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Collins JM, Keane JM, Deady C, Khashan AS, McCarthy FP, O'Keeffe GW, Clarke G, Cryan JF, Caputi V, O'Mahony SM. Prenatal stress impacts foetal neurodevelopment: Temporal windows of gestational vulnerability. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 164:105793. [PMID: 38971516 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105793] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal maternal stressors ranging in severity from everyday occurrences/hassles to the experience of traumatic events negatively impact neurodevelopment, increasing the risk for the onset of psychopathology in the offspring. Notably, the timing of prenatal stress exposure plays a critical role in determining the nature and severity of subsequent neurodevelopmental outcomes. In this review, we evaluate the empirical evidence regarding temporal windows of heightened vulnerability to prenatal stress with respect to motor, cognitive, language, and behavioural development in both human and animal studies. We also explore potential temporal windows whereby several mechanisms may mediate prenatal stress-induced neurodevelopmental effects, namely, excessive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity, altered serotonin signalling and sympathetic-adrenal-medullary system, changes in placental function, immune system dysregulation, and alterations of the gut microbiota. While broadly defined developmental windows are apparent for specific psychopathological outcomes, inconsistencies arise when more complex cognitive and behavioural outcomes are considered. Novel approaches to track molecular markers reflective of the underlying aetiologies throughout gestation to identify tractable biomolecular signatures corresponding to critical vulnerability periods are urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Collins
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - James M Keane
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Clara Deady
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Ali S Khashan
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Fergus P McCarthy
- The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Gerard W O'Keeffe
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Gerard Clarke
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Valentina Caputi
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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Timmer-Murillo SC, Mowrer A, Wang AZ, Jazinski-Chambers K, Piña I, Rundell MR, Bennett JM, Wagner AJ, deRoon-Cassini TA. Examining emotion regulation and inflammation as predictors of maternal mental health after fetal anomaly diagnosis. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 122:1-8. [PMID: 39106938 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fetal anomalies occur in approximately 3% of pregnancies and receiving the diagnosis may be a potentially traumatic experience for families. The mental health of mothers receiving diagnoses and what predicts resilience or poor mental health is understudied. Emotion regulation is an important, modifiable, transdiagnostic factor of mental health, and may be protective post-diagnosis. Evaluating biomarkers of stress, including IL-6 and Allostatic Load (AL), can also serve as early indicators of risk, indicative of early intervention. This study assessed whether reappraisal, suppression, IL-6, and AL was associated with mental health outcomes and resilience in women after receiving a fetal anomaly diagnosis. METHODS Pregnant women (N=108) presenting to a fetal concerns clinic for initial consultation completed measures of emotion regulation (i.e., reappraisal and suppression), depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and resilience between 2019-2022. A blood draw was used to assess IL-6 and create composite allostatic load measure including: IL-6, blood pressure, heart rate, glucose, cortisol, and body mass index. RESULTS Linear regressions controlling for age, gestational age, and perceived fetal diagnosis severity, demonstrated that IL-6 was negatively associated with resilience and positively associated with depression. Reappraisal was positively associated to resilience and negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, whereas state insurance status was positively associated to anxiety and PTS symptoms. Suppression and allostatic load were not significant. CONCLUSIONS Women experiencing fetal anomaly diagnosis represent an understudied population with unaddressed mental health needs. Reappraisal serves as not only a protective factor, but one that can be enhanced to promote maternal resilience and mental health. Furthermore, elevated IL-6 may be a critical early indicator of potential intervention needs among women who are pregnant, to mitigate negative psychological states and enhance resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney C Timmer-Murillo
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
| | - Alyssa Mowrer
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Division of Pediatric Surgery, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
| | - Amy Z Wang
- University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Department of Psychology, 2441 E. Hartford Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA.
| | - Kelley Jazinski-Chambers
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
| | - Isela Piña
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
| | - Maddie R Rundell
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Division of Pediatric Surgery, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
| | - Jeanette M Bennett
- UNC Charlotte, Department of Psychological Science, 9201 University City Blvd Charlotte, NC 28223, USA.
| | - Amy J Wagner
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Division of Pediatric Surgery, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
| | - Terri A deRoon-Cassini
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; Comprehensive Injury Center, Division of Data Surveillance & Informatics, 10000 Innovation Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
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Ratsika A, Codagnone MG, Bastiaanssen TFS, Hoffmann Sarda FA, Lynch CMK, Ventura-Silva AP, Rosell-Cardona C, Caputi V, Stanton C, Fülling C, Clarke G, Cryan JF. Maternal high-fat diet-induced microbiota changes are associated with alterations in embryonic brain metabolites and adolescent behaviour. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 121:317-330. [PMID: 39032541 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The developing central nervous system is highly sensitive to nutrient changes during the perinatal period, emphasising the potential impact of alterations of maternal diet on offspring brain development and behaviour. A growing body of research implicates the gut microbiota in neurodevelopment and behaviour. Maternal overweight and obesity during the perinatal period has been linked to changes in neurodevelopment, plasticity and affective disorders in the offspring, with implications for microbial signals from the maternal gut. Here we investigate the impact of maternal high-fat diet (mHFD)-induced changes in microbial signals on offspring brain development, and neuroimmune signals, and the enduring effects on behaviour into adolescence. We first demonstrate that maternal caecal microbiota composition at term pregnancy (embryonic day 18: E18) differs significantly in response to maternal diet. Moreover, mHFD resulted in the upregulation of microbial genes in the maternal intestinal tissue linked to alterations in quinolinic acid synthesis and elevated kynurenine levels in the maternal plasma, both neuronal plasticity mediators related to glutamate metabolism. Metabolomics of mHFD embryonic brains at E18 also detected molecules linked to glutamate-glutamine cycle, including glutamic acid, glutathione disulphide, and kynurenine. During adolescence, the mHFD offspring exhibited increased locomotor activity and anxiety-like behaviour in a sex-dependent manner, along with upregulation of glutamate-related genes compared to controls. Overall, our results demonstrate that maternal exposure to high-fat diet results in microbiota changes, behavioural imprinting, altered brain metabolism, and glutamate signalling during critical developmental windows during the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ratsika
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
| | - Martin G Codagnone
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
| | - Thomaz F S Bastiaanssen
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
| | - Fabiana A Hoffmann Sarda
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland; Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Cork, Ireland
| | - Caoimhe M K Lynch
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
| | - Ana Paula Ventura-Silva
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
| | - Cristina Rosell-Cardona
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
| | - Valentina Caputi
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
| | | | - Christine Fülling
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
| | - Gerard Clarke
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork T12YT20, Ireland.
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Longoria KD, Nguyen TC, Franco-Rocha O, Garcia SR, Lewis KA, Gandra S, Cates F, Wright ML. A sum of its parts: A systematic review evaluating biopsychosocial and behavioral determinants of perinatal depression. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0290059. [PMID: 38995978 PMCID: PMC11244847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290059] [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: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Depression is one of the most common yet underdiagnosed perinatal complications and our understanding of its pathophysiology remains limited. Though perinatal depression is considered to have a multifactorial etiology, integrative approaches to investigation are minimal. This review takes an integrative approach to systematically evaluate determinants (e.g., biological, behavioral, environmental, social) and interactions among determinants of perinatal depression and the quality of methods applied. METHODS Four databases (i.e., PubMed, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, Web of Science) were systematically searched to identify studies examining determinants of perinatal depression in adult perinatal persons (≥ 18 years). Articles were excluded if the outcomes were not focused on perinatal persons and depression or depression symptoms, depression was examined in a specific subpopulation evidenced to have psychological consequences due to situational stressors (e.g., fetal/infant loss, neonatal intensive care unit admission), or was considered grey literature. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme and AXIS tools were used to guide and standardize quality appraisal assessments and determine the level of risk of bias. RESULTS Of the 454 articles identified, 25 articles were included for final review. A total of 14 categories of determinants were investigated: biological (5), behavioral (4), social and environmental (5). Though only 32% of studies simultaneously considered determinants under more than one domain, a pattern of interactions with the tryptophan pathway emerged. Concerns for risk of bias were noted or were unclear for three types of bias: 13 (52%) selection bias, 3 (12%) recall bias, and 24 (96%) measurement bias. CONCLUSIONS Future research is needed to explore interactions among determinants and the tryptophan pathway; to strengthen the methods applied to this area of inquiry; and to generate evidence for best practices in reporting, selecting, and applying methods for measuring determinants and perinatal depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla D. Longoria
- School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Tien C. Nguyen
- College of Natural Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Oscar Franco-Rocha
- School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sarina R. Garcia
- College of Natural Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kimberly A. Lewis
- School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Sreya Gandra
- College of Natural Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
- College of Liberal Arts, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Frances Cates
- College of Liberal Arts, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Michelle L. Wright
- School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Women’s Health, Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
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Nazzari S, Pili MP, Günay Y, Provenzi L. Pandemic babies: A systematic review of the association between maternal pandemic-related stress during pregnancy and infant development. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105723. [PMID: 38762129 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105723] [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: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, with its far-reaching influence on daily life, constituted a highly stressful experience for many people worldwide, jeopardizing individuals' mental health, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. While a growing body of evidence links prenatal maternal stress to biological and developmental alterations in offspring, the specific impact of prenatal exposure to maternal pandemic-related stress (PRS) on infant development remains unclear. A comprehensive literature search was performed in October 2023 according to the PRISMA guidelines, which yielded a total of 28 records. The selected papers investigated a vast range of developmental and biological outcomes in the offspring with large methodological variations. The reviewed studies showed mixed results. Either direct associations between maternal PRS during pregnancy and infant temperament and socio-emotional development, or indirect links, mediated by maternal mental health, emerged in most studies. Furthermore, maternal PRS was associated with epigenetic and brain alterations in the offspring, although studies were limited in number. Collectively, the reviewed findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of early adverse exposures on infant development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nazzari
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Miriam Paola Pili
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Yaren Günay
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Livio Provenzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Developmental Psychobiology Lab, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Silva-Fernandes A, Conde A, Marques M, Caparros-Gonzalez RA, Fransson E, Mesquita AR, Figueiredo B, Skalkidou A. Inflammatory biomarkers and perinatal depression: A systematic review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0280612. [PMID: 38820411 PMCID: PMC11142563 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280612] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 10 to 20% of pregnant women worldwide experience perinatal depression (PND), a depressive episode with onset during pregnancy or after childbirth. We performed a systematic review to identify, summarize and discuss studies on inflammatory biomarkers described in relation to PND. METHOD Inclusion criteria defined the selection of observational studies written in English, French, Spanish or Portuguese, that evaluate analytical levels of inflammatory molecules (protein levels) in biological fluids in women, with a diagnosis of depression using ICD/DSM diagnostic criteria or depressive symptoms assessed by standardized psychometric instruments, during pregnancy and/or postpartum. Case reports, experimental studies, reviews, qualitative analysis, meta-analysis, gray literature or replicated data were excluded. Three electronic databases were used for search (Pubmed, Web of Science and PsychInfo) and quality assessment of selected studies were performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data extraction included study design; number of subjects; obstetric information; tools and timepoints of depression and inflammatory markers assessment. RESULTS 56 studies (sample size for cross-sectional and case-control studies ranging from 10 to 469; sample size for longitudinal studies ranging from 26 to 467), where the major aim was to analyze the association between depression and inflammatory biomarkers during pregnancy and postpartum period were included in this systematic review. Overall, the findings of our systematic review lend support to the hypothesis that several inflammatory markers may be associated with peripartum depressive symptoms. The associations were somewhat different looking at pregnancy compared to the delivery time-point and postpartum, and mainly referred to increased levels of IL-6, IL-8, CRP and TNF-α among depressed. DISCUSSION In summary, our systematic review findings provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that several inflammatory markers may correlate with peripartum depressive symptoms. However, our work also highlighted notable differences in the timing of biological sampling for inflammatory markers and in the methodologies used to assess depression during the perinatal period. Additionally, variations were observed in how inflammatory biomarkers and depression were approached, including their classification as exposure or outcome variables, and the timing of assessments. It is essential for future research to investigate the influence of biological fluids and the timing of assessments for both inflammatory biomarkers and depression to gain a deeper understanding of their association. This comprehensive exploration is pivotal for elucidating the intricate relationship between inflammation and perinatal depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabela Silva-Fernandes
- Psychology Research Center (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Conde
- CINTESIS@RISE, CINTESIS.UPT, Portucalense University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Margarida Marques
- Faculdade de Psicologia, CICPSI, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rafael A. Caparros-Gonzalez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs, GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Emma Fransson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ana Raquel Mesquita
- Psychology Research Center (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ProChild CoLab Against Poverty and Social Exclusion–Association (ProChild CoLAB) Campus de Couros Rua de Vila Flor, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Figueiredo
- Psychology Research Center (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Alkistis Skalkidou
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Nazzari S, Grumi S, Mambretti F, Villa M, Giorda R, Bordoni M, Pansarasa O, Borgatti R, Provenzi L. Sex-dimorphic pathways in the associations between maternal trait anxiety, infant BDNF methylation, and negative emotionality. Dev Psychopathol 2024; 36:908-918. [PMID: 36855816 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423000172] [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] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Maternal antenatal anxiety is an emerging risk factor for child emotional development. Both sex and epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, may contribute to the embedding of maternal distress into emotional outcomes. Here, we investigated sex-dependent patterns in the association between antenatal maternal trait anxiety, methylation of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF DNAm), and infant negative emotionality (NE). Mother-infant dyads (N = 276) were recruited at delivery. Maternal trait anxiety, as a marker of antenatal chronic stress exposure, was assessed soon after delivery using the Stait-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y). Infants' BDNF DNAm at birth was assessed in 11 CpG sites in buccal cells whereas infants' NE was assessed at 3 (N = 225) and 6 months (N = 189) using the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (IBQ-R). Hierarchical linear analyses showed that higher maternal antenatal anxiety was associated with greater 6-month-olds' NE. Furthermore, maternal antenatal anxiety predicted greater infants' BDNF DNAm in five CpG sites in males but not in females. Higher methylation at these sites was associated with greater 3-to-6-month NE increase, independently of infants' sex. Maternal antenatal anxiety emerged as a risk factor for infant's NE. BDNF DNAm might mediate this effect in males. These results may inform the development of strategies to promote mothers and infants' emotional well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nazzari
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Serena Grumi
- Developmental Psychobiology Lab, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabiana Mambretti
- Molecular Biology Lab, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Marco Villa
- Molecular Biology Lab, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Roberto Giorda
- Molecular Biology Lab, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Matteo Bordoni
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Orietta Pansarasa
- Cellular Models and Neuroepigenetics Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Renato Borgatti
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Developmental Psychobiology Lab, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Livio Provenzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Developmental Psychobiology Lab, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Pedraz-Petrozzi B, Lamadé EK, Marszalek-Grabska M, Trzpil A, Lindner O, Meininger P, Fornal E, Turski WA, Witt SH, Gilles M, Deuschle M. Fetal Sex as Moderating Factor for the Relationship Between Maternal Childhood Trauma and Salivary Kynurenic Acid and Tryptophan in Pregnancy: A Pilot Study. Int J Tryptophan Res 2024; 17:11786469241244603. [PMID: 38660592 PMCID: PMC11041113 DOI: 10.1177/11786469241244603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic experiences and fetal development influence tryptophan (TRP) and its neuroactive byproduct, kynurenic acid (KYNA). Maternal TRP metabolite levels during pregnancy vary by fetal sex, with higher concentrations in mothers carrying male fetuses. This pilot study aimed to explore the relationship between offspring sex, maternal childhood trauma, and maternal salivary KYNA and TRP levels during pregnancy. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to determine KYNA and TRP levels in maternal saliva samples collected from 35 late-pregnancy participants. Maternal childhood trauma was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, including subscales for emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect. Among mothers pregnant with boys, salivary KYNA significantly correlated with physical and emotional neglect, and salivary TRP with emotional neglect. No significant correlations were found in mothers who delivered female offspring. Significant associations of childhood trauma and offspring sex were found for salivary KYNA but not TRP concentrations. Mothers with higher trauma levels who delivered boys exhibited higher levels of salivary KYNA compared to those with lower trauma levels. Moreover, mothers with higher trauma levels who delivered boys had higher salivary KYNA levels than those with higher trauma levels who delivered girls. This pilot study provides evidence of an association between maternal childhood trauma and TRP metabolism, measured in saliva, especially in mothers pregnant with boys. However, longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Pedraz-Petrozzi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eva Kathrin Lamadé
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Alicja Trzpil
- Department of Bioanalytics, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | - Ole Lindner
- Center for Child and Adolescent Health, Pediatrics, University Hospital of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Pascal Meininger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Westpfalz-Klinikum, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Emilia Fornal
- Department of Bioanalytics, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | - Waldemar A Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | - Stephanie H Witt
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maria Gilles
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Deuschle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany
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Etyemez S, Miller KN, Voegtline KM, Özdemir İ, Standeven LR, Santovito LS, Pinna G, Payne JL, Osborne LM. Metabolites of progesterone in pregnancy: Associations with perinatal anxiety. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 156:106327. [PMID: 37423029 PMCID: PMC10530426 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106327] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric disorder during the perinatal period and one of the major risk factors for postpartum depression, yet we know little about biological factors in the etiology of perinatal anxiety. A growing literature points to neuroactive steroid (NAS) dysregulation in perinatal mental illness, but directionality has not been clearly demonstrated, results are not consistent, and no studies have investigated NAS in a population with pure anxiety without comorbid depression. We aimed to add to the limited literature by examining the association between anxiety without comorbid depression and metabolic pathways of NAS longitudinally across the peripartum. METHODS We measured anxiety symptoms by psychological scales and NAS levels using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) at the second and third trimester (T2 and T3) and week 6 postpartum (W6) in n = 36 women with anxiety and n = 38 healthy controls. The anxiety group was determined by a data-driven approach, and cross-sectional and longitudinal statistical methods were used to examine the relationship between the study population and NAS. RESULTS We found that anxiety had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between progesterone and allopregnanolone, with no such effect for the relationships between progesterone and the intermediate (5α-DHP) or isomeric (isoallopregnanolone) compounds in this pathway, and no effects on the corresponding pathway converting progesterone to pregnanolone and epipregnanolone. We also found a less precipitous decline in the ratio of allopregnanolone to progesterone between T3 and W6 in the anxiety group compared to the non-anxiety group. A genotype analysis of a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the AKR1C2 gene demonstrated that the relationship of allopregnanolone to the intermediate metabolite, 5α-DHP, differed by genotype. CONCLUSION Our exploratory findings indicate that, for pregnant people with anxiety, metabolism is shunted more aggressively toward the endpoint of the progesterone to allopregnanolone metabolic pathway than it is for those without anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semra Etyemez
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E. 68th St., M-706, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristen N Miller
- Reproductive Mental Health Center, Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 550 N. Broadway, Suite 305C, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kristin M Voegtline
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 200 N. Wolfe St, Room 2076, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - İpek Özdemir
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe St, Park 367C, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Lindsay R Standeven
- Reproductive Mental Health Center, Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 550 N. Broadway, Suite 305C, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Luca Spiro Santovito
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W Taylor St, Chicago, 60612 IL, USA
| | - Graziano Pinna
- The Psychiatric Institute, UI Center on Depression and Resilience (UICDR), Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics (CARE), Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois Chicago, 1601 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jennifer L Payne
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, PO Box 800548, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Lauren M Osborne
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E. 68th St., M-706, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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10
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Drozdowicz-Jastrzębska E, Mach A, Skalski M, Januszko P, Jabiry-Zieniewicz Z, Siwek M, Wawrzyniak ZM, Radziwoń-Zaleska M. Depression, anxiety, insomnia and interleukins in the early postpartum period. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1266390. [PMID: 37840785 PMCID: PMC10569220 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1266390] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Some new mothers have been shown to suffer from anxiety and depression associated with insomnia during the postpartum period. Our study assessed the impact of demographic, psychopathological, and biochemical factors on the incidence of depression in women during the early postpartum period. Methods A total of 119 women were evaluated at 24-48 h postpartum with the following psychometric scales: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS). In addition, blood was drawn to assay interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 10 (IL-10). Results The factors that had the greatest impact on the risk of postpartum depression detected with the HDRS were high HARS scores and evidence of insomnia in the AIS. There were no significant differences in IL-6 or IL-10 levels in women with and without depression (based on either HDRS or EPDS scores) and insomnia (based on AIS) after childbirth. Considering demographic factors, divorced and single women were shown to be at higher risk of postpartum depression (based on EPDS scores). Limitations Small sample size and short observation span. Conclusion This study highlights the relationship between postpartum depression and both anxiety and insomnia and emphasises the importance to assess symptoms of anxiety and sleep quality as part of screening in women at risk of postpartum depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Mach
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Skalski
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Januszko
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Marcin Siwek
- Department of Affective Disorders, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
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11
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Longoria KD, Nguyen TC, Franco-Rocha O, Garcia SR, Lewis KA, Gandra S, Cates F, Wright ML. A sum of its parts: A systematic review evaluating biopsychosocial and behavioral determinants of perinatal depression. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.08.02.23293552. [PMID: 37577597 PMCID: PMC10418297 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.02.23293552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Depression is one of the most common yet underdiagnosed perinatal complications and our understanding of the pathophysiology remains limited. Though perinatal depression is considered to have a multifactorial etiology, integrative approaches to investigation are minimal. This review takes an integrative approach to systematically evaluate determinants and potential interactions among determinants of perinatal depression across four domains (i.e., biological, behavioral, environmental, social) and appraise the quality of methods applied. Methods Four databases (i.e., PubMed, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, and Web of Science) were systematically searched to identify studies examining determinants of perinatal depression in adult perinatal persons (≥ 18 years). Articles were excluded if the outcomes were not focused on perinatal persons and depression or depression symptoms, the evaluation of depression was specific to a discrete facet of the perinatal period with probable psychological consequences (e.g., abortion, fetal/infant loss, adoption), or was considered grey literature. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme and AXIS tools were used to guide and standardize quality appraisal assessments and determine the level of risk of bias. Results Of the 454 articles identified, 25 articles were included for final review. A total of 14 categories of determinants were investigated: biological (5), behavioral (4), social and environmental (5). Though only 28% of studies simultaneously considered determinants under more than one domain, a pattern of interactions with the tryptophan pathway emerged when determinants across domains were aggregated. Concerns for risk of bias were noted or were unclear for three types of bias: 13 (52%) selection bias, 3 (12%) recall bias, and 24 (96%) measurement bias. Conclusions Future research is needed to explore interactions among determinants and the tryptophan pathway; to strengthen the methods applied to this area of inquiry; and to generate evidence for best practices in reporting, selecting, and applying methods for measuring determinants and perinatal depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla D. Longoria
- School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Tien C. Nguyen
- College of Natural Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Sarina R. Garcia
- College of Natural Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Kimberly A. Lewis
- School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Sreya Gandra
- College of Natural Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- College of Liberal Arts, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Frances Cates
- College of Liberal Arts, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Michelle L. Wright
- School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- Department of Women’s Health, Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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12
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McCormack C, Abuaish S, Monk C. Is There an Inflammatory Profile of Perinatal Depression? Curr Psychiatry Rep 2023; 25:149-164. [PMID: 36947355 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-023-01414-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To synthesize and critically examine recent evidence regarding associations between immune system activity and perinatal depression. RECENT FINDINGS Despite a significant number of studies assessing potential immunological markers of perinatal depression, it does not appear that levels of any individual pro- or anti-inflammatory marker is a useful predictor of perinatal depression. Some recent studies have observed differences in overall immune system functioning and adaptation across this period, taking into account multiple pro- and anti- inflammatory markers. Furthermore, there is evidence for interactions between depression and maternal psychosocial factors. Immune system functioning may be a mechanism through which social determinants of health contribute to risk for perinatal depression. There is substantial evidence implicating dysregulated immune activity in perinatal depression, yet little clarity regarding a consistent immune profile, especially based on analysis of circulating peripheral cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare McCormack
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Sameera Abuaish
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Catherine Monk
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
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13
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van Zundert SKM, Broekhuizen M, Smit AJP, van Rossem L, Mirzaian M, Willemsen SP, Danser AHJ, De Rijke YB, Reiss IKM, Merkus D, Steegers-Theunissen RPM. The Role of the Kynurenine Pathway in the (Patho) physiology of Maternal Pregnancy and Fetal Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Int J Tryptophan Res 2022; 15:11786469221135545. [PMID: 36467775 PMCID: PMC9716456 DOI: 10.1177/11786469221135545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tryptophan is the precursor of kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolites which regulate immune tolerance, energy metabolism, and vascular tone. Since these processes are important during pregnancy, changes in KP metabolite concentrations may play a role in the pathophysiology of pregnancy complications. We hypothesize that KP metabolites can serve as novel biomarkers and preventive therapeutic targets. This review aimed to provide more insight into associations between KP metabolite concentrations in maternal and fetal blood, and in the placenta, and adverse maternal pregnancy and fetal outcomes. METHODS A systematic search was performed on 18 February 2022 comprising all KP metabolites, and keywords related to maternal pregnancy and fetal outcomes. English-written human studies measuring KP metabolite(s) in maternal or fetal blood or in the placenta in relation to pregnancy complications, were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the ErasmusAGE quality score (QS) (range: 0-10). A meta-analysis of the mean maternal tryptophan and kynurenine concentrations in uncomplicated pregnancies was conducted. RESULTS Of the 6262 unique records, 37 were included (median QS = 5). Tryptophan was investigated in most studies, followed by kynurenine, predominantly in maternal blood (n = 28/37), and in the second and third trimester of pregnancy (n = 29/37). Compared to uncomplicated pregnancies, decreased tryptophan in maternal blood was associated with an increased prevalence of depression, gestational diabetes mellitus, fetal growth restriction, spontaneous abortion, and preterm birth. Elevated tryptophan was only observed in women with pregnancy-induced hypertension compared to normotensive pregnant women. In women with preeclampsia, only kynurenic acid was altered; elevated in the first trimester of pregnancy, and positively associated with proteinuria in the third trimester of pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS KP metabolite concentrations were altered in a variety of maternal pregnancy and fetal complications. This review implies that physiological pregnancy requires a tight balance of KP metabolites, and that disturbances in either direction are associated with adverse maternal pregnancy and fetal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie KM van Zundert
- Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Chemistry,
Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michelle Broekhuizen
- Division of Neonatology, Department of
Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Division of Pharmacology and Vascular
Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center,
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Division of Experimental Cardiology,
Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The
Netherlands
| | - Ashley JP Smit
- Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lenie van Rossem
- Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mina Mirzaian
- Department of Clinical Chemistry,
Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sten P Willemsen
- Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus MC
University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - AH Jan Danser
- Division of Pharmacology and Vascular
Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center,
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yolanda B De Rijke
- Department of Clinical Chemistry,
Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Irwin KM Reiss
- Division of Neonatology, Department of
Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daphne Merkus
- Division of Experimental Cardiology,
Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The
Netherlands
- Walter Brendel Center of Experimental
Medicine, University Clinic Munich, Ludwig Maximillian University Munich, Munich,
Germany
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14
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Li S, Yang Z, Yao M, Shen Y, Zhu H, Jiang Y, Ji Y, Yin J. Exploration for biomarkers of postpartum depression based on metabolomics: A systematic review. J Affect Disord 2022; 317:298-306. [PMID: 36031003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postpartum depression (PPD) is the most frequent psychiatric complication during the postnatal period and its mechanisms are not fully understood. Metabolomics, can quantitatively measure metabolites in a high-throughput method, and thus uncover the underlying pathophysiology of disease. OBJECTIVES In this study, we reviewed metabolomics studies conducted on PPD, aiming to understand the changes of metabolites in PPD patients and analyze the potential application of metabolomics in PPD prediction and diagnosis. METHODS Relevant articles were searched in PubMed, Google scholar, and Web of Science databases from January 2011 to July 2022. The metabolites involved were systematically examined and compared. MetaboAnalyst online software was applied to analyze metabolic pathways. RESULTS A total of 14 papers were included in this study. There were several highly reported metabolites, such as kynurenine, kynurenic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid. Dysregulation of metabolic pathways involved amino acids metabolism, fatty acids metabolism, and steroids metabolism. LIMITATIONS The included studies are relatively inadequate, and further work is needed. CONCLUSIONS This study summarized significant metabolic alterations that provided clues for the prediction, diagnosis, and pathogenesis of PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiming Li
- The affiliated Wuxi Mental Health Center with Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Tongren Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214151, China
| | - Zhuoqiao Yang
- Department Of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Mengxin Yao
- Department Of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Shen
- Rehabilitation Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haohao Zhu
- The affiliated Wuxi Mental Health Center with Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Tongren Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214151, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- The affiliated Wuxi Mental Health Center with Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Tongren Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214151, China
| | - Yingying Ji
- The affiliated Wuxi Mental Health Center with Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Tongren Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214151, China.
| | - Jieyun Yin
- Department Of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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15
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Zhu J, Jin J, Tang J. Inflammatory pathophysiological mechanisms implicated in postpartum depression. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:955672. [PMID: 36408212 PMCID: PMC9669749 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.955672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a serious psychiatric disorder of women within the first year after delivery. It grievously damages women's physical and mental health. Inflammatory reaction theory is well-established in depression, and also has been reported associated with PPD. This review summarized the inflammatory pathophysiological mechanisms implicated in PPD, including decreased T cell activation, increased proinflammatory cytokines secretion, active kynurenine pathway, and initiated NLRP3 inflammasome. Clinical and preclinical research are both gathered. Potential therapeutical alternatives targeting the inflammatory mechanisms of PPD were introduced. In addition, this review briefly discussed the differences of inflammatory mechanisms between PPD and depression. The research of inflammation in PPD is limited and seems just embarking, which indicates the direction we can further study. As a variety of risky factors contribute to PPD collectively, therapy for women with PPD should be comprehensive, and clinical heterogeneity should be taken into consideration. As PPD has a predictability, early clinical screening and interventions are also needed. This review aims to help readers better understand the inflammatory pathological mechanisms in PPD, so as to identify biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jing Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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16
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Maternal and infant NR3C1 and SLC6A4 epigenetic signatures of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: when timing matters. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:386. [PMID: 36114180 PMCID: PMC9481531 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02160-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress exposure during pregnancy is critically linked with maternal mental health and child development. The effects might involve altered patterns of DNA methylation in specific stress-related genes (i.e., glucocorticoid receptor gene, NR3C1, and serotonin transporter gene, SLC6A4) and might be moderated by the gestational timing of stress exposure. In this study, we report on NR3C1 and SLC6A4 methylation status in Italian mothers and infants who were exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown during different trimesters of pregnancy. From May 2020 to February 2021, 283 mother-infant dyads were enrolled at delivery. Within 24 h from delivery, buccal cells were collected to assess NR3C1 (44 CpG sites) and SLC6A4 (13 CpG sites) methylation status. Principal component (PC) analyses were used to reduce methylation data dimension to one PC per maternal and infant gene methylation. Mother-infant dyads were split into three groups based on the pregnancy trimester (first, second, third), during which they were exposed to the COVID-19 lockdown. Mothers and infants who were exposed to the lockdown during the first trimester of pregnancy had lower NR3C1 and SLC6A4 methylation when compared to counterparts exposed during the second or third trimesters. The effect remained significant after controlling for confounders. Women who were pregnant during the pandemic and their infants might present altered epigenetic biomarkers of stress-related genes. As these epigenetic marks have been previously linked with a heightened risk of maternal psychiatric problems and less-than-optimal child development, mothers and infants should be adequately monitored for psychological health during and after the pandemic.
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17
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Kucukkarapinar M, Yay-Pence A, Yildiz Y, Buyukkoruk M, Yaz-Aydin G, Deveci-Bulut TS, Gulbahar O, Senol E, Candansayar S. Psychological outcomes of COVID-19 survivors at sixth months after diagnose: the role of kynurenine pathway metabolites in depression, anxiety, and stress. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2022; 129:1077-1089. [PMID: 35796878 PMCID: PMC9261222 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02525-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in long-term psychiatric symptoms because of the immunologic response to the virus itself as well as fundamental life changes related to the pandemic. This immune response leads to altered tryptophan (TRP)-kynurenine (KYN) pathway (TKP) metabolism, which plays an essential role in the pathophysiology of mental illnesses. We aimed to define TKP changes as a potential underlying mechanism of psychiatric disorders in post-COVID-19 patients. We measured plasma levels of several TKP markers, including KYN, TRP, kynurenic acid (KYNA), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), and quinolinic acid (QUIN), as well as the TRP/KYN, KYNA/3-HK, and KYNA/QUIN ratios, in 90 post-COVID-19 patients (on the first day of hospitalization) and 59 healthy controls (on the first admission to the Check-Up Center). An online questionnaire that included the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used 6 months after the initial assessment in both groups. A total of 32.2% of participants with COVID-19 showed depressive symptoms, 21.1% exhibited anxiety, and 33.3% had signs of stress at follow-up, while 6.6% of healthy controls exhibited depressive and anxiety symptoms and 18.6% had signs of stress. TRP and 3-HK were negative predictors of anxiety and stress, but KYN positively predicted anxiety and stress. Moreover, TRP negatively predicted depression, while KYNA/3-HK was a negative predictor of anxiety. The correlation between depression, anxiety, and stress and TKP activation in COVID-19 could provide prospective biomarkers, especially the reduction in TRP and 3HK levels and the increase in KYN. Our results suggest that the alteration of TKP is not only a potential biomarker of viral infection-related long-term psychiatric disorders but also that the therapy targets future viral infections related to depression and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melike Kucukkarapinar
- Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Emniyet Mah., Yenimahalle, 06560, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Aysegul Yay-Pence
- Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Emniyet Mah., Yenimahalle, 06560, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yesim Yildiz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Merve Buyukkoruk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gizem Yaz-Aydin
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tuba S Deveci-Bulut
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Gulbahar
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Esin Senol
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Selcuk Candansayar
- Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Emniyet Mah., Yenimahalle, 06560, Ankara, Turkey
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18
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Doroftei B, Ilie OD, Diaconu R, Hutanu D, Stoian I, Ilea C. An Updated Narrative Mini-Review on the Microbiota Changes in Antenatal and Post-Partum Depression. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12071576. [PMID: 35885482 PMCID: PMC9315700 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12071576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Antenatal depression (AND) and post-partum depression (PPD) are long-term debilitating psychiatric disorders that significantly influence the composition of the gut flora of mothers and infants that starts from the intrauterine life. Not only does bacterial ratio shift impact the immune system, but it also increases the risk of potentially life-threatening disorders. Material and Methods: Therefore, we conducted a narrative mini-review aiming to gather all evidence published between 2018–2022 regarding microflora changes in all three stages of pregnancy. Results: We initially identified 47 potentially eligible studies, from which only 7 strictly report translocations; 3 were conducted on rodent models and 4 on human patients. The remaining studies were divided based on their topic, precisely focused on how probiotics, breastfeeding, diet, antidepressants, exogenous stressors, and plant-derived compounds modulate in a bidirectional way upon behavior and microbiota. Almost imperatively, dysbacteriosis cause cognitive impairments, reflected by abnormal temperament and personality traits that last up until 2 years old. Thankfully, a distinct technique that involves fecal matter transfer between individuals has been perfected over the years and was successfully translated into clinical practice. It proved to be a reliable approach in diminishing functional non- and gastrointestinal deficiencies, but a clear link between depressive women’s gastrointestinal/vaginal microbiota and clinical outcomes following reproductive procedures is yet to be established. Another gut-dysbiosis-driving factor is antibiotics, known for their potential to trigger inflammation. Fortunately, the studies conducted on mice that lack microbiota offer, without a shadow of a doubt, insight. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the microbiota is a powerful organ, and its optimum functionality is crucial, likely being the missing puzzle piece in the etiopathogenesis of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Doroftei
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street, No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (B.D.); (I.S.); (C.I.)
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street, No. 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania;
- Origyn Fertility Center, Palace Street, No. 3C, 700032 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ovidiu-Dumitru Ilie
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, Carol I Avenue, No. 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Roxana Diaconu
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street, No. 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania;
- Origyn Fertility Center, Palace Street, No. 3C, 700032 Iasi, Romania
| | - Delia Hutanu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry-Biology-Geography, West University of Timisoara, Vasile Pârvan Avenue, No. 4, 300115 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Irina Stoian
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street, No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (B.D.); (I.S.); (C.I.)
| | - Ciprian Ilea
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa”, University Street, No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (B.D.); (I.S.); (C.I.)
- Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology “Cuza Voda”, Cuza Voda Street, No. 34, 700038 Iasi, Romania;
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19
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Is Poor Lithium Response in Individuals with Bipolar Disorder Associated with Increased Degradation of Tryptophan along the Kynurenine Pathway? Results of an Exploratory Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11092517. [PMID: 35566641 PMCID: PMC9103936 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bipolar disorder is associated with an inflammation-triggered elevated catabolism of tryptophan to the kynurenine pathway, which impacts psychiatric symptoms and outcomes. The data indicate that lithium exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO)-1 activity. This exploratory study aimed to investigate the tryptophan catabolism in individuals with bipolar disorder (n = 48) compared to healthy controls (n = 48), and the associations with the response to mood stabilizers such as lithium, valproate, or lamotrigine rated with the Retrospective Assessment of the Lithium Response Phenotype Scale (or the Alda scale). The results demonstrate an association of a poorer response to lithium with higher levels of kynurenine, kynurenine/tryptophan ratio as a proxy for IDO-1 activity, as well as quinolinic acid, which, overall, indicates a pro-inflammatory state with a higher degradation of tryptophan towards the neurotoxic branch. The treatment response to valproate and lamotrigine was not associated with the levels of the tryptophan metabolites. These findings support the anti-inflammatory properties of lithium. Furthermore, since quinolinic acid has neurotoxic features via the glutamatergic pathway, they also strengthen the assumption that the clinical drug response might be associated with biochemical processes. The relationship between the lithium response and the measurements of the tryptophan to the kynurenine pathway is of clinical relevance and may potentially bring advantages towards a personalized medicine approach to bipolar disorder that allows for the selection of the most effective mood-stabilizing drug.
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20
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García-Juárez M, Camacho-Morales A. Defining the role of anti- and pro-inflammatory outcomes of Interleukin-6 in mental health. Neuroscience 2022; 492:32-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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21
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The protective effect of hypericin on postpartum depression rat model by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and regulating glucocorticoid metabolism. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 105:108560. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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22
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Comai S, Melloni E, Lorenzi C, Bollettini I, Vai B, Zanardi R, Colombo C, Valtorta F, Benedetti F, Poletti S. Selective association of cytokine levels and kynurenine/tryptophan ratio with alterations in white matter microstructure in bipolar but not in unipolar depression. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 55:96-109. [PMID: 34847455 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Bipolar (BD) and major depression (MDD) disorders are severe mental illnesses characterised by altered levels of immune/inflammatory markers and disrupted white matter (WM) microstructure. A pro-inflammatory state was suggested to activate indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase which, in turn, increases the amount of tryptophan (Trp) converted into kynurenine (Kyn). We investigated whether plasma levels of Trp, Kyn and Kyn/Trp ratio are associated with peripheral levels of immune/inflammatory markers and whether they are related to WM integrity in 100 MDD and 66 BD patients. Patients also underwent MRI, and fractional anisotropy (FA) was estimated as a measure of WM microstructure. BD patients showed higher Kyn levels and Kyn/Trp ratio than MDD patients, and lower FA in several WM tracts, including the corpus callosum and the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFO). Lower Trp levels associated with a more severe depressive symptomatology irrespective of diagnosis and with lower FA in the corpus callosum (CC) and external capsule (EC). We found an association of immune/inflammatory markers with Kyn/Trp ratio selectively in BD patients: IL-1β and TNF-α showed a positive relationship and IL-2 and IL-9 a negative relationship; in addition, higher IL-4 correlated with lower Kyn levels; higher Kyn/Trp ratio and IL-1β correlated with lower FA in the CC and IFO. Notably, the detrimental effect of IL-1β on the IFO was moderated by the Kyn/Trp ratio. These data suggest that in BD, cytokines and the conversion of Trp into Kyn may affect WM microstructure and support the idea that distinct mechanisms underlie the pathophysiology of BD and MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Comai
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Elisa Melloni
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Lorenzi
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Bollettini
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Benedetta Vai
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Zanardi
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Colombo
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Flavia Valtorta
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Benedetti
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Poletti
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
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23
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Sawyer KM. The role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of perinatal depression and offspring outcomes. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 18:100390. [PMID: 34877551 PMCID: PMC8633814 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of depression is becoming increasingly apparent, but its role in perinatal depression is less well-studied. Pregnancy and the postpartum are characterised by distinct and changing inflammatory profiles throughout, which makes the study of depression-related alterations in this period complex. This review presents literature discussing a role for the immune system in both antenatal and postnatal depression. Furthermore, literature investigating the role of the maternal immune system on breast milk composition and offspring immunological and behavioural outcomes is discussed, before concluding with suggestions for future work as this developing field grows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi M Sawyer
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
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24
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Simonato M, Dall’Acqua S, Zilli C, Sut S, Tenconi R, Gallo N, Sfriso P, Sartori L, Cavallin F, Fiocco U, Cogo P, Agostinis P, Aldovini A, Bruttomesso D, Marcolongo R, Comai S, Baritussio A. Tryptophan Metabolites, Cytokines, and Fatty Acid Binding Protein 2 in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111724. [PMID: 34829952 PMCID: PMC8615774 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) differ for triggers, mode of start, associated symptoms, evolution, and biochemical traits. Therefore, serious attempts are underway to partition them into subgroups useful for a personalized medicine approach to the disease. Here, we investigated clinical and biochemical traits in 40 ME/CFS patients and 40 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Particularly, we analyzed serum levels of some cytokines, Fatty Acid Binding Protein 2 (FAPB-2), tryptophan, and some of its metabolites via serotonin and kynurenine. ME/CFS patients were heterogeneous for genetic background, trigger, start mode, symptoms, and evolution. ME/CFS patients had higher levels of IL-17A (p = 0.018), FABP-2 (p = 0.002), and 3-hydroxykynurenine (p = 0.037) and lower levels of kynurenine (p = 0.012) and serotonin (p = 0.045) than controls. Changes in kynurenine and 3-hydroxykynurenine were associated with increased kynurenic acid/kynurenine and 3-hydroxykynurenine/kynurenine ratios, indirect measures of kynurenine aminotransferases and kynurenine 3-monooxygenase enzymatic activities, respectively. No correlation was found among cytokines, FABP-2, and tryptophan metabolites, suggesting that inflammation, anomalies of the intestinal barrier, and changes of tryptophan metabolism may be independently associated with the pathogenesis of the disease. Interestingly, patients with the start of the disease after infection showed lower levels of kynurenine (p = 0.034) than those not starting after an infection. Changes in tryptophan metabolites and increased IL-17A levels in ME/CFS could both be compatible with anomalies in the sphere of energy metabolism. Overall, clinical traits together with serum biomarkers related to inflammation, intestine function, and tryptophan metabolism deserve to be further considered for the development of personalized medicine strategies for ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Simonato
- PCare Laboratory, Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica, Citta’ della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy;
| | - Stefano Dall’Acqua
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy; (S.D.); (S.S.)
| | | | - Stefania Sut
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy; (S.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Romano Tenconi
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (R.T.); (P.S.); (L.S.); (U.F.); (D.B.); (R.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Nicoletta Gallo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Policlinico Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy;
| | - Paolo Sfriso
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (R.T.); (P.S.); (L.S.); (U.F.); (D.B.); (R.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Leonardo Sartori
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (R.T.); (P.S.); (L.S.); (U.F.); (D.B.); (R.M.); (A.B.)
| | | | - Ugo Fiocco
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (R.T.); (P.S.); (L.S.); (U.F.); (D.B.); (R.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Paola Cogo
- Department of Medicine, University Hospital Santa Maria della Misericordia, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy;
| | - Paolo Agostinis
- Department of Medicine, Ospedale Sant’Antonio Abate, Azienda Sanitaria del Friuli Centrale, 33100 Udine, Italy;
| | - Anna Aldovini
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Daniela Bruttomesso
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (R.T.); (P.S.); (L.S.); (U.F.); (D.B.); (R.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Renzo Marcolongo
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (R.T.); (P.S.); (L.S.); (U.F.); (D.B.); (R.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Stefano Comai
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy; (S.D.); (S.S.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
- Division of Neuroscience, IRCSS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-827-5098
| | - Aldo Baritussio
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (R.T.); (P.S.); (L.S.); (U.F.); (D.B.); (R.M.); (A.B.)
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25
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Keane JM, Khashan AS, McCarthy FP, Kenny LC, Collins JM, O'Donovan S, Brown J, Cryan JF, Dinan TG, Clarke G, O'Mahony SM. Identifying a biological signature of prenatal maternal stress. JCI Insight 2021; 6:143007. [PMID: 33301421 PMCID: PMC7934857 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.143007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychological stress affects maternal gastrointestinal (GI) permeability, leading to low-grade inflammation, which can negatively affect fetal development. We investigated a panel of circulating markers as a biological signature of this stress exposure in pregnant women with and without the stress-related GI disorder irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Markers of GI permeability and inflammation were measured in plasma from healthy and IBS cohorts of women at 15 and 20 weeks’ gestation. Biomarkers were evaluated with respect to their degree of association to levels of stress, anxiety, and depression as indicated by responses from the Perceived Stress Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. High levels of stress were associated with elevations of soluble CD14, lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), and tumor necrosis factor–α, while anxiety was associated with elevated concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) in otherwise healthy pregnancies. Prenatal depression was associated with higher levels of soluble CD14, LBP, and CRP in the healthy cohort. High levels of prenatal anxiety and depression were also associated with lower concentrations of tryptophan and kynurenine, respectively, in the IBS cohort. These markers may represent a core maternal biological signature of active prenatal stress, which can be used to inform intervention strategies via stress reduction techniques or other lifestyle approaches. Such interventions may need to be tailored to reflect underlying GI conditions, such as IBS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali S Khashan
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Ireland.,The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Fergus P McCarthy
- The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Louise C Kenny
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - James M Collins
- APC Microbiome Ireland and.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience and
| | | | | | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland and.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience and
| | - Timothy G Dinan
- APC Microbiome Ireland and.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Gerard Clarke
- APC Microbiome Ireland and.,The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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