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Untargeted Metabolome Analysis Reveals Reductions in Maternal Hepatic Glucose and Amino Acid Content That Correlate with Fetal Organ Weights in a Mouse Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14051096. [PMID: 35268071 PMCID: PMC8912878 DOI: 10.3390/nu14051096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes fetal growth restrictions. A major driver of fetal growth deficits is maternal metabolic disruption; this is under-investigated following PAE. Untargeted metabolomics on the dam and fetus exposed to alcohol (ALC) revealed that the hepatic metabolome of ALC and control (CON) dams were distinct, whereas that of ALC and CON fetuses were similar. Alcohol reduced maternal hepatic glucose content and enriched essential amino acid (AA) catabolites, N-acetylated AA products, urea content, and free fatty acids. These alterations suggest an attempt to minimize the glucose gap by increasing gluconeogenesis using AA and glycerol. In contrast, ALC fetuses had unchanged glucose and AA levels, suggesting an adequate draw of maternal nutrients, despite intensified stress on ALC dams. Maternal metabolites including glycolytic intermediates, AA catabolites, urea, and one-carbon-related metabolites correlated with fetal liver and brain weights, whereas lipid metabolites correlated with fetal body weight, indicating they may be drivers of fetal weight outcomes. Together, these data suggest that ALC alters maternal hepatic metabolic activity to limit glucose availability, thereby switching to alternate energy sources to meet the high-energy demands of pregnancy. Their correlation with fetal phenotypic outcomes indicates the influence of maternal metabolism on fetal growth and development.
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Dyląg KA, Wieczorek W, Bauer W, Walecki P, Bando B, Martinek R, Kawala-Sterniuk A. Pilot Study on Analysis of Electroencephalography Signals from Children with FASD with the Implementation of Naive Bayesian Classifiers. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 22:103. [PMID: 35009650 PMCID: PMC8747358 DOI: 10.3390/s22010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In this paper Naive Bayesian classifiers were applied for the purpose of differentiation between the EEG signals recorded from children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders (FASD) and healthy ones. This work also provides a brief introduction to the FASD itself, explaining the social, economic and genetic reasons for the FASD occurrence. The obtained results were good and promising and indicate that EEG recordings can be a helpful tool for potential diagnostics of FASDs children affected with it, in particular those with invisible physical signs of these spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Anna Dyląg
- St. Louis Children Hospital, 31-503 Krakow, Poland; (K.A.D.); (B.B.)
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow—Collegium Medicum, 31-121 Krakow, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Wieczorek
- Department of Bioinformatics and Telemedicine, Jagiellonian University in Krakow—Collegium Medicum, 30-688 Krakow, Poland; (W.W.); (P.W.)
| | - Waldemar Bauer
- Department of Automatic Control and Robotics, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Piotr Walecki
- Department of Bioinformatics and Telemedicine, Jagiellonian University in Krakow—Collegium Medicum, 30-688 Krakow, Poland; (W.W.); (P.W.)
| | - Bozena Bando
- St. Louis Children Hospital, 31-503 Krakow, Poland; (K.A.D.); (B.B.)
| | - Radek Martinek
- Department of Cybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, VSB—Technical University Ostrava—FEECS, 708 00 Ostrava-Poruba, Czech Republic;
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Popova S, Dozet D, Shield K, Rehm J, Burd L. Alcohol's Impact on the Fetus. Nutrients 2021; 13:3452. [PMID: 34684453 PMCID: PMC8541151 DOI: 10.3390/nu13103452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol is a teratogen and prenatal exposure may adversely impact the developing fetus, increasing risk for negative outcomes, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Global trends of increasing alcohol use among women of childbearing age due to economic development, changing gender roles, increased availability of alcohol, peer pressure and social acceptability of women's alcohol use may put an increasing number of pregnancies at risk for prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). This risk has been exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in some countries. METHOD This literature review presents an overview on the epidemiology of alcohol use among childbearing age and pregnant women and FASD by World Health Organization regions; impact of PAE on fetal health, including FASD; associated comorbidities; and social outcomes. RESULTS/CONCLUSION The impact of alcohol on fetal health and social outcomes later in life is enormous, placing a huge economic burden on countries. Prevention of prenatal alcohol exposure and early identification of affected individuals should be a global public health priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Popova
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada; (D.D.); (K.S.); (J.R.)
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V4, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Sciences Building, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Danijela Dozet
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada; (D.D.); (K.S.); (J.R.)
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Sciences Building, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Kevin Shield
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada; (D.D.); (K.S.); (J.R.)
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada; (D.D.); (K.S.); (J.R.)
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Sciences Building, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy & Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Longitudinal Studies, Technische Universität Dresden, Chemnitzer Street 46, 01187 Dresden, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of International Health Projects, Institute for Leadership and Health Management, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya Street, 8, b. 2, 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Larry Burd
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 1301 N Columbia Rd., Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA;
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Possible mechanisms of HIV neuro-infection in alcohol use: Interplay of oxidative stress, inflammation, and energy interruption. Alcohol 2021; 94:25-41. [PMID: 33864851 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2021.04.003] [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: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use and HIV-1 infection have a pervasive impact on brain function, which extends to the requirement, distribution, and utilization of energy within the central nervous system. This effect on neuroenergetics may explain, in part, the exacerbation of HIV-1 disease under the influence of alcohol, particularly the persistence of HIV-associated neurological complications. The objective of this review article is to highlight the possible mechanisms of HIV/AIDS progression in alcohol users from the perspective of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and interruption of energy metabolism. These include the hallmark of sustained immune cell activation and high metabolic energy demand by HIV-1-infected cells in the central nervous system, with at-risk alcohol use. Here, we discussed the point that the increase in energy supply requirement by HIV-1-infected neuroimmune cells as well as the deterrence of nutrient uptake across the blood-brain barrier significantly depletes the energy source and neuro-environment homeostasis in the CNS. We also described the mechanistic idea that comorbidity of HIV-1 infection and alcohol use can cause a metabolic shift and redistribution of energy usage toward HIV-1-infected neuroimmune cells, as shown in neuropathological evidence. Under such an imbalanced neuro-environment, meaningless energy waste is expected in infected cells, along with unnecessary malnutrition in non-infected neuronal cells, which is likely to accelerate HIV neuro-infection progression in alcohol use. Thus, it will be important to consider the factor of nutrients/energy imbalance in formulating treatment strategies to help impede the progression of HIV-1 disease and associated neurological disorders in alcohol use.
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Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs): Guidelines of Interdisciplinary Group of Polish Professionals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18147526. [PMID: 34299977 PMCID: PMC8304012 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: Considerable prevalence in Poland and serious health consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure indicated the need to develop national guidelines for the diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). It was assumed that the guidelines must be in line with international standards but adjusted to the Polish context. (2) Methods: Work on recommendations was carried out by an interdisciplinary team of Polish specialists. Its first stage was to assess the usefulness in our country of the U.S. and Canadian guidelines. In the second stage, after several rounds of discussions, a consensus was achieved. (3) Results: The Polish guidelines for diagnosing FASD cover the following issues: 1. distinguished diagnostic categories; 2. diagnostic procedure; 3. assessment of prenatal exposure to alcohol; 4. assessment of sentinel facial dysmorphias; 5. assessment of body weight, height, and head circumference; 6. neurodevelopmental assessment. An important element of the recommendation is appendices containing practical tools that are useful in the diagnostic procedure. (4) Conclusions: National guidelines may improve the quality and standardization of FASD diagnosis in Poland, but their practical utility has to be monitored.
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Lopatynska-Mazurek M, Pankowska A, Gibula-Tarlowska E, Pietura R, Kotlinska JH. Rapamycin Improves Recognition Memory and Normalizes Amino-Acids and Amines Levels in the Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus in Adult Rats Exposed to Ethanol during the Neonatal Period. Biomolecules 2021; 11:362. [PMID: 33673489 PMCID: PMC7997340 DOI: 10.3390/biom11030362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a serine/ threonine kinase, is implicated in synaptic plasticity by controlling protein synthesis. Research suggests that ethanol exposure during pregnancy alters the mTOR signaling pathway in the fetal hippocampus. Thus, we investigated the influence of pre-treatment with rapamycin, an mTORC1 inhibitor, on the development of recognition memory deficits in adult rats that were neonatally exposed to ethanol. In the study, male and female rat pups received ethanol (5 g/kg/day) by intragastric intubation at postanatal day (PND 4-9), an equivalent to the third trimester of human pregnancy. Rapamycin (3 and 10 mg/kg) was given intraperitoneally before every ethanol administration. Short- and long-term recognition memory was assessed in the novel object recognition (NOR) task in adult (PND 59/60) rats. Locomotor activity and anxiety-like behavior were also evaluated to exclude the influence of such behavior on the outcome of the memory task. Moreover, the effects of rapamycin pre-treatment during neonatal ethanol exposure on the content of amino-acids and amines essential for the proper development of cognitive function in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus was evaluated using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) in male adult (PND 60) rats. Our results show the deleterious effect of ethanol given to neonatal rats on long-term recognition memory in adults. The effect was more pronounced in male rather than female rats. Rapamycin reversed this ethanol-induced memory impairment and normalized the levels of amino acids and amines in the DG. This suggests the involvement of mTORC1 in the deleterious effect of ethanol on the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Lopatynska-Mazurek
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University, Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (M.L.-M.); (E.G.-T.)
| | - Anna Pankowska
- Department of Radiography, Medical University, Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (A.P.); (R.P.)
| | - Ewa Gibula-Tarlowska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University, Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (M.L.-M.); (E.G.-T.)
| | - Radoslaw Pietura
- Department of Radiography, Medical University, Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (A.P.); (R.P.)
| | - Jolanta H. Kotlinska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University, Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (M.L.-M.); (E.G.-T.)
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Vasani A, Kumar MS. Advances in the proteomics of amniotic fluid to detect biomarkers for chromosomal abnormalities and fetomaternal complications during pregnancy. Expert Rev Proteomics 2019; 16:277-286. [PMID: 30722712 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2019.1578213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amniotic fluid (AF) is a dynamic and complex mixture that reflects the physiological condition of developing fetus. In the last decade, proteomic analysis of AF for 16-18 weeks normal pregnancy has been done for the composition and functions of this fluid. Other body fluids such as urine, sweat, tears, etc. are being used for diagnosis of disease, but an insight into protein biomarkers of amniotic fluid can save the fetus and mother from future complications. Areas covered: We have covered the proteomics of amniotic fluid done since 2000, in order to strengthen the establishment of these techniques as a recognized diagnostic tool in the field. After classifying the diseases based on chromosomal aneuploidies, gestational changes, and inflammation caused during pregnancy; we have focused on amniotic fluid to detect various complications during and post pregnancy and its effect on the fetomaternal relationship. Expert comment: The main protein biomarkers responsible for various syndromes, diseases, and complications have been summarized. Major proteins identified for gestational conditions are IGFBP-1, fibrinogen, neutrophil defensins like calgranulins A and C, cathelicidin, APOA1, TRFE, etc. Validation of particular technique and establishing a single standardized biomarker for the diagnosis to avoid any overlapping for different diseases is required. After certain improvements, proteomics approach can be considered for diagnosis of diseases associated with fetal-maternal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aayushi Vasani
- a Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management , SVKM'S NMIMS , V.L. Mehta Road, Vile Parle west, Mumbai - 400056 , India
| | - Maushmi S Kumar
- a Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management , SVKM'S NMIMS , V.L. Mehta Road, Vile Parle west, Mumbai - 400056 , India
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Roozen S, Peters GJY, Kok G, Townend D, Nijhuis J, Koek G, Curfs L. Systematic literature review on which maternal alcohol behaviours are related to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). BMJ Open 2018; 8:e022578. [PMID: 30573481 PMCID: PMC6303602 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is a worldwide problem. Maternal alcohol consumption is an important risk factor for FASD. It remains unknown which alcohol consumption patterns most strongly predict FASD. The objective of this study was to identify these. DESIGN Systematic literature review. METHODS We searched in PubMed, PsychINFO, PsycARTICLES, ERIC, CINAHL, Embase and MEDLINE up to August 2018. The query consisted of keywords and their synonyms related to FASD, pregnancy and behaviour. Studies were excluded when not published in English, were reviews or involved non-human subjects. Substantial heterogeneity precluded aggregation or meta-analysis of the data. Instead, data were qualitatively inspected. RESULTS In total, 21 studies were eligible for further data analysis. All studies that measured both maternal alcohol drinking behaviours and FASD reported retrospective data on maternal drinking patterns, employing both continuous and categorical measures and exhibiting substantial heterogeneity in measures of alcohol consumption (eg, timing of exposure, quantification of alcohol measure and definition of a standard drink). Study quality improved over time and appeared higher for studies based on active case ascertainment, especially when conducted in schools and when behaviour was assessed through interviews. CONCLUSIONS We aimed to identify specific maternal drinking behaviour(s) related to FASD. The state of the literature precludes such conclusions. Evidence-based preventive measures necessitate identifying which prenatal alcohol drinking behaviour(s) are most in need of intervention. Therefore, we formulate three recommendations for future research. First, future studies can optimise the value of the collected dataset through specifying measurements and reporting of maternal drinking behaviours and avoiding categorised measures (nominal or ordinal) whenever possible. Second, samples should not be selected based on FASD status, but instead, FASD status as well as maternal alcohol consumption should both be measured in a general population sample. Finally, we provide 10 reporting guidelines for FASD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Roozen
- Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gjalt-Jorn Ygram Peters
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Science, Open University of The Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerjo Kok
- Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - David Townend
- Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Health, Ethics & Society, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Nijhuis
- Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstretrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ger Koek
- Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Leopold Curfs
- Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Nonprotein-coding RNAs in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 157:299-342. [PMID: 29933954 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Early developmental exposure to ethanol, a known teratogen, can result in a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, collectively referred to as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). Changes in the environment, including exposure to teratogens, can result in long term alterations to the epigenetic landscape of a cell, thereby altering gene expression. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) can affect transcription and translation of networks of genes. ncRNAs are dynamically expressed during development and have been identified as a target of alcohol. ncRNAs therefore make for attractive targets for novel therapeutics to address the developmental deficits associated with FASDs.
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Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a major public health issue that encompass an array of physical, neurological, and behavioral effects due to alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The classical biomarkers of FASD that are currently used lack sensitivity and specificity, and as such there is an opportunity through the use of novel metabolomics analysis to identify new biomarkers to identify those at risk for FASD, which could more effectively aid in early intervention. The focus of this minireview is to identify current work that is being done in the field of metabolomics in FASD in utero, and to highlight promising metabolites that could act as biomarkers in the future. We will conclude with suggestions for further research, as there is a large gap of knowledge in this particular area of metabolomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Goldberg
- a Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, St. Boniface Hospital Research Center, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
| | - Michel Aliani
- a Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, St. Boniface Hospital Research Center, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada.,b Departments of Physiology and Pathophysiology, and The Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine (CCARM), St. Boniface Hospital Research Center, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
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McQuire C, Paranjothy S, Hurt L, Mann M, Farewell D, Kemp A. Objective Measures of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics 2016; 138:peds.2016-0517. [PMID: 27577579 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2016-0517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Objective measurement of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is essential for identifying children at risk for adverse outcomes, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Biomarkers have been advocated for use in universal screening programs, but their validity has not been comprehensively evaluated. OBJECTIVE To systematically review the validity of objective measures of PAE. DATA SOURCES Thirteen electronic databases and supplementary sources were searched for studies published between January 1990 and October 2015. STUDY SELECTION Eligible studies were those that evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of objective measures of PAE. DATA EXTRACTION Three reviewers independently verified study inclusion, quality assessments, and extracted data. RESULTS Twelve studies met inclusion criteria. Test performance varied widely across studies of maternal blood (4 studies; sensitivity 0%-100%, specificity 79%-100%), maternal hair (2 studies; sensitivity 19%-87%, specificity 56%-86%) maternal urine (2 studies; sensitivity 5%-15%, specificity 97%-100%), and biomarker test batteries (3 studies; sensitivity 22%-50%, specificity 56%-97%). Tests of the total concentration of 4 fatty acid ethyl esters (in meconium: 2 studies; in placenta: 1 study) demonstrated high sensitivity (82%-100%); however, specificity was variable (13%-98%). LIMITATIONS Risk of bias was high due to self-report reference standards and selective outcome reporting. CONCLUSIONS Current evidence is insufficient to support the use of objective measures of prenatal alcohol exposure in practice. Biomarkers in meconium and placenta tissue may be the most promising candidates for further large-scale population-based research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mala Mann
- Specialist Unit for Review Evidence, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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