1
|
Pike MR, Lipner E, O'Brien KJ, Breen EC, Cohn BA, Cirillo PM, Krigbaum NY, Kring AM, Olino TM, Alloy LB, Ellman LM. Prenatal maternal Inflammation, childhood cognition and adolescent depressive symptoms. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 119:908-918. [PMID: 38761818 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.05.012] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence indicates that higher prenatal maternal inflammation is associated with increased depression risk in adolescent and adult-aged offspring. Prenatal maternal inflammation (PNMI) may increase the likelihood for offspring to have lower cognitive performance, which, in turn, may heighten risk for depression onset. Therefore, this study explored the potential mediating role of childhood cognitive performance in the relationship between PNMI and adolescent depressive symptoms in offspring. METHODS Participants included 696 mother-offspring dyads from the Child Health and Development Studies (CHDS) cohort. Biomarkers of maternal inflammation [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) and soluble TNF receptor-II (sTNF-RII)] were assayed from first (T1) and second trimester (T2) sera. Childhood (ages 9-11) cognitive performance was assessed via standardized Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT), a measure of receptive vocabulary correlated with general intelligence. Adolescent (ages 15-17) depressive symptoms were assessed via self-report. RESULTS There were no significant associations between T1 biomarkers and childhood PPVT or adolescent depressive symptoms. Higher T2 IL1-RA was directly associated with lower childhood PPVT (b = -0.21, SE = 0.08, t = -2.55, p = 0.01), but not with adolescent depressive symptoms. T2 IL-6 was not directly associated with childhood PPVT, but higher T2 IL-6 was directly associated at borderline significance with greater depressive symptoms in adolescence (b = 0.05, SE = 0.03, t = 1.96, p = 0.05). Lower childhood PPVT predicted significantly higher adolescent depressive symptoms (b = -0.07, SE = 0.02, t = -2.99, p < 0.01). There was a significant indirect effect of T2 IL-1RA on adolescent depressive symptoms via childhood PPVT (b = 0.03, 95 % CI = 0.002-0.03) indicating a partially mediated effect. No significant associations were found with T2 sTNF-RII nor IL-8. CONCLUSIONS Lower childhood cognitive performance, such as that indicated by a lower PPVT score, represents a potential mechanism through which prenatal maternal inflammation contributes to adolescent depression risk in offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeline R Pike
- Temple University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, 1701 N 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
| | - Emily Lipner
- Temple University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, 1701 N 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Kathleen J O'Brien
- Temple University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, 1701 N 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Breen
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, University of California-Los Angeles, 300 Medical Plaza, Suite 3306, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7076, USA
| | - Barbara A Cohn
- Child Health and Development Studies, Public Health Institute, 1683 Shattuck Ave., Suite B, Berkeley, CA 94709, USA
| | - Piera M Cirillo
- Child Health and Development Studies, Public Health Institute, 1683 Shattuck Ave., Suite B, Berkeley, CA 94709, USA
| | - Nickilou Y Krigbaum
- Child Health and Development Studies, Public Health Institute, 1683 Shattuck Ave., Suite B, Berkeley, CA 94709, USA
| | - Ann M Kring
- University of California, Berkeley, Department of Psychology, 2121 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Thomas M Olino
- Temple University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, 1701 N 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Lauren B Alloy
- Temple University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, 1701 N 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Lauren M Ellman
- Temple University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, 1701 N 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Meredith Weiss S, Aydin E, Lloyd-Fox S, Johnson MH. Trajectories of brain and behaviour development in the womb, at birth and through infancy. Nat Hum Behav 2024; 8:1251-1262. [PMID: 38886534 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-024-01896-7] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Birth is often seen as the starting point for studying effects of the environment on human development, with much research focused on the capacities of young infants. However, recent imaging advances have revealed that the complex behaviours of the fetus and the uterine environment exert influence. Birth is now viewed as a punctuate event along a developmental pathway of increasing autonomy of the child from their mother. Here we highlight (1) increasing physiological autonomy and perceptual sensitivity in the fetus, (2) physiological and neurochemical processes associated with birth that influence future behaviour, (3) the recalibration of motor and sensory systems in the newborn to adapt to the world outside the womb and (4) the effect of the prenatal environment on later infant behaviours and brain function. Taken together, these lines of evidence move us beyond nature-nurture issues to a developmental human lifespan view beginning within the womb.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Staci Meredith Weiss
- University of Cambridge, Department of Psychology, Cambridge, UK.
- University of Roehampton, School of Psychology, London, UK.
| | - Ezra Aydin
- University of Cambridge, Department of Psychology, Cambridge, UK
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Lloyd-Fox
- University of Cambridge, Department of Psychology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark H Johnson
- University of Cambridge, Department of Psychology, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lipner E, Mac Giollabhui N, Breen EC, Cohn BA, Krigbaum NY, Cirillo PM, Olino TM, Alloy LB, Ellman LM. Sex-Specific Pathways From Prenatal Maternal Inflammation to Adolescent Depressive Symptoms. JAMA Psychiatry 2024; 81:498-505. [PMID: 38324324 PMCID: PMC10851141 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.5458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Importance Prenatal maternal inflammation has been associated with major depressive disorder in offspring in adulthood as well as with internalizing and externalizing symptoms in childhood; however, the association between prenatal inflammation and offspring depression in adolescence has yet to be examined. Objective To determine whether maternal levels of inflammatory biomarkers during pregnancy are associated with depressive symptomatology in adolescent-aged offspring and to examine how gestational timing, offspring sex, and childhood psychiatric symptoms impact these associations. Design, Setting, and Participants This was an observational study of a population-based birth cohort from the Child Health and Development Studies (CHDS), which recruited almost all mothers receiving obstetric care from the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan (KFHP) in Alameda County, California, between June 1959 and September 1966. Pregnancy data and blood sera were collected from mothers, and offspring psychiatric symptom data were collected in childhood (ages 9-11 years) and adolescence (ages 15-17 years). Mother-offspring dyads with available maternal prenatal inflammatory biomarkers during first and/or second trimesters and offspring depressive symptom data at adolescent follow-up were included. Data analyses took place between March 2020 and June 2023. Exposures Levels of inflammatory biomarkers (interleukin 6 [IL-6], IL-8, IL-1 receptor antagonist [IL-1RA], and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-II) assayed from maternal sera in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Main Outcomes and Measures Self-reported depressive symptoms at adolescent follow-up. Results A total of 674 mothers (mean [SD] age, 28.1 [5.9] years) and their offspring (350 male and 325 female) were included in this study. Higher second trimester IL-6 was significantly associated with greater depressive symptoms in offspring during adolescence (b, 0.57; SE, 0.26); P = .03). Moderated mediation analyses showed that childhood externalizing symptoms significantly mediated the association between first trimester IL-6 and adolescent depressive symptoms in male offspring (b, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.02-0.47), while childhood internalizing symptoms mediated the association between second trimester IL-1RA and adolescent depressive symptoms in female offspring (b, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.19-1.75). Conclusions and Relevance In this study, prenatal maternal inflammation was associated with depressive symptoms in adolescent-aged offspring. The findings of the study suggest that pathways to adolescent depressive symptomatology from prenatal risk factors may differ based on both the timing of exposure to prenatal inflammation and offspring sex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Lipner
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Naoise Mac Giollabhui
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Elizabeth C. Breen
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Barbara A. Cohn
- Child Health and Development Studies, Public Health Institute, Berkeley, California
| | - Nickilou Y. Krigbaum
- Child Health and Development Studies, Public Health Institute, Berkeley, California
| | - Piera M. Cirillo
- Child Health and Development Studies, Public Health Institute, Berkeley, California
| | - Thomas M. Olino
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lauren B. Alloy
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lauren M. Ellman
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang L, Huang R, Lei J, Liu Y, Liu D. Factors associated with stress among pregnant women with a second child in Hunan province under China's two-child policy: a mixed-method study. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:157. [PMID: 38388417 PMCID: PMC10885516 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05604-7] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to investigate the status of pregnancy stress and to explore factors associated with pregnancy stress among women by China's two-child policy. METHODS A mixed-method study involving both quantitative and qualitative methods was conducted using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The questionnaires encompassed socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics, as well as the Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale (PSRS) and the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). Initially, the participants were required to complete the questionnaires, enabling us to assess their respective pregnancy stress statuses. Subsequently, we selectively interviewed pregnant women with a second child and exhibited at least mild pregnancy stress. The qualitative study sought to uncover the factors contributing to their stress during pregnancy. RESULTS A total of 463 subjects were enrolled; of the subjects, 22 (4.8%) had no stress, 407 (87.9%) had mild stress, 34 (7.3%) had moderate stress. Generalized linear regression analysis revealed significant factors (P<0.05) related to pregnancy stress, including family financial burden, subjective support, fertility desire, gender of the first child, and gender preference. Additionally, 16 subjects were interviewed, and through analysis, three major themes emerged, each comprising 12 sub-themes associated with pregnancy stress. These themes were identified as fertility factors (worry about maternal and child health, birth experience, and parenting stress), family factors ( financial burden, second child care problems, first child's acceptance of the second child, family concerns, fertility desire, and gender preference) and social factors (involving life events, career development and workload). CONCLUSION The diver factors contribute to pregnancy stress among pregnant women under China's two-child policy. Our study could be used to develop appropriate interventions to reduce pregnancy stress and to enhance the mental health of women pregnant with a second child.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Nursing Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ruirui Huang
- School of Nursing, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, Hunan, China.
| | - Jun Lei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Yongrong Liu
- Department of Operating room, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cassidy AR, Neumann AA. [Formula: see text] Optimizing neurodevelopmental outcomes following fetal diagnosis of congenital heart disease: a call for primary prevention neuropsychology. Child Neuropsychol 2023; 29:1155-1177. [PMID: 36942716 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2023.2190966] [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: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Critical congenital heart disease (CHD) presents a lasting threat to quality of life through its adverse impact on neurodevelopmental and psychosocial outcomes. As recognition of this threat has increased, so too has an appreciation for the role of pediatric neuropsychologists in supporting families affected by CHD. But there is more to offer these families than traditional neuropsychological services, which tend to focus on secondary/tertiary forms of prevention. Now that many children with CHD are diagnosed prenatally, it may be possible to begin mitigating CHD-related risks and promoting positive outcomes earlier than ever before. Through primary prevention-oriented fetal neuropsychological consultation, as well as close collaboration with allied specialists, pediatric neuropsychology has an opportunity to re-envision its typical borders and more familiar practice models; to forge early and enduring partnerships with families; and to help promote the best possible neurodevelopmental trajectories, beginning before children are even born. In this conceptual review, we survey and integrate evidence from developmental science, developmental origins of health and disease, maternal-fetal medicine, and cardiac neurodevelopmental literatures, along with current practice norms, arriving ultimately at two central conclusions: 1) there is an important role to fill on multidisciplinary teams for the pediatric neuropsychologist in fetal cardiac care and 2) role expansion (e.g., through valuing broader-based training, flexing more generalist skills) can likely improve neuropsychological outcomes earlier than has been standard for pediatric neuropsychologists. Such a reimagining of our practice may be considered primary prevention neuropsychology. Implications for care in various settings and pragmatic barriers to implementation are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam R Cassidy
- Departments of Psychiatry & Psychology and Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alyssa A Neumann
- Department of Psychiatry & Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Phua DY, Chew CSM, Tan YL, Ng BJK, Lee FKL, Tham MMY. Differential effects of prenatal psychological distress and positive mental health on offspring socioemotional development from infancy to adolescence: a meta-analysis. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1221232. [PMID: 37780045 PMCID: PMC10536167 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1221232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of prenatal maternal mental health on offspring socioemotional development is substantial and enduring. Existing literature primarily focuses on the effects of psychological distress during pregnancy, emphasizing adverse child outcomes. Recent studies, however, highlight the unique impact of positive maternal mental health on child outcomes. To elucidate the differential associations of maternal psychological distress and positive mental health during pregnancy with child outcomes, we conducted a systematic literature search and random-effects meta-analyses on studies investigating the associations of prenatal maternal mental health with child socioemotional development. Our analyses, comprising 74 studies with 321,966 mother-child dyads across 21 countries, revealed significant associations of prenatal psychological distress with both adverse and positive child socioemotional outcomes. Notably, the effect sizes for the association of psychological distress with positive child outcomes were smaller compared to adverse outcomes. Positive prenatal mental health, on the other hand, was significantly associated with positive socioemotional outcomes but not adverse outcomes. This meta-analysis highlights the independence of negative and positive prenatal mental health constructs and their distinct relationships with child socioemotional development. The findings underscore the importance of considering the positive spectrum of maternal mental health and developmental outcomes to enhance our understanding of prenatal influences on child development. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=335227, identifier CRD42022335227.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Desiree Y. Phua
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chermaine S. M. Chew
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yang Lik Tan
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- School of Management and Communication, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Benjamin J. K. Ng
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- School of Management and Communication, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Florence K. L. Lee
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- School of Management and Communication, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Megan M. Y. Tham
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- School of Management and Communication, Republic Polytechnic, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sameei P, Fatehfar S, Abdollahzadeh N, Chodari L, Saboory E, Roshan-Milani S. The effects of forced exercise and zinc supplementation during pregnancy on prenatally stress-induced behavioral and neurobiological consequences in adolescent female rat offspring. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22411. [PMID: 37607889 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22411] [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: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal manipulations can lead to neurobehavioral changes in the offspring. In this study, individual and combined effects of forced exercise and zinc supplementation during pregnancy on prenatally restraint stress (PRS)-induced behavioral impairments, neuro-inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress have been investigated in adolescent female rat offspring. Pregnant rats were divided into five groups: control; restraint stress (RS); RS + exercise stress (RS + ES), RS + zinc supplementation (RS + Zn); and RS + ES + Zn. All the pregnant rats (except control) were exposed to RS from gestational days 15 to 19. Pregnant rats in ES groups were subjected to forced treadmill exercise (30 min/daily), and in Zn groups to zinc sulfate (30 mg/kg/orally), throughout the pregnancy. At postnatal days 25-27, anxiety-like and stress-coping behaviors were recorded, and the gene expressions of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and the concentration of total antioxidant capacity were measured in the prefrontal cortex. PRS significantly enhanced anxiety, generated passive coping behaviors, increased IL-1β and TNF-α expression, and decreased the antioxidant capacity. ES potentiated while zinc reversed PRS-induced behavioral impairments. Prenatal zinc also restored the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity but had no effect on additive responses imposed by the combination of RS and ES. Suppression of PRS-induced behavioral and neurobiological impairments by zinc suggests the probable clinical importance of zinc on PRS-induced changes on child temperament.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parsa Sameei
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Sina Fatehfar
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- School of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Naseh Abdollahzadeh
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Leila Chodari
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ehsan Saboory
- Zanjan Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Shiva Roshan-Milani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Possamai-Della T, Cararo JH, Aguiar-Geraldo JM, Peper-Nascimento J, Zugno AI, Fries GR, Quevedo J, Valvassori SS. Prenatal Stress Induces Long-Term Behavioral Sex-Dependent Changes in Rats Offspring: the Role of the HPA Axis and Epigenetics. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:5013-5033. [PMID: 37233974 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03348-1] [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: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical genetic studies have related stress early exposures with changes in gene regulatory mechanisms, including epigenetic alterations, such as modifications of DNA methylation, histone deacetylation, and histones acetylation. This study evaluates the effects of prenatal stress on the behavior, hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis, and epigenetic parameters in stressed dams and their offspring. The rats were subjected to a protocol of chronic unpredictable mild stress on the fourteenth day of pregnancy until the birth of offspring. After birth, maternal care was evaluated for six days. Following weaning, the locomotor and depressive-like behaviors of the dams and their offspring (60 days old) were assessed. The HPA axis parameters were evaluated in serum from dams and offspring, and epigenetic parameters (histone acetyltransferase (HAT), histone deacetylase (HDAC), DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activities, and the levels of histone H3 acetylated at lysine residue 9 (H3K9ac) and histone 3 acetylated at lysine residue 14 (H3K14ac)) were assessed in dams' and offspring' brains. Prenatal stress did not significantly influence maternal care; however, it induced manic behavior in female offspring. These behavioral alterations in the offspring were accompanied by hyperactivity of the HPA-axis, epigenetic adaptations in the activity of HDAC and DNMT, and acetylation in the histones H3K9 and H3K14. In addition, the prenatal stressed female offspring showed increased levels of ACTH compared to their male counterpart. Our findings reinforce the impact of prenatal stress on behavior, stress response, and epigenetic profile of offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taise Possamai-Della
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - José Henrique Cararo
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Jorge M Aguiar-Geraldo
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Jefté Peper-Nascimento
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Alexandra I Zugno
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Gabriel R Fries
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - João Quevedo
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Interventional Psychiatry, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Samira S Valvassori
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Saeed H, Lu YC, Andescavage N, Kapse K, Andersen NR, Lopez C, Quistorff J, Barnett S, Henderson D, Bulas D, Limperopoulos C. Influence of maternal psychological distress during COVID-19 pandemic on placental morphometry and texture. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7374. [PMID: 37164993 PMCID: PMC10172401 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33343-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been accompanied by increased prenatal maternal distress (PMD). PMD is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes which may be mediated by the placenta. However, the potential impact of the pandemic on in vivo placental development remains unknown. To examine the impact of the pandemic and PMD on in vivo structural placental development using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), acquired anatomic images of the placenta from 63 pregnant women without known COVID-19 exposure during the pandemic and 165 pre-pandemic controls. Measures of placental morphometry and texture were extracted. PMD was determined from validated questionnaires. Generalized estimating equations were utilized to compare differences in PMD placental features between COVID-era and pre-pandemic cohorts. Maternal stress and depression scores were significantly higher in the pandemic cohort. Placental volume, thickness, gray level kurtosis, skewness and run length non-uniformity were increased in the pandemic cohort, while placental elongation, mean gray level and long run emphasis were decreased. PMD was a mediator of the association between pandemic status and placental features. Altered in vivo placental structure during the pandemic suggests an underappreciated link between disturbances in maternal environment and perturbed placental development. The long-term impact on offspring is currently under investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haleema Saeed
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Yuan-Chiao Lu
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Nickie Andescavage
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
- Division of Neonatology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Kushal Kapse
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Nicole R Andersen
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Catherine Lopez
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Jessica Quistorff
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Scott Barnett
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Diedtra Henderson
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Dorothy Bulas
- Division of Radiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Catherine Limperopoulos
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
- Division of Radiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Duffy KA, Sammel MD, Johnson RL, Kim DR, Wang EY, Ewing G, Hantsoo L, Kornfield SL, Bale TL, Epperson CN. Maternal adverse childhood experiences impact fetal adrenal volume in a sex-specific manner. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:7. [PMID: 36803442 PMCID: PMC9936707 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00492-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanisms by which parental early life stress can be transmitted to the next generation, in some cases in a sex-specific manner, are unclear. Maternal preconception stress may increase susceptibility to suboptimal health outcomes via in utero programming of the fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. METHODS We recruited healthy pregnant women (N = 147), dichotomized into low (0 or 1) and high (2+) adverse childhood experience (ACE) groups based on the ACE Questionnaire, to test the hypothesis that maternal ACE history influences fetal adrenal development in a sex-specific manner. At a mean (standard deviation) of 21.5 (1.4) and 29.5 (1.4) weeks gestation, participants underwent three-dimensional ultrasounds to measure fetal adrenal volume, adjusting for fetal body weight (waFAV). RESULTS At ultrasound 1, waFAV was smaller in high versus low ACE males (b = - 0.17; z = - 3.75; p < .001), but females did not differ significantly by maternal ACE group (b = 0.09; z = 1.72; p = .086). Compared to low ACE males, waFAV was smaller for low (b = - 0.20; z = - 4.10; p < .001) and high ACE females (b = - 0.11; z = 2.16; p = .031); however, high ACE males did not differ from low (b = 0.03; z = .57; p = .570) or high ACE females (b = - 0.06; z = - 1.29; p = .196). At ultrasound 2, waFAV did not differ significantly between any maternal ACE/offspring sex subgroups (ps ≥ .055). Perceived stress did not differ between maternal ACE groups at baseline, ultrasound 1, or ultrasound 2 (ps ≥ .148). CONCLUSIONS We observed a significant impact of high maternal ACE history on waFAV, a proxy for fetal adrenal development, but only in males. Our observation that the waFAV in males of mothers with a high ACE history did not differ from the waFAV of females extends preclinical research demonstrating a dysmasculinizing effect of gestational stress on a range of offspring outcomes. Future studies investigating intergenerational transmission of stress should consider the influence of maternal preconception stress on offspring outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Korrina A. Duffy
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA ,grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Psychiatry, University of Colorado – Anschutz Medical Campus, 1890 N. Revere Court, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Mary D. Sammel
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA ,grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado School of Public Health – Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Rachel L. Johnson
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado School of Public Health – Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Deborah R. Kim
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Eileen Y. Wang
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Grace Ewing
- grid.266826.e0000 0000 9216 5478University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, ME USA
| | - Liisa Hantsoo
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Sara L. Kornfield
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Tracy L. Bale
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - C. Neill Epperson
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA ,grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Family Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine – Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kalinichenko LS, Smaga I, Filip M, Lenz B, Kornhuber J, Müller CP. Sex-specific effects of different types of prenatal stress on foetal testosterone levels and NMDA expression in mice. Behav Brain Res 2023; 439:114225. [PMID: 36435218 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114225] [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: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal stress is a critical life event often resulting in mental illnesses in the offspring. The critical developmental processes, which might trigger a cascade of molecular events resulting in mental disorders in adulthood, are still to be elucidated. Here we proposed that sex hormones, particularly testosterone, might determine the "developmental programming" of long-term consequences of prenatal stress in foetuses of both sexes. We observed that severe prenatal stress in the model of repeated corticosterone injections enhanced brain levels of corticosterone and testosterone in male foetuses. The expression of GluN1 and GluN2A, but not GluN2B NMDA receptor subunits were significantly reduced in the brain of stressed male foetuses. However, female foetuses were protected against stress effects on the brain corticosterone and testosterone levels. More moderate types of stress, such as repeated restraint stress and chronic unpredictable stress, did not induce an increase in brain corticosterone in dams and testosterone concentrations in foetuses of both sexes. Moreover, chronic unpredictable stress reduced brain testosterone concentration in male foetuses. Altogether, changes in brain testosterone level might be one of the crucial mechanisms determining the development of long-term consequences of severe prenatal stress in male, but not in female foetuses. Targeting this mechanism might allow to develop principally new prediction and therapeutic approaches for prenatal stress-associated psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liubov S Kalinichenko
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, Erlangen 91054, Germany.
| | - Irena Smaga
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Smętna 12, Kraków 31-343, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Filip
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Smętna 12, Kraków 31-343, Poland
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, J5, Mannheim 68159, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Christian P Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, Erlangen 91054, Germany; Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kolodziej D, Wolkwitz P, Schön G, Siefert S, Pawils S. Evaluation of a Child-centred Psychosocial Healthcare Intervention (KIDPROTEKT) - Results of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial in Paediatric and Gynaecologic Practices. INTERVENCION PSICOSOCIAL 2023; 32:33-42. [PMID: 37361631 PMCID: PMC10268543 DOI: 10.5093/pi2023a2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
KID-PROTEKT is a child-centred psychosocial healthcare intervention which aims at improving the identification of psychosocial needs and navigation in the outpatient gynaecologic and paediatric setting. In this cluster randomized-controlled trail we examined the effect of KID-PROTEKT on the referrals (to support services) in comparison to the regular gynaecologic and paediatric outpatient healthcare . A variant based on the qualification of the healthcare providers (qualified treatment, QT) and a variant with social worker (supported treatment, ST) were compared to the regular healthcare (treatment as usual, TAU). Twenty-four gynaecologic and paediatric practices were randomized to one of three study arms. Therefore 8,458 pregnant women and families recruited in one of these practices were enrolled in the study. Participating patients reported on average 1.73 (SD = 1.34) psychosocial risks. In total 522 patients were linked to a support service. Compared to TAU, the probability of a referral was significantly higher in QT (OR = 10.70) and ST (OR = 11.28). Also, a higher number of psychosocial risks were linked to a referral (OR = 2.72). These findings support the importance of a psychosocial assessment in the gynaecologic and paediatric setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Désirée Kolodziej
- University Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfHamburgGermanyUniversity Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Philipp Wolkwitz
- University Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfHamburgGermanyUniversity Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Gerhard Schön
- University Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfHamburgGermanyUniversity Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Sönke Siefert
- Catholic Children’s Hospital WilhelmstiftHamburgGermanyCatholic Children’s Hospital Wilhelmstift, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Silke Pawils
- University Medical Center Hamburg-EppendorfHamburgGermanyUniversity Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany;
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Nazzari S, Grumi S, Biasucci G, Decembrino L, Fazzi E, Giacchero R, Magnani ML, Nacinovich R, Scelsa B, Spinillo A, Capelli E, Roberti E, Provenzi L. Maternal pandemic-related stress during pregnancy associates with infants' socio-cognitive development at 12 months: A longitudinal multi-centric study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284578. [PMID: 37068062 PMCID: PMC10109481 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal maternal stress is a key risk factor for infants' development. Previous research has highlighted consequences for infants' socio-emotional and cognitive outcomes, but less is known for what regards socio-cognitive development. In this study, we report on the effects of maternal prenatal stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic on 12-month-old infants' behavioral markers of socio-cognitive development. METHODS Ninety infants and their mothers provided complete longitudinal data from birth to 12 months. At birth, mothers reported on pandemic-related stress during pregnancy. At infants' 12-month-age, a remote mother-infant interaction was videotaped: after an initial 2-min face-to-face episode, the experimenter remotely played a series of four auditory stimuli (2 human and 2 non-human sounds). The auditory stimuli sequence was counterbalanced among participants and each sound was repeated three times every 10 seconds (Exposure, 30 seconds) while mothers were instructed not to interact with their infants and to display a neutral still-face expression. Infants' orienting, communication, and pointing toward the auditory source was coded micro-analytically and a socio-cognitive score (SCS) was obtained by means of a principal component analysis. RESULTS Infants equally oriented to human and non-human auditory stimuli. All infants oriented toward the sound during the Exposure episode, 80% exhibited any communication directed to the auditory source, and 48% showed at least one pointing toward the sound. Mothers who reported greater prenatal pandemic-related stress had infants with higher probability of showing no communication, t = 2.14 (p = .035), or pointing, t = 1.93 (p = .057). A significant and negative linear association was found between maternal prenatal pandemic-related stress and infants' SCS at 12 months, R2 = .07 (p = .010), while adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that prenatal maternal stress during the COVID-19 pandemic might have increased the risk of an altered socio-cognitive development in infants as assessed through an observational paradigm at 12 months. Special preventive attention should be devoted to infants born during the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nazzari
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Serena Grumi
- Developmental Psychobiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Biasucci
- Pediatrics & Neonatology Unit, Ospedale Guglielmo da Saliceto, Piacenza, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Fazzi
- Department of Clinical And Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Unit of Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry, Azienda Ospedaliera Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | | | - Renata Nacinovich
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori Monza, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery and Milan Center for Neuroscience (NeuroMi), Università Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Scelsa
- Unit of Pediatric Neurology, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Arsenio Spinillo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Capelli
- Developmental Psychobiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa Roberti
- Developmental Psychobiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Livio Provenzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Developmental Psychobiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Barroca NCB, Della Santa G, Suchecki D, García-Cairasco N, Umeoka EHDL. Challenges in the use of animal models and perspectives for a translational view of stress and psychopathologies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 140:104771. [PMID: 35817171 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The neurobiology and development of treatments for stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders rely heavily on animal models. However, the complexity of these disorders makes it difficult to model them entirely, so only specific features of human psychopathology are emulated and these models should be used with great caution. Importantly, the effects of stress depend on multiple factors, like duration, context of exposure, and individual variability. Here we present a review on pre-clinical studies of stress-related disorders, especially those developed to model posttraumatic stress disorder, major depression, and anxiety. Animal models provide relevant evidence of the underpinnings of these disorders, as long as face, construct, and predictive validities are fulfilled. The translational challenges faced by scholars include reductionism and anthropomorphic/anthropocentric interpretation of the results instead of a more naturalistic and evolutionary understanding of animal behavior that must be overcome to offer a meaningful model. Other limitations are low statistical power of analysis, poor evaluation of individual variability, sex differences, and possible conflicting effects of stressors depending on specific windows in the lifespan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nayara Cobra Barreiro Barroca
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Science, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Della Santa
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Science, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Deborah Suchecki
- Department of Psychobiology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Norberto García-Cairasco
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Science, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Physiology, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Henrique de Lima Umeoka
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Science, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; School of Medicine, University Center UniCerrado, Goiatuba, GO, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Reemst K, Ruigrok SR, Bleker L, Naninck EFG, Ernst T, Kotah JM, Lucassen PJ, Roseboom TJ, Pollux BJA, de Rooij SR, Korosi A. Sex-dependence and comorbidities of the early-life adversity induced mental and metabolic disease risks: Where are we at? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 138:104627. [PMID: 35339483 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Early-life adversity (ELA) is a major risk factor for developing later-life mental and metabolic disorders. However, if and to what extent ELA contributes to the comorbidity and sex-dependent prevalence/presentation of these disorders remains unclear. We here comprehensively review and integrate human and rodent ELA (pre- and postnatal) studies examining mental or metabolic health in both sexes and discuss the role of the placenta and maternal milk, key in transferring maternal effects to the offspring. We conclude that ELA impacts mental and metabolic health with sex-specific presentations that depend on timing of exposure, and that human and rodent studies largely converge in their findings. ELA is more often reported to impact cognitive and externalizing domains in males, internalizing behaviors in both sexes and concerning the metabolic dimension, adiposity in females and insulin sensitivity in males. Thus, ELA seems to be involved in the origin of the comorbidity and sex-specific prevalence/presentation of some of the most common disorders in our society. Therefore, ELA-induced disease states deserve specific preventive and intervention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kitty Reemst
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Silvie R Ruigrok
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Bleker
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva F G Naninck
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tiffany Ernst
- Wageningen University, Department of Animal Sciences, Experimental Zoology &Evolutionary Biology Group, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janssen M Kotah
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tessa J Roseboom
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bart J A Pollux
- Wageningen University, Department of Animal Sciences, Experimental Zoology &Evolutionary Biology Group, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne R de Rooij
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aniko Korosi
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lipner E, Murphy SK, Breen EC, Cohn BA, Krigbaum NY, Cirillo PM, Alloy LB, Ellman LM. Infection and higher cortisol during pregnancy and risk for depressive symptoms in adolescent offspring. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 141:105755. [PMID: 35429699 PMCID: PMC9149123 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal infection, particularly at mid-gestation, has been associated with various psychopathological outcomes in offspring; however, findings linking prenatal infection to offspring depression outcomes have been mixed. Previous research indicates that it may be the co-occurrence of prenatal adversities (e.g., infection and stress) that are associated with depression outcomes in offspring. Nevertheless, no study to date has investigated whether higher levels of biomarkers linked to prenatal stress (e.g., cortisol) in the presence of infection may account for these outcomes. Participants were drawn from the Child Health and Development Studies (CHDS), a prospective, longitudinal study of pregnant women and their offspring. The present study included mother-offspring dyads from the Adolescent Study, a subsample of the CHDS cohort, whose offspring were assessed in adolescence and whose mothers also provided sera to be assayed for cortisol (n = 695). Hierarchical multivariable regressions were conducted to examine whether maternal cortisol during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy interacted with maternal infection to predict increased risk for symptoms of depression in adolescent offspring. There was a significant interaction of second trimester infection and higher cortisol on offspring depression scores during adolescence, controlling for maternal education (p = 0.04). Findings suggest that higher maternal cortisol may sensitize mothers and their offspring to the disruptive influences of infection during mid-pregnancy, conferring greater risk of depressive symptomatology in offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Lipner
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University, Weiss Hall, 1701 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Shannon K Murphy
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University, Weiss Hall, 1701 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Breen
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, 300 Medical Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Barbara A Cohn
- Child Health and Development Studies, Public Health Institute, 1683 Shattuck Avenue, Ste. B, Berkeley, CA 94709
| | - Nickilou Y Krigbaum
- Child Health and Development Studies, Public Health Institute, 1683 Shattuck Avenue, Ste. B, Berkeley, CA 94709
| | - Piera M Cirillo
- Child Health and Development Studies, Public Health Institute, 1683 Shattuck Avenue, Ste. B, Berkeley, CA 94709
| | - Lauren B Alloy
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University, Weiss Hall, 1701 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Lauren M Ellman
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University, Weiss Hall, 1701 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Becker M, Abaev K, Pinhasov A, Ornoy A. S-Adenosyl-Methionine alleviates sociability aversion and reduces changes in gene expression in a mouse model of social hierarchy. Behav Brain Res 2022; 427:113866. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
18
|
Familial clustering of birth risk for adverse childhood outcomes. J Perinatol 2022; 42:603-610. [PMID: 34795406 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-021-01264-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify classes of children exposed to distinct clusters of perinatal and familial risk factors at the time of birth, and examine relationships between class membership and a variety of adverse outcomes in childhood. DESIGN A prospective longitudinal study of children (and their parents) born between 2002 and 2004 and who have been followed-up until 12-13 years of age. A combination of latent class analysis and logistic regression analyses were used. RESULTS Adverse developmental, social, and mental health outcomes in early and middle childhood were greatest for children with 'pervasive familial risk' (i.e., parental mental illness, parental criminality, and perinatal risk factors) at the time of birth; some associations were stronger among girls. CONCLUSION Pervasive exposure to multiple risk factors in the pre- and perinatal period increases the risk of adverse outcomes in childhood. Future interventions should tailor strategies to address unique combinations of adverse risk exposures in vulnerable families.
Collapse
|
19
|
McLeod C, Ebeling MD, Baatz JE, Shary JR, Mulligan JR, Wagner CL. Sociodemographic factors affecting perceived stress during pregnancy and the association with immune-mediator concentrations. J Perinat Med 2022; 50:192-199. [PMID: 34757701 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Determine which sociodemographic factors are most associated with increased maternal perceived stress during pregnancy. Evaluate the association between maternal stress and plasma immune-mediator concentrations (IMCs). METHODS As part of a prospective, randomized clinical trial, 247 participants completed a Perceived Stress Scale survey (PSS-10) during each trimester of pregnancy. Blood samples were collected from participants and were analyzed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration and for several IMCs: interferon-gamma, interleukins (IL-) IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, vascular endothelial growth factor, c-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (R&D Elisa). The potential associations between PSS-10 scores, sociodemographic factors, and IMCs were assessed. RESULTS In bivariate analysis, participants who were not married and/or had high risk pregnancies were more likely to have increased PSS-10 scores (p<0.05). Increased PSS-10 scores were associated with higher serum concentrations of IL-2 and TNF-α, and decreased concentrations of IL-10 and 25(OH)D. In linear regression analysis, single marital status, high-risk pregnancy, IL-2, and TNF-α were independent predictors of PSS-10 scores. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies specific sociodemographic factors that are associated with increased perceived stress during pregnancy. This study also provides evidence that increased perceived stress is associated with physiological changes as measured by changes in circulating IL-2, TNF-α, IL-10, and 25(OH)D concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline McLeod
- College of Medicine, Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Myla D Ebeling
- Division of Neonatology, Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - John E Baatz
- Division of Neonatology, Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Judy R Shary
- Division of Neonatology, Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jennifer R Mulligan
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida-Gainesville, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Carol L Wagner
- Division of Neonatology, Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Pawils S, Kolodziej D, Siefert S, Metzner-Guczka F. [Self-Efficacy as Outcome Measuring the Effectiveness of the Family Intervention "Babylotse ambulant" in Gynecologic Practices]. Psychother Psychosom Med Psychol 2022; 72:306-315. [PMID: 35081657 DOI: 10.1055/a-1696-2280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychosocial stress can have detrimental effects on the mother's health and the development of the child. The aim of the family intervention "Babylotse ambulant" in gynecologic practices is the systematic and early identification of psychosocially distressed families as well as consulting and connecting them to the regional health and social care system. OBJECTIVES The effectiveness of the family intervention in six gynecologic practices was investigated through a pre-post control group design using perceived self-efficacy as outcome. It was assumed that participation in the intervention would result in increased maternal self-efficacy as a measurement of faith in one's own abilities to solve problems. METHODS Self-efficacy of n=202 psychosocially distressed and n=262 non-distressed patients, who were screened in one of the six gynaecologic practices, was assessed using the Self-Efficacy Scale during the first trimester (T0) and one year after birth (T1). RESULTS Psychosocially distressed mothers, who all received counselling from social workers, showed a significantly higher self-efficacy at T1 compared to T0. After the intervention, no significant differences were found between distressed patients and the control group of non-distressed patients who received no intervention. DISCUSSION Increased self-efficacy in distressed mothers after giving birth and thus, more faith in their own problem-solving capabilities points to the positive effects of the intervention during pregnancy in an outpatient gynecologic setting. CONCLUSION Addressing psychosocial distress and strengthening self-efficacy is relevant in clinical interventions. As interface management, a pilot-based intervention like "Babylotse ambulant" can provide relief in the care of distressed patients during pregnancy and birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silke Pawils
- Institut und Poliklinik für Medizinische Psychologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Deutschland
| | - Désirée Kolodziej
- Institut und Poliklinik für Medizinische Psychologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Deutschland
| | - Sönke Siefert
- Stiftung Familienorientierte Nachsorge Hamburg SeeYou, Katholisches Kinderkrankenhaus Wilhelmstift gGmbH, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Franka Metzner-Guczka
- Institut und Poliklinik für Medizinische Psychologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Shao S, Yao D, Li S, Li J, Si Y, Zhang H, Zhu Z, Song D, Li H. N-Cadherin Regulates GluA1-Mediated Depressive-Like Behavior in Adolescent Female Rat Offspring following Prenatal Stress. Neuroendocrinology 2022; 112:493-509. [PMID: 34348318 DOI: 10.1159/000518383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of depression is twice higher in women than in men, and gender differences in the prevalence rates first emerge around puberty. Prenatal stress (PS) induces gender-dependent depressive-like behavior in adolescent offspring, but the neuro-physiological mechanisms remain unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the possible neuro-physiological mechanisms of gender-dependent depressive-like behavior in PS adolescent offspring and further explored the possibility of treating depression in adolescent female rats. METHODS The pregnant rats were exposed to restraint stress in the third trimester for 7 days. The depressive-like behavior and the expression of N-cadherin and AMPARs in the hippocampus of adolescent offspring rats were assessed. 10 mg/kg AMPAR antagonist CNQX and 10 mg/kg N-cadherin antagonist ADH-1 were intraperitoneally injected into female adolescent offspring, respectively; 0.2 µg AMPAR agonist CX546 was administered to the dentate gyrus of male adolescent offspring to determine the role of N-cadherin-AMPARs in depressive-like behavior of the offspring following PS. RESULTS We found that PS increased N-cadherin expression, which upregulated GluA1 expression in the dentate gyrus, mediating depressive-like behavior in adolescent female rat offspring by reducing PSD-95. In addition, ADH-1 and CNQX improved depressive-like behavior in adolescent female offspring following PS. Furthermore, injection of the CX546 into the dentate gyrus induced depressive-like behavior in PS male offspring. CONCLUSION The gender-dependent expression of N-cadherin-GluA1 pathway in adolescent offspring in the dentate gyrus was the key factor in gender differences of depressive-like behavior following PS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuya Shao
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dan Yao
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Senya Li
- The Affiliated Children Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yufang Si
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Maternal and Infant Health Research Institute and Medical College, Northwestern University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huiping Zhang
- The Affiliated Children Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhongliang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Maternal and Infant Health Research Institute and Medical College, Northwestern University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dongli Song
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, California, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sex differences in the associations between maternal prenatal distress and infant cortisol reactivity and recovery. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 124:105064. [PMID: 33260082 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.105064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Previous research suggests that maternal prenatal psychological distress (PPD) is related to altered cortisol reactivity in the exposed child. There are indications for the sex differences in vulnerability for prenatal adversities that depend on the exposure and child outcome. Still, it is not known whether the association between maternal PPD and infant cortisol stress response is moderated by sex. In addition, the recovery phase of the cortisol stress response has not been given as much attention as reactivity. Our aim was to study the sex differences in the associations between self-reported maternal prenatal depressive-, anxiety- and pregnancy-related anxiety symptoms through gestational weeks 14, 24 and 34 and the saliva cortisol reactivity to and recovery from the acute stress among 10-week-old infants. The study population comprised of 363 mother-infant pairs from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study. We found evidence for sex-dependent associations between PPD exposure and infant cortisol response. A less steep recovery slope (-10 % per one SD increase in PPD [95 % CI = -18 to -2 %] and -8 % [-16 to 0 %] depending on the exposure) and a possibly less steep reactivity slope (-14 % [95 % CI = -25 to 0 %] and -10 % [-21 to 3 %]) were associated with higher PPD exposure in females. Of the PPD measures, the strongly intercorrelated, and thus combined, depressive and anxiety symptom score provided the most robust prediction of infant cortisol recovery. Our results demonstrate sexually dimorphic alterations in the functioning of the infant hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and especially in the functioning of the negative feedback loop of the axis after prenatal PPD exposure among healthy babies.
Collapse
|
23
|
Guan SZ, Fu YJ, Zhao F, Liu HY, Chen XH, Qi FQ, Liu ZH, Ng TB. The mechanism of enriched environment repairing the learning and memory impairment in offspring of prenatal stress by regulating the expression of activity-regulated cytoskeletal-associated and insulin-like growth factor-2 in hippocampus. Environ Health Prev Med 2021; 26:8. [PMID: 33451279 PMCID: PMC7811238 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-020-00929-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prenatal stress can cause neurobiological and behavioral defects in offspring; environmental factors play a crucial role in regulating the development of brain and behavioral; this study was designed to test and verify whether an enriched environment can repair learning and memory impairment in offspring rats induced by prenatal stress and to explore its mechanism involving the expression of insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) and activity-regulated cytoskeletal-associated protein (Arc) in the hippocampus of the offspring. Methods Rats were selected to establish a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model during pregnancy. Offspring were weaned on 21st day and housed under either standard or an enriched environment. The learning and memory ability were tested using Morris water maze and Y-maze. The expression of IGF-2 and Arc mRNA and protein were respectively measured by using RT-PCR and Western blotting. Results There was an elevation in the plasma corticosterone level of rat model of maternal chronic stress during pregnancy. Maternal stress’s offspring exposed to an enriched environment could decrease their plasma corticosterone level and improve their weight. The offspring of maternal stress during pregnancy exhibited abnormalities in Morris water maze and Y-maze, which were improved in an enriched environment. The expression of IGF-2, Arc mRNA, and protein in offspring of maternal stress during pregnancy was boosted and some relationships existed between these parameters after being exposed enriched environment. Conclusions The learning and memory impairment in offspring of prenatal stress can be rectified by the enriched environment, the mechanism of which is related to the decreasing plasma corticosterone and increasing hippocampal IGF-2 and Arc of offspring rats following maternal chronic stress during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Su-Zhen Guan
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, No.1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.,Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China.,Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No.1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - You-Juan Fu
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, No.1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.,Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No.1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Feng Zhao
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, No.1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.,Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No.1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Hong-Ya Liu
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, No.1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.,Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No.1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Chen
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, No.1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.,Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No.1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Fa-Qiu Qi
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, No.1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.,Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No.1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Liu
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, No.1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China. .,Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, No.1160, Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.
| | - Tzi Bun Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Becker M, Pinhasov A, Ornoy A. Animal Models of Depression: What Can They Teach Us about the Human Disease? Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:123. [PMID: 33466814 PMCID: PMC7830961 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11010123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is apparently the most common psychiatric disease among the mood disorders affecting about 10% of the adult population. The etiology and pathogenesis of depression are still poorly understood. Hence, as for most human diseases, animal models can help us understand the pathogenesis of depression and, more importantly, may facilitate the search for therapy. In this review we first describe the more common tests used for the evaluation of depressive-like symptoms in rodents. Then we describe different models of depression and discuss their strengths and weaknesses. These models can be divided into several categories: genetic models, models induced by mental acute and chronic stressful situations caused by environmental manipulations (i.e., learned helplessness in rats/mice), models induced by changes in brain neuro-transmitters or by specific brain injuries and models induced by pharmacological tools. In spite of the fact that none of the models completely resembles human depression, most animal models are relevant since they mimic many of the features observed in the human situation and may serve as a powerful tool for the study of the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of depression, especially since only few patients respond to acute treatment. Relevance increases by the fact that human depression also has different facets and many possible etiologies and therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Becker
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
| | - Albert Pinhasov
- Department of Molecular Biology and Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
| | - Asher Ornoy
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
- Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Papachristou E, Flouri E. Distinct developmental trajectories of internalising and externalising symptoms in childhood: Links with mental health and risky behaviours in early adolescence. J Affect Disord 2020; 276:1052-1060. [PMID: 32768877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.07.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High or increasing trajectories of internalising and externalising symptoms in childhood are mutually re-enforcing and associated with poor emotional and behavioural outcomes in adolescence. This study sought to identify classes of children with similar trajectories of internalising and externalising symptoms after adjusting one domain's symptoms for the other's at the classification stage, and to relate them to emotional and behavioural outcomes in mid-adolescence. METHODS We used growth mixture modelling to classify 16,844 members of the Millennium Cohort Study (baseline N=19,244) into distinct classes based on their trajectories, across ages 3,5,7 and 11 years, of internalising and externalising symptoms adjusted for one another. We examined the predictive ability of these classes for depression, self-harm, trouble with police and drug use among 11,134 children with available data at age 14. RESULTS We identified four classes of children following distinct trajectories of 'pure' internalising and externalising symptoms. After adjustments for confounding, those with increasing or initially high yet decreasing levels of internalising symptomatology, and those with persistently high or increasing levels of externalising problems were at increased risk of depression in early adolescence. Having initially low yet increasing levels of internalising symptomatology was additionally associated with an increased risk of self-harm and drug use in early adolescence. LIMITATIONS We cannot ascertain whether our longitudinal typology of internalising and externalising symptoms holds for outcomes later in adolescence or adulthood. CONCLUSIONS Interventions aiming to prevent depression, drug use or self-harm in mid-adolescence may be more successful if they target children showing increasing internalising symptoms in the primary school years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Efstathios Papachristou
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, UCL Institute of Education, University College London, 25 Woburn Square, London WC1H 0AA, UK.
| | - Eirini Flouri
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, UCL Institute of Education, University College London, 25 Woburn Square, London WC1H 0AA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hentges RF, Graham SA, Plamondon A, Tough S, Madigan S. A Developmental Cascade from Prenatal Stress to Child Internalizing and Externalizing Problems. J Pediatr Psychol 2020; 44:1057-1067. [PMID: 31166597 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsz044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study utilized a developmental cascade approach to test alternative theories about the underlying mechanisms behind the association of maternal prenatal stress and child psychopathology. The fetal programming hypothesis suggests that prenatal stress affects fetal structural and physiological systems responsible for individual differences in child temperament, which further increases risk for internalizing and externalizing problems. Interpersonal models of stress transmission suggest that maternal stress influences child mental health via early parenting behaviors. We also examined a continuation of stress hypothesis, in which prenatal stress predicts child mental health via the continuation of maternal stress in the postpartum period. METHODS Participants were 1,992 mother-child pairs drawn from a prospective pregnancy cohort. Mothers reported on their perceived stress, anxiety, and depression during pregnancy and at 4-month postpartum. Birthweight was assessed via medical records of birthweight. At 4-month postpartum, hostile-reactive parenting behaviors were assessed. Child temperamental negative affect was measured at age 3. Child internalizing and externalizing problems were assessed at age 5. RESULTS Prenatal stress was associated with both internalizing and externalizing problems via postnatal stress and child temperament. Prenatal stress was also associated with externalizing behaviors via increased hostile-reactive parenting. After accounting for postnatal factors, prenatal stress continued to have a direct effect on child internalizing, but not externalizing, symptoms. CONCLUSION Results provide support for the fetal programming, interpersonal stress transmission, and continuation of stress models. Findings highlight the need for prenatal preventative programs that continue into the early postnatal period, targeting maternal stress and parenting behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rochelle F Hentges
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary.,Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute
| | - Susan A Graham
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary.,Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute
| | - Andre Plamondon
- Department des fondements et pratiques en éducation, Université Laval.,Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto
| | - Suzanne Tough
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute.,Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary
| | - Sheri Madigan
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary.,Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
The role of HPA-axis function during pregnancy in the intergenerational transmission of maternal adverse childhood experiences to child behavior problems. Dev Psychopathol 2020; 33:284-300. [PMID: 32124709 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579419001767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The current study aimed to understand the mediating and/or moderating role of prenatal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function in the association between maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and child internalizing and externalizing behavior problems at age 4. The influence of timing and child sex were also explored. Participants were 248 mother-child dyads enrolled in a prospective longitudinal cohort study (the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition Study). Maternal ACEs were retrospectively assessed while maternal self-reported depression and diurnal salivary cortisol were assessed prospectively at 6-26 weeks gestation (T1) and 27-37 weeks gestation (T2). Maternal report of child internalizing and externalizing problems was assessed at 4 years (T3). Results revealed that there was a negative indirect association between maternal ACEs and child internalizing behavior via a higher maternal cortisol awakening response (CAR). Maternal diurnal cortisol slope moderated the association between maternal ACEs and child behavior problems. Some of these effects were dependent on child sex, such that higher ACEs and a flatter diurnal slope at T1 was associated with more internalizing behavior in female children and more externalizing behavior in male children. There were timing effects such that the mediating and moderating effects were strongest at T1.
Collapse
|
28
|
Allen L, Dwivedi Y. MicroRNA mediators of early life stress vulnerability to depression and suicidal behavior. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:308-320. [PMID: 31740756 PMCID: PMC6974433 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0597-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Childhood environment can have a profound impact on brain structure and function. Epigenetic mechanisms have been shown to play a critical role in adaptive and maladaptive processes by regulating gene expression without changing the genome. Over the past few years, early life stress (ELS) has been established as a major risk factor for major depression and suicidal behavior along with other psychiatric illnesses in adulthood. In recent years, the emergence of small noncoding RNAs as a mega controller of gene expression has gained attention for their role in various disease processes. Among various noncoding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) are the most studied and well characterized and have emerged as a major regulator of neural plasticity and higher brain functioning. More recently, although limited in number, studies are focusing on how miRNAs can play a role in the maladaptive processes associated with ELS both at adolescent and adult age and whether these processes are critical in developing depression and suicidal behavior. In this review, we critically evaluate how postnatal ELS relates to abnormalities in miRNA expression and functions from both animal and human literature and draw connections from these findings to depression and suicidal behavior later in life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Allen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Yogesh Dwivedi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Meyer U. Neurodevelopmental Resilience and Susceptibility to Maternal Immune Activation. Trends Neurosci 2019; 42:793-806. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
30
|
Dowell J, Elser BA, Schroeder RE, Stevens HE. Cellular stress mechanisms of prenatal maternal stress: Heat shock factors and oxidative stress. Neurosci Lett 2019; 709:134368. [PMID: 31299286 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Development of the brain prenatally is affected by maternal experience and exposure. Prenatal maternal psychological stress changes brain development and results in increased risk for neuropsychiatric disorders. In this review, multiple levels of prenatal stress mechanisms (offspring brain, placenta, and maternal physiology) are discussed and their intersection with cellular stress mechanisms explicated. Heat shock factors and oxidative stress are closely related to each other and converge with the inflammation, hormones, and cellular development that have been more deeply explored as the basis of prenatal stress risk. Increasing evidence implicates cellular stress mechanisms in neuropsychiatric disorders associated with prenatal stress including affective disorders, schizophrenia, and child-onset psychiatric disorders. Heat shock factors and oxidative stress also have links with the mechanisms involved in other kinds of prenatal stress including external exposures such as environmental toxicants and internal disruptions such as preeclampsia. Integrative understanding of developmental neurobiology with these cellular and physiological mechanisms is necessary to reduce risks and promote healthy brain development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Dowell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Benjamin A Elser
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA; Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Human Toxicology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Rachel E Schroeder
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA; Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Hanna E Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA; Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Human Toxicology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Mac Giollabhui N, Breen EC, Murphy SK, Maxwell SD, Cohn BA, Krigbaum NY, Cirillo PM, Perez C, Alloy LB, Drabick DAG, Ellman LM. Maternal inflammation during pregnancy and offspring psychiatric symptoms in childhood: Timing and sex matter. J Psychiatr Res 2019; 111:96-103. [PMID: 30690329 PMCID: PMC6644717 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Maternal infection during pregnancy has been associated with increased risk of offspring psychopathology, including depression. As most infections do not cross the placenta, maternal immune responses to infection have been considered as potentially contributing to this relationship. This study examined whether gestational timing of maternal inflammation during pregnancy is associated with offspring internalizing and/or externalizing symptoms during childhood and, further, whether fetal sex moderated this relationship. METHOD Participants were 737 pregnant women and their offspring who were continuously followed through late childhood. Archived first and second trimester sera were analyzed for markers of inflammation [interleukin 8 (IL-8), IL-6, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-II (sTNF-RII)]. When offspring were aged 9-11, mothers completed a questionnaire assessing psychological symptoms. RESULTS Multivariate regression analyses indicated that elevated IL-8 in the first trimester was associated with significantly higher levels of externalizing symptoms in offspring. Higher IL-1ra in the second trimester was associated with higher offspring internalizing symptoms. Further, second trimester IL-1ra was associated with increased internalizing symptoms in females only. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that elevated maternal inflammation during pregnancy is associated with the emergence of separate psychological phenotypes and that timing of exposure and fetal sex matter for offspring outcomes. Given that internalizing and externalizing symptoms in childhood increase risk for a variety of mental disorders later in development, these findings potentially have major implications for early intervention and prevention work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth C Breen
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, Dept. of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Shannon K Murphy
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Seth D Maxwell
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Barbara A Cohn
- Child Health and Development Studies, Public Health Institute, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Nickilou Y Krigbaum
- Child Health and Development Studies, Public Health Institute, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Piera M Cirillo
- Child Health and Development Studies, Public Health Institute, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Christian Perez
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, Dept. of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Lauren B Alloy
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Lauren M Ellman
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Gray SA, Jones CW, Theall KP, Glackin E, Drury SS. Thinking Across Generations: Unique Contributions of Maternal Early Life and Prenatal Stress to Infant Physiology. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2017; 56:922-929. [PMID: 29096774 PMCID: PMC5939998 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) is a parasympathetic-mediated biomarker of self-regulation linked to lifespan mental and physical health outcomes. Intergenerational impacts of mothers' exposure to prenatal stress have been demonstrated, but evidence for biological embedding of maternal preconception stress, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), on infant RSA is lacking. We examine the independent effects of maternal ACEs and prenatal stress on infant RSA, seeking to broaden the understanding of the earliest origins of mental and physical health risk. METHOD Mothers reported on ACEs and prenatal stress. RSA was recorded in a sample of 167 4-month-old infants (49% female and 51% male) during a dyadic stressor, the Still Face Paradigm. RESULTS Independent contributions of maternal ACEs and prenatal stress to infant RSA were observed. High maternal ACEs were associated with lower RSA, whereas prenatal stress was associated with failure to recover following the stressor. Sex but not race differences were observed. Prenatal stress was associated with higher RSA among boys but lower RSA among girls. CONCLUSION Infants' RSA is affected by mothers' life course experiences of stress, with ACEs predicting a lower set point and prenatal stress dampening recovery from stress. For prenatal stress but not ACEs, patterns vary across sex. Findings underscore that stress-reducing interventions for pregnant women or those considering pregnancy may lead to decreased physical and mental health risk across generations.
Collapse
|
33
|
Thomas MB, Becker JB. Sex differences in prenatal stress effects on cocaine pursuit in rats. Physiol Behav 2017; 203:3-9. [PMID: 29055747 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Disruption of early-life ontogeny has severe and persistent consequences for the health of the developing organism. Both clinical and preclinical findings indicate that such interference can be caused by maternal stress during the gestation period (prenatal stress [PS]). In rats, PS facilitates the rewarding and neurochemical-stimulating effects of drugs, suggesting that PS may represent a risk factor for drug abuse in humans. Very little, however, is known about its effects in females, even though sex differences in drug susceptibility have been well documented in no PS (NPS) controls. Thus, we tested for independent effects and interactions between maternal restraint stress during the last week of gestation and sex on drug use with an extended regimen of drug self-administration. Male and female rats were provided daily access to a large but controlled amount of cocaine for seven weeks. Drug pursuit during the final week was used to indicate susceptibility to developing an addiction-like phenotype, based on reports that drug use becomes increasingly compulsive-like after weeks of testing. Overall, females satisfied more addiction-like criteria than males, and the same was true for PS rats when compared to NPS controls. In addition, sex and PS interacted to disproportionately promote drug pursuit of females with a history of PS. These results indicate that sex differences in drug susceptibility persist with continued drug exposure, and that PS widens this difference by more severely affecting females. In all, PS may be a risk factor for drug addiction in humans, and to a greater extent in women vs. men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark B Thomas
- Psychology Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Sciformix, 1500 West Park Drive, Westborough, MA, United States
| | - Jill B Becker
- Psychology Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Neuroscience Program, Psychiatry Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
| |
Collapse
|