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Sullivan G, Quigley AJ, Choi S, Teed R, Blesa Cabez M, Vaher K, Corrigan A, Stoye DQ, Thrippleton MJ, Bastin M, Boardman JP. Brain 3T magnetic resonance imaging in neonates: features and incidental findings from a research cohort enriched for preterm birth. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2024:fetalneonatal-2024-326960. [PMID: 38960453 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2024-326960] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The survival rate and patterns of brain injury after very preterm birth are evolving with changes in clinical practices. Additionally, incidental findings can present legal, ethical and practical considerations. Here, we report MRI features and incidental findings from a large, contemporary research cohort of very preterm infants and term controls. METHODS 288 infants had 3T MRI at term-equivalent age: 187 infants born <32 weeks without major parenchymal lesions, and 101 term-born controls. T1-weighted, T2-weighted and susceptibility-weighted imaging were used to classify white and grey matter injury according to a structured system, and incidental findings described. RESULTS Preterm infants: 34 (18%) had white matter injury and 4 (2%) had grey matter injury. 51 (27%) infants had evidence of intracranial haemorrhage and 34 (18%) had punctate white matter lesions (PWMLs). Incidental findings were detected in 12 (6%) preterm infants. Term infants: no term infants had white or grey matter injury. Incidental findings were detected in 35 (35%); these included intracranial haemorrhage in 22 (22%), periventricular pseudocysts in 5 (5%) and PWMLs in 4 (4%) infants. From the whole cohort, 10 (3%) infants required referral to specialist services. CONCLUSIONS One-fifth of very preterm infants without major parenchymal lesions have white or grey matter abnormalities at term-equivalent age. Incidental findings are seen in 6% of preterm and 35% of term infants. Overall, 3% of infants undergoing MRI for research require follow-up due to incidental findings. These data should help inform consent procedures for research and assist service planning for centres using 3T neonatal brain MRI for clinical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Sullivan
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alan J Quigley
- Radiology, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Samantha Choi
- Radiology, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rory Teed
- The University of Edinburgh MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Manuel Blesa Cabez
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Edinburgh, UK
- The University of Edinburgh MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kadi Vaher
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Edinburgh, UK
- The University of Edinburgh MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Amy Corrigan
- The University of Edinburgh MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David Q Stoye
- The University of Edinburgh MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Michael J Thrippleton
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Edinburgh, UK
- The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh Imaging Facility, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mark Bastin
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Edinburgh, UK
- The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh Imaging Facility, Edinburgh, UK
| | - James P Boardman
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Edinburgh, UK
- The University of Edinburgh MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Edinburgh, UK
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Mckinnon K, Conole ELS, Vaher K, Hillary RF, Gadd DA, Binkowska J, Sullivan G, Stevenson AJ, Corrigan A, Murphy L, Whalley HC, Richardson H, Marioni RE, Cox SR, Boardman JP. Epigenetic scores derived in saliva are associated with gestational age at birth. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:84. [PMID: 38951914 PMCID: PMC11218140 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01701-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic scores (EpiScores), reflecting DNA methylation (DNAm)-based surrogates for complex traits, have been developed for multiple circulating proteins. EpiScores for pro-inflammatory proteins, such as C-reactive protein (DNAm CRP), are associated with brain health and cognition in adults and with inflammatory comorbidities of preterm birth in neonates. Social disadvantage can become embedded in child development through inflammation, and deprivation is overrepresented in preterm infants. We tested the hypotheses that preterm birth and socioeconomic status (SES) are associated with alterations in a set of EpiScores enriched for inflammation-associated proteins. RESULTS In total, 104 protein EpiScores were derived from saliva samples of 332 neonates born at gestational age (GA) 22.14 to 42.14 weeks. Saliva sampling was between 36.57 and 47.14 weeks. Forty-three (41%) EpiScores were associated with low GA at birth (standardised estimates |0.14 to 0.88|, Bonferroni-adjusted p-value < 8.3 × 10-3). These included EpiScores for chemokines, growth factors, proteins involved in neurogenesis and vascular development, cell membrane proteins and receptors, and other immune proteins. Three EpiScores were associated with SES, or the interaction between birth GA and SES: afamin, intercellular adhesion molecule 5, and hepatocyte growth factor-like protein (standardised estimates |0.06 to 0.13|, Bonferroni-adjusted p-value < 8.3 × 10-3). In a preterm subgroup (n = 217, median [range] GA 29.29 weeks [22.14 to 33.0 weeks]), SES-EpiScore associations did not remain statistically significant after adjustment for sepsis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotising enterocolitis, and histological chorioamnionitis. CONCLUSIONS Low birth GA is substantially associated with a set of EpiScores. The set was enriched for inflammatory proteins, providing new insights into immune dysregulation in preterm infants. SES had fewer associations with EpiScores; these tended to have small effect sizes and were not statistically significant after adjusting for inflammatory comorbidities. This suggests that inflammation is unlikely to be the primary axis through which SES becomes embedded in the development of preterm infants in the neonatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Mckinnon
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 4-5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Eleanor L S Conole
- Lothian Birth Cohorts, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kadi Vaher
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 4-5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Robert F Hillary
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Danni A Gadd
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Justyna Binkowska
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 4-5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Gemma Sullivan
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anna J Stevenson
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Amy Corrigan
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 4-5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Lee Murphy
- Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Heather C Whalley
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hilary Richardson
- School of Philosophy, Psychology, and Language Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Riccardo E Marioni
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Simon R Cox
- Lothian Birth Cohorts, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - James P Boardman
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 4-5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK.
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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Austin T, Connolly D, Dinwiddy K, Hart AR, Heep A, Harigopal S, Joy H, Luyt K, Malamateniou C, Merchant N, Rizava C, Rutherford MA, Spike K, Vollmer B, Boardman JP. Neonatal brain magnetic resonance imaging: clinical indications, acquisition and reporting. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2024; 109:348-361. [PMID: 38373753 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-326747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Topun Austin
- Neonatal Unit, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Daniel Connolly
- Department of Neuroradiology, Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Kate Dinwiddy
- British Association of Perinatal Medicine, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, London, UK
| | | | - Axel Heep
- University of Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
| | - Sundeep Harigopal
- Neonatal Intensive Care, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Harriet Joy
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Karen Luyt
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Kelly Spike
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Brigitte Vollmer
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Neonatal and Paediatric Neurology, Southampton Children's Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - James P Boardman
- Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Edinburgh, UK
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Shkundin A, Halaris A. IL-8 (CXCL8) Correlations with Psychoneuroimmunological Processes and Neuropsychiatric Conditions. J Pers Med 2024; 14:488. [PMID: 38793070 PMCID: PMC11122344 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14050488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-8 (IL-8/CXCL8), an essential CXC chemokine, significantly influences psychoneuroimmunological processes and affects neurological and psychiatric health. It exerts a profound effect on immune cell activation and brain function, suggesting potential roles in both neuroprotection and neuroinflammation. IL-8 production is stimulated by several factors, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) known to promote inflammation and disease progression. Additionally, CXCL8 gene polymorphisms can alter IL-8 production, leading to potential differences in disease susceptibility, progression, and severity across populations. IL-8 levels vary among neuropsychiatric conditions, demonstrating sensitivity to psychosocial stressors and disease severity. IL-8 can be detected in blood circulation, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and urine, making it a promising candidate for a broad-spectrum biomarker. This review highlights the need for further research on the diverse effects of IL-8 and the associated implications for personalized medicine. A thorough understanding of its complex role could lead to the development of more effective and personalized treatment strategies for neuropsychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angelos Halaris
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA;
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Zhang L, Buonfiglio F, Fieß A, Pfeiffer N, Gericke A. Retinopathy of Prematurity-Targeting Hypoxic and Redox Signaling Pathways. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:148. [PMID: 38397746 PMCID: PMC10885953 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13020148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a proliferative vascular ailment affecting the retina. It is the main risk factor for visual impairment and blindness in infants and young children worldwide. If left undiagnosed and untreated, it can progress to retinal detachment and severe visual impairment. Geographical variations in ROP epidemiology have emerged over recent decades, attributable to differing levels of care provided to preterm infants across countries and regions. Our understanding of the causes of ROP, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and associated risk factors continues to advance. This review article aims to present the pathophysiological mechanisms of ROP, including its treatment. Specifically, it delves into the latest cutting-edge treatment approaches targeting hypoxia and redox signaling pathways for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Adrian Gericke
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (L.Z.); (F.B.); (A.F.); (N.P.)
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Conole ELS, Vaher K, Cabez MB, Sullivan G, Stevenson AJ, Hall J, Murphy L, Thrippleton MJ, Quigley AJ, Bastin ME, Miron VE, Whalley HC, Marioni RE, Boardman JP, Cox SR. Immuno-epigenetic signature derived in saliva associates with the encephalopathy of prematurity and perinatal inflammatory disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 110:322-338. [PMID: 36948324 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth is closely associated with a phenotype that includes brain dysmaturation and neurocognitive impairment, commonly termed Encephalopathy of Prematurity (EoP), of which systemic inflammation is considered a key driver. DNA methylation (DNAm) signatures of inflammation from peripheral blood associate with poor brain imaging outcomes in adult cohorts. However, the robustness of DNAm inflammatory scores in infancy, their relation to comorbidities of preterm birth characterised by inflammation, neonatal neuroimaging metrics of EoP, and saliva cross-tissue applicability are unknown. METHODS Using salivary DNAm from 258 neonates (n = 155 preterm, gestational age at birth 23.28 - 34.84 weeks, n = 103 term, gestational age at birth 37.00 - 42.14 weeks), we investigated the impact of a DNAm surrogate for C-reactive protein (DNAm CRP) on brain structure and other clinically defined inflammatory exposures. We assessed i) if DNAm CRP estimates varied between preterm infants at term equivalent age and term infants, ii) how DNAm CRP related to different types of inflammatory exposure (maternal, fetal and postnatal) and iii) whether elevated DNAm CRP associated with poorer measures of neonatal brain volume and white matter connectivity. RESULTS Higher DNAm CRP was linked to preterm status (-0.0107 ± 0.0008, compared with -0.0118 ± 0.0006 among term infants; p < 0.001), as well as perinatal inflammatory diseases, including histologic chorioamnionitis, sepsis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and necrotising enterocolitis (OR range |2.00 | to |4.71|, p < 0.01). Preterm infants with higher DNAm CRP scores had lower brain volume in deep grey matter, white matter, and hippocampi and amygdalae (β range |0.185| to |0.218|). No such associations were observed for term infants. Association magnitudes were largest for measures of white matter microstructure among preterms, where elevated epigenetic inflammation associated with poorer global measures of white matter integrity (β range |0.206| to |0.371|), independent of other confounding exposures. CONCLUSIONS Inflammatory-related DNAm captures the allostatic load of inflammatory burden in preterm infants. Such DNAm measures complement biological and clinical metrics when investigating the determinants of neurodevelopmental differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor L S Conole
- Lothian Birth Cohorts group, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK; Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK.
| | - Kadi Vaher
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Manuel Blesa Cabez
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Gemma Sullivan
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Anna J Stevenson
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Jill Hall
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Lee Murphy
- Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Michael J Thrippleton
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Alan J Quigley
- Imaging Department, Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Mark E Bastin
- Lothian Birth Cohorts group, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Veronique E Miron
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Heather C Whalley
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Riccardo E Marioni
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - James P Boardman
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Simon R Cox
- Lothian Birth Cohorts group, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, UK.
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McPhillips MV, Li J, Petrovsky DV, Gooneratne NS, Aryal S, Hodgson NA. A randomized controlled trial to test a behavioral sleep intervention to improve insomnia symptoms in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: Multicomponent Behavioral Sleep Intervention (MBSI) protocol. Contemp Clin Trials 2023; 127:107137. [PMID: 36858255 PMCID: PMC10068807 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insomnia symptoms in older adults with mild cognitive impairment represent a significant public health burden in terms of impaired quality of life, risks from untreated insomnia, and adverse effects from pharmaceutical insomnia treatment. To address current limitations in the most effective non-pharmacological treatments for insomnia in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, we are conducting a randomized pilot study to test a brief (4- week), tablet-based, personalized, multicomponent behavioral sleep intervention (MBSI) for insomnia, compared to a sleep education control, in a sample of older adults with mild cognitive impairment. METHODS Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to intervention or control group. Both groups will complete three virtual study data collection visits: baseline, 4-week post-intervention, and 12-week post-intervention follow-up. Key components of the 4-week intervention include sleep hygiene education, stimulating meaningful activity during the day and promoting relaxation therapy at night. We will determine preliminary immediate (4-week) and sustained efficacy (12-week) of MBSI compared to sleep education on sleep related outcomes and health related quality of life. Additionally, we will explore mechanisms by which the intervention affects sleep and health related quality of life using standardized questionnaires and inflammatory biomarkers. RESULTS (N/A). DISCUSSION The findings of the proposed project will inform future, larger scale clinical trials and may provide a novel and innovative way for older adults with mild cognitive impairment to achieve better sleep and health-related quality of life outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Junxin Li
- School of Nursing, John Hopkins University, USA
| | - Darina V Petrovsky
- School of Nursing, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, Rutgers University, USA
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DiPiero M, Rodrigues PG, Gromala A, Dean DC. Applications of advanced diffusion MRI in early brain development: a comprehensive review. Brain Struct Funct 2023; 228:367-392. [PMID: 36585970 PMCID: PMC9974794 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-022-02605-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Brain development follows a protracted developmental timeline with foundational processes of neurodevelopment occurring from the third trimester of gestation into the first decade of life. Defining structural maturational patterns of early brain development is a critical step in detecting divergent developmental trajectories associated with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders that arise later in life. While considerable advancements have already been made in diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) for pediatric research over the past three decades, the field of neurodevelopment is still in its infancy with remarkable scientific and clinical potential. This comprehensive review evaluates the application, findings, and limitations of advanced dMRI methods beyond diffusion tensor imaging, including diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), constrained spherical deconvolution (CSD), neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) and composite hindered and restricted model of diffusion (CHARMED) to quantify the rapid and dynamic changes supporting the underlying microstructural architectural foundations of the brain in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa DiPiero
- Department of Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | | | - Alyssa Gromala
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Douglas C Dean
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
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Yuan M, Jin X, Qin F, Zhang X, Wang X, Yuan E, Shi Y, Xu F. The association of γδT lymphocytes with cystic leukomalacia in premature infants. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1043142. [PMID: 36530609 PMCID: PMC9755680 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1043142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is an essential cause of cerebral palsy in preterm infants, and cystic PVL (cPVL) is the most severe form of the disease. The pathogenesis of cPVL is complex, and immune imbalances and inflammatory responses may play an essential role in it. Objective This study aimed to investigate the correlation between peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets, especially γδT cells with the pathogenesis of cPVL in preterm infants. Methods Peripheral blood from preterm infants with GA < 32 weeks and BW < 1,500 g was used in this study and was collected at 34 weeks corrected gestational age and within 24 h after the diagnosis with cranial MRI or cranial ultrasound. The infants were divided into cPVL groups and control groups. Flow cytometry was used to detect peripheral blood γδT, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and the proportion of total lymphocytes. Multiplex cell assays were used to detect the concentration of extracellular serum cytokines IL-6, IL-2, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-10, IL-1RA, eotaxin (CCL11), MCP-1 (CCL2), CXCL1, G-CSF, and IFNγ. A follow-up visit was carried out when the patient was 3 years old. Results After correcting for confounding factors, the proportion of peripheral blood γδT in the cPVL group was significantly lower than that in the control group (β: 0.216; 95% CI: 0.058-0.800, P < 0.022). Peripheral blood γδT (AUC: 0.722, P=0.006) and multivariate binary regression model (AUC: 0.865, P < 0.000) have good diagnostic values for cPVL. Peripheral blood γδT has some predictive power for neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants (AUC: 0.743, P = 0.002). Conclusion It seems that peripheral blood γδT cells are inversely correlated with cPVL, which is not only a risk factor for cPVL disease but also neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. However, the causality of cPVL and various lymphocytes is unclear and needs further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Yuan
- Department of Neonatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinyun Jin
- Department of Neonatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fanyue Qin
- Department of Neonatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Enwu Yuan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Falin Xu
- Department of Neonatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Neuroscience of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Advanced Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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10
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Ali TS, Lv J, Calamante F. Gradual changes in microarchitectural properties of cortex and juxtacortical white matter: Observed by anatomical and diffusion MRI. Magn Reson Med 2022; 88:2485-2503. [PMID: 36045582 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Characterization of cerebral cortex is challenged by the complexity and heterogeneity of its cyto- and myeloarchitecture. This study evaluates quantitative MRI metrics, measured across two cortical depths and in subcortical white matter (WM) adjacent to cortex (juxtacortical WM), indicative of myelin content, neurite density, and diffusion microenvironment, for a comprehensive characterization of cortical microarchitecture. METHODS High-quality structural and diffusion MRI data (N = 30) from the Human Connectome Project were processed to compute myelin index, neurite density index, fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity from superficial cortex, deep cortex, and juxtacortical WM. The distributional patterns of these metrics were analyzed individually, correlated to one another, and were compared to established parcellations. RESULTS Our results supported that myeloarchitectonic and the coexisting cytoarchitectonic structures influence the diffusion properties of water molecules residing in cortex. Full cortical thickness showed myelination patterns similar to those previously observed in humans. Higher myelin indices with similar distributional patterns were observed in deep cortex whereas lower myelin indices were observed in superficial cortex. Neurite density index and other diffusion MRI derived parameters provided complementary information to myelination. Reliable and reproducible correlations were identified among the cortical microarchitectural properties and fiber distributional patterns in proximal WM structures. CONCLUSION We demonstrated gradual changes across the cortical sheath by assessing depth-specific cortical micro-architecture using anatomical and diffusion MRI. Mutually independent but coexisting features of cortical layers and juxtacortical WM provided new insights towards structural organizational units and variabilities across cortical regions and through depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonima S Ali
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jinglei Lv
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Sydney Imaging, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Fernando Calamante
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Sydney Imaging, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Edmondson-Stait AJ, Shen X, Adams MJ, Barbu MC, Jones HJ, Miron VE, Allardyce J, Boardman JP, Lawrie SM, McIntosh AM, Khandaker GM, Kwong AS, Whalley HC. Early-life inflammatory markers and subsequent psychotic and depressive episodes between 10 to 28 years of age. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 26:100528. [PMID: 36277463 PMCID: PMC9582583 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is implicated in depression and psychosis, including association of childhood inflammatory markers on the subsequent risk of developing symptoms. However, it is unknown whether early-life inflammatory markers are associated with the number of depressive and psychotic symptoms from childhood to adulthood. Using the prospective Avon Longitudinal Study of Children and Parents birth cohort (N = up-to 6401), we have examined longitudinal associations of early-life inflammation [exposures: interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at age 9y; IL-6 and CRP DNA-methylation (DNAm) scores at birth and age 7y; and IL-6 and CRP polygenic risk scores (PRSs)] with the number of depressive episodes and psychotic experiences (PEs) between ages 10-28 years. Psychiatric outcomes were assessed using the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire and Psychotic Like Symptoms Questionnaires, respectively. Exposure-outcome associations were tested using negative binomial models, which were adjusted for metabolic and sociodemographic factors. Serum IL-6 levels at age 9y were associated with the total number of depressive episodes between 10 and 28y in the base model (n = 4835; β = 0.066; 95%CI:0.020-0.113; pFDR = 0.041) which was weaker when adjusting for metabolic and sociodemographic factors. Weak associations were observed between inflammatory markers (serum IL-6 and CRP DNAm scores) and total number of PEs. Other inflammatory markers were not associated with depression or PEs. Early-life inflammatory markers are associated with the burden of depressive episodes and of PEs subsequently from childhood to adulthood. These findings support a potential role of early-life inflammation in the aetiology of depression and psychosis and highlight inflammation as a potential target for treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia J. Edmondson-Stait
- Translational Neuroscience PhD Programme, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Xueyi Shen
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mark J. Adams
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Miruna C. Barbu
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hannah J. Jones
- National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, At University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol, UK
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Veronique E. Miron
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - James P. Boardman
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | - Golam M. Khandaker
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Alex S.F. Kwong
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
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12
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Vilotić A, Nacka-Aleksić M, Pirković A, Bojić-Trbojević Ž, Dekanski D, Jovanović Krivokuća M. IL-6 and IL-8: An Overview of Their Roles in Healthy and Pathological Pregnancies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314574. [PMID: 36498901 PMCID: PMC9738067 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an acknowledged inflammatory cytokine with a pleiotropic action, mediating innate and adaptive immunity and multiple physiological processes, including protective and regenerative ones. IL-8 is a pro-inflammatory CXC chemokine with a primary function in attracting and activating neutrophils, but also implicated in a variety of other cellular processes. These two ILs are abundantly expressed at the feto-maternal interface over the course of a pregnancy and have been shown to participate in numerous pregnancy-related events. In this review, we summarize the literature data regarding their role in healthy and pathological pregnancies. The general information related to IL-6 and IL-8 functions is followed by an overview of their overall expression in cycling endometrium and at the feto-maternal interface. Further, we provide an overview of their involvement in pregnancy establishment and parturition. Finally, the implication of IL-6 and IL-8 in pregnancy-associated pathological conditions, such as pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus and infection/inflammation is discussed.
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13
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Taglauer ES, Dhole Y, Boateng J, Snyder-Cappione J, Parker SE, Clarke K, Juttukonda L, Devera J, Hunnewell J, Barnett E, Jia H, Yarrington C, Sabharwal V, Wachman EM. Evaluation of maternal-infant dyad inflammatory cytokines in pregnancies affected by maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection in early and late gestation. J Perinatol 2022; 42:1319-1327. [PMID: 35449446 PMCID: PMC9022897 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-022-01391-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE SARS-CoV-2 infection induces significant inflammatory cytokine production in adults, but infant cytokine signatures in pregnancies affected by maternal SARS-CoV-2 are less well characterized. We aimed to evaluate cytokine profiles of mothers and their infants following COVID-19 in pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN Serum samples at delivery from 31 mother-infant dyads with maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy (COVID) were examined in comparison to 29 control dyads (Control). Samples were evaluated using a 13-plex cytokine assay. RESULTS In comparison with controls, interleukin (IL)-6 and interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10) were higher in COVID maternal and infant samples (p < 0.05) and IL-8 uniquely elevated in COVID infant samples (p < 0.05). Significant elevations in IL-6, IP-10, and IL-8 were found among both early (1st/2nd Trimester) and late (3rd Trimester) maternal SARS-CoV-2 infections. CONCLUSIONS Maternal SARS-CoV-2 infections throughout gestation are associated with increased maternal and infant inflammatory cytokines at birth with potential to impact long-term infant health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yashoda Dhole
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jeffery Boateng
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Samantha E Parker
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Katherine Clarke
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lillian Juttukonda
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jean Devera
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jessica Hunnewell
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Barnett
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hongpeng Jia
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Christina Yarrington
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Vishakha Sabharwal
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Elisha M Wachman
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
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14
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The Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Extremely Preterm Neonates Is More than a Hemodynamic Challenge: New Molecular Insights. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091179. [PMID: 36139018 PMCID: PMC9496182 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091179] [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: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Complications to preterm birth are numerous, including the presence of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The biological understanding of the PDA is sparse and treatment remains controversial. Herein, we speculate whether the PDA is more than a cardiovascular imbalance, and may be a marker in response to immature core molecular and physiological processes driven by biological systems, such as inflammation. To achieve a new biological understanding of the PDA, we performed echocardiography and collected plasma samples on day 3 of life in 53 consecutively born neonates with a gestational age at birth below 28 completed weeks. The proteome of these samples was analyzed by mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS) and immunoassay of 17 cytokines and chemokines. We found differences in 21 proteins and 8 cytokines between neonates with a large PDA (>1.5 mm) compared to neonates without a PDA. Amongst others, we found increased levels of angiotensinogen, periostin, pro-inflammatory associations, including interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-8, and anti-inflammatory associations, including IL-1RA and IL-10. Levels of complement factors C8 and carboxypeptidases were decreased. Our findings associate the PDA with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and immune- and complement systems, indicating that PDA goes beyond the persistence of a fetal circulatory connection of the great vessels.
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15
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Saadat N, Zhang L, Hyer S, Padmanabhan V, Woo J, Engeland CG, Misra DP, Giurgescu C. Psychosocial and behavioral factors affecting inflammation among pregnant African American women. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 22:100452. [PMID: 35403067 PMCID: PMC8990056 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100452] [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: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
African American women are reported to have greater inflammation compared with women from other racial groups. Higher inflammation during pregnancy has been associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. We hypothesized that maternal inflammation is related to depressive symptoms and social and behavioral risk factors among pregnant African American women. Pregnant African American women (n = 187) were recruited at prenatal clinics in the Midwest. Women completed questionnaires and had blood drawn at a prenatal visit. Plasma levels of cytokines (interferon gamma [IFN]-γ, interleukin [IL]-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured by multiplex assays. Women had a mean age of 26.58±5.42 years and a mean gestational age at data collection of 16.35±5.95 weeks. Twenty-six percent of women had Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scores ≥23 (scores that have been correlated with clinical diagnosis of depression), 15.5% smoked cigarettes, 16.6% used marijuana, and 5.3% reported experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Higher CES-D scores were correlated with higher plasma CRP levels (r = 0.16, p = 0.046). Women who reported any experiences of IPV during pregnancy had higher levels of IL-8 (p = 0.018) and lower levels of IFN-γ (p = 0.012) compared with women who did not report IPV. Cigarette smoking during pregnancy was associated with lower levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (p = 0.003). These findings suggest that depressive symptoms, IPV, and cigarette smoking during pregnancy relate to select inflammatory markers in pregnant African American women. The relationships of inflammation with these factors should be further investigated to better understand the mechanisms which influence maternal and fetal health outcomes. Depressive symptoms are related to higher levels of CRP in pregnant African American Women. Intimate partner violence in pregnancy is related to higher interleukin 8 levels. Smoking during pregnancy is associated with lower interleukin 10 levels. Inflammation is related to depressive symptoms, intimate partner violence and smoking in pregnant African American women.
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16
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Urinary Tract Infections Impair Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11060891. [PMID: 35741412 PMCID: PMC9220213 DOI: 10.3390/biology11060891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Urinary tract infections are associated with features of cognitive decline and memory deficits, where the underlying correlation or mechanism is still not clear. In this study, we investigate the effect of urinary tract infections on cognitive functions in rodents and whether it is associated with adult hippocampal neurogenesis, a process that is detrimental for memory formation. We have shown that urinary tract infection affects the time spent exploring a novel arm in the Y-maze test. This was accompanied with a decrease in the proliferation of neural stem cells at an early time point post infection and a persistent decrease in neurogenesis at a later time point (34 days). We also detected decreased levels of neurotrophic factors important for neurogenesis and an elevated expression of interleukin 1β in the hippocampus. Treatment with either anti-inflammatory drugs or anti-biotics does not recover proliferation of neural stem cells. Here, we present hippocampal neurogenesis as a possible contributor to cognitive changes associated with urinary tract infections. Given the significant increase in urinary tract infection occurrence, it is important to address some of the detrimental effects that such an infection can have at the level of the brain. Abstract Previous studies have suggested a link between urinary tract infections (UTIs) and cognitive impairment. One possible contributing factor for UTI-induced cognitive changes that has not yet been investigated is a potential alteration in hippocampal neurogenesis. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of UTI on brain plasticity by specifically examining alterations in neurogenesis. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats received an intra-urethral injection of an Escherichia coli (E. coli) clinical isolate (108 CFU/mL). We found that rats with a UTI (CFU/mL ≥ 105) had reduced proliferation of neural stem cells (NSCs) at an early time point post infection (day 4) and neurogenesis at a later time point (day 34). This was associated with the decreased expression in mRNA of BDNF, NGF, and FGF2, and elevated expression of IL-1β in the hippocampus at 6 h post infection, but with no changes in optical intensity of the microglia and astrocytes. In addition, infected rats spent less time exploring a novel arm in the Y-maze test. Treatment with an anti-inflammatory drug did not revert the effect on NSCs, while treatment with antibiotics further decreased the basal level of their proliferation. This study presents novel findings on the impact of urinary tract infections on hippocampal neurogenesis that could be correlated with cognitive impairment.
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17
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Wheater ENW, Galdi P, McCartney DL, Blesa M, Sullivan G, Stoye DQ, Lamb G, Sparrow S, Murphy L, Wrobel N, Quigley AJ, Semple S, Thrippleton MJ, Wardlaw JM, Bastin ME, Marioni RE, Cox SR, Boardman JP. DNA methylation in relation to gestational age and brain dysmaturation in preterm infants. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac056. [PMID: 35402911 PMCID: PMC8984700 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth is associated with dysconnectivity of structural brain networks and is a leading cause of neurocognitive impairment in childhood. Variation in DNA methylation is associated with early exposure to extrauterine life but there has been little research exploring its relationship with brain development. Using genome-wide DNA methylation data from the saliva of 258 neonates, we investigated the impact of gestational age on the methylome and performed functional analysis to identify enriched gene sets from probes that contributed to differentially methylated probes or regions. We tested the hypothesis that variation in DNA methylation could underpin the association between low gestational age at birth and atypical brain development by linking differentially methylated probes with measures of white matter connectivity derived from diffusion MRI metrics: peak width skeletonized mean diffusivity, peak width skeletonized fractional anisotropy and peak width skeletonized neurite density index. Gestational age at birth was associated with widespread differential methylation at term equivalent age, with genome-wide significant associations observed for 8870 CpG probes (P < 3.6 × 10-8) and 1767 differentially methylated regions. Functional analysis identified 14 enriched gene ontology terms pertaining to cell-cell contacts and cell-extracellular matrix contacts. Principal component analysis of probes with genome-wide significance revealed a first principal component that explained 23.5% of the variance in DNA methylation, and this was negatively associated with gestational age at birth. The first principal component was associated with peak width of skeletonized mean diffusivity (β = 0.349, P = 8.37 × 10-10) and peak width skeletonized neurite density index (β = 0.364, P = 4.15 × 10-5), but not with peak width skeletonized fraction anisotropy (β = -0.035, P = 0.510); these relationships mirrored the imaging metrics' associations with gestational age at birth. Low gestational age at birth has a profound and widely distributed effect on the neonatal saliva methylome that is apparent at term equivalent age. Enriched gene ontology terms related to cell-cell contacts reveal pathways that could mediate the effect of early life environmental exposures on development. Finally, associations between differential DNA methylation and image markers of white matter tract microstructure suggest that variation in DNA methylation may provide a link between preterm birth and the dysconnectivity of developing brain networks that characterizes atypical brain development in preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily N. W. Wheater
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Paola Galdi
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Daniel L. McCartney
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Manuel Blesa
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Gemma Sullivan
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - David Q. Stoye
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Gillian Lamb
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Sarah Sparrow
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Lee Murphy
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Nicola Wrobel
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Alan J. Quigley
- Department of Paediatric Radiology, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Scott Semple
- Edinburgh Imaging, University of Edinburgh, EH16 4SB Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Michael J. Thrippleton
- Edinburgh Imaging, University of Edinburgh, EH16 4SB Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Joanna M. Wardlaw
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mark E. Bastin
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Riccardo E. Marioni
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Simon R. Cox
- Department of Psychology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - James P. Boardman
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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18
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Sullivan G, Galdi P, Borbye-Lorenzen N, Stoye DQ, Lamb GJ, Evans MJ, Skogstrand K, Chandran S, Boardman JP. Preterm Birth Is Associated With Immune Dysregulation Which Persists in Infants Exposed to Histologic Chorioamnionitis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:722489. [PMID: 34512648 PMCID: PMC8430209 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.722489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Preterm infants are at increased risk of exposure to histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) when compared to term-born controls, and this is associated with several neonatal morbidities involving brain, lungs and gut. Preterm infants could benefit from immunomodulatory therapies in the perinatal period, but development of rational treatment strategies requires improved characterization of the perinatal response to HCA. We had two objectives: The first, to characterize the umbilical cord blood immune profile in preterm infants compared to term-born controls; the second, to investigate the postnatal immune response in preterm infants exposed to HCA versus those who were not. Population For objective one 59 term infants [mean gestational age (GA) 39+4 (37+3 to 42+0)] and 55 preterm infants [mean GA29+0(23+3 to 32+0)] with umbilical cord samples available were included; for objective two we studied 96 preterm infants [mean GA29+1(23+2 to 32+0)] for whom placental histology and postnatal blood samples were available. Methods Placental histopathology was used to identify reaction patterns indicative of HCA, and a customized immunoassay of 24 inflammatory markers and trophic proteins selected to reflect the perinatal immune response was performed on umbilical cord blood in term and preterm participants and postnatal day 5 blood in the preterm group. Results The umbilical cord blood immune profile classified gestational age category with 86% accuracy (95% CI 0.78-0.92), p-value=1.242x10-14. Pro-inflammatory proteins IL-6, MCP-1 and CRP were elevated in the cord blood of preterm infants whilst BDNF, C3, C9, IL-18, MMP-9 and RANTES were decreased, compared to infants born at term. In preterm infants, exposure to HCA was associated with elevations in 8 immune proteins on postnatal day 5 (BDNF, C3, C5a, C9, IL-8, MCP-1, MIP-1β and MMP-9) when compared to preterm infants who were not exposed. Conclusion Preterm birth is associated with a distinct immune profile in umbilical cord blood and preterm infants exposed to HCA with evidence of a fetal inflammatory response have specific alterations in immune function that are apparent on day 5 of postnatal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Sullivan
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Galdi
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Nis Borbye-Lorenzen
- Danish Center for Neonatal Screening, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Q Stoye
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian J Lamb
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Margaret J Evans
- Department of Pathology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kristin Skogstrand
- Danish Center for Neonatal Screening, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - James P Boardman
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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19
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Stoye DQ, Sullivan G, Galdi P, Kirschbaum C, Lamb GJ, Black GS, Evans MJ, Boardman JP, Reynolds RM. Perinatal determinants of neonatal hair glucocorticoid concentrations. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 128:105223. [PMID: 33878601 PMCID: PMC8155393 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Adult hair glucocorticoid concentrations reflect months of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity. However, little is known about the determinants of neonatal hair glucocorticoids. We tested associations between perinatal exposures and neonatal hair glucocorticoids. Cortisol and cortisone were measured by LC-MS/MS in paired maternal and infant hair samples collected within 10 days of birth (n = 49 term, n = 47 preterm), with neonatal samples collected at 6-weeks in n = 54 preterm infants. We demonstrate cortisol accumulation in hair increases with fetal maturity, with hair cortisol being higher in term than preterm born infants after delivery (median 401 vs 106 pg/mg; p < 0.001). In term born infants, neonatal hair cortisol is positively associated with maternal hair cortisol concentration (β = 0.240, p = 0.045) and negatively associated with birthweight z-score (β = -0.340, p = 0.006). Additionally, being born without maternal labour is associated with lower hair cortisol concentrations (β = -0.489, p < 0.001) and a lower ratio of cortisol to cortisone (β = -0.484, p = 0.001). In preterm infants, histological chorioamnionitis is associated with a higher cortisol to cortisone ratio in hair (β = 0.459, p = 0.001). In samples collected 6 weeks after preterm birth, hair cortisol concentration is associated with cortisol hair concentrations measured after birth (β = 0.523, p < 0.001), chorioamnionitis (β = 0.250, p = 0.049) and postnatal exposures including intravenous hydrocortisone therapy (β = 0.343, p < 0.007) and neonatal sepsis (β = 0.290, p = 0.017). In summary, neonatal hair cortisol is associated with birth gestation, maternal hair cortisol concentration and fetal growth. Additionally, exposures at delivery are important determinants of hair cortisol, and should be considered in the design of future research investigating how neonatal hair cortisol relates to prenatal exposures or fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Q Stoye
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gemma Sullivan
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paola Galdi
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Gillian J Lamb
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gill S Black
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Margaret J Evans
- Department of Pathology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - James P Boardman
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rebecca M Reynolds
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, UK.
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