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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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Fei F, Chen Z, Tao Y, Jiang X, Xu X, Ma Y, Feng P, Wang P. Comparison of CUMS at different pregnancy stages, maternal separation, and their effects on offspring in postpartum depression mouse models. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35363. [PMID: 39166014 PMCID: PMC11334627 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35363] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to the diversity of postpartum depression (PPD) patients and the complexity of associated pathophysiological changes, most current animal models cannot accurately simulate PPD-like symptoms. In this study, we established a reliable animal model for PPD by inducing chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) at different stages (pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, or postnatal) in female mice, followed by maternal separation (MS) from day 2-21 after delivery. The results for female mice subjected to pre-pregnancy stress were not statistically significant due to a lower conception rate. However, female mice exposed to CUMS during either the gestational or postnatal stage, followed by MS, successfully exhibited PPD-like symptoms. The models were deemed effective based on observed behavioral abnormalities, impaired hippocampal neuron functioning, and reduced serum concentrations of neurotransmitters (5-HT, GABA, and NE). Additionally, mice that underwent gestational CUMS followed by MS displayed a more dysfunctional hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and more severe uterine inflammation. The study also investigated the impact of PPD on the behavior and neurodevelopment of adolescent offspring through behavioral tests, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and western blotting (WB). The results indicated that adolescent offspring of mothers with PPD exhibited behavioral and neurodevelopmental disorders, with male offspring being more susceptible than females. Female mice exposed to both CUMS and MS during the postnatal period had more severe adverse effects on their offspring compared to the other model groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Fei
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziwei Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Tao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinliang Jiang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyue Xu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifeng Ma
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Peishi Feng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, People's Republic of China
- ZJUT-Jinhua Innovation Joint Research Institute, Jinhua, 321001, People's Republic of China
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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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Castro-Quintas Á, Eixarch E, Martin-Gonzalez NS, Daura-Corral M, Marques-Feixa L, Palma-Gudiel H, Rocavert-Barranco M, Miguel-Valero A, Monteserín-García JL, de la Fuente-Tomás L, Crispi F, Arias B, García-Portilla MP, Fañanás L. Diurnal cortisol throughout pregnancy and its association with maternal depressive symptoms and birth outcomes. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 161:106930. [PMID: 38142606 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression during pregnancy is a common complication that can negatively affect fetal health and birth outcomes. Cortisol is believed to be a key mediator of this association. Although pregnancy entails a natural increase in cortisol levels, preclinical depression could alter its circadian rhythm, producing excessively high overall diurnal cortisol levels that might be harmful for the fetus and future offspring development. OBJECTIVES Using a prospective longitudinal design, we aimed to study (i) trimestral cortisol circadian rhythm and its overall levels throughout pregnancy in healthy women, (ii) the extent to which maternal depressive symptoms influence both cortisol rhythmicity and overall levels, and (iii) the possible adverse consequences of elevated maternal cortisol on the offspring's weight and gestational age at birth. STUDY DESIGN 112 healthy pregnant women from the general Spanish population were recruited before their first pregnancy. To assess cortisol circadian rhythm, participants provided four saliva samples at each trimester of pregnancy (at awakening, 30 min after awakening, before lunch and before going to bed). Overall cortisol levels were calculated with AUCg approximation. Depressive symptoms were evaluated in each trimester and defined according to EPDS cut-off values (1st trimester, EPDS ≥ 11; 2nd and 3rd trimesters, EPDS ≥ 10). At birth, the risk for low weight, prematurity and weight birth percentile was retrieved for 100 infants. Mixed models and simple effects were employed to study changes of maternal cortisol circadian rhythm and overall levels throughout pregnancy and the possible influence of maternal depressive symptoms. Finally, logistic regressions were performed to assess the associations between maternal overall cortisol levels in each trimester of pregnancy and birth anthropometrics. RESULTS Although overall diurnal cortisol levels increase throughout pregnancy, cortisol circadian rhythm is preserved in all trimesters [1st (F(3110)= 92.565, p < .001), 2nd (F(3,85)= 46.828, p < .001) and 3rd (F(3,90)= 65.555, p < .001)]. However, women with depressive symptoms showed a flattened cortisol circadian pattern only during the second trimester, characterized by a blunted awakening peak and reduced evening decline (F(3,85)= 4.136, p = .009), but not during the first (F(3,11)= 1.676, p = .176) or the third (F(3,90)= 1.089, p = .358) trimesters. Additionally, they did not show a cortisol increase from second to third trimester (p = .636). Finally, higher maternal cortisol levels in second and third trimesters seemed to be associated with increased risk of prematurity (adjusted OR -0.371, 95% CI 0.490-0.972, p = .034) and low birth weight percentile (adjusted OR -0.612, 95% CI 0.348-0.846, p = .007) respectively. CONCLUSION Maternal cortisol levels increased throughout pregnancy, although cortisol circadian rhythm was preserved in all trimesters of pregnancy. However, prenatal depressive symptoms were associated with flattened maternal cortisol circadian rhythm in mid-pregnancy. Therefore, it seems that women with depressive symptoms tended to increase less gradually their cortisol levels from mid to late pregnancy. Finally, higher maternal cortisol levels in mid and late-pregnancy seem to be associated with poorer birth anthropometrics Early detection of depressive symptoms in general population could help to prevent putative obstetrical and birth adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Águeda Castro-Quintas
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedicine Institute of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER of Mental Health, CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisenda Eixarch
- BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu); Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER of Rare Diseases, CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea San Martin-Gonzalez
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedicine Institute of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER of Mental Health, CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Daura-Corral
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Marques-Feixa
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedicine Institute of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER of Mental Health, CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Helena Palma-Gudiel
- Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER of Mental Health, CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; College of Public Health and Health Professions, Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, United States
| | | | - Alba Miguel-Valero
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Monteserín-García
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedicine Institute of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER of Mental Health, CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorena de la Fuente-Tomás
- Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER of Mental Health, CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Fátima Crispi
- BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu); Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER of Rare Diseases, CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Barbara Arias
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedicine Institute of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER of Mental Health, CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Paz García-Portilla
- Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER of Mental Health, CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; Servicio de Salud del Principado de Asturias (SESPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Lourdes Fañanás
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedicine Institute of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER of Mental Health, CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Rebecchini L, Bind RH, Allegri B, Zamparelli A, Biaggi A, Hazelgrove K, Osborne S, Conroy S, Pawlby S, Sethna V, Pariante CM. Women with depression in pregnancy or a history of depression have decreased quality of mentalization in the speech to their infants. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2023. [PMID: 37931907 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our study aims to understand whether depression, either in pregnancy or lifetime, affects cognitive biases (comprising the attentional focus and affective state) and mentalizing features (ability to understand children's internal mental states, thereby detecting and comprehending their behavior and intention), in maternal speech during mother-infant interaction in the first postnatal year. METHODS We recruited 115 pregnant women (44 healthy, 46 with major depressive disorder [MDD] in pregnancy, and 25 with a history of MDD but healthy pregnancy) at 25 weeks' gestation. Three-minute videos were recorded at 8 weeks and 12 months postnatally for each dyad. Maternal speech was transcribed verbatim and coded for cognitive biases and mentalizing comments using the Parental Cognitive Attributions and Mentalization Scale (PCAMs). RESULTS Women suffering from antenatal depression showed a decreased proportion of mentalizing comments compared with healthy women, at both 8 weeks (0.03 ± 0.01 vs. 0.07 ± 0.01, P = 0.002) and 12 months (0.02 ± 0.01 vs. 0.04 ± 0.01, P = 0.043). Moreover, compared with healthy women, both those with antenatal depression and those with a history of depression showed decreased positive affection in speech (0.13 ± 0.01 vs. 0.07 ± 0.01 and 0.08 ± 0.02, respectively P = 0.003 and P = 0.043), and made significantly fewer comments focused on their infants' experience at 8 weeks (0.67 ± 0.03 vs. 0.53 ± 0.04 and 0.49 ± 0.05, respectively P = 0.015 and P = 0.005). In linear regression models women's socioeconomic difficulties and anxiety in pregnancy contribute to these associations, while postnatal depression did not. CONCLUSIONS Both antenatal depression and a lifetime history of depression are associated with a decreased quality of women's speech to their infants, as shown by less focus on their infant's experience, decreased positive affection, and less able to mentalize. Examining maternal speech to their infants in the early postnatal months may be particularly relevant to identify women who could benefit from strategies addressing these aspects of the interactive behavior and thus improve infant outcome in the context of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Rebecchini
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca H Bind
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Beatrice Allegri
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Arianna Zamparelli
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alessandra Biaggi
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Katie Hazelgrove
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Osborne
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Susan Conroy
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Susan Pawlby
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Vaheshta Sethna
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Forensic & Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Carmine M Pariante
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
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Paulzen M, Schoretsanitis G. [Psychopharmacotherapy during pregnancy and breastfeeding-Part I: focus on pregnancy : Support options by using therapeutic drug monitoring]. DER NERVENARZT 2023; 94:786-798. [PMID: 37460797 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-023-01528-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
The medicinal treatment of mental disorders during pregnancy and lactation requires special knowledge about possible effects of the psychopharmacotherapy on the intrauterine exposure of the embryo/fetus. Therefore, the first part of this 2‑part article focuses on the use of psychotropic drugs during pregnancy. In the second part, the use of psychotropic drugs during breastfeeding is addressed. Possible substance-specific risks as a consequence of the administration have to be assessed compared to the natural risk of pregnancy complications, birth complications and neonatal complications associated with the appropriate (untreated) mental disease. Pharmacokinetic changes during pregnancy require a special focus on the safety of drug treatment and treatment efficacy. Currently, neither the European Medicines Agency (EMA) nor the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved any psychotropic drug for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. A more detailed consideration of the risk profiles of all psychotropic drugs, prescribed off-label during this time, is important. Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers are the main drugs used, despite their lack of approval. This first part of our 2‑part article provides an overview of the most frequently used substance groups during pregnancy and their special characteristics. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is presented as a clinical tool that can provide a supportive contribution to treatment safety and effectiveness during pregnancy and later also during breastfeeding, not only because of the changing pharmacokinetics. In this context, the measurement of concentrations of the active substance allows a better quantification of the intrauterine and postpartum exposure risk. Despite all clinical support possibilities, each therapeutic decision for the administration of a psychotropic drug remains an individual case decision. For those involved in the treatment, this means a careful balancing of the possible consequences of non-treatment and the possible sequelae of the use of psychopharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Paulzen
- Alexianer Krankenhaus Aachen, Alexianer Aachen GmbH, Aachen, Deutschland, Alexianergraben 33, 52062.
- Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Medizinische Fakultät, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland.
| | - Georgios Schoretsanitis
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich (PUK), Zürich, Schweiz
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, New York, USA
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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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Ravi M, Bernabe B, Michopoulos V. Stress-Related Mental Health Disorders and Inflammation in Pregnancy: The Current Landscape and the Need for Further Investigation. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:868936. [PMID: 35836664 PMCID: PMC9273991 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.868936] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have focused on psychoimmunological mechanisms of risk for stress-related mental health disorders. However, significantly fewer studies have focused on understanding mechanisms of risk for stress-related disorders during pregnancy, a period characterized by dramatic changes in both the innate and adaptive immune systems. The current review summarizes and synthesizes the extant literature on the immune system during pregnancy, as well as the sparse existing evidence highlighting the associations between inflammation and mood, anxiety, and fear-related disorders in pregnancy. In general, pregnant persons demonstrate lower baseline levels of systemic inflammation, but respond strongly when presented with an immune challenge. Stress and trauma exposure may therefore result in strong inflammatory responses in pregnant persons that increases risk for adverse behavioral health outcomes. Overall, the existing literature suggests that stress, trauma exposure, and stress-related psychopathology are associated with higher levels of systemic inflammation in pregnant persons, but highlight the need for further investigation as the existing data are equivocal and vary based on which specific immune markers are impacted. Better understanding of the psychoimmunology of pregnancy is necessary to reduce burden of prenatal mental illness, increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy, and reduce the intergenerational impacts of prenatal stress-related mental health disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghna Ravi
- Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Brandy Bernabe
- Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Vasiliki Michopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Emory National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, United States
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