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Isaković J, Šimunić I, Jagečić D, Hribljan V, Mitrečić D. Overview of Neural Tube Defects: Gene–Environment Interactions, Preventative Approaches and Future Perspectives. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10050965. [PMID: 35625701 PMCID: PMC9138472 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10050965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the second most common congenital malformations of humans, characterized by impaired development of the central nervous system. Even though the etiology of most birth defects remains undetermined, genetic and environmental risk factors in the background of NTDs have been identified and extensively reported. On top of genetic and nutritional risks which include mutations in both coding and non-coding regions and maternal folate status, respectively, recent years have seen a rise in the identification of a variety of teratogens that could be implicated in NTD development. These include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, arsenic, pesticides, maternal hyperthermia and antibiotics as well as pain and seizure medication. With an increase in understanding of teratogens leading to NTD formation, preventative and treatment approaches have witnessed great advances throughout the years. While the most common preventative approach includes folic acid food fortification as well as suggested inositol supplementation, treatment and management approaches differ greatly depending on the developmental stage and the site of the lesion and include prenatal surgery, stem cell transplantation and postnatal surgery. Because NTDs still represent a large health and financial burden for the patient and society as a whole, it is crucial to investigate potential risk factors and develop novel approaches in order to fully prevent this category of disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmina Isaković
- Omnion Research International Ltd., Heinzelova 4, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.J.); (V.H.); (D.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Iva Šimunić
- Laboratory for Stem Cells, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Denis Jagečić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.J.); (V.H.); (D.M.)
- Laboratory for Stem Cells, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Valentina Hribljan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.J.); (V.H.); (D.M.)
- Laboratory for Stem Cells, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Dinko Mitrečić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.J.); (V.H.); (D.M.)
- Laboratory for Stem Cells, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
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Kinshella MLW, Omar S, Scherbinsky K, Vidler M, Magee LA, von Dadelszen P, Moore SE, Elango R. Effects of Maternal Nutritional Supplements and Dietary Interventions on Placental Complications: An Umbrella Review, Meta-Analysis and Evidence Map. Nutrients 2021; 13:472. [PMID: 33573262 PMCID: PMC7912620 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a vital, multi-functional organ that acts as an interface between maternal and fetal circulation during pregnancy. Nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy alter placental development and function, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as pre-eclampsia, infants with small for gestational age and low birthweight, preterm birth, stillbirths and maternal mortality. Maternal nutritional supplementation may help to mitigate the risks, but the evidence base is difficult to navigate. The primary purpose of this umbrella review is to map the evidence on the effects of maternal nutritional supplements and dietary interventions on pregnancy outcomes related to placental disorders and maternal mortality. A systematic search was performed on seven electronic databases, the PROSPERO register and references lists of identified papers. The results were screened in a three-stage process based on title, abstract and full-text by two independent reviewers. Randomized controlled trial meta-analyses on the efficacy of maternal nutritional supplements or dietary interventions were included. There were 91 meta-analyses included, covering 23 types of supplements and three types of dietary interventions. We found evidence that supports supplementary vitamin D and/or calcium, omega-3, multiple micronutrients, lipid-based nutrients, and balanced protein energy in reducing the risks of adverse maternal and fetal health outcomes. However, these findings are limited by poor quality of evidence. Nutrient combinations show promise and support a paradigm shift to maternal dietary balance, rather than single micronutrient deficiencies, to improve maternal and fetal health. The review is registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020160887).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai-Lei Woo Kinshella
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K8, Canada; (M.-L.W.K.); (S.O.); (K.S.); (M.V.); (L.A.M.); (P.v.D.)
| | - Shazmeen Omar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K8, Canada; (M.-L.W.K.); (S.O.); (K.S.); (M.V.); (L.A.M.); (P.v.D.)
| | - Kerri Scherbinsky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K8, Canada; (M.-L.W.K.); (S.O.); (K.S.); (M.V.); (L.A.M.); (P.v.D.)
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 0B3, Canada
| | - Marianne Vidler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K8, Canada; (M.-L.W.K.); (S.O.); (K.S.); (M.V.); (L.A.M.); (P.v.D.)
| | - Laura A. Magee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K8, Canada; (M.-L.W.K.); (S.O.); (K.S.); (M.V.); (L.A.M.); (P.v.D.)
- Department of Women & Children’s Health, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK;
| | - Peter von Dadelszen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2K8, Canada; (M.-L.W.K.); (S.O.); (K.S.); (M.V.); (L.A.M.); (P.v.D.)
- Department of Women & Children’s Health, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK;
| | - Sophie E. Moore
- Department of Women & Children’s Health, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK;
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, P.O. Box 273 Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Rajavel Elango
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 0B3, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Division of Neonatology, BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
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Taylor RM, Fealy SM, Bisquera A, Smith R, Collins CE, Evans TJ, Hure AJ. Effects of Nutritional Interventions during Pregnancy on Infant and Child Cognitive Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2017; 9:E1265. [PMID: 29156647 PMCID: PMC5707737 DOI: 10.3390/nu9111265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that folate, iodine and iron intake during pregnancy impacts on foetal brain development and cognitive function. However, in human studies, the relationship with other dietary nutrients is less clear. OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims to critically appraise the current literature and meta-analyses results from nutritional interventions during pregnancy that aimed to optimise infant and child cognitive outcomes. DESIGN Ten electronic databases were searched for articles published up to August 2017. The search was limited to articles published in English. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) testing the impact of any nutritional intervention (dietary counselling, education, nutrient supplementation, fortified foods and/or foods) during pregnancy on cognitive outcomes of children (<10 years old). Two independent reviewers assessed study eligibility and quality using the American Dietetic Association quality criteria checklist for primary research. Standardised mean differences were used for nine cognitive domains to measure effects for meta-analyses. RESULTS A total of 34 RCTs were included (21 studies included children aged less than 35 months, 10 studies included children aged 36-60 months and 3 studies included children aged 61-119 months). The types of nutritional interventions included nutrient supplements, whole foods, fortified foods and nutrition education. The following nine cognition outcomes: attention, behaviour, crystallised intelligence, fluid intelligence, global cognition, memory, motor skills, visual processing, and problem solving were not significantly impacted by nutritional interventions, although 65% of studies conducted post-hoc data analyses and were likely to be underpowered. Although, long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) supplementation was associated with a marginal increase in crystallised intelligence (Effect size (ES): 0.25; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): -0.04, 0.53), the effect was not statistically significant (p = 0.09), with significant study heterogeneity (p = 0.00). CONCLUSIONS LCPUFA supplementation may be associated with an improvement in child crystallised intelligence, however further research is warranted. The remaining eight cognition domains were not significantly impacted by maternal nutritional interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael M Taylor
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
| | - Shanna M Fealy
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Alessandra Bisquera
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
- Clinical Research Design IT and Statistical Support (CReDITSS) Unit, Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
| | - Roger Smith
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
| | - Clare E Collins
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
- Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| | - Tiffany-Jane Evans
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
- Clinical Research Design IT and Statistical Support (CReDITSS) Unit, Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
| | - Alexis J Hure
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
- Priority Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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