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Argyropoulou MI, Xydis V, Astrakas LG, Drougia A, Styliara EI, Kiortsis DN, Giapros V, Kanaka-Gantenbein C. Pituitary gland height evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging in premature twins: the impact of growth and sex. Pediatr Radiol 2024; 54:787-794. [PMID: 38386022 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-024-05873-0] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pituitary gland height reflects secretory activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis. OBJECTIVE To assess the cumulative impact of fetal growth and sex on pituitary gland height in premature twins, dissociated from prematurity. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective study was conducted, assessing the pituitary gland height in 63 pairs of preterm twins, measured from T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Auxological parameters, including body weight, body length, and head circumference, at birth and at the time of MRI, were used as proxies for fetal and postnatal growth, respectively. The study population was divided into two groups, using corrected age at around term equivalent as the cutoff point. Statistical analysis was performed using mixed-effects linear regression models. RESULTS When pituitary gland height was evaluated at around term equivalent, a greater pituitary gland height, suggesting a more immature hypothamo-pituitary axis, was associated with the twin exhibiting lower auxological data at birth. The same association was observed when body weight and length at MRI were used as covariants. In the group evaluated after term equivalent, a smaller pituitary gland height, suggesting a more mature hypothamo-pituitary axis, was associated with male sex. This difference was observed in twin pairs with higher average body weight at birth, and in babies exhibiting higher auxological data at MRI. CONCLUSION After isolating the effect of prematurity, at around term equivalent, pituitary gland height reflects the cumulative impact of fetal growth on the hypothalamo-pituitary axis. Subsequently, pituitary gland height shows effects of sex and of fetal and postnatal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria I Argyropoulou
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, P.O. Box 1186, 45110, Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Vasileios Xydis
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, P.O. Box 1186, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Loukas G Astrakas
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Drougia
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Child Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Effrosyni I Styliara
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, P.O. Box 1186, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dimitrios-Nikiforos Kiortsis
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, P.O. Box 1186, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Vasileios Giapros
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Child Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Bommarito PA, Stevens DR, Welch BM, Weller D, Meeker JD, Cantonwine DE, McElrath TF, Ferguson KK. Temporal trends and predictors of phthalate, phthalate replacement, and phenol biomarkers in the LIFECODES Fetal Growth Study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 174:107898. [PMID: 37001215 PMCID: PMC10133207 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to many phthalates and phenols is declining as replacements are introduced. There is little information on temporal trends or predictors of exposure to these newer compounds, such as phthalate replacements, especially among pregnant populations. OBJECTIVE Examine temporal trends and predictors of exposure to phthalates, phthalate replacements, and phenols using single- and multi-pollutant approaches. METHODS We analyzed data from 900 singleton pregnancies in the LIFECODES Fetal Growth Study, a nested case-cohort with recruitment from 2007 to 2018. We measured and averaged concentrations of 12 phthalate metabolites, four phthalate replacement metabolites, and 12 phenols in urine at three timepoints during pregnancy. We visualized and analyzed temporal trends and predictors of biomarker concentrations. To examine chemical mixtures, we derived clusters of individuals with shared exposure profiles using a finite mixture model and examined temporal trends and predictors of cluster assignment. RESULTS Exposure to phthalates and most phenols declined across the study period, while exposure to phthalate replacements (i.e., di(isononyl) cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid, diisononyl ester [DINCH] and di-2-ethylhexyl terephthalate [DEHTP]) and bisphenol S (BPS) increased. For example, the sum of DEHTP biomarkers increased multiple orders of magnitude, with an average concentration of 0.92 ng/mL from 2007 to 2008 and 61.9 ng/mL in 2017-2018. Biomarkers of most chemical exposures varied across sociodemographic characteristics, with the highest concentrations observed in non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic participants relative to non-Hispanic White participants. We identified five clusters with shared exposure profiles and observed temporal trends in cluster membership. For example, at the end of the study period, a cluster characterized by high exposure to phthalate replacements was the most prevalent. SIGNIFICANCE In a large and well-characterized pregnancy cohort, we observed exposure to phthalate replacements and BPS increased over time while exposure to phthalates and other phenols decreased. Our results highlight the changing nature of exposure to consumer product chemical mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Bommarito
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - D R Stevens
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - B M Welch
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - D Weller
- NSF International, 789 N. Dixboro Road., Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - J D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - D E Cantonwine
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - T F McElrath
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - K K Ferguson
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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3
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Bommarito PA, Cantonwine DE, Stevens DR, Welch BM, Davalos AD, Zhao S, McElrath TF, Ferguson KK. An application of group-based trajectory modeling to define fetal growth phenotypes among small-for-gestational-age births in the LIFECODES Fetal Growth Study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 228:334.e1-334.e21. [PMID: 36027952 PMCID: PMC9950285 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reductions in fetal growth are associated with adverse outcomes at birth and later in life. However, identifying fetuses with pathologically small growth remains challenging. Definitions of small-for-gestational age are often used as a proxy to identify those experiencing pathologic growth (ie, fetal growth restriction). However, this approach is subject to limitation as most newborns labeled small-for-gestational age are constitutionally, not pathologically, small. Incorporating repeated ultrasound measures to examine fetal growth trajectories may help distinguish pathologic deviations in growth from normal variability, beyond a simple definition of small-for-gestational age. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to characterize phenotypes of growth using ultrasound trajectories of fetal growth among small-for-gestational-age births. STUDY DESIGN This study identified and described trajectories of fetal growth among small-for-gestational-age births (<10th percentile weight for gestational age; n=245) in the LIFECODES Fetal Growth Study using univariate and multivariate trajectory modeling approaches. Available ultrasound measures of fetal growth (estimated fetal weight, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length) from health records were abstracted. First, univariate group-based trajectory modeling was used to define trajectories of estimated fetal weight z scores during gestation. Second, group-based multi-trajectory modeling was used to identify trajectories based on concurrent measures of head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length z scores. Last, how these trajectories were related to patient demographics, pregnancy characteristics, and birth outcomes compared with those observed among appropriate-for-gestational-age controls was described. RESULTS Of note, 3 univariate trajectories of estimated fetal weight and 4 multivariate trajectories of fetal growth among small-for-gestational-age births were identified. In our univariate approach, infants with the smallest estimated fetal weight trajectory throughout pregnancy had poorer outcomes, including the highest risk of neonatal intensive care unit admission. The remaining univariate trajectory groups did not have an elevated risk of adverse birth outcomes relative to appropriate-for-gestational-age controls. In our multivariate approach, 2 groups at increased or moderately increased risk of neonatal intensive care unit admission were identified, including infants that remained extremely small for all parameters throughout pregnancy and those who had disproportionately smaller femur length and abdominal circumference compared with head circumference. The remaining multivariate trajectory groups did not have an elevated risk of adverse birth outcome relative to appropriate-for-gestational-age controls. CONCLUSION Latent class group-based trajectory modeling applied to ultrasound measures of fetal growth may help distinguish pathologic vs constitutional growth profiles among newborns born small-for-gestational age. Although trajectories cannot be fully characterized until delivery, limiting the direct clinical application of these methods, they may still contribute to the development of approaches for separating growth restriction from constitutional smallness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige A Bommarito
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - David E Cantonwine
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Danielle R Stevens
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Barrett M Welch
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Angel D Davalos
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Thomas F McElrath
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kelly K Ferguson
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC.
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Bommarito PA, Cantonwine DE, Stevens DR, Welch BM, Davalos AD, Zhao S, McElrath TF, Ferguson KK. Fetal growth trajectories of babies born large-for-gestational age in the LIFECODES Fetal Growth Study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 228:340.e1-340.e20. [PMID: 36241081 PMCID: PMC9974610 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.10.006] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Babies born large-for-gestational age have an increased risk of adverse health outcomes, including birth injuries, childhood obesity, and cardiometabolic disorders. However, little work has been done to characterize patterns of fetal growth among large-for-gestational age births, which may further elucidate high- and low-risk subgroups. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify subgroups of large-for-gestational age births based on trajectories of fetal growth derived from prenatal ultrasound measurements and explore differences in sociodemographic, pregnancy, and birth outcome characteristics across subgroups. STUDY DESIGN This study identified and described trajectories of fetal growth among large-for-gestational age births (n=235) in the LIFECODES Fetal Growth Study. Ultrasound measurements of fetal growth in middle to late pregnancy were abstracted from health records. Group-based multi-trajectory modeling was applied to measurements of head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length z-scores to identify multivariate trajectories of fetal growth. Moreover, sociodemographic variables, pregnancy characteristics, and birth outcomes based on trajectory membership were summarized. RESULTS This study identified 4 multivariate trajectories of fetal growth among large-for-gestational age births: catch-up growth (n=28), proportional abdominal circumference-to-femur length growth (n=67), disproportional abdominal circumference-to-femur length growth (n=96), and consistently large (n=44). Fetuses in the "catch-up growth" group exhibited small relative sizes in midpregnancy (ie, below average head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length z-scores) and large relative sizes in late pregnancy. Growth among these births was driven by increases in relative abdominal circumference and head circumference sizes. Participants who delivered births assigned to this group were less likely to have normal glucose control (40% vs 65%-75%) and more likely to have pregestational diabetes mellitus (36% vs 10%-17%) than other large-for-gestational age subgroups. In addition, the babies in this trajectory group were more likely to have macrosomia (86% vs 67%-73%) and to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (32% vs 14%-21%) than other large-for-gestational age subgroups. In contrast, babies in the "consistently large" group had the largest relative size for all growth parameters throughout gestation and experienced a lower risk of adverse birth outcomes than other large-for-gestational age subgroups. CONCLUSION This study characterized several trajectories of fetal growth among large-for-gestational age births, which were related to different pregnancy characteristics and the distribution of adverse birth outcomes. Although the number of individuals within some trajectories was small, a subgroup that exhibited a catch-up growth phenotype during gestation was identified, which may be uniquely associated with exposure to pregestational diabetes mellitus and a higher risk of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. These results have highlighted that the risk of adverse outcomes may not be evenly distributed across all large-for-gestational age births.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige A Bommarito
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - David E Cantonwine
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Danielle R Stevens
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Barrett M Welch
- School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV
| | - Angel D Davalos
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Thomas F McElrath
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kelly K Ferguson
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC.
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Bommarito PA, Welch BM, Keil AP, Baker GP, Cantonwine DE, McElrath TF, Ferguson KK. Prenatal exposure to consumer product chemical mixtures and size for gestational age at delivery. Environ Health 2021; 20:68. [PMID: 34112176 PMCID: PMC8194159 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-021-00724-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While fetal growth is a tightly regulated process, it is sensitive to environmental exposures that occur during pregnancy. Many commonly used consumer products contain chemicals that can disturb processes underlying fetal growth. However, mixtures of these chemicals have been minimally examined. We investigated associations between prenatal exposure to 33 consumer product chemicals (nine organophosphate ester flame retardant [OPE] metabolites, 12 phthalate metabolites, and 12 phenols) and the odds of small- or large-for-gestational age (SGA and LGA) births. METHODS This case-control study was comprised of SGA (N = 31), LGA (N = 28), and appropriate for gestational age control (N = 31) births selected from the larger LIFECODES cohort. Biomarkers of exposure to consumer product chemicals were quantified in maternal urine collected from up to three study visits during pregnancy. In a single-pollutant approach, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of SGA and LGA associated with an interquartile range (IQR)-increase in exposure biomarkers were estimated using multinomial logistic regression. In a multi-pollutant approach, quantile g-computation was used to jointly estimate the OR (95% CI) of SGA and LGA per simultaneous one quartile-change in all biomarkers belonging to each chemical class. RESULTS Among the 33 biomarkers analyzed, 20 were detected in at least 50% of the participants. After adjusting for potential confounders, we observed reduced odds of LGA in association with higher urinary concentrations of several exposure biomarkers. For example, an IQR-increase in the OPE metabolite, diphenyl phosphate, was associated with lower odds of LGA (OR: 0.40 [95% CI: 0.18, 0.87]). Using quantile g-computation, we estimated lower odds of an LGA birth for higher OPE metabolite concentrations (OR: 0.49 [95% CI: 0.27, 0.89]) and phthalate metabolite concentrations (OR: 0.23 [95% CI: 0.07, 0.73]). Associations between consumer product chemicals and SGA were largely null. CONCLUSIONS Joint exposure to OPEs and phthalates was associated with lower odds of delivering LGA. Associations with LGA could indicate a specific impact of these exposures on the high end of the birth weight spectrum. Future work to understand this nuance in the associations between consumer product chemical mixtures and fetal growth is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. A. Bommarito
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Durham, NC 27709 USA
| | - B. M. Welch
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Durham, NC 27709 USA
| | - A. P. Keil
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Durham, NC 27709 USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - G. P. Baker
- NSF International, 789 N. Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 USA
| | - D. E. Cantonwine
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - T. F. McElrath
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - K. K. Ferguson
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Durham, NC 27709 USA
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Dlk1 expression relates to visceral fat expansion and insulin resistance in male and female rats with postnatal catch-up growth. Pediatr Res 2019; 86:195-201. [PMID: 31091532 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-019-0428-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although prenatal and postnatal programming of metabolic diseases in adulthood is well established, the mechanisms underpinning metabolic programming are not. Dlk1, a key regulator of fetal development, inhibits adipocyte differentiation and restricts fetal growth. METHODS Assess DLk1 expression in a Wistar rat model of catch-up growth following intrauterine restriction. Dams fed ad libitum delivered control pups (C) and dams on a 50% calorie-restricted diet delivered pups with low birth weight (R). Restricted offspring fed a standard rat chow showed catch-up growth (R/C) but those kept on a calorie-restricted diet did not (R/R). RESULTS Decreased Dlk1 expression was observed in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle of R/C pups along with excessive visceral fat accumulation, decreased circulating adiponectin, increased triglycerides and HOMA-IR (from p < 0.05 to p < 0.0001). Moreover, in R/C pups the reduced Dlk1 expression in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle correlated with visceral fat (r = -0.820, p < 00001) and HOMA-IR (r = -0.745, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Decreased Dlk1 expression relates to visceral fat expansion and insulin resistance in a rat model of catch-up growth following prenatal growth restriction. Modulation of Dlk1 expression could be among the targets for the early prevention of fetal programming of adult metabolic disorders.
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Abstract
Mutations of growth hormone genes and pituitary transcription factors account for a small proportion of cases of severe congenital hypopituitarism. Most cases show characteristic MRI findings of pituitary stalk interruption syndrome. Clinical suspicion should prompt assessment of cortisol, free T4, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and growth hormone levels together with MRI of the hypothalamic and pituitary regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S Parks
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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8
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Sweeney S, Adamcakova-Dodd A, Thorne PS, Assouline JG. Biocompatibility of Multi-Imaging Engineered Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: In Vitro and Adult and Fetal In Vivo Studies. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2017; 13:544-558. [PMID: 31118876 DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2017.2369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Despite potentially serious adverse effects of engineered nanoparticles on maternal health and fetal development, little is known about their transport across the placenta. Human and animal studies are primarily limited to ex vivo approaches; the lack of a real-time, minimally invasive tool to study transplacental transport is clear. We have developed functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) for use in magnetic resonance, ultrasound, and fluorescent imaging. This material is designed as a model for, or a carrier of, environmental toxicants, allowing for in vivo evaluation. To establish a baseline of biocompatibility, we present data describing MSN tolerance using in vitro and in vivo models. In cultured cells, MSN were tolerated to a dose of 125 µg/mL with minimal effect on viability and doubling time. For the 42 day duration of the study, none of the mice exhibited behaviors usually indicative of distress (lethargy, anemia, loss of appetite, etc.). In gravid mice, the body and organ weights of MSN-exposed dams were equivalent to those of control dams. Embryos exposed to MSN during early gestation were underweight by a small degree, while embryos exposed during late gestation were of a slightly larger weight. The rate of spontaneous fetal resorptions were equivalent in exposed and control mice. Maternal livers and sera were screened for a complement of cytokines/chemokines and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). Only granulocyte-colony stimulating factor was elevated in mice exposed to MSN during late gestation, while ROS/RNS levels were elevated in mice exposed during early/mid gestation. These findings may usher future experiments investigating environmental toxicants using real-time assessment of transport across the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Sweeney
- NanoMedTrix Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, 229 Engineering Research Facility, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Andrea Adamcakova-Dodd
- Environmental Health Sciences Research Center Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, 170 Institute for Rural and Environmental Health, Coralville, IA 52241
| | - Peter S Thorne
- Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, S341A College of Public Health Building, 145 N. Riverside Dr., Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Jose G Assouline
- NanoMedTrix, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, 227 Engineering Research Facility, Iowa City, IA 52242
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Steyn FJ, Tolle V, Chen C, Epelbaum J. Neuroendocrine Regulation of Growth Hormone Secretion. Compr Physiol 2016; 6:687-735. [PMID: 27065166 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c150002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This article reviews the main findings that emerged in the intervening years since the previous volume on hormonal control of growth in the section on the endocrine system of the Handbook of Physiology concerning the intra- and extrahypothalamic neuronal networks connecting growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin hypophysiotropic neurons and the integration between regulators of food intake/metabolism and GH release. Among these findings, the discovery of ghrelin still raises many unanswered questions. One important event was the application of deconvolution analysis to the pulsatile patterns of GH secretion in different mammalian species, including Man, according to gender, hormonal environment and ageing. Concerning this last phenomenon, a great body of evidence now supports the role of an attenuation of the GHRH/GH/Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis in the control of mammalian aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik J Steyn
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research and the School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Virginie Tolle
- Unité Mixte de Recherche en Santé 894 INSERM, Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Chen Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jacques Epelbaum
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research and the School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Murray E, Fernandes M, Fazel M, Kennedy SH, Villar J, Stein A. Differential effect of intrauterine growth restriction on childhood neurodevelopment: a systematic review. BJOG 2015; 122:1062-72. [DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.13435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E Murray
- Department of Psychiatry; Warneford Hospital; University of Oxford; Oxford UK
| | - M Fernandes
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology; Oxford Maternal & Perinatal Health Institute; Green Templeton College; University of Oxford; Oxford UK
| | - M Fazel
- Department of Psychiatry; Warneford Hospital; University of Oxford; Oxford UK
| | - SH Kennedy
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology; Oxford Maternal & Perinatal Health Institute; Green Templeton College; University of Oxford; Oxford UK
| | - J Villar
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology; Oxford Maternal & Perinatal Health Institute; Green Templeton College; University of Oxford; Oxford UK
| | - A Stein
- Department of Psychiatry; Warneford Hospital; University of Oxford; Oxford UK
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11
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Gossai A, Lesseur C, Farzan S, Marsit C, Karagas MR, Gilbert-Diamond D. Association between maternal urinary arsenic species and infant cord blood leptin levels in a New Hampshire Pregnancy Cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 136:180-6. [PMID: 25460635 PMCID: PMC4262605 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Leptin is an important pleiotropic hormone involved in the regulation of nutrient intake and energy expenditure, and is known to influence body weight in infants and adults. High maternal levels of arsenic have been associated with reduced infant birth weight, but the mechanism of action is not yet understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between in utero arsenic exposure and infant cord blood leptin concentrations within 156 mother-infant pairs from the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study (NHBCS) who were exposed to low to moderate levels of arsenic through well water and diet. In utero arsenic exposure was obtained from maternal second trimester urinary arsenic concentration, and plasma leptin levels were assessed through immunoassay. Results indicate that urinary arsenic species concentrations were predictive of infant cord blood leptin levels following adjustment for creatinine, infant birth weight for gestational age percentile, infant sex, maternal pregnancy-related weight gain, and maternal education level amongst 149 white mother-infant pairs in multivariate linear regression models. A doubling or 100% increase in total urinary arsenic concentration (iAs+MMA+DMA) was associated with a 10.3% (95% CI: 0.8-20.7%) increase in cord blood leptin levels. A 100% increase in either monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) or dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) was also associated with an 8.3% (95% CI: -1.0-18.6%) and 10.3% (95% CI: 1.2-20.2%) increase in cord blood leptin levels, respectively. The association between inorganic arsenic (iAs) and cord blood leptin was of similar magnitude and direction as other arsenic species (a 100% increase in iAs was associated with a 6.5% (95% CI: -3.4-17.5%) increase in cord blood leptin levels), albeit not significant. These results suggest in utero exposure to low levels of arsenic influences cord blood leptin concentration and presents a potential mechanism by which arsenic may impact early childhood growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anala Gossai
- Institute of Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Corina Lesseur
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 7650 Remsen, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Shohreh Farzan
- Children's Environmental Health & Disease Prevention Research Center at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; Section of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Community and Family Medicine and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Carmen Marsit
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 7650 Remsen, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; Section of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Community and Family Medicine and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Margaret R Karagas
- Institute of Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; Children's Environmental Health & Disease Prevention Research Center at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; Section of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Community and Family Medicine and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Diane Gilbert-Diamond
- Institute of Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; Children's Environmental Health & Disease Prevention Research Center at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; Section of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Community and Family Medicine and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA.
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12
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Greco A, Ragucci M, Coda ARD, Rosa A, Gargiulo S, Liuzzi R, Gramanzini M, Albanese S, Pappatà S, Mancini M, Brunetti A, Salvatore M. High frequency ultrasound for in vivo pregnancy diagnosis and staging of placental and fetal development in mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e77205. [PMID: 24155928 PMCID: PMC3796510 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ultrasound is a valuable non-invasive tool used in obstetrics and gynecology to monitor the growth and well being of the human fetus. The laboratory mouse has recently emerged as an appropriate model for fetal and perinatal studies because morphogenetic processes in mice exhibit adequate homology to those in humans, and genetic manipulations are relatively simple to perform in mice. High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) has recently become available for small animal preclinical imaging and can be used to study pregnancy and development in the mouse. The objective of the current study was to assess the main applications of HFUS in the evaluation of fetal growth and placental function and to better understand human congenital diseases. Methodology/Principal Findings On each gestational day, at least 5 dams were monitored with HFUS; a total of ∼200 embryos were examined. Because it is not possible to measure each variable for the entire duration of the pregnancy, the parameters were divided into three groups as a function of the time at which they were measured. Univariate analysis of the relationship between each measurement and the embryonic day was performed using Spearman’s rank correlation (Rs). Continuous linear regression was adopted for multivariate analysis of significant parameters. All statistical tests were two-sided, and a p value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Conclusions/Significance The study describes the main applications of HFUS to assess changes in phenotypic parameters in the developing CD1 mouse embryo and fetus during pregnancy and to evaluating physiological fetal and placental growth and the development of principal organs such as the heart, kidney, liver, brain and eyes in the embryonic mouse. A database of normal structural and functional parameters of mouse development will provide a useful tool for the better understanding of morphogenetic and cardiovascular anomalies in transgenic and mutant mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelaide Greco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione SDN, Napoli, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | - Alessandro Rosa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione SDN, Napoli, Italy
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Napoli, Italy
- Ceinge, Biotecnologie Avanzate, scarl, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sara Gargiulo
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Napoli, Italy
| | | | | | - Sandra Albanese
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione SDN, Napoli, Italy
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Napoli, Italy
- Ceinge, Biotecnologie Avanzate, scarl, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sabina Pappatà
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Arturo Brunetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione SDN, Napoli, Italy
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Napoli, Italy
- Ceinge, Biotecnologie Avanzate, scarl, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco Salvatore
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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Phua DYL, Rifkin-Graboi A, Saw SM, Meaney MJ, Qiu A. Executive functions of six-year-old boys with normal birth weight and gestational age. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36502. [PMID: 22558470 PMCID: PMC3340375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 04/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired fetal development, reflected by low birth weight or prematurity, predicts an increased risk for psychopathology, especially attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Such effects cut across the normal range of birth weight and gestation. Despite the strength of existing epidemiological data, cognitive pathways that link fetal development to mental health are largely unknown. In this study we examined the relation of birth weight (>2500 g) and gestational age (37-41 weeks) within the normal range with specific executive functions in 195 Singaporean six-year-old boys of Chinese ethnicity. Birth weight adjusted for gestational age was used as indicator of fetal growth while gestational age was indicative of fetal maturity. Linear regression revealed that increased fetal growth within the normal range is associated with an improved ability to learn rules during the intra/extra-dimensional shift task and to retain visual information for short period of time during the delayed matching to sample task. Moreover, faster and consistent reaction times during the stop-signal task were observed among boys born at term, but with higher gestational age. Hence, even among boys born at term with normal birth weight, variations in fetal growth and maturity showed distinct effects on specific executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desiree Yee-Ling Phua
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, The Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anne Rifkin-Graboi
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, The Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Seang-Mei Saw
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael J. Meaney
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, The Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Sackler Program for Epigenetics and Psychobiology at McGill University, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada
| | - Anqi Qiu
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, The Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Bioengineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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14
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Mustoe AC, Birnie AK, Korgan AC, Santo JB, French JA. Natural variation in gestational cortisol is associated with patterns of growth in marmoset monkeys (Callithrix geoffroyi). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2012; 175:519-26. [PMID: 22212825 PMCID: PMC3268124 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2011.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2011] [Revised: 12/10/2011] [Accepted: 12/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
High levels of prenatal cortisol have been previously reported to retard fetal growth. Although cortisol plays a pivotal role in prenatal maturation, heightened exposure to cortisol can result in lower body weights at birth, which have been shown to be associated with adult diseases like hypertension and cardiovascular disease. This study examines the relationship between natural variation in gestational cortisol and fetal and postnatal growth in marmoset monkeys. Urinary samples obtained during the mother's gestation were analyzed for cortisol. Marmoset body mass index (BMI) was measured from birth through 540 days in 30- or 60-day intervals. Multi-level modeling was used to test if marmoset growth over time was predicted by changes in gestational cortisol controlling for time, sex, litter, and litter size. The results show that offspring exposed to intra-uterine environments with elevated levels of cortisol had lower linear BMI rates of change shortly after birth than did offspring exposed to lower levels of cortisol, but exhibited a higher curvilinear growth rate during adolescence. Average daily change in gestational cortisol during the first trimester had a stronger relationship with postnatal growth than change during the third trimester. Higher exposure to cortisol during gestation does alter developmental trajectories, however there appears to be a catch-up period during later post-natal growth. These observations contribute to a larger discussion about the relationship of maternal glucocorticoids on offspring development and the possibility of an earlier vulnerable developmental window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaryn C Mustoe
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA.
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15
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Umbers AJ, Aitken EH, Rogerson SJ. Malaria in pregnancy: small babies, big problem. Trends Parasitol 2011; 27:168-75. [PMID: 21377424 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2011.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2010] [Revised: 01/24/2011] [Accepted: 01/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Placental malaria is hypothesized to lead to placental insufficiency, which causes fetal growth restriction (FGR). In this review, recent discoveries regarding the mechanisms of pathogenesis by which malaria causes FGR are discussed in the wider context of placental function and fetal growth. Placental malaria and associated host responses can induce changes in placental structure and function, affecting pregnancy-associated growth-regulating hormones and predisposing the offspring to hypertension and vascular dysfunction. Risk factors associated with FGR are highlighted, and potential interventions and studies to uncover remaining mechanisms of pathogenesis are proposed. Together, these strategies aim to decrease the burden of FGR associated with malaria in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra J Umbers
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Post Office Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
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16
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Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Owens JA, Pringle KG, Roberts CT. The neglected role of insulin-like growth factors in the maternal circulation regulating fetal growth. J Physiol 2010; 589:7-20. [PMID: 20921199 PMCID: PMC3021777 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2010.198622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) play a pivotal role in modulating fetal growth via their actions on both the mother and the placenta. Circulating IGFs influence maternal tissue growth and metabolism, thereby regulating nutrient availability for the growth of the conceptus. Maternal IGFs also regulate placental morphogenesis, substrate transport and hormone secretion, all of which influence fetal growth either via indirect effects on maternal substrate availability, or through direct effects on the placenta and its capacity to supply nutrients to the fetus. The extent to which IGFs influence the mother and/or placenta are dependent on the species and maternal factors, including age and nutrition. As altered fetal growth is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality and a greater risk of developing degenerative diseases in adult life, understanding the role of maternal IGFs during pregnancy is essential in order to identify mechanisms underlying altered fetal growth and offspring programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- A N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Physiology Building, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
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17
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Berti C, Decsi T, Dykes F, Hermoso M, Koletzko B, Massari M, Moreno LA, Serra‐Majem L, Cetin I. Critical issues in setting micronutrient recommendations for pregnant women: an insight. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2010; 6 Suppl 2:5-22. [PMID: 22296248 PMCID: PMC6860719 DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8709.2010.00269.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The European Micronutrient Recommendations Aligned (EURRECA) Network aims to provide standardized approaches to reveal and beneficially influence variability within the European Union in micronutrient recommendations for vulnerable population groups. Characterization of the 'vulnerability' together with the 'variability' of micronutrient needs represents the first step to creating guidelines for setting micronutrient recommendations within target populations. This paper describes some of the key factors and characteristics relevant to assess micronutrient requirements and formulate recommendations of micronutrients in pregnancy. Nutritional requirements during pregnancy increase to support fetal growth and development as well as maternal metabolism and tissue accretion. Micronutrients are involved in both embryonal and fetal organ development and overall pregnancy outcomes. Several factors may affect directly or indirectly fetal nourishment and the overall pregnancy outcomes, such as the quality of diet including intakes and bioavailability of micronutrients, maternal age, and the overall environment. The bioavailability of micronutrients during pregnancy varies depending on specific metabolic mechanisms because pregnancy is an anabolic and dynamic state orchestrated via hormones acting for both redirection of nutrients to highly specialized maternal tissues and transfer of nutrients to the developing fetus. The timing of prenatal intakes or supplementations of specific micronutrients is also crucial as pregnancy is characterized by different stages that represent a continuum, up to lactation and beyond. Consequently, nutrition during pregnancy might have long-lasting effects on the well-being of the mother and the fetus, and may further influence the health of the baby at a later age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Berti
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Sciences Hospital ‘L. Sacco’ and Center for Fetal Research Giorgio Pardi, University of Milan, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | | | - Fiona Dykes
- Maternal and Infant Nutrition and Nurture Unit (MAINN), University of Central Lancashire, PR1 2HE Preston, UK
| | - Maria Hermoso
- Division of Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Medicine, Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig‐Maximilians‐University of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Berthold Koletzko
- Division of Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Medicine, Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig‐Maximilians‐University of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Maddalena Massari
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Sciences Hospital ‘L. Sacco’ and Center for Fetal Research Giorgio Pardi, University of Milan, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Luis A. Moreno
- ‘Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development’ (GENUD) Research Group, Escuela Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain, and
| | - Luis Serra‐Majem
- Departamento de Ciencias Clínicas, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35080 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Irene Cetin
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Sciences Hospital ‘L. Sacco’ and Center for Fetal Research Giorgio Pardi, University of Milan, 20157 Milano, Italy
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18
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García AP, Palou M, Priego T, Sánchez J, Palou A, Picó C. Moderate caloric restriction during gestation results in lower arcuate nucleus NPY- and alphaMSH-neurons and impairs hypothalamic response to fed/fasting conditions in weaned rats. Diabetes Obes Metab 2010; 12:403-13. [PMID: 20415688 DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-1326.2009.01174.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
AIM We aimed to characterize the developmental programming effects of moderate caloric restriction during early pregnancy on factors involved in hypothalamic control of energy balance. METHODS Twenty-five-days-old offspring Wistar rats from 20% caloric restricted dams (from 1 to 12 days of pregnancy) (CR) and from control dams were studied under fed and 12 h fasting conditions. Morphometric studies on arcuate nucleus (ARC) and determinations of circulating parameters and hypothalamic levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY), proopiomelanocortin (POMC), long-form leptin receptor (ObRb), insulin receptor (InsR) and suppressor of cytokine signalling-3 (SOCS-3) mRNA were performed. RESULTS CR animals did not show different body weight with respect to their controls, but presented higher food intake. They exhibited lower neuropeptide Y- and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-neurons (decreases of 18 and 13% in males, and 10 and 18% in females respectively) and lower total cells (decrease of 3% in males and 18% in females) in ARC. Under fed conditions, CR animals presented lower circulating leptin and ghrelin levels (decreases of 37 and 43% in males, and 15 and 34% in females respectively); furthermore, hypothalamic POMC, NPY (only in females), ObRb and InsR mRNA levels were reduced (39, 16 and 26% in males, and 112, 33, 61 and 56% in females), and those of SOCS-3 were increased (86% in males and 74% in females). Unlike control animals, under fasting conditions, ObRb, InsR and POMC mRNA levels did not decrease in CR females, and NPY mRNA decreased instead of increase in CR males. CONCLUSIONS Moderate caloric restriction during gestation affects offspring hypothalamic structure and function, impairing its response to fed/fasting conditions, which suggests a predisposition to insulin and leptin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P García
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nutrition and Biotechnology (Nutrigenomics), University of Balearic Islands and CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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Thorsell M, Kaijser M, Almström H, Andolf E. Large fetal size in early pregnancy associated with macrosomia. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2010; 35:390-394. [PMID: 20069673 DOI: 10.1002/uog.7529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess if fetal size at the time of ultrasound dating examination is associated with the risk of macrosomia and complications associated with macrosomia. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of 19 377 singleton pregnancies dated in gestational weeks 16-20 during the period 1998-2004 at Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Obstetric outcome was assessed through linkage to the Swedish Medical Birth Register. RESULTS When fetuses were > or = 7 days larger than expected at dating, compared with the expected size according to last menstrual period, there was a 59% increase in the risk of birth weight > or = 4500 g and a 145% increase in the risk of birth weight > or = 5000 g (odds ratio (OR), 1.59; 95% CI, 1.12-2.24 and OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.22-4.90, respectively). For a birth weight of > or = 4000 g the risk estimate was 1.19 (95% CI, 0.96-1.47). CONCLUSION Fetuses that are larger than expected in the second trimester have an increased risk of macrosomia. This emphasizes that fetal size in early pregnancy is not only a function of gestational duration, but also of fetal growth. However, only a limited proportion of all infants born macrosomic can be identified as such at the time of ultrasound dating.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Thorsell
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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20
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Maternal hormones during early pregnancy: a cross-sectional study. Cancer Causes Control 2010; 21:719-27. [PMID: 20084544 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-009-9500-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2009] [Accepted: 12/29/2009] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about correlates of first-trimester pregnancy hormones as in most studies maternal hormones have been measured later in gestation. We examined the associations of maternal characteristics and child sex with first-trimester maternal concentrations of four hormones implicated in breast cancer: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, and IGF-II. METHODS About 338 serum samples donated to the Northern Sweden Maternity Cohort (NSMC), 1975-2001, during the first trimester of uncomplicated pregnancies, were analyzed for the hormones of interest as a part of a case-control study. The associations of maternal characteristics and child sex with hormone concentrations were investigated by correlation, general linear regression, and multivariate regression models. RESULTS In the first trimester, greater maternal age was inversely correlated with IGF-I and IGF-II. In comparison with women carrying their first child, already parous women had higher IGF-I but lower hCG. Greater maternal weight and smoking were inversely correlated with hCG. No differences in hormone levels by child sex were observed. CONCLUSIONS Our analyses indicated that potentially modifiable maternal characteristics (maternal weight and smoking) influence first-trimester pregnancy maternal hormone concentrations.
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21
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Dötsch J. Renal and extrarenal mechanisms of perinatal programming after intrauterine growth restriction. Hypertens Res 2009; 32:238-41. [DOI: 10.1038/hr.2009.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Mu J, Slevin JC, Qu D, McCormick S, Adamson SL. In vivo quantification of embryonic and placental growth during gestation in mice using micro-ultrasound. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2008; 6:34. [PMID: 18700008 PMCID: PMC2527569 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-6-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2008] [Accepted: 08/12/2008] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-invasive micro-ultrasound was evaluated as a method to quantify intrauterine growth phenotypes in mice. Improved methods are required to accelerate research using genetically-altered mice to investigate the interactive roles of genes and environments on embryonic and placental growth. We determined (1) feasible age ranges for measuring specific variables, (2) normative growth curves, (3) accuracy of ultrasound measurements in comparison with light microscopy, and (4) weight prediction equations using regression analysis for CD-1 mice and evaluated their accuracy when applied to other mouse strains. METHODS We used 30-40 MHz ultrasound to quantify embryonic and placental morphometry in isoflurane-anesthetized pregnant CD-1 mice from embryonic day 7.5 (E7.5) to E18.5 (full-term), and for C57Bl/6J, B6CBAF1, and hIGFBP1 pregnant transgenic mice at E17.5. RESULTS Gestational sac dimension provided the earliest measure of conceptus size. Sac dimension derived using regression analysis increased from 0.84 mm at E7.5 to 6.44 mm at E11.5 when it was discontinued. The earliest measurement of embryo size was crown-rump length (CRL) which increased from 1.88 mm at E8.5 to 16.22 mm at E16.5 after which it exceeded the field of view. From E10.5 to E18.5 (full term), progressive increases were observed in embryonic biparietal diameter (BPD) (0.79 mm to 7.55 mm at E18.5), abdominal circumference (AC) (4.91 mm to 26.56 mm), and eye lens diameter (0.20 mm to 0.93 mm). Ossified femur length was measureable from E15.5 (1.06 mm) and increased linearly to 2.23 mm at E18.5. In contrast, placental diameter (PD) and placental thickness (PT) increased from E10.5 to E14.5 then remained constant to term in accord with placental weight. Ultrasound and light microscopy measurements agreed with no significant bias and a discrepancy of less than 25%. Regression equations predicting gestational age from individual variables, and embryonic weight (BW) from CRL, BPD, and AC were obtained. The prediction equation BW = -0.757 + 0.0453 (CRL) + 0.0334 (AC) derived from CD-1 data predicted embryonic weights at E17.5 in three other strains of mice with a mean discrepancy of less than 16%. CONCLUSION Micro-ultrasound provides a feasible tool for in vivo morphometric quantification of embryonic and placental growth parameters in mice and for estimation of embryonic gestational age and/or body weight in utero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwu Mu
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - John C Slevin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Dawei Qu
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - S Lee Adamson
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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