipose tissue, rs11161721 is significantly associated with altered COL24A1 expression. Our findings may provide new insight into the aetiology of PTB and improve our ability to predict and prevent PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiumei Hong
- Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Ke Hao
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Hongkai Ji
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Shouneng Peng
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Ben Sherwood
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Antonio Di Narzo
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Hui-Ju Tsai
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 35053, Taiwan
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
- Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Irina Burd
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA
| | - Guoying Wang
- Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Yuelong Ji
- Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Deanna Caruso
- Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Guangyun Mao
- Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Tami R. Bartell
- Mary Ann & J. Milburn Smith Child Health Research Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Zhongyang Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn Institute for Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Colleen Pearson
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
| | - Linda Heffner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
| | - Sandra Cerda
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
| | - Terri H. Beaty
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - M. Daniele Fallin
- Department of Mental Health, Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Aviva Lee-Parritz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
| | - Barry Zuckerman
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
| | - Daniel E. Weeks
- Department of Human Genetics and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
- Division of General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Polymorphism and Birth Timing: Pathway Analysis Among African American Women. Nurs Res 2017; 66:95-104. [PMID: 28252571 DOI: 10.1097/nnr.0000000000000200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Timing of birth is a major determinant of newborn health. African American women are at increased risk for early birth, particularly via the inflammatory pathway. Variants of the IL1RN gene, which encode the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) protein, are implicated in early birth. The biological pathways linking these variables remain unclear. Evidence also suggests that inflammatory pathways differ by race; however, studies among African American women are lacking. OBJECTIVES We assessed whether an IL1RN variant was associated with timing of birth among African American women and whether this relationship was mediated by lower anti-inflammatory IL-1Ra production or related to a decrease in inhibition of proinflammatory IL-1β production. METHODS A candidate gene study using a prospective cohort design was used. We collected blood samples at 28-32 weeks of gestation among African American women experiencing an uncomplicated pregnancy (N = 89). IL1RN single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2637988 was genotyped, and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated IL-1Ra and IL-1β production was quantified. Medical record review determined timing of birth. RESULTS Women with GG genotype gave birth earlier than women with AA/AG genotypes (b* = .21, p = .04). There was no indirect effect of IL1RN SNP rs2637988 allele status on timing of birth through IL-1Ra production, as evidenced by a nonsignificant product of coefficients in mediational analyses (ab = .006, 95% CI [-0.05, 0.13]). Women with GG genotype showed less inhibition of IL-1β production for a unit positive difference in IL-1Ra production than women with AA/AG genotypes (b* = .93, p = .03). Greater IL-1β production at 28-32 weeks of pregnancy was marginally associated with earlier birth (b* = .21, p = .05). DISCUSSION Women with GG genotype may be at risk for earlier birth because of diminished IL-1β inhibition, allowing for initiation of a robust inflammatory response upon even mild immune challenge. Study of inflammatory contributions to early birth among African American women may be key to identifying potential prognostic markers of risk and targeted preventive interventions.
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Li J, Oehlert J, Snyder M, Stevenson DK, Shaw GM. Fetal de novo mutations and preterm birth. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006689. [PMID: 28388617 PMCID: PMC5384656 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) affects ~12% of pregnancies in the US. Despite its high mortality and morbidity, the molecular etiology underlying PTB has been unclear. Numerous studies have been devoted to identifying genetic factors in maternal and fetal genomes, but so far few genomic loci have been associated with PTB. By analyzing whole-genome sequencing data from 816 trio families, for the first time, we observed the role of fetal de novo mutations in PTB. We observed a significant increase in de novo mutation burden in PTB fetal genomes. Our genomic analyses further revealed that affected genes by PTB de novo mutations were dosage sensitive, intolerant to genomic deletions, and their mouse orthologs were likely developmentally essential. These genes were significantly involved in early fetal brain development, which was further supported by our analysis of copy number variants identified from an independent PTB cohort. Our study indicates a new mechanism in PTB occurrence independently contributed from fetal genomes, and thus opens a new avenue for future PTB research. Preterm birth is a prevalent pregnancy condition and leads to substantial morbidity and mortality. Its genetic association has been well observed, but the underlying etiology remains unclear. Current research has been focused on identifying risk factors in maternal genomes. In this study, we tested an unexplored hypothesis that preterm birth could be independently influenced by fetal genomes. We analyzed fetal de novo mutations, those not inherited from parents, from 816 trio families, and found preterm infants tended to have increased de novo mutation rates compared to infants born at term. Importantly, we also observed that these preterm-associated de novo mutations preferentially affect dosage sensitive genes that are essential in embryonic development, and these affected genes are involved in early fetal brain development. Overall, our study for the first time showed the fetal genetic contribution to preterm birth, and suggested abnormal fetal development as a potential cause for preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Li
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, California, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, California, United States of America
| | - John Oehlert
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, California, United States of America
| | - Michael Snyder
- Department of Genetics, Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, California, United States of America
| | - David K. Stevenson
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, California, United States of America
| | - Gary M. Shaw
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Time-Variant Genetic Effects as a Cause for Preterm Birth: Insights from a Population of Maternal Cousins in Sweden. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2017; 7:1349-1356. [PMID: 28250013 PMCID: PMC5386882 DOI: 10.1534/g3.116.038612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Preterm delivery (PTD) is the leading cause of neonatal mortality worldwide, yet its etiology remains largely unexplained. We propose that the genetic factors controlling this trait could act in a nonuniform manner during pregnancy, with each factor having a unique “window of sensitivity.” We test this hypothesis by modeling the distribution of gestational ages (GAs) observed in maternal cousins from the Swedish Medical Birth Register (MBR) (n = 35,541 pairs). The models were built using a time-to-event framework, with simulated genetic factors that increase the hazard of birth either uniformly across the pregnancy (constant effect) or only in particular windows (varying effect). By including various combinations of these factors, we obtained four models that were then optimized and compared. Best fit to the clinical data was observed when most of the factors had time-variant effects, independently of the number of loci simulated. Finally, power simulations were performed to assess the ability to discover varying-effect loci by usual methods for genome-wide association testing. We believe that the tools and concepts presented here should prove useful for the design of future studies of PTD and provide new insights into the genetic architecture determining human GA.
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Nezvalová-Henriksen K, Wood M, Spigset O, Nordeng H. Association of Prenatal Ibuprofen Exposure with Birth Weight and Gestational Age: A Population-Based Sibling Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166971. [PMID: 27936000 PMCID: PMC5147859 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Three studies so far have investigated the effect of prenatal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) exposure on birth weight and gestational age. The aim in this study was to evaluate the association of prenatal ibuprofen with birth weight and gestational age at birth, using a sibling design in an attempt to adjust for the possibility of familial confounding. DESIGN Using data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN), we identified 28 597 siblings, of whom 1080 were prenatally exposed to ibuprofen and 26 824 were not exposed to any NSAID. Random and fixed effects models with propensity score adjustment were used to evaluate the effects of ibuprofen exposure on birth weight and gestational age. RESULTS Ibuprofen exposure during the first trimester was associated with a decrease in birth weight of 79 grams (95% confidence interval -133 to -25 grams). In contrast, second and/or third trimester exposure, and duration of exposure had no impact on the effect estimates. We found no association between ibuprofen exposure and gestational age at birth. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that prenatal exposure to ibuprofen during the first trimester is associated with a slight decrease in birth weight. The association does not seem to be attributable to shared genetics and family environment, and could be explained by either exposure to ibuprofen, or to non-shared confounding between pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mollie Wood
- PharmacoEpidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Olav Spigset
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, St Olav’s University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children’s and Women’s Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Hedvig Nordeng
- PharmacoEpidemiology and Drug Safety Research Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Domain for Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Literature-Informed Analysis of a Genome-Wide Association Study of Gestational Age in Norwegian Women and Children Suggests Involvement of Inflammatory Pathways. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160335. [PMID: 27490719 PMCID: PMC4973994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Five-to-eighteen percent of pregnancies worldwide end in preterm birth, which is the major cause of neonatal death and morbidity. Approximately 30% of the variation in gestational age at birth can be attributed to genetic factors. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have not shown robust evidence of association with genomic loci yet. Methods We separately investigated 1921 Norwegian mothers and 1199 children from pregnancies with spontaneous onset of delivery. Individuals were further divided based on the onset of delivery: initiated by labor or prelabor rupture of membranes. Genetic association with ultrasound-dated gestational age was evaluated using three genetic models and adaptive permutations. The top-ranked loci were tested for enrichment in 12 candidate gene-sets generated by text-mining PubMed abstracts containing pregnancy-related keywords. Results The six GWAS did not reveal significant associations, with the most extreme empirical p = 5.1 × 10−7. The top loci from maternal GWAS with deliveries initiated by labor showed significant enrichment in 10 PubMed gene-sets, e.g., p = 0.001 and 0.005 for keywords "uterus" and "preterm" respectively. Enrichment signals were mainly caused by infection/inflammation-related genes TLR4, NFKB1, ABCA1, MMP9. Literature-informed analysis of top loci revealed further immunity genes: IL1A, IL1B, CAMP, TREM1, TFRC, NFKBIA, MEFV, IRF8, WNT5A. Conclusion Our analyses support the role of inflammatory pathways in determining pregnancy duration and provide a list of 32 candidate genes for a follow-up work. We observed that the top regions from GWAS in mothers with labor-initiated deliveries significantly more often overlap with pregnancy-related genes than would be expected by chance, suggesting that increased sample size would benefit similar studies.
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Pereyra S, Bertoni B, Sapiro R. Interactions between environmental factors and maternal–fetal genetic variations: strategies to elucidate risks of preterm birth. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2016; 202:20-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2016.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Parets SE, Knight AK, Smith AK. Insights into genetic susceptibility in the etiology of spontaneous preterm birth. APPLICATION OF CLINICAL GENETICS 2015; 8:283-90. [PMID: 26715857 PMCID: PMC4685889 DOI: 10.2147/tacg.s58612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB; <37 weeks of gestation) is a complex disorder, whose etiology is influenced by a variety of factors. A greater understanding of the biological mechanisms that contribute to PTB will facilitate identification of those at increased risk and may inform new treatments. To accomplish this, it is vital to elucidate the heritability patterns of this condition as well as the environment and lifestyle factors that increase risk for PTB. Identifying individual genes that contribute to the etiology of PTB presents particular challenges, and there has been little agreement among candidate gene and genome-wide studies performed to date. In this review we will evaluate recent genetic studies of spontaneous PTB, discuss common themes among their findings, and suggest approaches for future studies of PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha E Parets
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anna K Knight
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA ; Genetics and Molecular Biology Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Abstract
Preterm birth is the single leading cause of mortality for neonates and children less than 5 years of age. Compared to other childhood diseases, such as infections, less progress in prevention of prematurity has been made. In large part, the continued high burden of prematurity results from the limited understanding of the mechanisms controlling normal birth timing in humans, and how individual genetic variation and environmental exposures disrupt these mechanisms to cause preterm birth. In this review, we summarize the outcomes and limitations from studies in model organisms for birth timing in humans, the evidence that genetic factors contribute to birth timing and risk for preterm birth, and recent genetic and genomic studies in women and infants that implicate specific genes and pathways. We conclude with discussing areas of potential high impact in understanding human parturition and preterm birth in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagendra K Monangi
- Division of Neonatology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 7009, Cincinnati, OH 45229; Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Heather M Brockway
- Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Melissa House
- Division of Neonatology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 7009, Cincinnati, OH 45229
| | - Ge Zhang
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Louis J Muglia
- Division of Neonatology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 7009, Cincinnati, OH 45229; Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH.
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A narrow heritability evaluation of gestational age at birth. Hum Genet 2015; 134:809-11. [PMID: 26037287 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-015-1574-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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