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Pawluski JL. The parental brain, perinatal mental illness, and treatment: A review of key structural and functional changes. Semin Perinatol 2024; 48:151951. [PMID: 39030131 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2024.151951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
The transition to parenthood is perhaps the only time in adult life when the brain changes to such a significant degree in such a short period, particularly in birthing parents. It is also a time when there is an increased risk of developing a mental illness, which may be due, in part, to the increased neuroplasticity. Thus, we must develop interventions and treatments that support parents and promote parental brain health. This review will highlight key findings from current research on how human brain structure and function are modified with 1) the transition to parenthood, 2) parenting stress and perinatal mental illness, and 3) treatments aimed at promoting perinatal mental health. The focus will be on birthing parents and mothers, but brain changes in non-birthing parents will also be discussed. Improvements in our understanding of the parental brain, in health and with illness, will promote the well-being of generations to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi L Pawluski
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France.
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van Dijk MT, Talati A, Barrios PG, Crandall AJ, Lugo-Candelas C. Prenatal depression outcomes in the next generation: A critical review of recent DOHaD studies and recommendations for future research. Semin Perinatol 2024; 48:151948. [PMID: 39043475 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2024.151948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal depression, a common pregnancy-related risk with a prevalence of 10-20 %, may affect in utero development and socioemotional and neurodevelopmental outcomes in the next generation. Although there is a growing body of work that suggests prenatal depression has an independent and long-lasting effect on offspring outcomes, important questions remain, and findings often do not converge. The present review examines work carried out in the last decade, with an emphasis on studies focusing on mechanisms and leveraging innovative technologies and study designs to fill in gaps in research. Overall, the past decade of research continues to suggest that prenatal depression increases risk for offspring socioemotional problems and may alter early brain development by affecting maternal-fetal physiology during pregnancy. However, important limitations remain; lack of diversity in study samples, inconsistent consideration of potential confounders (e.g., genetics, postnatal depression, parenting), and restriction of examination to narrow time windows and single exposures. On the other hand, exciting work has begun uncovering potential mechanisms underlying transmission, including alterations in mitochondria functioning, epigenetics, and the prenatal microbiome. We review the evidence to date, identify limitations, and suggest strategies for the next decade of research to detect mechanisms as well as sources of plasticity and resilience to ensure this work translates into meaningful, actionable science that improves the lives of families.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T van Dijk
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, United States; New York State Psychiatric Institute, United States
| | - A Talati
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, United States; New York State Psychiatric Institute, United States
| | | | - A J Crandall
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, United States; New York State Psychiatric Institute, United States
| | - C Lugo-Candelas
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, United States; New York State Psychiatric Institute, United States.
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Dufford AJ, Patterson G, Kim P. Longitudinal neuroanatomical increases from early to one-year postpartum. Brain Struct Funct 2024:10.1007/s00429-024-02852-x. [PMID: 39299954 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-024-02852-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Preclinical studies have provided causal evidence that the postpartum period involves regional neuroanatomical changes in 'maternal' brain regions to support the transition to offspring caregiving. Few studies, in humans, have examined neuroanatomical changes from early to one-year postpartum with longitudinal neuroimaging data and their association with postpartum mood changes. In the present study, we examined longitudinal changes in surface morphometry (cortical thickness and surface area) in regions previously implicated in the transition to parenthood. We also examined longitudinal volumetric neuroanatomical changes in three subcortical regions of the maternal brain: the hippocampus, amygdala, and ventral diencephalon. Twenty-four participants underwent longitudinal structural magnetic resonance imaging at 1-4 weeks and 1 year postpartum. Cortical thickness increased from early to one-year postpartum in the left (p = .003, Bonferroni corrected) and right (p = .02, Bonferroni corrected) superior frontal gyrus. No significant increases (or decreases) were observed in these regions for surface area. Volumetric increases, across the postpartum period, were found in the left amygdala (p = .001, Bonferroni corrected) and right ventral diencephalon (p = .01, Bonferroni corrected). An exploratory analysis of depressive symptoms found reductions in depressive symptoms from early postpartum to one-year postpartum were associated with greater cortical thickness in the superior frontal gyrus for both the left (p = .02) and right (p = .02) hemispheres. The findings expand our evidence of the neuroanatomical changes that occur across the postpartum period in humans and motivate future studies to examine how mood changes across this period are associated with cortical thickness of the superior frontal gyrus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Dufford
- Center for Mental Health Innovation, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Pilyoung Kim
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, 80210, USA.
- Department of Psychology, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea.
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Pritschet L, Taylor CM, Cossio D, Faskowitz J, Santander T, Handwerker DA, Grotzinger H, Layher E, Chrastil ER, Jacobs EG. Neuroanatomical changes observed over the course of a human pregnancy. Nat Neurosci 2024:10.1038/s41593-024-01741-0. [PMID: 39284962 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01741-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a period of profound hormonal and physiological changes experienced by millions of women annually, yet the neural changes unfolding in the maternal brain throughout gestation are not well studied in humans. Leveraging precision imaging, we mapped neuroanatomical changes in an individual from preconception through 2 years postpartum. Pronounced decreases in gray matter volume and cortical thickness were evident across the brain, standing in contrast to increases in white matter microstructural integrity, ventricle volume and cerebrospinal fluid, with few regions untouched by the transition to motherhood. This dataset serves as a comprehensive map of the human brain across gestation, providing an open-access resource for the brain imaging community to further explore and understand the maternal brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pritschet
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
| | - Caitlin M Taylor
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Daniela Cossio
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Joshua Faskowitz
- Section on Functional Imaging Methods, Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tyler Santander
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Daniel A Handwerker
- Section on Functional Imaging Methods, Laboratory of Brain and Cognition, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hannah Grotzinger
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Evan Layher
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Chrastil
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | - Emily G Jacobs
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
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Llorente V, López-Olañeta M, Blázquez-López E, Vázquez-Ogando E, Martínez-García M, Vaquero J, Carmona S, Desco M, Lara-Pezzi E, Gómez-Gaviro MV. Presence of fetal microchimerisms in the heart and effect on cardiac repair. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1390533. [PMID: 39206089 PMCID: PMC11350564 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1390533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple complex biological processes take place during pregnancy, including the migration of fetal cells to maternal circulation and their subsequent engraftment in maternal tissues, where they form microchimerisms. Fetal microchimerisms have been identified in several tissues; nevertheless, their functional role remains largely unknown. Different reports suggest these cells contribute to tissue repair and modulate the immune response, but they have also been associated with pre-eclampsia and tumor formation. In the maternal heart, cells of fetal origin can contribute to different cell lineages after myocardial infarction. However, the functional role of these cells and their effect on cardiac function and repair are unknown. In this work, we found that microchimerisms of fetal origin are present in the maternal circulation and graft in the heart. To determine their functional role, WT female mice were crossed with male mice expressing the diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor. Mothers were treated with DT to eliminate microchimerisms and the response to myocardial infarction was investigated. We found that removal of microchimerisms improved cardiac contraction in postpartum and post-infarction model females compared to untreated mice, where DT administration had no significant effects. These results suggest that microchimerisms play a detrimental role in the mother following myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Llorente
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Elena Blázquez-López
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Ap. Digestivo del HGU Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Vázquez-Ogando
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Ap. Digestivo del HGU Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Magdalena Martínez-García
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Vaquero
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Ap. Digestivo del HGU Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Carmona
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Desco
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Leganés, Spain
| | - Enrique Lara-Pezzi
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Victoria Gómez-Gaviro
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Leganés, Spain
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Nielsen AM, Stika CS, Wisner KL. The pathophysiology of estrogen in perinatal depression: conceptual update. Arch Womens Ment Health 2024:10.1007/s00737-024-01494-6. [PMID: 39096394 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-024-01494-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Estrogen levels fall sharply after parturition and have long been considered an etiologic contributor to postpartum depression (PPD); however, no differences have been reported in plasma hormone concentrations in people who develop PPD. We examine the question: What is the current view of estrogen and the neurophysiologic processes it impacts in the development and treatment of PPD? METHODS A literature review of the role of estrogen on candidate hormonal and epigenetic systems in the peripartum period was performed, including landmark historical studies and recent publications on estrogen-related research. The authors reviewed these papers and participated in reaching consensus on a conceptual framework of estrogen activity within the complexity of pregnancy physiology to examine its potential role for driving novel interventions. RESULTS Estrogen fluctuations must be conceptualized in the context of multiple dramatic and interacting changes inherent in pregnancy and after birth, including progesterone, corticosteroids, inflammation, circadian biology and psychosocial challenges. Individuals who develop PPD have increased sensitivity to epigenetic alteration at estrogen-responsive genes, and these changes are highly predictive of PPD. An effective estrogen-based treatment for PPD has yet to be found, but interventions focused on associated inflammation and circadian rhythms are promising. CONCLUSIONS Our understanding of the biological basis of PPD, one of the most common morbidities of the perinatal period, is expanding beyond changes in gynecologic hormone concentrations to include their impact on other systems. This growing understanding of the many processes influencing PPD will allow for the development of novel prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Nielsen
- Department of Psychiatry, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Asher Center for the Study and Treatment of Depressive Disorders, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - Catherine S Stika
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Katherine L Wisner
- Children's National Hospital, Developing Brain Institute and George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
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Farewell CV, Schmiege SJ, Leiferman J. Racial Differences in Psychosocial Resources and Mental and Physical Health Outcomes during Pregnancy: A structural equation modeling approach. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4617998. [PMID: 39070611 PMCID: PMC11276014 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4617998/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Objectives Poor prenatal health is of particular concern among minoritized individuals who may experience adverse social determinants of health contributing to the intergenerational transmission of health disparities. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between psychosocial resources, and mental and physical health among a prenatal sample, and to explore if these relationships vary by race. Methods English-speaking pregnant individuals living in the United States were recruited using Centiment (n=340). Participants completed a 121-item cross-sectional survey. We conducted a single- and multi-group structural equation model to test hypothesized relationships, and then investigated differences by pregnant White individuals versus Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Results Our final single-group model exhibited good model fit (χ2 (43) = 99.07, p<.01, CFI = 0.97, SRMR = 0.04, and RMSEA = 0. 06 (0.05 - 0.08)). After controlling for demographic characteristics and social determinants of health, higher levels of mindfulness were statistically significantly related to lower anxiety and depression scores (both p<.01). Higher levels of social supports were statistically significantly related to lower anxiety scores. Scale measurement invariance was confirmed for the multi-group model and the structural model was statistically significantly different between pregnant White individuals and BIPOC in this sample (Δ χ2 (27) = 116.71, p <.01). Conclusions Identification of core components of psychosocial resource interventions, consideration of upstream structural determinants, mindfulness and valued-living (MVL)-based strategies, cultural adaptation, and an emphasis on resilience rather than psychopathology may result in improved prenatal health among pregnant individuals traditionally underrepresented in research.
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Maxwell AM. What happens to the brain during pregnancy? J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e183888. [PMID: 39007265 PMCID: PMC11245145 DOI: 10.1172/jci183888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
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Hand LK, Taylor MK, Sullivan DK, Siengsukon CF, Morris JK, Martin LE, Hull HR. Pregnancy as a window of opportunity for dementia prevention: a narrative review. Nutr Neurosci 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38970804 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2024.2371727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Dementia is a debilitating condition with a disproportionate impact on women. While sex differences in longevity contribute to the disparity, the role of the female sex as a biological variable in disease progression is not yet fully elucidated. Metabolic dysfunctions are drivers of dementia etiology, and cardiometabolic diseases are among the most influential modifiable risk factors. Pregnancy is a time of enhanced vulnerability for metabolic disorders. Many dementia risk factors, such as hypertension or blood glucose dysregulation, often emerge for the first time in pregnancy. While such cardiometabolic complications in pregnancy pose a risk to the health trajectory of a woman, increasing her odds of developing type 2 diabetes or chronic hypertension, it is not fully understood how this relates to her risk for dementia. Furthermore, structural and functional changes in the maternal brain have been reported during pregnancy suggesting it is a time of neuroplasticity for the mother. Therefore, pregnancy may be a window of opportunity to optimize metabolic health and support the maternal brain. Healthy dietary patterns are known to reduce the risk of cardiometabolic diseases and have been linked to dementia prevention, yet interventions targeting cognitive function in late life have largely been unsuccessful. Earlier interventions are needed to address the underlying metabolic dysfunctions and potentially reduce the risk of dementia, and pregnancy offers an ideal opportunity to intervene. This review discusses current evidence regarding maternal brain health and the potential window of opportunity in pregnancy to use diet to address neurological health disparities for women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren K Hand
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, School of Health Professions, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Matthew K Taylor
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, School of Health Professions, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Debra K Sullivan
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, School of Health Professions, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Catherine F Siengsukon
- Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Jill K Morris
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Laura E Martin
- Department of Population Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Holly R Hull
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, School of Health Professions, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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de Lange AMG, Leonardsen EH, Barth C, Schindler LS, Crestol A, Holm MC, Subramaniapillai S, Hill D, Alnæs D, Westlye LT. Parental status and markers of brain and cellular age: A 3D convolutional network and classification study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 165:107040. [PMID: 38636355 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Recent research shows prominent effects of pregnancy and the parenthood transition on structural brain characteristics in humans. Here, we present a comprehensive study of how parental status and number of children born/fathered links to markers of brain and cellular ageing in 36,323 UK Biobank participants (age range 44.57-82.06 years; 52% female). To assess global effects of parenting on the brain, we trained a 3D convolutional neural network on T1-weighted magnetic resonance images, and estimated brain age in a held-out test set. To investigate regional specificity, we extracted cortical and subcortical volumes using FreeSurfer, and ran hierarchical clustering to group regional volumes based on covariance. Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) derived from DNA was used as a marker of cellular ageing. We employed linear regression models to assess relationships between number of children, brain age, regional brain volumes, and LTL, and included interaction terms to probe sex differences in associations. Lastly, we used the brain measures and LTL as features in binary classification models, to determine if markers of brain and cellular ageing could predict parental status. The results showed associations between a greater number of children born/fathered and younger brain age in both females and males, with stronger effects observed in females. Volume-based analyses showed maternal effects in striatal and limbic regions, which were not evident in fathers. We found no evidence for associations between number of children and LTL. Classification of parental status showed an Area under the ROC Curve (AUC) of 0.57 for the brain age model, while the models using regional brain volumes and LTL as predictors showed AUCs of 0.52. Our findings align with previous population-based studies of middle- and older-aged parents, revealing subtle but significant associations between parental experience and neuroimaging-based surrogate markers of brain health. The findings further corroborate results from longitudinal cohort studies following parents across pregnancy and postpartum, potentially indicating that the parenthood transition is associated with long-term influences on brain health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Marie G de Lange
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | | | - Claudia Barth
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Louise S Schindler
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Arielle Crestol
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Sivaniya Subramaniapillai
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dónal Hill
- Swiss Data Science Center (SDSC), EPFL-ETHZ, Switzerland
| | - Dag Alnæs
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Centre for Precision Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars T Westlye
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Centre for Precision Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Donaghy R, Shinskey J, Tsakiris M. Maternal interoceptive focus is associated with greater reported engagement in mother-infant stroking and rocking. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302791. [PMID: 38900756 PMCID: PMC11189230 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Parental caregiving during infancy is primarily aimed at the regulation of infants' physiological and emotional states. Recent models of embodied cognition propose that interoception, i.e., the perception of internal bodily states, may influence the quality and quantity of parent-infant caregiving. Yet, empirical investigations into this relationship remain scarce. Across two online studies of mothers with 6- to 18-month-old infants during Covid-19 lockdowns, we examined whether mothers' self-reported engagement in stroking and rocking their infant was related to self-reported interoceptive abilities. Additional measures included retrospective accounts of pregnancy and postnatal body satisfaction, and mothers' reports of their infant's understanding of vocabulary relating to body parts. In Study 1 (N = 151) and Study 2 (N = 111), mothers reported their engagement in caregiving behaviours and their tendency to focus on and regulate bodily states. In a subsample from Study 2 (N = 49), we also obtained an objective measure of cardiac interoceptive accuracy using an online heartbeat counting task. Across both studies, the tendency to focus on and regulate interoceptive states was associated with greater mother-infant stroking and rocking. Conversely, we found no evidence for a relationship between objective interoceptive accuracy and caregiving. The findings suggest that interoception may play a role in parental engagement in stroking and rocking, however, in-person dyadic studies are warranted to further investigate this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Donaghy
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, United Kingdom
| | - Jeanne Shinskey
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, United Kingdom
| | - Manos Tsakiris
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, United Kingdom
- Centre for the Politics of Feelings, Senate House, School of Advanced Study, University of London, Egham, London, United Kingdom
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Schildroth S, Claus Henn B, Vines AI, Geller RJ, Lovett SM, Coleman CM, Bethea TN, Botelho JC, Calafat AM, Milando C, Baird DD, Wegienka G, Wise LA. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), perceived stress, and depressive symptoms in a prospective cohort study of black women. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172445. [PMID: 38642767 PMCID: PMC11109747 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals with neurotoxic properties. PFAS have been associated with depressive symptoms among women in some studies, but little research has evaluated the effects of PFAS mixtures. Further, no study has investigated interactions of PFAS-depression associations by perceived stress, which has been shown to modify the effects of PFAS on other health outcomes. OBJECTIVE In a prospective cohort study of reproductive-aged Black women, we investigated associations between PFAS and depressive symptoms and the extent to which perceived stress modified these associations. METHODS We analyzed data from 1499 participants (23-35 years) in the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids. We quantified concentrations of nine PFAS in baseline plasma samples using online solid-phase extraction-liquid chromatography-isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry. Participants reported perceived stress via the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4; range = 0-16) at baseline and depressive symptoms via the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD; range = 0-44) at the 20-month follow-up visit. We used Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression to estimate associations between PFAS concentrations, individually and as a mixture, and depressive symptoms, and to assess effect modification by PSS-4 scores, adjusting for confounders. RESULTS Baseline perfluorodecanoic acid concentrations were associated with greater depressive symptoms at the 20-month follow-up, but associations for other PFAS were null. The PFAS were not associated with depressive symptoms when evaluated as a mixture. The association between the 90th percentile (vs. 50th percentile) of the PFAS mixture with CES-D scores was null at the 10th (β = 0.03; 95 % CrI = 0.20, 0.25), 50th (β = 0.02; 95 % CrI = -0.16, 0.19), and 90th (β = 0.01; 95 % CrI = 0.18, 0.20) percentiles of PSS-4 scores, suggesting perceived stress did not modify the PFAS mixture. CONCLUSION In this prospective cohort study, PFAS concentrations-assessed individually or as a mixture-were not appreciably associated with depressive symptoms, and there was no evidence of effect modification by perceived stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Schildroth
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anissa I Vines
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ruth J Geller
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sharonda M Lovett
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chad M Coleman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Traci N Bethea
- Office of Minority Health & Health Disparities Research, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Julianne Cook Botelho
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Chad Milando
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Donna D Baird
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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13
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Dufford A, Patterson G, Kim P. Longitudinal Neuroanatomical Increases from Early to One-Year Postpartum. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4432804. [PMID: 38883787 PMCID: PMC11178002 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4432804/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Preclinical studies have provided causal evidence that the postpartum period involves regional neuroanatomical changes in 'maternal' brain regions to support the transition to offspring caregiving. Few studies, in humans, have examined neuroanatomical changes from early to one-year postpartum with longitudinal neuroimaging data and their association with postpartum mood changes. In this study, we examined longitudinal changes in surface morphometry (cortical thickness and surface area) in regions previously implicated in the transition to parenthood. We also examined longitudinal volumetric neuroanatomical changes in three subcortical regions of the maternal brain: the hippocampus, amygdala, and ventral diencephalon. Twenty-four participants underwent longitudinal structural magnetic resonance imaging at 2-4 weeks and 1 year postpartum. Cortical thickness increased from early to one-year postpartum in the left (p = .003, Bonferroni corrected) and right (p = .02, Bonferroni corrected) superior frontal gyrus. No significant increases (or decreases) were observed in these regions for surface area. Volumetric increases, across the postpartum period, were found in the left amygdala (p = .001, Bonferroni corrected) and right ventral diencephalon (p = .01, Bonferroni corrected). An exploratory analysis of depressive symptoms found reductions in depressive symptoms from early postpartum to one-year postpartum were associated with greater cortical thickness in the superior frontal gyrus for both the left (p = .02) and right (p = .02) hemispheres. The findings expand our evidence of the neuroanatomical changes that occur across the postpartum period in humans and motivate future studies to examine how mood changes across this period are associated with cortical thickness of the superior frontal gyrus.
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Gomà M, Arias-Pujol E, Prims E, Ferrer J, Lara S, Glover V, Martinez M, Llairó A, Nanzer N. Internet-based interdisciplinary therapeutic group (Grupo Interdisciplinar Online, GIO) for perinatal anxiety and depression-a randomized pilot study during COVID-19. Arch Womens Ment Health 2024; 27:405-415. [PMID: 38150150 PMCID: PMC11116180 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-023-01412-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Early interventions may promote reductions in mothers' anxiety-depression (AD) symptoms and improvements in their offspring. This longitudinal randomized research was conducted to assess the effects of interdisciplinary online therapeutic groups (GIO) in at-risk mothers and babies during the COVID-19 pandemic in a disadvantaged neighborhood in Barcelona (Spain). A total of 135 babies were born from March 2020 to June 2021 in a primary healthcare center of Barcelona (Spain). Pregnant woman and new mothers were screened for AD symptomatology through EPDS and STAI questionnaires. Seventy-two of them met high-risk criteria for AD and were included in the study. They were randomly assigned into the two groups of the study: 40 participants were assigned to GIO, the therapeutic group (TG), while 32 of them were assigned to the control group (CG) and received treatment as usual. The course of the mothers' symptomatology was assessed, as well as the baby's development at 6 months old in a blind pediatric follow-up. No differences were found in AD between both groups before the intervention. However, we obtained a significant decrease in AD symptomatology (EPDS p < .001; STAI state p = .015 and STAI trait p < .001at 6 months of life) after the intervention in the TG compared to the CG. Pediatric follow-up at 6 months demonstrated significant differences between groups in babies' development assessment (manipulation p = .003; language p < .001; sociability p < .001). The GIO helped to ensure healthy development of the baby and reduction of the mothers' depressive-anxiety symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gomà
- Faculty of Psychology, Education and Sports Sciences Blanquerna, Ramon Llull University (URL), Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Perinatal Care, Bruc Salut Clinical Psychology Center, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - E Arias-Pujol
- Faculty of Psychology, Education and Sports Sciences Blanquerna, Ramon Llull University (URL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Prims
- Roquetes-Canteres Primary Care Center, Catalan Public Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Ferrer
- Roquetes-Canteres Primary Care Center, Catalan Public Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Lara
- Roquetes-Canteres Primary Care Center, Catalan Public Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - V Glover
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - M Martinez
- Roquetes-Canteres Primary Care Center, Catalan Public Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Llairó
- Faculty of Psychology, Education and Sports Sciences Blanquerna, Ramon Llull University (URL), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Perinatal Care, Bruc Salut Clinical Psychology Center, Barcelona, Spain
| | - N Nanzer
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Service, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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15
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Mesquita A, Costa R, Dikmen-Yildiz P, Faria S, Silvestrini G, Mateus V, Vousoura E, Wilson CA, Felice E, Ajaz E, Hadjigeorgiou E, Hancheva C, Contreras-García Y, Domínguez-Salas S, Motrico E, Soares I, Ayers S. Changes to women's childbirth plans during the COVID-19 pandemic and posttraumatic stress symptoms: a cross-national study. Arch Womens Ment Health 2024; 27:393-403. [PMID: 38102527 PMCID: PMC11116223 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-023-01403-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
A considerable number of women giving birth during COVID-19 pandemic reported being concerned about changes to their childbirth plans and experiences due to imposed restrictions. Research prior to the pandemic suggests that women may be more at risk of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) due to unmet expectations of their childbirth plans. Therefore, this study aimed to examine if the mismatch between women's planned birth and actual birth experiences during COVID-19 was associated with women's postpartum PTSS. Women in the postpartum period (up to 6 months after birth) across 11 countries reported on childbirth experiences, mental health, COVID-19-related factors, and PTSS (PTSD checklist DSM-5 version) using self-report questionnaires (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04595123). More than half (64%) of the 3532 postpartum women included in the analysis reported changes to their childbirth plans. All changes were significantly associated with PTSS scores. Participants with one and two changes to their childbirth plans had a 12% and 38% increase, respectively, in PTSS scores compared to those with no changes (Exp(β) = 1.12; 95% CI [1.06-1.19]; p < 0.001 and Exp(β) = 1.38; 95% CI [1.29-1.48]; p < 0.001). In addition, the effect of having one change in the childbirth plan on PTSS scores was stronger in primigravida than in multigravida (Exp(β) = 0.86; 95% CI [0.77-0.97]; p = 0.014). Changes to women's childbirth plans during the COVID-19 pandemic were common and associated with women's postpartum PTSS score. Developing health policies that protect women from the negative consequences of unexpected or unintended birth experiences is important for perinatal mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Mesquita
- School of Psychology, CIPsi, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
- ProChild CoLab Against Poverty and Social Exclusion - Association (ProChild CoLAB) Campus de Azurém, 4800-058, Guimarães, Guimarães, Portugal.
| | - Raquel Costa
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, n° 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, n° 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal
- Hei-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab, Lusófona University, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Susana Faria
- Centre of Mathematics, Department of Mathematics, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal
| | | | - Vera Mateus
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Eleni Vousoura
- Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Claire A Wilson
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ethel Felice
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Erilda Ajaz
- Department of Education and English Language, Beder University College, Tirana, Albania
| | - Eleni Hadjigeorgiou
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Science, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | | | - Yolanda Contreras-García
- Departamento de Obstetricia y Puericultura Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | | | - Emma Motrico
- Department of Psychology, University of Loyola, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Isabel Soares
- School of Psychology, CIPsi, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Susan Ayers
- Department of Psychology, University of Loyola, Sevilla, Spain
- Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom
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16
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Donofry SD, Winograd D, Kothari D, Call CC, Magee KE, Jouppi RJ, Conlon RPK, Levine MD. Mindfulness in Pregnancy and Postpartum: Protocol of a Pilot Randomized Trial of Virtually Delivered Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy to Promote Well-Being during the Perinatal Period. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:622. [PMID: 38791836 PMCID: PMC11121592 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the period from pregnancy through the first year postpartum, vulnerable individuals are at elevated risk for the onset or worsening of psychological distress, and accessible (e.g., virtually delivered) mental health interventions are needed. Research suggests that Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) can effectively mitigate psychological distress, although few studies have evaluated MBCT in the perinatal period, and samples have been clinically homogenous. Thus, we have designed and are conducting a pilot trial of virtually delivered MBCT with pregnant individuals experiencing a range of psychological symptoms to assess its feasibility and preliminarily explore its effectiveness. Here, we present the study protocol. METHODS Eligible participants (target N = 70) are ≥18 years with pregnancies between 12 and 30 weeks of gestation. Participants complete a diagnostic interview, self-report symptom ratings, and a computerized cognitive battery assessing self-regulation at the baseline. Participants are then randomized to either MBCT or care as usual. The MBCT intervention involves eight weekly group sessions delivered virtually, with each session focusing on a mindfulness practice followed by group discussion and skill development. Participants in the intervention group are also encouraged to practice mindfulness skills between sessions. Participants in the control condition are provided with information about mindfulness and treatment resources. Baseline measures are repeated following the eight-week intervention period and at three months postpartum. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study is designed to evaluate the feasibility of virtually delivered MBCT and explore group differences in psychological symptoms during the perinatal period, and will lay the foundation for a larger clinical trial focused on optimizing this intervention to improve psychological functioning among diverse pregnant individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon D. Donofry
- RAND, 4570 Fifth Avenue, Suite 600, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Dayna Winograd
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Diva Kothari
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Christine C. Call
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kelsey E. Magee
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Riley J. Jouppi
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Rachel P. Kolko Conlon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Michele D. Levine
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Pritschet L, Taylor CM, Cossio D, Santander T, Grotzinger H, Faskowitz J, Handwerker DA, Layher E, Chrastil ER, Jacobs EG. Neuroanatomical changes observed over the course of a human pregnancy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.14.571688. [PMID: 38168195 PMCID: PMC10760186 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.14.571688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a period of profound hormonal and physiological change experienced by millions of women annually, yet the neural changes unfolding in the maternal brain throughout gestation have not been studied in humans. Leveraging precision imaging, we mapped neuroanatomical changes in an individual from preconception through two years postpartum. Pronounced decreases in gray matter volume and cortical thickness were evident across the brain, which stand in contrast to increases in white matter microstructural integrity, ventricle volume, and cerebrospinal fluid, with few regions untouched by the transition to motherhood. This dataset serves as the first comprehensive map of the human brain across gestation, providing an open-access resource for the brain imaging community to stimulate further exploration and discovery.
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18
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Manitsa I, Gregory AM, Broome MR, Bagshaw AP, Marwaha S, Morales-Muñoz I. Shorter night-time sleep duration and later sleep timing from infancy to adolescence. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024. [PMID: 38708717 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.14004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Here, we (a) examined the trajectories of night-time sleep duration, bedtime and midpoint of night-time sleep (MPS) from infancy to adolescence, and (b) explored perinatal risk factors for persistent poor sleep health. METHODS This study used data from 12,962 participants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Parent or self-reported night-time sleep duration, bedtime and wake-up time were collected from questionnaires at 6, 18 and 30 months, and at 3.5, 4-5, 5-6, 6-7, 9, 11 and 15-16 years. Child's sex, birth weight, gestational age, health and temperament, together with mother's family adversity index (FAI), age at birth, prenatal socioeconomic status and postnatal anxiety and depression, were included as risk factors for persistent poor sleep health. Latent class growth analyses were applied first to detect trajectories of night-time sleep duration, bedtime and MPS, and we then applied logistic regressions for the longitudinal associations between risk factors and persistent poor sleep health domains. RESULTS We obtained four trajectories for each of the three sleep domains. In particular, we identified a trajectory characterized by persistent shorter sleep, a trajectory of persistent later bedtime and a trajectory of persistent later MPS. Two risk factors were associated with the three poor sleep health domains: higher FAI with increased risk of persistent shorter sleep (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.11-1.30, p < .001), persistent later bedtime (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.19-1.39, p < .001) and persistent later MPS (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.22-1.38, p < .001); and higher maternal socioeconomic status with reduced risk of persistent shorter sleep (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.98-1.00, p = .048), persistent later bedtime (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.97-0.99, p < .001) and persistent later MPS (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.98-0.99, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS We detected trajectories of persistent poor sleep health (i.e. shorter sleep duration, later bedtime and later MPS) from infancy to adolescence, and specific perinatal risk factors linked to persistent poor sleep health domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifigeneia Manitsa
- Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alice M Gregory
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, UK
| | - Matthew R Broome
- Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
- Early Intervention Service, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrew P Bagshaw
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Steven Marwaha
- Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
- Specialist Mood Disorders Clinic, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Isabel Morales-Muñoz
- Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
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19
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Oancea M, Strilciuc Ș, Borza DB, Ciortea R, Diculescu D, Mihu D. Neurobiological and Behavioral Underpinnings of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs): A Selective Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2088. [PMID: 38610853 PMCID: PMC11012341 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13072088] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) profoundly impact maternal and infant health, affecting women worldwide during pregnancy and postpartum. This review synthesizes current research on the neurobiological effects of PMADs, particularly their influence on brain structure, function, and corresponding cognitive, behavioral, and mental health outcomes in mothers. A literature search across PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar yielded studies utilizing neuroimaging (MRI, fMRI) and cognitive assessments to explore brain changes in PMADs. The key findings indicate significant neurobiological alterations in PMADs, such as glutamatergic dysfunction, neuronal damage, and altered neural connectivity, particularly in postpartum depression (PPD). Functional MRI studies reveal distinct patterns of brain function alteration, including amygdala non-responsivity in PPD, differing from traditional major depressive disorder (MDD). These neurobiological changes are connected with cognitive impairments and behavioral modifications, impacting maternal caregiving. Understanding these alterations is fundamental for developing effective treatments. The findings emphasize the importance of focusing on maternal mental health, advocating for early detection, and personalized treatment strategies to improve maternal and child outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Oancea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ștefan Strilciuc
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- RoNeuro Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Dan Boitor Borza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Răzvan Ciortea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Doru Diculescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Dan Mihu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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20
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Xie L, Li J. Association of Perinatal Depressive Symptoms with Breastfeeding. ALPHA PSYCHIATRY 2024; 25:277-281. [PMID: 38798810 PMCID: PMC11117413 DOI: 10.5152/alphapsychiatry.2024.231308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Objective Perinatal depression (PND) refers to depressive symptoms that occur in women during pregnancy and/or postpartum and is a common perinatal mental health problem. It is unclear whether early breastfeeding behavior is associated with PND symptoms in China. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between PND symptoms and breastfeeding patterns for infants based on a large cohort. Methods A prospective study was conducted in a community cohort from March 2021 to December 2022. In this study, maternal depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS). The assessments were carried out 1 week before and 1 month after delivery. The socio-demographic information of the mothers, their intention to breastfeed, and their feeding status were investigated one-on-one by the hospital's trained medical staff through self-designed questionnaires. The maternity information and physical examination results were obtained through the healthcare records of the patients. Results A total of 442 pregnant women were included in the study, and the total detection rate of PND was 29.41%, among which the detection rate of mild PND was 24.66%, and the detection rate of severe depression was 4.75%. About 61.99% of the mothers had exclusive breastfeeding within 1 hour after delivery, and 83.71% had exclusive breastfeeding within 24 hours after delivery. The proportion of mothers with PND symptoms and those without PND symptoms who exclusively breastfed for the first time after delivery was 71.54% and 91.67%, respectively. The median duration of exclusive breastfeeding for mothers without depressive symptoms was 3(1,5) months, while the median duration of exclusive breastfeeding for mothers with depressive symptoms was 2(1,3) months, indicating that the duration of exclusive breastfeeding for mothers without depressive symptoms was longer (P < 0.05). Conclusion There was an association between perinatal depressive symptoms and exclusive breastfeeding. Addressing perinatal depressive symptoms may extend the duration of exclusive breastfeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijing Xie
- Department of Obstetrics, the Second People’s Hospital of Fuzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jumei Li
- Department of Obstetrics, the Second People’s Hospital of Fuzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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21
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Jamali P, Kinkade KM, Ericson A, Tyler B, Prashad S, Catena RD. Different neurocognitive controls modulate obstacle avoidance through pregnancy. Exp Brain Res 2024; 242:505-519. [PMID: 38197941 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06772-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Understanding why falls during pregnancy occur at over 25% rate over gestation has clinical impacts on the health of pregnant individuals. Attention, proprioception, and perception of the environment are required to prevent trips and falls. This research aimed to understand how the changes to these neurocognitive processes control obstacle avoidance through gestation. Seventeen pregnant participants were tested five times in 6-week intervals. Participants walked an obstacle course (OC), and we analyzed the crossings over obstacles that were set to 10% of participants' body height. Participants also performed an attentional network test (ANT: performance of specific components of attention), an obstacle perception task (OP: ability to visually define an obstacle and translate that to a body posture), and a joint position sense task (JPS: ability to recognize and recreate a joint position from somatosensation). In the OC task, average leading and trailing foot crossing heights significantly reduced by 13% and 23% respectively, with no change in variation, between weeks 13 and 31 of pregnancy, indicating an increased risk of obstacle contact during this time. The variability in minimum leading foot distances from the obstacle was correlated with all three neurocognition tasks (ANT, OP, and JPS). Increased fall rates in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy may be driven by changes in attention, with additional contributions of joint position sense and environmental perception at various stages of gestation. The results imply that a holistic examination on an individual basis may be required to determine individual trip risk and appropriate safety modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pegah Jamali
- Gait and Posture Biomechanics Laboratory, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-2920, USA
| | - Kameron M Kinkade
- Gait and Posture Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Educational Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-1410, USA
| | - Asher Ericson
- Gait and Posture Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Educational Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-1410, USA
| | - Ben Tyler
- Gait and Posture Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Educational Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-1410, USA
| | - Shikha Prashad
- Cognitive Motor Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Educational Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-1410, USA
| | - Robert D Catena
- Gait and Posture Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Educational Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-1410, USA.
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22
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Nikkhouy P, Abbasnejad M, Esmaeili-Mahani S, Kooshki R. Mode of delivery alters sensitivity to thermal and chemical stimuli in adult rats: An experimental study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2024; 22:101-110. [PMID: 38628778 PMCID: PMC11017211 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v22i2.15707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The mode of delivery might prompt a long-lasting alteration in physiological and behavioral responsiveness in offspring. Objective This study was intended to evaluate if the mode of delivery could alter sensitivity to thermal and chemical stimuli in female rats. Materials and Methods 56 adult female Wistar rats (200-220 gr) that were born by vaginal or cesarean section (C-section) were used (n = 28/each). Inflammatory pain was induced by subcutaneous injection of formalin into the hind paw. The thermal nociceptive threshold was determined by tail-flick and hot plate tests. Besides, the Western blot test was used to evaluate the spinal cord levels of c-Fos and c-Jun proteins. Results Formalin-induced inflammation was significantly decreased in C-section group as compared to vaginally born rats (p < 0.001). The baseline nociceptive threshed and morphine-induced analgesia were significantly increased in C-section groups in comparison to vaginally born rats. In addition, the levels of c-Fos and c-Jun proteins were significantly decreased in the spinal cord of C-section rats as compared to vaginally born animals (p < 0.01). Morphine treatment could decrease the expression of c-Fos and c-Jun in the C-section group (p < 0.05). Conclusion Overall, C-section rats showed lower spinal nociceptive processing and neuronal activity later in life, compared to the vaginal born rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parastoo Nikkhouy
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasnejad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Saeed Esmaeili-Mahani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Kerman Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Razieh Kooshki
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
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Paternina-Die M, Martínez-García M, Martín de Blas D, Noguero I, Servin-Barthet C, Pretus C, Soler A, López-Montoya G, Desco M, Carmona S. Women's neuroplasticity during gestation, childbirth and postpartum. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:319-327. [PMID: 38182834 PMCID: PMC10849958 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01513-2] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a unique neuroplastic period in adult life. This longitudinal study tracked brain cortical changes during the peripartum period and explored how the type of childbirth affects these changes. We collected neuroanatomic, obstetric and neuropsychological data from 110 first-time mothers during late pregnancy and early postpartum, as well as from 34 nulliparous women evaluated at similar time points. During late pregnancy, mothers showed lower cortical volume than controls across all functional networks. These cortical differences attenuated in the early postpartum session. Default mode and frontoparietal networks showed below-expected volume increases during peripartum, suggesting that their reductions may persist longer. Results also pointed to different cortical trajectories in mothers who delivered by scheduled C-section. The main findings were replicated in an independent sample of 29 mothers and 24 nulliparous women. These data suggest a dynamic trajectory of cortical decreases during pregnancy that attenuates in the postpartum period, at a different rate depending on the brain network and childbirth type.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Paternina-Die
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Magdalena Martínez-García
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Martín de Blas
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Noguero
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Camila Servin-Barthet
- Unitat de Recerca en Neurociéncia Cognitiva, Departament de Psiquiatria i Medicina Legal, Universidad Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Fundació IMIM, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Anna Soler
- Unitat de Recerca en Neurociéncia Cognitiva, Departament de Psiquiatria i Medicina Legal, Universidad Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Fundació IMIM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gonzalo López-Montoya
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Health Science, Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR), La Rioja, Spain
| | - Manuel Desco
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Carmona
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
- CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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24
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Faraji M, Viera-Resto OA, Setlow B, Bizon JL. Effects of reproductive experience on cost-benefit decision making in female rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 18:1304408. [PMID: 38352625 PMCID: PMC10863065 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1304408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Many individuals undergo mating and/or other aspects of reproductive experience at some point in their lives, and pregnancy and childbirth in particular are associated with alterations in the prevalence of several psychiatric disorders. Research in rodents shows that maternal experience affects spatial learning and other aspects of hippocampal function. In contrast, there has been little work in animal models concerning how reproductive experience affects cost-benefit decision making, despite the relevance of this aspect of cognition for psychiatric disorders. To begin to address this issue, reproductively experienced (RE) and reproductively naïve (RN) female Long-Evans rats were tested across multiple tasks that assess different forms of cost-benefit decision making. In a risky decision-making task, in which rats chose between a small, safe food reward and a large food reward accompanied by variable probabilities of punishment, RE females chose the large risky reward significantly more frequently than RN females (greater risk taking). In an intertemporal choice task, in which rats chose between a small, immediate food reward and a large food reward delivered after a variable delay period, RE females chose the large reward less frequently than RN females. Together, these results show distinct effects of reproductive experience on different forms of cost-benefit decision making in female rats, and highlight reproductive status as a variable that could influence aspects of cognition relevant for psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojdeh Faraji
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Omar A. Viera-Resto
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Barry Setlow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jennifer L. Bizon
- Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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25
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Michalczyk J, Miłosz A, Soroka E. Postpartum Psychosis: A Review of Risk Factors, Clinical Picture, Management, Prevention, and Psychosocial Determinants. Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e942520. [PMID: 38155489 PMCID: PMC10759251 DOI: 10.12659/msm.942520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Postpartum psychosis is rare, but is a serious clinical and social problem. On its own, it is not included in DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) or ICD-10 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems) as a disease entity, and current diagnostic criteria equate it with other psychoses. This poses a serious legal problem and makes it difficult to classify. The disorder is caused by a complex combination of biological, environmental, and cultural factors. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms of postpartum psychosis remain very poorly understood. There is a need for further research and increased knowledge of the medical sector in the prevention and early detection of psychosis to prevent stigmatization of female patients during a psychiatric episode. It is necessary to regulate its position in the DSM5 and ICD-10. Attention should be paid to the social education of expectant mothers and their families. This article aims to review the current status of risk factors, prevention, and management of postpartum psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Michalczyk
- II Department of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Student Scientific Association, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agata Miłosz
- II Department of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Student Scientific Association, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Ewelina Soroka
- II Department of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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26
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Gorman-Sandler E, Wood G, Cloude N, Frambes N, Brennen H, Robertson B, Hollis F. Mitochondrial might: powering the peripartum for risk and resilience. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1286811. [PMID: 38187925 PMCID: PMC10767224 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1286811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The peripartum period, characterized by dynamic hormonal shifts and physiological adaptations, has been recognized as a potentially vulnerable period for the development of mood disorders such as postpartum depression (PPD). Stress is a well-established risk factor for developing PPD and is known to modulate mitochondrial function. While primarily known for their role in energy production, mitochondria also influence processes such as stress regulation, steroid hormone synthesis, glucocorticoid response, GABA metabolism, and immune modulation - all of which are crucial for healthy pregnancy and relevant to PPD pathology. While mitochondrial function has been implicated in other psychiatric illnesses, its role in peripartum stress and mental health remains largely unexplored, especially in relation to the brain. In this review, we first provide an overview of mitochondrial involvement in processes implicated in peripartum mood disorders, underscoring their potential role in mediating pathology. We then discuss clinical and preclinical studies of mitochondria in the context of peripartum stress and mental health, emphasizing the need for better understanding of this relationship. Finally, we propose mitochondria as biological mediators of resilience to peripartum mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Gorman-Sandler
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
- Columbia VA Healthcare System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Gabrielle Wood
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Nazharee Cloude
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Noelle Frambes
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Hannah Brennen
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Breanna Robertson
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Fiona Hollis
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
- Columbia VA Healthcare System, Columbia, SC, United States
- USC Institute for Cardiovascular Disease Research, Columbia, SC, United States
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27
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Xu Y, Zheng P, Feng W, Chen L, Sun S, Liu J, Tang W, Bao C, Xu L, Xu D, Zhao K. Patterns of attentional bias in antenatal depression: an eye-tracking study. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1288616. [PMID: 38192488 PMCID: PMC10773570 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1288616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction One of the most common mental disorders in the perinatal period is depression, which is associated with impaired emotional functioning due to alterations in different cognitive aspects including thought and facial emotion recognition. These functional impairment may affect emerging maternal sensitivity and have lasting consequences for the dyadic relationship. The current study aimed to investigate the impact of depressive symptoms on the attention bias of infant stimuli during pregnancy. Methods Eighty-six pregnant women completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and an eye-tracking task comprising infant-related emotion images. All participants showed biased attention to infant-related images. Results First, compared to healthy pregnant women, pregnant women with depression symptoms initially directed their attention to infant-related stimuli more quickly (F (1, 84) = 6.175, p = 0.015, η2 = 0.068). Second, the two groups of pregnant women paid attention to the positive infant stimuli faster than the neutral infant stimuli, and the first fixation latency bias score was significantly smaller than that of the infant-related negative stimulus (p = 0.007). Third, compared with the neutral stimulus, the non-depression group showed a longer first gaze duration to the negative stimulus of infants (p = 0.019), while the depressive symptoms group did not show this difference. Conclusion We speculate that structural and functional changes in affective motivation and cognitive-attention brain areas may induce these attentional bias patterns. These results provide suggestions for the implementation of clinical intervention programs to correct the attention bias of antenatal depressed women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Xu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Peiwen Zheng
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenqian Feng
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Lipeng Chen
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shiyu Sun
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jie Liu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Weina Tang
- Shaoxing 7th People’s Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | - Ciqing Bao
- Wenzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Wenzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dongwu Xu
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ke Zhao
- Lishui Second People’s Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder, Wenzhou, China
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28
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Martínez-González KG, Morou-Bermúdez E, Buxó CJ. Perinatal Mental Health Outcomes Following Natural Disasters. JAMA Psychiatry 2023; 80:1185-1186. [PMID: 37910084 PMCID: PMC10963071 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.3564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
This Viewpoint discusses mental health outcomes associated with natural disaster–related stressors during the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carmen J Buxó
- School of Dental Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
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29
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Chaker Z, Segalada C, Kretz JA, Acar IE, Delgado AC, Crotet V, Moor AE, Doetsch F. Pregnancy-responsive pools of adult neural stem cells for transient neurogenesis in mothers. Science 2023; 382:958-963. [PMID: 37995223 DOI: 10.1126/science.abo5199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Adult neural stem cells (NSCs) contribute to lifelong brain plasticity. In the adult mouse ventricular-subventricular zone, NSCs are heterogeneous and, depending on their location in the niche, give rise to different subtypes of olfactory bulb (OB) interneurons. Here, we show that multiple regionally distinct NSCs, including domains that are usually quiescent, are recruited on different gestation days during pregnancy. Synchronized activation of these adult NSC pools generates transient waves of short-lived OB interneurons, especially in layers with less neurogenesis under homeostasis. Using spatial transcriptomics, we identified molecular markers of pregnancy-associated interneurons and showed that some subsets are temporarily needed for own pup recognition. Thus, pregnancy triggers transient yet behaviorally relevant neurogenesis, highlighting the physiological relevance of adult stem cell heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zayna Chaker
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Jonas A Kretz
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ilhan E Acar
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ana C Delgado
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Valerie Crotet
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas E Moor
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Doetsch
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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30
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Kulkarni AP, Hwang G, Cook CJ, Mohanty R, Guliani A, Nair VA, Bendlin BB, Meyerand E, Prabhakaran V. Genetic and environmental influence on resting state networks in young male and female adults: a cartographer mapping study. Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:5238-5293. [PMID: 36537283 PMCID: PMC10543121 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25947] [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: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We propose a unique, minimal assumption, approach based on variance analyses (compared with standard approaches) to investigate genetic influence on individual differences on the functional connectivity of the brain using 65 monozygotic and 65 dizygotic healthy young adult twin pairs' low-frequency oscillation resting state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data from the Human Connectome Project. Overall, we found high number of genetically-influenced functional (GIF) connections involving posterior to posterior brain regions (occipital/temporal/parietal) implicated in low-level processes such as vision, perception, motion, categorization, dorsal/ventral stream visuospatial, and long-term memory processes, as well as high number across midline brain regions (cingulate) implicated in attentional processes, and emotional responses to pain. We found low number of GIF connections involving anterior to anterior/posterior brain regions (frontofrontal > frontoparietal, frontotemporal, frontooccipital) implicated in high-level processes such as working memory, reasoning, emotional judgment, language, and action planning. We found very low number of GIF connections involving subcortical/noncortical networks such as basal ganglia, thalamus, brainstem, and cerebellum. In terms of sex-specific individual differences, individual differences in males were more genetically influenced while individual differences in females were more environmentally influenced in terms of the interplay of interactions of Task positive networks (brain regions involved in various task-oriented processes and attending to and interacting with environment), extended Default Mode Network (a central brain hub for various processes such as internal monitoring, rumination, and evaluation of self and others), primary sensorimotor systems (vision, audition, somatosensory, and motor systems), and subcortical/noncortical networks. There were >8.5-19.1 times more GIF connections in males than females. These preliminary (young adult cohort-specific) findings suggest that individual differences in the resting state brain may be more genetically influenced in males and more environmentally influenced in females; furthermore, standard approaches may suggest that it is more substantially nonadditive genetics, rather than additive genetics, which contribute to the differences in sex-specific individual differences based on this young adult (male and female) specific cohort. Finally, considering the preliminary cohort-specific results, based on standard approaches, environmental influences on individual differences may be substantially greater than that of genetics, for either sex, frontally and brain-wide. [Correction added on 10 May 2023, after first online publication: added: functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Added: individual differences in, twice. Added statement between furthermore … based on standard approaches.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman P. Kulkarni
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Gyujoon Hwang
- Department of Medical PhysicsUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Cole J. Cook
- Department of Medical PhysicsUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Rosaleena Mohanty
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Akhil Guliani
- Department of Computer ScienceUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Veena A. Nair
- Department of RadiologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Barbara B. Bendlin
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Elizabeth Meyerand
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
- Department of Medical PhysicsUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Vivek Prabhakaran
- Department of Medical PhysicsUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
- Department of Computer ScienceUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
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31
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Zhang Y, Rong Y, Wei P. Mothers exhibit higher neural activity in gaining rewards for their children than for themselves. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2023; 18:nsad048. [PMID: 37702293 PMCID: PMC10558201 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsad048] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Are people willing to exert greater effort to obtain rewards for their children than they are for themselves? Although previous studies have demonstrated that social distance influences neural responses to altruistic reward processing, the distinction between winning rewards for oneself and winning them for one's child is unclear. In the present study, a group of 31 mothers performed a monetary incentive delay task in which cue-induced reward anticipations of winning a reward for themselves, their children and donation to a charity program were manipulated trial-wise, followed by performance-contingent feedback. Behaviorally, the anticipation of winning a reward for their children accelerated participants' responses. Importantly, the electroencephalogram results revealed that across the reward anticipation and consumption phases, the child condition elicited comparable or higher brain responses of participants than the self condition did. The source localization results showed that participants' reward anticipations for their children were associated with more activation in the social brain regions, compared to winning a reward for themselves or a charity donation. Overall, these findings advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms of altruistic reward processing and suggest that the priority of winning a reward for one's child may transcend the limits of the self-advantage effect in reward processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yachao Rong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Ping Wei
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition, School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
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32
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Powers S, Han X, Martinez J, Dufford AJ, Metz TD, Yeh T, Kim P. Cannabis use during pregnancy and hemodynamic responses to infant cues in pregnancy: an exploratory study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1180947. [PMID: 37743996 PMCID: PMC10512021 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1180947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cannabis is one of the most commonly used substances during pregnancy and has the potential to negatively impact parent-infant relationships. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) response to infant cues during pregnancy has been associated with subsequent positive parenting behaviors. However, PFC activation is altered in individuals who use cannabis. As the potency of cannabis has changed over the years, little is known about the specific role of cannabis use on gestational parent brain responses to infant cues. Materials and methods Using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) in the second trimester of pregnancy, we measured hemodynamic responses to an infant cry task and an infant faces task among individuals who were using cannabis (N = 14) and compared them with those who were not using cannabis (N = 45). For the infant cry task, pregnant individuals listened to cry sounds and matched white noise. For the infant faces task, they viewed happy, sad, and neutral faces. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups after adjusting for multiple comparisons. Without adjusting for multiple comparisons, we found preliminary evidence for the differences in the dorsomedial PFC associated with heightened response to infant cry among individuals who use cannabis. The groups were also different in the dorsolateral PFC associated with decreased response to infant sad faces among individuals who use cannabis. Discussion Our preliminary data suggests that cannabis use during pregnancy was associated with brain activation in the regions involved in the emotional regulation and information processes. However, the results did not survive after adjustment for multiple comparisons, thus future research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm potential differences in brain function among cannabis-using pregnant individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Powers
- University of Denver, Psychology, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Xu Han
- University of Colorado, Computer Science, Boulder, CO, United States
| | | | - Alexander John Dufford
- Department of Medical Social Sciences and Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Torri D. Metz
- University of Utah Health, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Tom Yeh
- University of Colorado, Computer Science, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Pilyoung Kim
- University of Denver, Psychology, Denver, CO, United States
- Department of Psychology, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
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33
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Rao SC, Li Y, Lapin B, Pattipati S, Ghosh Galvelis K, Naito A, Gutierrez N, Leal TP, Salim A, Salles PA, De Leon M, Mata IF. Association of women-specific health factors in the severity of Parkinson's disease. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2023; 9:86. [PMID: 37277346 PMCID: PMC10241917 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-023-00524-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age-related neurological disorder known for the observational differences in its risk, progression, and severity between men and women. While estrogen has been considered to be a protective factor in the development of PD, there is little known about the role that fluctuations in hormones and immune responses from sex-specific health experiences have in the disease's development and severity. We sought to identify women-specific health experiences associated with PD severity, after adjusting for known PD factors, by developing and distributing a women-specific questionnaire across the United States and creating multivariable models for PD severity. We created a questionnaire that addresses women's specific experiences and their PD clinical history and deployed it through The Parkinson's Foundation: PD Generation. To determine the association between women-specific health factors and PD severity, we constructed multivariable logistic regression models based on the MDS-UPDRS scale and the participants' questionnaire responses, genetics, and clinical data. For our initial launch in November 2021, we had 304 complete responses from PD GENEration. Univariate and multivariate logistic modeling found significant associations between major depressive disorder, perinatal depression, natural childbirth, LRRK2 genotype, B12 deficiency, total hysterectomy, and increased PD severity. This study is a nationally available questionnaire for women's health and PD. It shifts the paradigm in understanding PD etiology and acknowledging how sex-specific experiences may contribute to PD severity. In addition, the work in this study sets the foundation for future research to investigate the factors behind sex differences in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa C Rao
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yadi Li
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Brittany Lapin
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sreya Pattipati
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Amira Salim
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Philippe A Salles
- Center for Movement Disorders CETRAM, University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Maria De Leon
- DefeatParkinsons, Houston, TX, USA
- De Leon Enterprises, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ignacio F Mata
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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34
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Ye C, Behnke JA, Hardin KR, Zheng JQ. Drosophila melanogaster as a model to study age and sex differences in brain injury and neurodegeneration after mild head trauma. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1150694. [PMID: 37077318 PMCID: PMC10106652 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1150694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Repetitive physical insults to the head, including those that elicit mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), are a known risk factor for a variety of neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Although most individuals who sustain mTBI typically achieve a seemingly full recovery within a few weeks, a subset experience delayed-onset symptoms later in life. As most mTBI research has focused on the acute phase of injury, there is an incomplete understanding of mechanisms related to the late-life emergence of neurodegeneration after early exposure to mild head trauma. The recent adoption of Drosophila-based brain injury models provides several unique advantages over existing preclinical animal models, including a tractable framework amenable to high-throughput assays and short relative lifespan conducive to lifelong mechanistic investigation. The use of flies also provides an opportunity to investigate important risk factors associated with neurodegenerative conditions, specifically age and sex. In this review, we survey current literature that examines age and sex as contributing factors to head trauma-mediated neurodegeneration in humans and preclinical models, including mammalian and Drosophila models. We discuss similarities and disparities between human and fly in aging, sex differences, and pathophysiology. Finally, we highlight Drosophila as an effective tool for investigating mechanisms underlying head trauma-induced neurodegeneration and for identifying therapeutic targets for treatment and recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changtian Ye
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Joseph A. Behnke
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Katherine R. Hardin
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - James Q. Zheng
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Roets M, Brand L, Steyn SF. Increased depressive-like behaviour of postpartum Flinders sensitive and resistant line rats is reversed by a predictable postpartum stressor. Behav Brain Res 2023; 442:114321. [PMID: 36720349 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
During the peripartum period, women are at an increased risk to develop perinatal distress, presenting as symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. Yet, due to practical and ethical restrictions, our understanding of this condition remains limited. Animal studies that focus on the neuropsychiatric mechanisms associated with the postpartum period, often ignore the genetical predisposition factor. We therefore investigated whether pregnancy could alter the bio-behavioural profile of the Flinders sensitive and resistant line rats, and whether these effects are exacerbated by a postpartum stressor. Postpartum dams were compared to nulliparous controls in behavioural tests, analysing depressive- and anxiety-like behaviours. Next, postpartum dams were subjected to a maternal separation and early weaning (MSEW) regimen, with their behaviour and serotonergic and noradrenergic concentrations compared to rats not separated from their pups. Regardless of strain, pregnancy decreased time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze and hippocampal serotonin concentrations. Time spent immobile in the forced swim test was also increased, with a significant effect in the FRL and a strong trend in the FSL rats. MSEW reversed these behaviours in both strains and increased social interaction with a male counterpart in the FSL rats, without influencing hippocampal or cortical serotonin or norepinephrine. Taken together, these results suggest that pregnancy influences postpartum behaviour, in a strain-dependent manner. Contrary to what we expected, MSEW overall decreased depressive- and anxiety-like behaviours, with strain specific differences, indicating that a chronic, predictable stressor may not necessarily adversely affect postpartum behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareli Roets
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Linda Brand
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Stephan F Steyn
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
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Yang W, Jiang Y, Ma L, Xiao M, Liu M, Ren Z, Hu L, Zhang Y. Cortical and subcortical morphological alterations in postpartum depression. Behav Brain Res 2023; 447:114414. [PMID: 37001820 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common postpartum psychiatric disorder, which can negatively affect both mothers and their offspring. Although the functional changes of PPD have been extensively studied, little is known about its structural abnormalities. This study aimed to examine the cortical and subcortical morphological abnormalities in PPD. High resolution T1 structural MRI data of 29 PPD women and 23 matched healthy postpartum women (HPW) were included in this study. Using surface-based morphometry, we examined the differences between the PPD and HPW group in the cortical thickness, local gyrification index and shape changes of deep gray matter nuclei. Compared with the HPW group, women with PPD showed significantly increased cortical thickness in the left superior frontal gyrus, cuneus and right lingual gyrus and fusiform gyrus, which correlated marginally with the EPDS scores of these subjects. In addition, women with PPD showed significant regional inflation in the right pallidum compared with the HPW group. These findings provided further evidence for the structural brain abnormalities in PPD.
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Fiolet R, Woods C, Moana AH, Reilly R, Herrman H, McLachlan H, Fisher J, Lynch J, Chamberlain C. Community perspectives on delivering trauma-aware and culturally safe perinatal care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents. Women Birth 2023; 36:e254-e262. [PMID: 35934615 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2022.07.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since colonisation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced violence, loss of land, ongoing discrimination and increased exposure to traumatic events. These include adverse childhood experiences which can lead to complex trauma, and are associated with increased incidence of high-risk pregnancies, birth complications and emergence of post-traumatic symptoms during the perinatal period, potentially impacting parenting and leading to intergenerational trauma. The perinatal period offers unique opportunities for processing experiences of trauma and healing yet can also be a time when parents experience complex trauma-related distress. Therefore, it is essential that trauma-aware culturally safe perinatal care is accessible to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents. AIM This study aimed to understand community perspectives of what 'trauma-aware culturally safe perinatal care' would look like for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents. METHODS Data were collected during a workshop held with predominantly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander key stakeholders to co-design strategies to foster trauma-aware culturally safe perinatal care. Data were thematically analysed. FINDINGS Four overarching themes represent proposed goals for trauma-aware culturally safe care: Authentic partnerships that are nurtured and invested in to provide the foundations of care; a skilled workforce educated in trauma awareness; empowering and compassionate care for building trust; and safe and accessible environments to facilitate parent engagement. CONCLUSIONS Provision of trauma-aware culturally safe care achieving these goals is likely to enable parents experiencing complex trauma to access appropriate support and care to foster healing in the critical perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee Fiolet
- Centre for Health Equity, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Cindy Woods
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Anni Hine Moana
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel Reilly
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Helen Herrman
- Orygen Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen McLachlan
- Judith Lumley Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Jane Fisher
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Turning Point Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Catherine Chamberlain
- Centre for Health Equity, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Judith Lumley Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia; NGANGK YIRA: Murdoch University Research Centre for Aboriginal Health and Social Equity, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia,; The Lowitja Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Orchard ER, Rutherford HJV, Holmes AJ, Jamadar SD. Matrescence: lifetime impact of motherhood on cognition and the brain. Trends Cogn Sci 2023; 27:302-316. [PMID: 36609018 PMCID: PMC9957969 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Profound environmental, hormonal, and neurobiological changes mark the transition to motherhood as a major biosocial life event. Despite the ubiquity of motherhood, the enduring impact of caregiving on cognition and the brain across the lifespan is not well characterized and represents a unique window of opportunity to investigate human neural and cognitive development. By integrating insights from the human and animal maternal brain literatures with theories of cognitive ageing, we outline a framework for understanding maternal neural and cognitive changes across the lifespan. We suggest that the increased cognitive load of motherhood provides an initial challenge during the peripartum period, requiring continuous adaptation; yet when these demands are sustained across the lifespan, they result in increased late-life cognitive reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwina R Orchard
- Yale Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | | | - Avram J Holmes
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sharna D Jamadar
- Turner Institute of Brain and Mental Health & Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Tsutaya T, Mizushima N. Evolutionary biological perspectives on current social issues of breastfeeding and weaning. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 36815441 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Breastfeeding and weaning are actively studied from evolutionary, medical, and social research perspectives because of their close association with infant mortality, lifetime health, and human population dynamics. Each discipline benefits from an interdisciplinary exchange of knowledge regarding the bases, processes, and consequences of these phenomena. However, current social issues related to breastfeeding and weaning have received little attention from an evolutionary biology perspective. We address this gap by reviewing current social issues related to human breastfeeding and weaning in an evolutionary framework. This approach helps build a conceptual framework with the goal of better understanding ultimate causes of or influences on these current social issues. The six social issues reviewed here fall into three categories: the spatiotemporal constraints of breastfeeding, abuse of breast milk as valuable material, and mismatch in breastfeeding practices. Some of these issues have an evolutionary basis. We analyze the structure of these social issues and discuss their possible solutions in terms of extension of the trade-off theory in evolutionary biology. Our discussion on the current social issues in breastfeeding and weaning highlights the effectiveness of an approach rooted in evolutionary theory and biological anthropology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Tsutaya
- Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, Research Center for Integrative Evolutionary Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Hayama, Kanagawa, Japan.,Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nozomi Mizushima
- Department of Social System Design, Eikei University of Hiroshima, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, Japan
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40
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Waclawek T, Park SQ. Potential mechanisms and modulators of food intake during pregnancy. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1032430. [PMID: 36742431 PMCID: PMC9895105 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1032430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary choice during pregnancy is crucial not only for fetal development, but also for long-term health outcomes of both mother and child. During pregnancy, dramatic changes in endocrine, cognitive, and reward systems have been shown to take place. Interestingly, in different contexts, many of these mechanisms play a key role in guiding food intake. Here, we review how food intake may be impacted as a function of pregnancy-induced changes across species. We first summarize changes in endocrine and metabolic signaling in the course of pregnancy. Then, we show how these may be related to cognitive function and reward processing in humans. Finally, we link these to potential drivers of change in eating behavior throughout the course of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Waclawek
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Department of Decision Neuroscience and Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Soyoung Q. Park
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Department of Decision Neuroscience and Nutrition, German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE), Potsdam, Germany,Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Neuroscience Research Center, Berlin Institute of Health, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Deutsches Zentrum für Diabetesforschung, Neuherberg, Germany,*Correspondence: Soyoung Q. Park,
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency that can affect the health and life of mothers, infants, and families. Postpartum psychosis (PPP) is distinct from non-postpartum psychosis in many ways, and it is crucial to study and understand PPP to identify, treat, and possibly prevent this condition. We therefore sought to review the latest research findings about PPP with the intention of updating readers about the latest evidence base. RECENT FINDINGS Multiple physiologic pathways have been implicated in the development of PPP, and further understanding these pathways may allow for early detection and treatment. Risk assessment and treatment should include consideration of the woman patient but also the mother-infant dyad and the larger family. It is our hope that this review of research updates in postpartum psychosis may inform clinical practice and promote specialized, evidence-based diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric Reed
- grid.67105.350000 0001 2164 3847Case Western Reserve University, 10254 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
| | - Nina E. Ross
- grid.67105.350000 0001 2164 3847Case Western Reserve University, 10254 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
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Simó S, Cajiao-Nieto J, Awad-Sirhan NV, Caparros-Gonzalez RA. Pregnancy-Specific Stress during the First Lockdown of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Assessing Face-to-Face versus Online Recruitment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14102. [PMID: 36360988 PMCID: PMC9653943 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The study aims to assess pregnancy-specific stress among pregnant women in Spain during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. Two samples of pregnant women from the south of Spain (Andalusia) were assessed using the Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (PDQ) and a sociodemographic and obstetric questionnaire. Group 1 (N = 155) was recruited face-to-face, whereas Group 2 (N = 78) was recruited online. Pregnancy-specific stress levels were significantly different in both groups. The face-to-face group (Group 1) had higher pregnancy-specific stress levels than the online group (Group 2). The online sample over-represents young adult pregnant women with high education levels and a high number of previous miscarriages. The face-to-face study seems more accessible to racially and ethnically diverse groups. The main concern among both groups was the risk of having a sick neonate. Research during the COVID-19 pandemic can benefit from using online resources to collect data to screen and identify perinatal mental health problems in a crisis environment. Nevertheless, researchers should be aware of the potential limitations this strategy can have, for example, certain groups of people may have limited access to the internet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Simó
- Department of Psychology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Juanita Cajiao-Nieto
- Grupo Interdisciplinario de Investigación en Salud, Fundación Universitaria Cafam, Bogotá 111121, Colombia
| | | | - Rafael A. Caparros-Gonzalez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
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43
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Chauhan A, Potdar J. Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy: A Critical Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e30656. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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The Genomic Architecture of Pregnancy-Associated Plasticity in the Maternal Mouse Hippocampus. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0117-22.2022. [PMID: 36239981 PMCID: PMC9522463 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0117-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is associated with extraordinary plasticity in the maternal brain. Studies in humans and other mammals suggest extensive structural and functional remodeling of the female brain during and after pregnancy. However, we understand remarkably little about the molecular underpinnings of this natural phenomenon. To gain insight into pregnancy-associated hippocampal plasticity, we performed single nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) and snATAC-seq from the mouse hippocampus before, during, and after pregnancy. We identified cell type-specific transcriptional and epigenetic signatures associated with pregnancy and postpartum adaptation. In addition, we analyzed receptor-ligand interactions and transcription factor (TF) motifs that inform hippocampal cell type identity and provide evidence of pregnancy-associated adaption. In total, these data provide a unique resource of coupled transcriptional and epigenetic data across a dynamic time period in the mouse hippocampus and suggest opportunities for functional interrogation of hormone-mediated plasticity.
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Grajek M, Krupa-Kotara K, Grot M, Kujawińska M, Helisz P, Gwioździk W, Białek-Dratwa A, Staśkiewicz W, Kobza J. Perception of the Body Image in Women after Childbirth and the Specific Determinants of Their Eating Behavior: Cross-Sectional Study (Silesia, Poland). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10137. [PMID: 36011771 PMCID: PMC9407984 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Background: Episodes of loss of control over eating during pregnancy affect up to 36% of women during this period. Many women experience natural concerns about weight gain and body-shape changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and food cravings and fluctuations in eating patterns during these periods are physiological phenomena. However, pregnancy and the postpartum period may be an additional determinant of eating disorders. Women who perceive their own bodies as significantly deviating from the presented ideal are more likely to experience anxiety/anxiety related to it and also tend to exhibit abnormal eating behaviors. The perception of one’s body figure also plays an important role in maintaining psychological balance Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the perception of body image by postpartum women. The essence of the study was to see if there were psychomarkers associated with lack of control over eating, food restriction, and emotionally motivated eating in the study population. Material and methods: The study was conducted during the fall and winter of 2021. A total of 288 women participated in the study. The age of the subjects ranged from 21 to 45 years. Results: It was found that 198 women (68.8%) were dissatisfied with their current body weight and figure. Respondents with higher post-pregnancy body mass index showed dissatisfaction with their body shape (49.8%; H = 13.042; p = 0.001). Both body satisfaction and BMI level were significant components of the occurrence of pathological phenomena associated with the TFEQ-13 subscales (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Excessive focus on food restriction as well as lack of control over eating had some association with negative self-perception of body image, mainly in the form of body weight dissatisfaction. Eating behaviors showed an association with BMI level and weight satisfaction after pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Grajek
- Department of Public Health, Department of Public Health Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Karolina Krupa-Kotara
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Martina Grot
- Department of Public Health, Department of Public Health Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Maria Kujawińska
- Department of Public Health, Department of Public Health Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Paulina Helisz
- Department of Public Health, Department of Public Health Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Weronika Gwioździk
- Department of Public Health, Department of Public Health Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Białek-Dratwa
- Department of Human Nutrition, Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-808 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Staśkiewicz
- Department of Technology and Food Quality Evaluation, Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-808 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Joanna Kobza
- Department of Public Health, Department of Public Health Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
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Harrington YA, Parisi JM, Duan D, Rojo-Wissar DM, Holingue C, Spira AP. Sex Hormones, Sleep, and Memory: Interrelationships Across the Adult Female Lifespan. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:800278. [PMID: 35912083 PMCID: PMC9331168 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.800278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
As the population of older adults grows, so will the prevalence of aging-related conditions, including memory impairments and sleep disturbances, both of which are more common among women. Compared to older men, older women are up to twice as likely to experience sleep disturbances and are at a higher risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). These sex differences may be attributed in part to fluctuations in levels of female sex hormones (i.e., estrogen and progesterone) that occur across the adult female lifespan. Though women tend to experience the most significant sleep and memory problems during the peri-menopausal period, changes in memory and sleep have also been observed across the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. Here, we review current knowledge on the interrelationships among female sex hormones, sleep, and memory across the female lifespan, propose possible mediating and moderating mechanisms linking these variables and describe implications for ADRD risk in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin A. Harrington
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jeanine M. Parisi
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Daisy Duan
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Darlynn M. Rojo-Wissar
- The Initiative on Stress, Trauma, and Resilience (STAR), Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Calliope Holingue
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Adam P. Spira
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Johns Hopkins Center on Aging and Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Crume TL, Powers S, Dufford AJ, Kim P. Cannabis and Pregnancy: Factors Associated with Cannabis Use Among Pregnant Women and the Consequences for Offspring Neurodevelopment and Early Postpartum Parenting Behavior. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40429-022-00419-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Lu YC, Andescavage N, Wu Y, Kapse K, Andersen NR, Quistorff J, Saeed H, Lopez C, Henderson D, Barnett SD, Vezina G, Wessel D, du Plessis A, Limperopoulos C. Maternal psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic and structural changes of the human fetal brain. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2022; 2:47. [PMID: 35647608 PMCID: PMC9135751 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-022-00111-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Elevated maternal psychological distress during pregnancy is linked to adverse outcomes in offspring. The potential effects of intensified levels of maternal distress during the COVID-19 pandemic on the developing fetal brain are currently unknown. Methods We prospectively enrolled 202 pregnant women: 65 without known COVID-19 exposures during the pandemic who underwent 92 fetal MRI scans, and 137 pre-pandemic controls who had 182 MRI scans. Multi-plane, multi-phase single shot fast spin echo T2-weighted images were acquired on a GE 1.5 T MRI Scanner. Volumes of six brain tissue types were calculated. Cortical folding measures, including brain surface area, local gyrification index, and sulcal depth were determined. At each MRI scan, maternal distress was assessed using validated stress, anxiety, and depression scales. Generalized estimating equations were utilized to compare maternal distress measures, brain volume and cortical folding differences between pandemic and pre-pandemic cohorts. Results Stress and depression scores are significantly higher in the pandemic cohort, compared to the pre-pandemic cohort. Fetal white matter, hippocampal, and cerebellar volumes are decreased in the pandemic cohort. Cortical surface area and local gyrification index are also decreased in all four lobes, while sulcal depth is lower in the frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes in the pandemic cohort, indicating delayed brain gyrification. Conclusions We report impaired fetal brain growth and delayed cerebral cortical gyrification in COVID-19 pandemic era pregnancies, in the setting of heightened maternal psychological distress. The potential long-term neurodevelopmental consequences of altered fetal brain development in COVID-era pregnancies merit further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Chiao Lu
- Developing Brain Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA
| | - Nickie Andescavage
- Developing Brain Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, the George Washington University, Washington, DC USA
| | - Yao Wu
- Developing Brain Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA
| | - Kushal Kapse
- Developing Brain Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA
| | - Nicole R. Andersen
- Developing Brain Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA
| | - Jessica Quistorff
- Developing Brain Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA
| | - Haleema Saeed
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC USA
| | - Catherine Lopez
- Developing Brain Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA
| | - Diedtra Henderson
- Developing Brain Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA
| | - Scott D. Barnett
- Developing Brain Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA
| | - Gilbert Vezina
- Developing Brain Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA
| | - David Wessel
- Critical Care Medicine, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA
| | - Adre du Plessis
- Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA
| | - Catherine Limperopoulos
- Developing Brain Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, the George Washington University, Washington, DC USA
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49
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Peoples SG, Lowell AF, Bunderson M, Bartz C, Yip SW, Rutherford HJ. The effects of prenatal stress on neural responses to infant cries in expectant mothers and fathers. Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22280. [DOI: 10.1002/dev.22280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah G. Peoples
- Yale Child Study Center Yale University New Haven Connecticut USA
| | - Amanda F. Lowell
- Yale Child Study Center Yale University New Haven Connecticut USA
| | | | - Cody Bartz
- Yale Child Study Center Yale University New Haven Connecticut USA
| | - Sarah W. Yip
- Yale Child Study Center Yale University New Haven Connecticut USA
- Department of Psychiatry Yale School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut USA
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50
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Sanson A, Bosch OJ. Dysfunctions of brain oxytocin signaling: Implications for poor mothering. Neuropharmacology 2022; 211:109049. [PMID: 35390436 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Good mothering has profound impact on both the mother's and the young's well-being. Consequently, experiencing inadequate maternal care - or even neglect - in the first stages of life is a major risk factor for the development of psychiatric disorders, and even for poor parenting towards the future offspring. Thus, understanding the neurobiological basis of maternal neglect becomes crucial. Along with other neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, oxytocin (OXT) has long been known as one of the main modulators of maternal behavior. In rodents, disruptions of central OXT transmission have been associated with poor maternal responses, like impaired onset of nursing behaviors, and reduced care and defense of the pups. Importantly, such behavioral and molecular deficits can be transmitted through generations, creating a vicious circle of low-quality maternal behavior. Similarly, evidence from human studies shows that OXT signaling is defective in conditions of inadequate mothering and child neglect. On those premises, this review aims at providing a comprehensive overview of animal and human studies linking perturbed OXT transmission to poor maternal behavior. Considering the important fallouts of inadequate maternal responses, we believe that unraveling the alterations in OXT transmission might provide useful insights for a better understanding of maternal neglect and, ultimately, for future intervention approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Sanson
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Oliver J Bosch
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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