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Luo S, Chen Y, Zhou W, Canavese F, Li L. Pioneering a chick embryo model to explore the intrauterine etiology of developmental dysplasia of the hip in oligohydramnios conditions. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2024; 32:869-880. [PMID: 38588889 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2024.03.118] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the impact of oligohydramnios on fetal movement and hip development, given its association with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) but unclear mechanisms. METHODS Chick embryos were divided into four groups based on the severity of oligohydramnios induced by amniotic fluid aspiration (control, 0.2 mL, 0.4 mL, 0.6 mL). Fetal movement was assessed by detection of movement and quantification of residual amniotic fluid volume. Hip joint development was assessed by gross anatomic analysis, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) for cartilage assessment, and histologic observation at multiple time points. In addition, a subset of embryos from the 0.4 mL aspirated group underwent saline reinfusion and subsequent evaluation. RESULTS Increasing volumes of aspirated amniotic fluid resulted in worsening of fetal movement restrictions (e.g., 0.4 mL aspirated and control group at E10: frequency difference -7.765 [95% CI: -9.125, -6.404]; amplitude difference -0.343 [95% CI: -0.588, -0.097]). The 0.4 mL aspirated group had significantly smaller hip measurements compared to controls, with reduced acetabular length (-0.418 [95% CI: -0.575, -0.261]) and width (-0.304 [95% CI: -0.491, -0.117]) at day E14.5. Histological analysis revealed a smaller femoral head (1.084 ± 0.264 cm) and shallower acetabulum (0.380 ± 0.106 cm) in the 0.4 mL group. Micro-CT showed cartilage matrix degeneration (13.6% [95% CI: 0.6%, 26.7%], P = 0.043 on E14.5). Saline reinfusion resulted in significant improvements in the femoral head to greater trochanter (0.578 [95% CI: 0.323, 0.833], P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Oligohydramnios can cause DDH by restricting fetal movement and disrupting hip morphogenesis in a time-dependent manner. Timely reversal of oligohydramnios during the fetal period may prevent DDH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoting Luo
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, PR China
| | - Yufan Chen
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, PR China
| | - Weizheng Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, PR China
| | - Federico Canavese
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, Lille University Centre, Jeanne de Flandre Hospital, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Lianyong Li
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110000, PR China.
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Zhong N, Mi Q, Lu M, Jiang H, Zhang Y. Evaluation of twin fetal exposure to radiofrequency field during magnetic resonance imaging. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2024; 200:791-801. [PMID: 38777801 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncae119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Fetal development is essential to the human lifespan. As more and more multifetal gestations have been reported recently, clinical diagnosis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which introduced radiofrequency (RF) exposure, raised public concerns. The present study developed two whole-body pregnant models of 31 and 32 gestational weeks (GWs) with twin fetuses and explored RF exposure by 1.5 and 3.0 T MRI. Differences in the relative position of the fetus and changes in fetal weight can cause differences in fetal peak local specific absorption rate averaged over 10 g tissue (pSAR10g). Variation of pSAR10g due to different fetal positions can be ~35%. Numerically, twin and singleton fetal pSAR10g results were not significantly different, however twin results exceeded the limit in some cases (e.g. fetuses of 31 GW at 1.5 T), which indicated the necessity for further research employing anatomically correct twin-fetal models coming from various GWs and particular sequence to be applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhong
- China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, No. 52 Huayuanbei Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Qunzheng Mi
- China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, No. 52 Huayuanbei Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Meng Lu
- China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, No. 52 Huayuanbei Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Haoyu Jiang
- China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, No. 52 Huayuanbei Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, No. 52 Huayuanbei Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
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Pollatou A, Holland CM, Stockton TJ, Peterson BS, Scheinost D, Monk C, Spann MN. Mapping Early Brain-Body Interactions: Associations of Fetal Heart Rate Variation with Newborn Brainstem, Hypothalamic, and Dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex Functional Connectivity. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e2363232024. [PMID: 38604780 PMCID: PMC11140686 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2363-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates the body's physiology, including cardiovascular function. As the ANS develops during the second to third trimester, fetal heart rate variability (HRV) increases while fetal heart rate (HR) decreases. In this way, fetal HR and HRV provide an index of fetal ANS development and future neurobehavioral regulation. Fetal HR and HRV have been associated with child language ability and psychomotor development behavior in toddlerhood. However, their associations with postbirth autonomic brain systems, such as the brainstem, hypothalamus, and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), have yet to be investigated even though brain pathways involved in autonomic regulation are well established in older individuals. We assessed whether fetal HR and HRV were associated with the brainstem, hypothalamic, and dACC functional connectivity in newborns. Data were obtained from 60 pregnant individuals (ages 14-42) at 24-27 and 34-37 weeks of gestation using a fetal actocardiograph to generate fetal HR and HRV. During natural sleep, their infants (38 males and 22 females) underwent a fMRI scan between 40 and 46 weeks of postmenstrual age. Our findings relate fetal heart indices to brainstem, hypothalamic, and dACC connectivity and reveal connections with widespread brain regions that may support behavioral and emotional regulation. We demonstrated the basic physiologic association between fetal HR indices and lower- and higher-order brain regions involved in regulatory processes. This work provides the foundation for future behavioral or physiological regulation research in fetuses and infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Pollatou
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
| | - Cristin M Holland
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
| | - Thirsten J Stockton
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
| | - Bradley S Peterson
- Institute for the Developing Mind, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90027
- Department of Psychiatry, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033
| | - Dustin Scheinost
- Departments of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
- Department of Statistics and Data Science, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06506
| | - Catherine Monk
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032
| | - Marisa N Spann
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
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Yao Y, Liu P, Li Y, Wang W, Jia H, Bai Y, Yuan Z, Yang Z. Regulatory role of m 6A epitranscriptomic modifications in normal development and congenital malformations during embryogenesis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116171. [PMID: 38394844 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116171] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation and its role in translation has led to the emergence of a new field of research. Despite accumulating evidence suggesting that m6A methylation is essential for the pathogenesis of cancers and aging diseases by influencing RNA stability, localization, transformation, and translation efficiency, its role in normal and abnormal embryonic development remains unclear. An increasing number of studies are addressing the development of the nervous and gonadal systems during embryonic development, but only few are assessing that of the immune, hematopoietic, urinary, and respiratory systems. Additionally, these studies are limited by the requirement for reliable embryonic animal models and the difficulty in collecting tissue samples of fetuses during development. Multiple studies on the function of m6A methylation have used suitable cell lines to mimic the complex biological processes of fetal development or the early postnatal phase; hence, the research is still in the primary stage. Herein, we discuss current advances in the extensive biological functions of m6A methylation in the development and maldevelopment of embryos/fetuses and conclude that m6A modification occurs extensively during fetal development. Aberrant expression of m6A regulators is probably correlated with single or multiple defects in organogenesis during the intrauterine life. This comprehensive review will enhance our understanding of the pivotal role of m6A modifications involved in fetal development and examine future research directions in embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Yao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Peiqi Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Weilin Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Huimin Jia
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuzuo Bai
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Zhengwei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Zhonghua Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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Shahabi B, Hernández-Martínez C, Voltas N, Canals J, Arija V. The Maternal Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Concentration in Early Pregnancy and Infant Neurodevelopment: The ECLIPSES Study. Nutrients 2024; 16:687. [PMID: 38474815 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (n-3 LCPUFAs) play a key role in early neurodevelopment, but evidence from observational and clinical studies remains inconsistent. This study investigates the association between maternal n-3 LCPUFA, Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) concentrations during pregnancy and infant development functioning at 40 days. This study includes 348 mother-infant pairs. Maternal serum concentrations were assessed in the first and third trimesters alongside sociodemographic, clinical, nutritional, psychological, and obstetrical data. At 40 days, the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSID-III) was administered. An adjusted analysis revealed that lower first-trimester n-3 LCPUFA and DHA concentrations are associated with better infant motor development. These results underscore the potential significance of the maternal n-3 LCPUFA status in early pregnancy for influencing fetal neurodevelopment. However, the complexity of these associations necessitates further investigation, emphasizing the urgent need for additional studies to comprehensively elucidate the nuanced interplay between the maternal n-3 LCPUFA status and infant neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnaz Shahabi
- Research Group in Nutrition and Mental Health (NUTRISAM), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain
- Pere Virgili Institute for Health Research (IISPV), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain
| | - Carmen Hernández-Martínez
- Research Group in Nutrition and Mental Health (NUTRISAM), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain
- Pere Virgili Institute for Health Research (IISPV), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain
- Research Center for Behavioral Assessment (CRAMC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43003 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Núria Voltas
- Research Group in Nutrition and Mental Health (NUTRISAM), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain
- Pere Virgili Institute for Health Research (IISPV), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain
- Research Center for Behavioral Assessment (CRAMC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43003 Tarragona, Spain
- Serra Húnter Fellow, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Josefa Canals
- Research Group in Nutrition and Mental Health (NUTRISAM), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain
- Pere Virgili Institute for Health Research (IISPV), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain
- Research Center for Behavioral Assessment (CRAMC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43003 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Victoria Arija
- Research Group in Nutrition and Mental Health (NUTRISAM), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain
- Pere Virgili Institute for Health Research (IISPV), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain
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Spoto G, Di Rosa G, Nicotera AG. The Impact of Genetics on Cognition: Insights into Cognitive Disorders and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms. J Pers Med 2024; 14:156. [PMID: 38392589 PMCID: PMC10889941 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14020156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
This article explores the complex relationship between genetics and cognition, specifically examining the impact of genetic variants, particularly single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), on cognitive functions and the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. Focusing on neurotransmitter regulation within the prefrontal cortex's dopaminergic circuits, this study emphasizes the role of genes like COMT, PRODH, and DRD in shaping executive functions and influencing conditions such as ADHD and schizophrenia. Additionally, it explores the significance of genetic factors in neurodevelopmental disorders, emphasizing the need for early identification to guide appropriate therapeutic interventions. This article also investigates polymorphisms in the transsulfuration pathway, revealing their association with cognitive impairment diseases. Computational analyses, including machine learning algorithms, are highlighted for their potential in predicting symptom severity in ADHD based on genetic variations. In conclusion, this article underscores the intricate interplay of genetic and environmental factors in shaping cognitive outcomes, providing valuable insights for tailored treatments and a more comprehensive understanding of neuropsychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Spoto
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences & Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriella Di Rosa
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences & Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Gennaro Nicotera
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
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7
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Scher MS. Interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal neurology training applies neural exposome perspectives to neurology principles and practice. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1321674. [PMID: 38288328 PMCID: PMC10824035 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1321674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
An interdisciplinary fetal-neonatal neurology (FNN) program over the first 1,000 days teaches perspectives of the neural exposome that are applicable across the life span. This curriculum strengthens neonatal neurocritical care, pediatric, and adult neurology training objectives. Teaching at maternal-pediatric hospital centers optimally merges reproductive, pregnancy, and pediatric approaches to healthcare. Phenotype-genotype expressions of health or disease pathways represent a dynamic neural exposome over developmental time. The science of uncertainty applied to FNN training re-enforces the importance of shared clinical decisions that minimize bias and reduce cognitive errors. Trainees select mentoring committee participants that will maximize their learning experiences. Standardized questions and oral presentations monitor educational progress. Master or doctoral defense preparation and competitive research funding can be goals for specific individuals. FNN principles applied to practice offer an understanding of gene-environment interactions that recognizes the effects of reproductive health on the maternal-placental-fetal triad, neonate, child, and adult. Pre-conception and prenatal adversities potentially diminish life-course brain health. Endogenous and exogenous toxic stressor interplay (TSI) alters the neural exposome through maladaptive developmental neuroplasticity. Developmental disorders and epilepsy are primarily expressed during the first 1,000 days. Communicable and noncommunicable illnesses continue to interact with the neural exposome to express diverse neurologic disorders across the lifespan, particularly during the critical/sensitive time periods of adolescence and reproductive senescence. Anomalous or destructive fetal neuropathologic lesions change clinical expressions across this developmental-aging continuum. An integrated understanding of reproductive, pregnancy, placental, neonatal, childhood, and adult exposome effects offers a life-course perspective of the neural exposome. Exosome research promises improved disease monitoring and drug delivery starting during pregnancy. Developmental origins of health and disease principles applied to FNN practice anticipate neurologic diagnoses with interventions that can benefit successive generations. Addressing health care disparities in the Global South and high-income country medical deserts require constructive dialogue among stakeholders to achieve medical equity. Population health policies require a brain capital strategy that reduces the global burden of neurologic diseases by applying FNN principles and practice. This integrative neurologic care approach will prolong survival with an improved quality of life for persons across the lifespan confronted with neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S. Scher
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Manti S, Spoto G, Nicotera AG, Di Rosa G, Piedimonte G. Impact of respiratory viral infections during pregnancy on the neurological outcomes of the newborn: current knowledge. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1320319. [PMID: 38260010 PMCID: PMC10800711 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1320319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain development is a complex process that begins during pregnancy, and the events occurring during this sensitive period can affect the offspring's neurodevelopmental outcomes. Respiratory viral infections are frequently reported in pregnant women, and, in the last few decades, they have been related to numerous neuropsychiatric sequelae. Respiratory viruses can disrupt brain development by directly invading the fetal circulation through vertical transmission or inducing neuroinflammation through the maternal immune activation and production of inflammatory cytokines. Influenza virus gestational infection has been consistently associated with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder, while the recent pandemic raised some concerns regarding the effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 on neurodevelopmental outcomes of children born to affected mothers. In addition, emerging evidence supports the possible role of respiratory syncytial virus infection as a risk factor for adverse neuropsychiatric consequences. Understanding the mechanisms underlying developmental dysfunction allows for improving preventive strategies, early diagnosis, and prompt interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Manti
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giulia Spoto
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and of Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Gennaro Nicotera
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriella Di Rosa
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and of Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Piedimonte
- Department of Pediatrics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
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Shao N, Ye T, Xuan W, Zhang M, Chen Q, Liu J, Zhou P, Song H, Cai B. The effects of N 6-methyladenosine RNA methylation on the nervous system. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:2657-2669. [PMID: 36899139 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04691-6] [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: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Epitranscriptomics, also known as "RNA epigenetics", is a type of chemical modification that regulates RNA. RNA methylation is a significant discovery after DNA and histone methylation. The dynamic reversible process of m6A involves methyltransferases (writers), m6A binding proteins (readers), as well as demethylases (erasers). We summarized the current research status of m6A RNA methylation in the neural stem cells' growth, synaptic and axonal function, brain development, learning and memory, neurodegenerative diseases, and glioblastoma. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis for studying the mechanism of m6A methylation and finding its potential therapeutic targets in nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Shao
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Ting Ye
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Weiting Xuan
- Department of Neurosurgery (Rehabilitation), Anhui Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Qian Chen
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Department of Chinese Internal Medicine, Taihe County People's Hospital, Fuyang, 236699, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, 230012, China.
| | - Hang Song
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, 230012, China.
| | - Biao Cai
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, 230012, China.
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10
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Goodman CV, Green R, DaCosta A, Flora D, Lanphear B, Till C. Sex difference of pre- and post-natal exposure to six developmental neurotoxicants on intellectual abilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis of human studies. Environ Health 2023; 22:80. [PMID: 37978510 PMCID: PMC10655280 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-01029-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early life exposure to lead, mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybromide diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organophosphate pesticides (OPPs), and phthalates have been associated with lowered IQ in children. In some studies, these neurotoxicants impact males and females differently. We aimed to examine the sex-specific effects of exposure to developmental neurotoxicants on intelligence (IQ) in a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHOD We screened abstracts published in PsychINFO and PubMed before December 31st, 2021, for empirical studies of six neurotoxicants (lead, mercury, PCBs, PBDEs, OPPs, and phthalates) that (1) used an individualized biomarker; (2) measured exposure during the prenatal period or before age six; and (3) provided effect estimates on general, nonverbal, and/or verbal IQ by sex. We assessed each study for risk of bias and evaluated the certainty of the evidence using Navigation Guide. We performed separate random effect meta-analyses by sex and timing of exposure with subgroup analyses by neurotoxicant. RESULTS Fifty-one studies were included in the systematic review and 20 in the meta-analysis. Prenatal exposure to developmental neurotoxicants was associated with decreased general and nonverbal IQ in males, especially for lead. No significant effects were found for verbal IQ, or postnatal lead exposure and general IQ. Due to the limited number of studies, we were unable to analyze postnatal effects of any of the other neurotoxicants. CONCLUSION During fetal development, males may be more vulnerable than females to general and nonverbal intellectual deficits from neurotoxic exposures, especially from lead. More research is needed to examine the nuanced sex-specific effects found for postnatal exposure to toxic chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly V Goodman
- Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, M3J 1P3, ON, Canada.
| | - Rivka Green
- Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, M3J 1P3, ON, Canada
| | - Allya DaCosta
- Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, M3J 1P3, ON, Canada
| | - David Flora
- Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, M3J 1P3, ON, Canada
| | - Bruce Lanphear
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christine Till
- Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, M3J 1P3, ON, Canada
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Lee SB, Jung SH, Lee H, Lee SM, Jung JE, Kim N, Lee JY. Maternal vitamin D deficiency in early pregnancy and perinatal and long-term outcomes. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19367. [PMID: 37809851 PMCID: PMC10558340 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vitamin D deficiency is common in pregnant women. Some studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to obstetric complications such as gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the potential impact of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy on both perinatal and long-term outcomes. Methods In this retrospective study, conducted between 2017 and 2021, we analyzed the data of 1079 singleton pregnant women with no medical or surgical complications prior to pregnancy. We evaluated obstetric and perinatal outcomes, as well as neurodevelopmental outcomes using Bayley-III tests, Gross Motor Function Measure, or chart review. Results The maternal serum vitamin D level in the first trimester was 18.2 ± 9.0 ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was found in 308 (62.0%) women in the first trimester, of which 288 women (26.7%) were in the very deficient group (<10 ng/mL). There were no differences in maternal age, body mass index, and previous preterm birth between the group with vitamin D < 10 ng/mL and ≥10 ng/mL group. There were also no differences in the rates of gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth between the two groups, except for the rate of preterm birth before 37 weeks of gestation, which was significantly higher in the very deficient group (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] = 7.78, 95%CI [2.23-27.12], p = 0.001). In the very deficient group, the risk of developmental delay was also higher (aOR = 4.28, 95%CI [1.40-13.05], p = 0.011). Conclusions This is the first study to analyze the effects of maternal vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy on both long-term developmental outcomes and perinatal prognosis. Vitamin D deficiency, defined as a level lower than 10 ng/mL in the first trimester, may increase the risk of preterm birth and developmental delay in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Bin Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Sang Hee Jung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Hanna Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Sae Mi Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Jae Eun Jung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Nari Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Ji Yeon Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
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Zhang Y, Zhou CY, Wang XR, Jiao XT, Zhang J, Tian Y, Li LL, Chen C, Yu XD. Maternal and neonatal blood vitamin D status and neurodevelopment at 24 months of age: a prospective birth cohort study. World J Pediatr 2023; 19:883-893. [PMID: 36972015 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-022-00682-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to explore the relationship of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in three trimesters and at birth with neurodevelopment at 24 months of age. METHODS From 2013 to 2016, pregnant women from the Shanghai Birth Cohort in China were recruited for the study. Altogether, 649 mother-infant pairs were included. Serum 25(OH)D was measured with mass spectrometry in three trimesters, and cord blood was divided into deficiency (< 20 and < 12 ng/mL, respectively), insufficiency (20-30 and 12-20 ng/mL, respectively), and sufficiency (≥ 30 and ≥ 20 ng/mL, respectively). Bayley-III scale was used to assess cognitive, language, motor, social-emotional, and adaptive behavior development at 24 months of age. The Bayley-III scores were grouped into quartiles, and scores within the lowest quartile were defined as suboptimal development. RESULTS After adjusting for confounding factors, cord blood 25(OH)D in the sufficient group was positively correlated with cognitive [β = 11.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.65-17.22], language (β = 6.01, 95% CI = 1.67-10.3), and motor scores (β = 6.43, 95% CI = 1.73-11.1); cord blood 25(OH)D in the insufficient group was also positively correlated with cognitive scores (β = 9.42, 95% CI = 3.74-15.11). Additionally, sufficient vitamin D status in the four periods and persistent 25(OH)D ≥ 30 ng/mL throughout pregnancy were associated with a lower risk of suboptimal cognitive development in adjusted models, although the effects were attenuated after applying the false discovery rate adjustment. CONCLUSIONS Cord blood 25(OH)D ≥ 12 ng/mL has a significant positive association with cognitive, language, and motor development at 24 months of age. Sufficient vitamin D status in pregnancy might be a protective factor for suboptimal neurocognition development at 24 months of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Chun-Yan Zhou
- Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Xi-Rui Wang
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Xian-Ting Jiao
- MOE-Shanghai Key Lab of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- MOE-Shanghai Key Lab of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ying Tian
- MOE-Shanghai Key Lab of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Luan-Luan Li
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Xiao-Dan Yu
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.
- MOE-Shanghai Key Lab of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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Zlomuzica A, Plank L, Kodzaga I, Dere E. A fatal alliance: Glial connexins, myelin pathology and mental disorders. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 159:97-115. [PMID: 36701970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Mature oligodendrocytes are myelin forming glial cells which are responsible for myelination of neuronal axons in the white matter of the central nervous system. Myelin pathology is a major feature of severe neurological disorders. Oligodendrocyte-specific gene mutations and/or white matter alterations have also been addressed in a variety of mental disorders. Breakdown of myelin integrity and demyelination is associated with severe symptoms, including impairments in motor coordination, breathing, dysarthria, perception (vision and hearing), and cognition. Furthermore, there is evidence indicating that myelin sheath defects and white matter pathology contributes to the affective and cognitive symptoms of patients with mental disorders. Oligodendrocytes express the connexins GJC2; mCx47 [human (GJC2) and mouse (mCx47) connexin gene nomenclature according to Söhl and Willecke (2003)], GJB1; mCx32, and GJD1; mCx29 in both white and gray matter. Preclinical findings indicate that alterations in connexin expression in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes can induce myelin defects. GJC2; mCx47 is expressed at early embryonic stages in oligodendrocyte precursors cells which precedes central nervous system myelination. In adult humans and animals GJC2, respectively mCx47 expression is essential for oligodendrocyte function and ensures adequate myelination as well as myelin maintenance in the central nervous system. In the past decade, evidence has accumulated suggesting that mental disorders can be accompanied by changes in connexin expression, myelin sheath defects and corresponding white matter alterations. This dual pathology could compromise inter-neuronal information transfer, processing and communication and eventually contribute to behavioral, sensory-motor, affective and cognitive symptoms in patients with mental disorders. The induction of myelin repair and remyelination in the central nervous system of patients with mental disorders could help to restore normal neuronal information propagation and ameliorate behavioral and cognitive symptoms in individuals with mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Zlomuzica
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Laurin Plank
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787, Bochum, Germany
| | - Iris Kodzaga
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787, Bochum, Germany
| | - Ekrem Dere
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787, Bochum, Germany; Sorbonne Université, UFR des Sciences de la Vie, 9 quai Saint Bernard, F-75005, Paris, France.
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14
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Morgan ZEM, Bailey MJ, Trifonova DI, Naik NC, Patterson WB, Lurmann FW, Chang HH, Peterson BS, Goran MI, Alderete TL. Prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution is associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years of age. Environ Health 2023; 22:11. [PMID: 36694159 PMCID: PMC9872424 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00951-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Higher prenatal ambient air pollution exposure has been associated with impaired neurodevelopment in preschoolers and school-aged children. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between prenatal ambient air pollution exposure and neurodevelopment during infancy. METHODS This study examined 161 Latino mother-infant pairs from the Southern California Mother's Milk Study. Exposure assessments included prenatal nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter smaller than 2.5 and 10 microns in diameter (PM2.5 and PM10, respectively). The pregnancy period was also examined as three windows, early, mid, and late, which describe the first, middle, and last three months of pregnancy. Infant neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years of age were measured using the Bayley-III Scales of Infant and Toddler Development. Multivariable linear models and distributed lag linear models (DLM) were used to examine relationships between prenatal exposures and neurodevelopmental scores, adjusting for socioeconomic status, breastfeeding frequency, time of delivery, pre-pregnancy body mass index, and infant birthweight and sex. RESULTS Higher prenatal exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 was negatively associated with composite cognitive score (β = -2.01 [-3.89, -0.13] and β = -1.97 [-3.83, -0.10], respectively). In addition, higher average prenatal exposure to PM10 was negatively associated with composite motor (β = -2.35 [-3.95, -0.74]), scaled motor (β = -0.77 [-1.30, -0.24]), gross motor (β = -0.37 [-0.70, -0.04]), fine motor (β = -0.40 [-0.71, -0.09]), composite language (β = -1.87 [-3.52, -0.22]), scaled language (β = -0.61 [-1.18, -0.05]) and expressive communication scaled scores (β = -0.36 [-0.66, -0.05]). DLMs showed that higher prenatal air pollution exposure during mid and late pregnancy was inversely associated with motor, cognitive, and communication language scores. CONCLUSIONS Higher exposure to air pollutants during pregnancy, particularly in the mid and late prenatal periods, was inversely associated with scaled and composite motor, cognitive, and language scores at 2 years. These results indicate that prenatal ambient air pollution may negatively impact neurodevelopment in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachariah E M Morgan
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Maximilian J Bailey
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Diana I Trifonova
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Noopur C Naik
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - William B Patterson
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | | - Howard H Chang
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bradley S Peterson
- Department of Pediatrics, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael I Goran
- Department of Pediatrics, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tanya L Alderete
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
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15
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Scher MS. A Bio-Social Model during the First 1000 Days Optimizes Healthcare for Children with Developmental Disabilities. Biomedicines 2022; 10:3290. [PMID: 36552046 PMCID: PMC9775202 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Most children with developmental disabilities (DD) live in resource-limited countries (LMIC) or high-income country medical deserts (HICMD). A social contract between healthcare providers and families advocates for accurate diagnoses and effective interventions to treat diseases and toxic stressors. This bio-social model emphasizes reproductive health of women with trimester-specific maternal and pediatric healthcare interactions. Lifelong neuronal connectivity is more likely established across 80% of brain circuitries during the first 1000 days. Maladaptive gene-environment (G x E) interactions begin before conception later presenting as maternal-placental-fetal (MPF) triad, neonatal, or childhood neurologic disorders. Synergy between obstetrical and pediatric healthcare providers can reduce neurologic morbidities. Partnerships between healthcare providers and families should begin during the first 1000 days to address diseases more effectively to moderate maternal and childhood adverse effects. This bio-social model lowers the incidence and lessens the severity of sequalae such as DD. Access to genetic-metabolomic, neurophysiologic and neuroimaging evaluations enhances clinical decision-making for more effective interventions before full expression of neurologic dysfunction. Diagnostic accuracy facilitates developmental interventions for effective preschool planning. A description of a mother-child pair in a HIC emphasizes the time-sensitive importance for early interventions that influenced brain health throughout childhood. Partnership by her parents with healthcare providers and educators provided effective healthcare and lessened adverse effects. Effective educational interventions were later offered through her high school graduation. Healthcare disparities in LMIC and HICMD require that this bio-social model of care begin before the first 1000 days to effectively treat the most vulnerable women and children. Prioritizing family planning followed by prenatal, neonatal and child healthcare improves wellness and brain health. Familiarity with educational neuroscience for teachers applies neurologic diagnoses for effective individual educational plans. Integrating diversity and inclusion into medical and educational services cross socioeconomic, ethnic, racial, and cultural barriers with life-course benefits. Families require knowledge to recognize risks for their children and motivation to sustain relationships with providers and educators for optimal outcomes. The WHO sustainable development goals promote brain health before conception through the first 1000 days. Improved education, employment, and social engagement for all persons will have intergenerational and transgenerational benefits for communities and nations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S. Scher
- Pediatrics and Neurology, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology Fetal/Neonatal Neurology Program, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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16
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Zhou J, Chen Y, Ma L, Zhou C, Zhe R. Correlation of liver and kidney indicators with foetal vital organ function. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2022; 42:2912-2916. [PMID: 35998258 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2022.2112939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the correlation between indicators of liver and kidney function and foetal vital organ function. One hundred and eighty-five pregnant women who underwent cordocentesis and whose foetuses were diagnosed with abnormal foetal organ function were enrolled. The indicators of liver and kidney function were compared between foetuses with abnormal vital organ function and healthy foetuses. There was a significant difference between foetuses with and those without normal cardiovascular systems in terms of total protein, albumin, total bile acid, and creatinine levels (P < .05). A significant difference in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels was observed in foetuses with and those without normal foetal urinary systems (P < .05). A difference between foetuses with normal and those without normal musculoskeletal systems was noted when comparing LDH levels. Further, there was a significant difference in gestational age and AST, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, LDH, adenosine dehydrogenase, fibronectin, and creatinine levels between foetuses with normal versus abnormal blood systems (P < .05). Thus, hepatic and renal function indicators may be associated with abnormal foetal vital organ function.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Foetal cardiac function is currently evaluated using colour Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in clinical practice, but there are few predictive indicators of the function of other vital organs. It is difficult to determine whether children have abnormalities in the urinary system, digestive system, nervous system, or other vital organs.What do the results of this study add? In this study, it was found that total protein, albumin, total bile acid, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, fibronectin, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, adenosine dehydrogenase, and other liver and kidney function indicators may be associated with foetal vital organ dysfunction. However, the forecast range of specific indicators must be further improved upon.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study provides an additional reference for predicting foetal cardiac function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuying Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cuixiang Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ruilian Zhe
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Functional Expression of Multidrug-Resistance (MDR) Transporters in Developing Human Fetal Brain Endothelial Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142259. [PMID: 35883702 PMCID: PMC9323234 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is little information about the functional expression of the multidrug resistance (MDR) transporters P-glycoprotein (P-gp, encoded by ABCB1) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2) in the developing blood−brain barrier (BBB). We isolated and cultured primary human fetal brain endothelial cells (hfBECs) from early and mid-gestation brains and assessed P-gp/ABCB1 and BCRP/ABCG2 expression and function, as well as tube formation capability. Immunolocalization of the von Willebrand factor (marker of endothelial cells), zonula occludens-1 and claudin-5 (tight junctions) was detected in early and mid-gestation-derived hfBECs, which also formed capillary-like tube structures, confirming their BEC phenotype. P-gp and BCRP immunostaining was detected in capillary-like tubes and in the cytoplasm and nucleus of hfBECs. P-gp protein levels in the plasma membrane and nuclear protein fractions, as well as P-gp protein/ABCB1 mRNA and BCRP protein levels decreased (p < 0.05) in hfBECs, from early to mid-gestation. No differences in P-gp or BCRP activity in hfBECs were observed between the two age groups. The hfBECs from early and mid-gestation express functionally competent P-gp and BCRP drug transporters and may thus contribute to the BBB protective phenotype in the conceptus from early stages of pregnancy.
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The Role of Neurotrophin Signaling in Age-Related Cognitive Decline and Cognitive Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147726. [PMID: 35887075 PMCID: PMC9320180 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins are a family of secreted proteins expressed in the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system that support neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its high affinity receptor TrkB are highly expressed in the cortical and hippocampal areas and play an essential role in learning and memory. The decline of cognitive function with aging is a major risk factor for cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, an alteration of BDNF/TrkB signaling with aging and/or pathological conditions has been indicated as a potential mechanism of cognitive decline. In this review, we summarize the cellular function of neurotrophin signaling and review the current evidence indicating a pathological role of neurotrophin signaling, especially of BDNF/TrkB signaling, in the cognitive decline in aging and age-related cognitive diseases. We also review the therapeutic approach for cognitive decline by the upregulation of the endogenous BDNF/TrkB-system.
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Melillo R, Leisman G, Machado C, Machado-Ferrer Y, Chinchilla-Acosta M, Kamgang S, Melillo T, Carmeli E. Retained Primitive Reflexes and Potential for Intervention in Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Front Neurol 2022; 13:922322. [PMID: 35873782 PMCID: PMC9301367 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.922322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We provide evidence to support the contention that many aspects of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are related to interregional brain functional disconnectivity associated with maturational delays in the development of brain networks. We think a delay in brain maturation in some networks may result in an increase in cortical maturation and development in other networks, leading to a developmental asynchrony and an unevenness of functional skills and symptoms. The paper supports the close relationship between retained primitive reflexes and cognitive and motor function in general and in ASD in particular provided to indicate that the inhibition of RPRs can effect positive change in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Melillo
- Movement and Cognition Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gerry Leisman
- Movement and Cognition Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Neurology, University of the Medical Sciences of Havana, Havana, Cuba
| | - Calixto Machado
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Havana, Cuba
| | - Yanin Machado-Ferrer
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Havana, Cuba
| | | | - Shanine Kamgang
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ty Melillo
- Northeast College of the Health Sciences, Seneca Falls, New York, NY, United States
| | - Eli Carmeli
- Movement and Cognition Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Pivovarnik ES. Development of Sensory Processing in Premature Infants and Implications for Evidence-Based Music Therapy in the NICU. Neonatal Netw 2022; 41:189-199. [PMID: 35840335 DOI: 10.1891/nn-2021-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the development of sensory processing in premature infants with implications for music therapists providing evidence-based care in a NICU. An overview of sensory processing and sensory processing disorders in premature infants is included, with specific emphasis on development of sensory systems of premature infants. Implications for developmentally appropriate music as therapy for premature infants are identified. Evidence-based NICU-MT can be combined with nursing care to reduce the risks of sensory processing disorder for the developing premature infant.
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Charpak N, Tessier R, Ruiz JG, Uriza F, Hernandez JT, Cortes D, Montealegre‐Pomar A. Kangaroo mother care had a protective effect on the volume of brain structures in young adults born preterm. Acta Paediatr 2022; 111:1004-1014. [PMID: 35067976 PMCID: PMC9303677 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Aim The protective effects of Kangaroo mother care (KMC) on the neurodevelopment of preterm infants are well established, but we do not know whether the benefits persist beyond infancy. Our aim was to determine whether providing KMC in infancy affected brain volumes in young adulthood. Method Standardised cognitive, memory and motor skills tests were used to determine the brain volumes of 20‐year‐old adults who had formed part of a randomised controlled trial of KMC versus incubator care. Multivariate analysis of brain volumes was conducted according to KMC exposure. Results The study comprised 178 adults born preterm: 97 had received KMC and 81 were incubator care controls. Bivariate analysis showed larger volumes of total grey matter, basal nuclei and cerebellum in those who had received KMC, and the white matter was better organised. This means that the volumes of the main brain structures associated with intelligence, attention, memory and coordination were larger in the KMC group. Multivariate lineal regression analysis demonstrated the direct relationship between brain volumes and duration of KMC, after controlling for potential confounders. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the neuroprotective effects of KMC for preterm infants persisted beyond childhood and improved their lifetime functionality and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Juan Gabriel Ruiz
- Department of Medical and Population Health Sciences Research Herber Wertheim Florida International University Miami Florida USA
| | - Felipe Uriza
- Hospital San Ignacio Universidad Javeriana Bogota Colombia
| | | | - Darwin Cortes
- Economics Department Universidad del Rosario Bogota Colombia
| | - Adriana Montealegre‐Pomar
- Fundación Canguro/Kangaroo Foundation Bogota Colombia
- Hospital San Ignacio Universidad Javeriana Bogota Colombia
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Tong J, Liang C, Wu X, Huang K, Zhu B, Gao H, Zhu Y, Li Z, Qi J, Han Y, Ding P, Zhu Y, Tao F. Prenatal serum thallium exposure and cognitive development among preschool-aged children: A prospective cohort study in China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 293:118545. [PMID: 34801620 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Thallium, a highly toxic heavy metal and priority pollutant, has been widely reported to cause neurodevelopmental toxicity in animals. However, accessible epidemiological studies concerning the neurodevelopmental toxicity of early-life thallium exposure in humans are limited. In a prospective birth cohort including 2164 mother-child pairs, we explored the effect of prenatal serum thallium exposure on cognitive development among preschool-aged children born in Ma'anshan, Anhui, China. Serum thallium concentrations were measured in the first trimester, second trimester, third trimester, and cord blood by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Child cognitive development was appraised by the Chinese version of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) at 4.5 years old. Multiple informants generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were fit to jointly estimate the association between the four repeated measurements of thallium concentrations and the preschool-aged children's cognitive test scores. After adjusting for potential confounders, the visual spatial index (VSI) was 1.45 points lower in the highest tertile of serum thallium during the first trimester than in the lowest tertile (p for trend = 0.04). Moreover, children in the highest tertile of serum thallium during the third trimester had a significantly lower full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) (β = -1.51, 95% CI: -2.68, -0.35), VSI (β = -1.79, 95% CI: -3.16, -0.42), fluid reasoning index (FRI) (β = -1.41, 95% CI: -2.73, -0.10), and processing speed index (PSI) (β = -1.47, 95% CI: -2.71, -0.24) scores than the children in the lowest tertile. When performing stratified analysis by child sex, the associations of first- and third-trimester thallium concentrations with cognitive test scores were more prominent in boys than in girls. Our findings revealed that maternal serum thallium exposure during the first and third trimesters, but not other periods, had detrimental effects on preschoolers' cognitive development, and these effects showed sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Tong
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chunmei Liang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kung Huang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Beibei Zhu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuanduo Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhijuan Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Juan Qi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yan Han
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Peng Ding
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yumin Zhu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Hefei, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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23
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Abstract
Fetal pain perception has important implications for fetal surgery, as well as for abortion. Current neuroscientific evidence indicates the possibility of fetal pain perception during the first trimester (<14 weeks gestation). Evidence for this conclusion is based on the following findings: (1) the neural pathways for pain perception via the cortical subplate are present as early as 12 weeks gestation, and via the thalamus as early as 7–8 weeks gestation; (2) the cortex is not necessary for pain to be experienced; (3) consciousness is mediated by subcortical structures, such as the thalamus and brainstem, which begin to develop during the first trimester; (4) the neurochemicals in utero do not cause fetal unconsciousness; and (5) the use of fetal analgesia suppresses the hormonal, physiologic, and behavioral responses to pain, avoiding the potential for both short- and long-term sequelae. As the medical evidence has shifted in acknowledging fetal pain perception prior to viability, there has been a gradual change in the fetal pain debate, from disputing the existence of fetal pain to debating the significance of fetal pain. The presence of fetal pain creates tension in the practice of medicine with respect to beneficence and nonmaleficence.
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24
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Loke YJ, Muggli E, Saffery R, Ryan J, Lewis S, Elliott EJ, Halliday J, Craig JM. Sex- and tissue-specific effects of binge-level prenatal alcohol consumption on DNA methylation at birth. Epigenomics 2021; 13:1921-1938. [PMID: 34841896 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Binge-level prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes developmental abnormalities, which may be mediated in part by epigenetic mechanisms. Despite this, few studies have characterised the association of binge PAE with DNA methylation in offspring. Methods: We investigated the association between binge PAE and genome-wide DNA methylation profiles in a sex-specific manner in neonatal buccal and placental samples. Results: We identified no differentially methylated CpGs or differentially methylated regions (DMRs) at false discovery rate <0.05. However, using a sum-of-ranks approach, we identified a DMR in each tissue of female offspring. The DMR identified in buccal samples is located near regions with previously-reported associations to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and binge PAE. Conclusion: Our findings warrant further replication and highlight a potential epigenetic link between binge PAE and FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuk Jing Loke
- Molecular Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Evelyne Muggli
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.,Victorian Infant Brain Studies, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Reproductive Epidemiology, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Molecular Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Joanne Ryan
- Molecular Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Biological Neuropsychiatry & Dementia Unit, School of Public Health, Monash University, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Sharon Lewis
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.,Reproductive Epidemiology, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Elizabeth J Elliott
- Specialty of Child & Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia.,The Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, NSW, 2045, Australia
| | - Jane Halliday
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.,Reproductive Epidemiology, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Jeffrey M Craig
- Molecular Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.,The Institute of Mental & Physical Health & Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Victoria, 3220, Australia
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25
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Scher MS. Neurologic Sequelae Associated with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:945. [PMID: 34828658 PMCID: PMC8617864 DOI: 10.3390/children8110945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) contribute to adverse gene-environment interactions prior to conception and continue throughout pregnancy. Embryonic/fetal brain disorders occur from interactions between genetic susceptibilities interacting with acquired diseases or conditions affecting the maternal/placental fetal (MPF) triad. Trimester-specific pathophysiological mechanisms, such as maternal immune activation and ischemic placental syndrome, contribute to adverse peripartum, neonatal and childhood outcomes. Two diagnostic approaches provide timelier diagnoses over the first 1000 days from conception until two years of age. Horizontal analyses assess the maturation of the triad, neonate and child. Vertical analyses consider systems-biology from genetic, molecular, cellular, tissue through organ networks during each developmental niche. Disease expressions associated with HDP have cumulative adverse effects across the lifespan when subjected to subsequent adverse events. Critical/sensitive periods of developmental neuroplasticity over the first 1000 days are more likely to result in permanent sequelae. Novel diagnostic approaches, beginning during pre-conception, will facilitate the development of effective preventive, rescue and reparative neurotherapeutic strategies in response to HDP-related trimester-specific disease pathways. Public health policies require the inclusion of women's health advocacy during and beyond their reproductive years to reduce sequelae experienced by mothers and their offspring. A lower global burden of neurologic disease from HDP will benefit future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S. Scher
- Pediatrics and Neurology, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology Fetal/Neonatal Neurology Program, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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26
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Cerritelli F, Frasch MG, Antonelli MC, Viglione C, Vecchi S, Chiera M, Manzotti A. A Review on the Vagus Nerve and Autonomic Nervous System During Fetal Development: Searching for Critical Windows. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:721605. [PMID: 34616274 PMCID: PMC8488382 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.721605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is one of the main biological systems that regulates the body's physiology. Autonomic nervous system regulatory capacity begins before birth as the sympathetic and parasympathetic activity contributes significantly to the fetus' development. In particular, several studies have shown how vagus nerve is involved in many vital processes during fetal, perinatal, and postnatal life: from the regulation of inflammation through the anti-inflammatory cholinergic pathway, which may affect the functioning of each organ, to the production of hormones involved in bioenergetic metabolism. In addition, the vagus nerve has been recognized as the primary afferent pathway capable of transmitting information to the brain from every organ of the body. Therefore, this hypothesis paper aims to review the development of ANS during fetal and perinatal life, focusing particularly on the vagus nerve, to identify possible "critical windows" that could impact its maturation. These "critical windows" could help clinicians know when to monitor fetuses to effectively assess the developmental status of both ANS and specifically the vagus nerve. In addition, this paper will focus on which factors-i.e., fetal characteristics and behaviors, maternal lifestyle and pathologies, placental health and dysfunction, labor, incubator conditions, and drug exposure-may have an impact on the development of the vagus during the above-mentioned "critical window" and how. This analysis could help clinicians and stakeholders define precise guidelines for improving the management of fetuses and newborns, particularly to reduce the potential adverse environmental impacts on ANS development that may lead to persistent long-term consequences. Since the development of ANS and the vagus influence have been shown to be reflected in cardiac variability, this paper will rely in particular on studies using fetal heart rate variability (fHRV) to monitor the continued growth and health of both animal and human fetuses. In fact, fHRV is a non-invasive marker whose changes have been associated with ANS development, vagal modulation, systemic and neurological inflammatory reactions, and even fetal distress during labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Cerritelli
- Research and Assistance for Infants to Support Experience Lab, Foundation Center for Osteopathic Medicine Collaboration, Pescara, Italy
| | - Martin G. Frasch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center on Human Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Marta C. Antonelli
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia “Prof. E. De Robertis”, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Chiara Viglione
- Research and Assistance for Infants to Support Experience Lab, Foundation Center for Osteopathic Medicine Collaboration, Pescara, Italy
| | - Stefano Vecchi
- Research and Assistance for Infants to Support Experience Lab, Foundation Center for Osteopathic Medicine Collaboration, Pescara, Italy
| | - Marco Chiera
- Research and Assistance for Infants to Support Experience Lab, Foundation Center for Osteopathic Medicine Collaboration, Pescara, Italy
| | - Andrea Manzotti
- Research and Assistance for Infants to Support Experience Lab, Foundation Center for Osteopathic Medicine Collaboration, Pescara, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, “V. Buzzi” Children's Hospital, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
- Research Department, Istituto Osteopatia Milano, Milan, Italy
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27
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Oleuropein Activates Neonatal Neocortical Proteasomes, but Proteasome Gene Targeting by AAV9 Is Variable in a Clinically Relevant Piglet Model of Brain Hypoxia-Ischemia and Hypothermia. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082120. [PMID: 34440889 PMCID: PMC8391411 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral hypoxia-ischemia (HI) compromises the proteasome in a clinically relevant neonatal piglet model. Protecting and activating proteasomes could be an adjunct therapy to hypothermia. We investigated whether chymotrypsin-like proteasome activity differs regionally and developmentally in the neonatal brain. We also tested whether neonatal brain proteasomes can be modulated by oleuropein, an experimental pleiotropic neuroprotective drug, or by targeting a proteasome subunit gene using recombinant adeno-associated virus-9 (AAV). During post-HI hypothermia, we treated piglets with oleuropein, used AAV-short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to knock down proteasome activator 28γ (PA28γ), or enforced PA28γ using AAV-PA28γ with green fluorescent protein (GFP). Neonatal neocortex and subcortical white matter had greater proteasome activity than did liver and kidney. Neonatal white matter had higher proteasome activity than did juvenile white matter. Lower arterial pH 1 h after HI correlated with greater subsequent cortical proteasome activity. With increasing brain homogenate protein input into the assay, the initial proteasome activity increased only among shams, whereas HI increased total kinetic proteasome activity. OLE increased the initial neocortical proteasome activity after hypothermia. AAV drove GFP expression, and white matter PA28γ levels correlated with proteasome activity and subunit levels. However, AAV proteasome modulation varied. Thus, neonatal neocortical proteasomes can be pharmacologically activated. HI slows the initial proteasome performance, but then augments ongoing catalytic activity. AAV-mediated genetic manipulation in the piglet brain holds promise, though proteasome gene targeting requires further development.
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28
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Lee JK, Santos PT, Chen MW, O'Brien CE, Kulikowicz E, Adams S, Hardart H, Koehler RC, Martin LJ. Combining Hypothermia and Oleuropein Subacutely Protects Subcortical White Matter in a Swine Model of Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2021; 80:182-198. [PMID: 33212486 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlaa132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) causes white matter injury that is not fully prevented by therapeutic hypothermia. Adjuvant treatments are needed. We compared myelination in different piglet white matter regions. We then tested whether oleuropein (OLE) improves neuroprotection in 2- to 4-day-old piglets randomized to undergo HI or sham procedure and OLE or vehicle administration beginning at 15 minutes. All groups received overnight hypothermia and rewarming. Injury in the subcortical white matter, corpus callosum, internal capsule, putamen, and motor cortex gray matter was assessed 1 day later. At baseline, piglets had greater subcortical myelination than in corpus callosum. Hypothermic HI piglets had scant injury in putamen and cerebral cortex. However, hypothermia alone did not prevent the loss of subcortical myelinating oligodendrocytes or the reduction in subcortical myelin density after HI. Combining OLE with hypothermia improved post-HI subcortical white matter protection by preserving myelinating oligodendrocytes, myelin density, and oligodendrocyte markers. Corpus callosum and internal capsule showed little HI injury after hypothermia, and OLE accordingly had minimal effect. OLE did not affect putamen or motor cortex neuron counts. Thus, OLE combined with hypothermia protected subcortical white matter after HI. As an adjuvant to hypothermia, OLE may subacutely improve regional white matter protection after HI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Lee
- From the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
| | - Polan T Santos
- From the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
| | - May W Chen
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics
| | | | - Ewa Kulikowicz
- From the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
| | - Shawn Adams
- From the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
| | - Henry Hardart
- From the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
| | | | - Lee J Martin
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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29
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Teixeira SA, Marques DBD, Costa TC, Oliveira HC, Costa KA, Carrara ER, da Silva W, Guimarães JD, Neves MM, Ibelli AMG, Cantão ME, Ledur MC, Peixoto JO, Guimarães SEF. Transcription Landscape of the Early Developmental Biology in Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051443. [PMID: 34069910 PMCID: PMC8157595 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since pre- and postnatal development are programmed during early prenatal life, studies addressing the complete transcriptional landscape during organogenesis are needed. Therefore, we aimed to disentangle differentially expressed (DE) genes between fetuses (at 35 days old) and embryos (at 25 days old) through RNA-sequencing analysis using the pig as model. In total, 1705 genes were DE, including the top DE IBSP, COL6A6, HBE1, HBZ, HBB, and NEUROD6 genes, which are associated with developmental transition from embryos to fetuses, such as ossification, skeletal muscle development, extracellular matrix organization, cardiovascular system, erythrocyte differentiation, and neuronal system. In pathway analysis, embryonic development highlighted those mainly related to morphogenic signaling and cell interactions, which are crucial for transcriptional control during the establishment of the main organs in early prenatal development, while pathways related to myogenesis, neuronal development, and cardiac and striated muscle contraction were enriched for fetal development, according to the greater complexity of organs and body structures at this developmental stage. Our findings provide an exploratory and informative transcriptional landscape of pig organogenesis, which might contribute to further studies addressing specific developmental events in pigs and in other mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana A. Teixeira
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-000, MG, Brazil; (S.A.T.); (D.B.D.M.); (T.C.C.); (H.C.O.); (K.A.C.); (E.R.C.); (W.d.S.)
| | - Daniele B. D. Marques
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-000, MG, Brazil; (S.A.T.); (D.B.D.M.); (T.C.C.); (H.C.O.); (K.A.C.); (E.R.C.); (W.d.S.)
| | - Thaís C. Costa
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-000, MG, Brazil; (S.A.T.); (D.B.D.M.); (T.C.C.); (H.C.O.); (K.A.C.); (E.R.C.); (W.d.S.)
| | - Haniel C. Oliveira
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-000, MG, Brazil; (S.A.T.); (D.B.D.M.); (T.C.C.); (H.C.O.); (K.A.C.); (E.R.C.); (W.d.S.)
| | - Karine A. Costa
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-000, MG, Brazil; (S.A.T.); (D.B.D.M.); (T.C.C.); (H.C.O.); (K.A.C.); (E.R.C.); (W.d.S.)
| | - Eula R. Carrara
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-000, MG, Brazil; (S.A.T.); (D.B.D.M.); (T.C.C.); (H.C.O.); (K.A.C.); (E.R.C.); (W.d.S.)
| | - Walmir da Silva
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-000, MG, Brazil; (S.A.T.); (D.B.D.M.); (T.C.C.); (H.C.O.); (K.A.C.); (E.R.C.); (W.d.S.)
| | - José D. Guimarães
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-000, MG, Brazil;
| | - Mariana M. Neves
- Department of General Biology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-000, MG, Brazil;
| | - Adriana M. G. Ibelli
- Embrapa Suínos e Aves, Concordia 89715-899, SC, Brazil; (A.M.G.I.); (M.E.C.); (M.C.L.); (J.O.P.)
| | - Maurício E. Cantão
- Embrapa Suínos e Aves, Concordia 89715-899, SC, Brazil; (A.M.G.I.); (M.E.C.); (M.C.L.); (J.O.P.)
| | - Mônica C. Ledur
- Embrapa Suínos e Aves, Concordia 89715-899, SC, Brazil; (A.M.G.I.); (M.E.C.); (M.C.L.); (J.O.P.)
| | - Jane O. Peixoto
- Embrapa Suínos e Aves, Concordia 89715-899, SC, Brazil; (A.M.G.I.); (M.E.C.); (M.C.L.); (J.O.P.)
| | - Simone E. F. Guimarães
- Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-000, MG, Brazil; (S.A.T.); (D.B.D.M.); (T.C.C.); (H.C.O.); (K.A.C.); (E.R.C.); (W.d.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-31-36124671
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30
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Woodard V, Thoene M, Van Ormer M, Thompson M, Hanson C, Natarajan SK, Mukherjee M, Yuil-Valdes A, Nordgren TM, Ulu A, Harris Jackson K, Anderson-Berry A. Intrauterine Transfer of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Mother-Infant Dyads as Analyzed at Time of Delivery. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13030996. [PMID: 33808763 PMCID: PMC8003544 DOI: 10.3390/nu13030996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential for fetal development, and intrauterine transfer is the only supply of PUFAs to the fetus. The prevailing theory of gestational nutrient transfer is that certain nutrients (including PUFAs) may have prioritized transport across the placenta. Numerous studies have identified correlations between maternal and infant fatty acid concentrations; however, little is known about what role maternal PUFA status may play in differential intrauterine nutrient transfer. Twenty mother–infant dyads were enrolled at delivery for collection of maternal and umbilical cord blood, and placental tissue samples. Plasma concentrations of PUFAs were assessed using gas chromatography (GC-FID). Intrauterine transfer percentages for each fatty acid were calculated as follows: ((cord blood fatty acid level/maternal blood fatty acid level) × 100). Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare transfer percentages between maternal fatty acid tertile groups. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. There were statistically significant differences in intrauterine transfer percentages of arachidonic acid (AA) (64% vs. 65% vs. 45%, p = 0.02), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (41% vs. 19% vs. 17%, p = 0.03), and total fatty acids (TFA) (27% vs. 26% vs. 20%, p = 0.05) between maternal plasma fatty acid tertiles. Intrauterine transfer percentages of AA, EPA, and TFA were highest in the lowest tertile of respective maternal fatty acid concentration. These findings may indicate that fatty acid transfer to the fetus is prioritized during gestation even during periods of maternal nutritional inadequacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Woodard
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (V.W.); (M.T.); (M.V.O.); (M.T.); (A.Y.-V.); (A.A.-B.)
| | - Melissa Thoene
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (V.W.); (M.T.); (M.V.O.); (M.T.); (A.Y.-V.); (A.A.-B.)
| | - Matthew Van Ormer
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (V.W.); (M.T.); (M.V.O.); (M.T.); (A.Y.-V.); (A.A.-B.)
| | - Maranda Thompson
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (V.W.); (M.T.); (M.V.O.); (M.T.); (A.Y.-V.); (A.A.-B.)
| | - Corrine Hanson
- Department of Medical Sciences, College of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Sathish Kumar Natarajan
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Education and Human Sciences, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA;
| | - Maheswari Mukherjee
- Department of Medical Sciences, College of Allied Health Professions, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
| | - Ana Yuil-Valdes
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (V.W.); (M.T.); (M.V.O.); (M.T.); (A.Y.-V.); (A.A.-B.)
| | - Tara M. Nordgren
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; (T.M.N.); (A.U.)
| | - Arzu Ulu
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; (T.M.N.); (A.U.)
| | - Kristina Harris Jackson
- OmegaQuant Analytics LLC, 5009 W. 12th St., Suite 8, Sioux Falls, SD 57106, USA;
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA
| | - Ann Anderson-Berry
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (V.W.); (M.T.); (M.V.O.); (M.T.); (A.Y.-V.); (A.A.-B.)
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Trombetta T, Giordano M, Santoniccolo F, Vismara L, Della Vedova AM, Rollè L. Pre-natal Attachment and Parent-To-Infant Attachment: A Systematic Review. Front Psychol 2021; 12:620942. [PMID: 33815204 PMCID: PMC8011495 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.620942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During the perinatal period, the establishment of the attachment relationship with the fetus and subsequently with the real child is crucial for the parents' and the child's well-being. Coherently with the assumption that the attachment relationship starts to develop during pregnancy, this systematic review aims to analyze and systematize studies focused on the association between pre-natal attachment and parent-to-infant attachment, in order to clarify the emerging results and provide useful information for clinical purposes. Nineteen studies were included. Sixteen researches identified a positive relationship between pre-natal attachment and parent-to-infant attachment, and three articles highlighted a negative association between antenatal attachment and post-partum bonding disorders. These results were found both in women and men, in normative and at-risk pregnancies, adopting different assessment approaches (i.e., self-report measures, observations, and projective measures). However, only small or moderate associations were found. Future studies are needed to further confirm these findings across different populations (e.g., male samples, non-normative samples or samples in disadvantaged conditions) and with different methodological approaches (e.g., observational measures). Moreover, studies would be needed in order to clarify mechanisms through which pre-natal attachment influences parent-to-infant attachment, as well as protective and risk factors which intervene between these two variables.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maura Giordano
- Department of Psychology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Laura Vismara
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Luca Rollè
- Department of Psychology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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Lee JK, Liu D, Jiang D, Kulikowicz E, Tekes A, Liu P, Qin Q, Koehler RC, Aggarwal M, Zhang J, Martin LJ. Fractional anisotropy from diffusion tensor imaging correlates with acute astrocyte and myelin swelling in neonatal swine models of excitotoxic and hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:2750-2770. [PMID: 33543493 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The specific cytopathology that causes abnormal fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) after neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is not completely understood. The panoply of cell types in the brain might contribute differentially to changes in DTI metrics. Because glia are the predominant cell type in brain, we hypothesized that changes in FA and MD would signify perturbations in glial microstructure. Using a 3-Tesla clinical scanner, we conducted in vivo DTI MRI in nine neonatal piglets at 20-96 h after excitotoxic brain injury from striatal quinolinic acid injection or global HI. FA and MD from putamen, caudate, and internal capsule in toto were correlated with astrocyte swelling, neuronal excitotoxicity, and white matter injury. Low FA correlated with more swollen astrocytes immunophenotyped by aquaporin-4 (AQP4), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1). Low FA was also related to the loss of neurons with perineuronal GLT-1+ astrocyte decorations, large myelin swellings, lower myelin density, and oligodendrocyte cell death identified by 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase, bridging integrator-1, and nuclear morphology. MD correlated with degenerating oligodendrocytes and depletion of normal GFAP+ astrocytes but not with astrocyte or myelin swelling. We conclude that FA is associated with cytotoxic edema in astrocytes and oligodendrocyte processes as well as myelin injury at the cellular level. MD can detect glial cell death and loss, but it may not discern subtle pathology in swollen astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, or myelin. This study provides a cytopathologic basis for interpreting DTI in the neonatal brain after HI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dapeng Liu
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dengrong Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ewa Kulikowicz
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Aylin Tekes
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Peiying Liu
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Qin Qin
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Raymond C Koehler
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Manisha Aggarwal
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jiangyang Zhang
- Department of Radiology, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lee J Martin
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Effects of maternal mental health on fetal visual preference for face-like compared to non-face like light stimulation. Early Hum Dev 2020; 151:105227. [PMID: 33070096 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2020.105227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The question of whether humans react differentially to face-like versus non face-like light stimulation in the prenatal period has been much discussed, but to date has remained unresolved. In this feasibility study we have come closer to understanding fetal vision. In contrast to other studies examining fetal reactions to prenatal light stimulation, we controlled maternal factors known to affect fetal neurodevelopment; including maternal mental health and attachment. We found that, for fetuses at 33 weeks gestation, maternal mental health (anxiety and depression), and fetal growth factors (femur length) all had a significant effect on fetal reactivity to face-like compared to a non-face-like control light stimulus. This calls into question some previously published results. We discuss implications of these findings in terms of the development of fetal visual perception.
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Lang A, Ott P, del Giudice R, Schabus M. Memory Traces Formed in Utero-Newborns' Autonomic and Neuronal Responses to Prenatal Stimuli and the Maternal Voice. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10110837. [PMID: 33187287 PMCID: PMC7697227 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10110837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In our pilot study, we exposed third-trimester fetuses, from week 34 of gestation onwards, twice daily to a maternal spoken nursery rhyme. Two and five weeks after birth, 34 newborns, who were either familiarized with rhyme stimulation in utero or stimulation naïve, were (re-)exposed to the familiar, as well as to a novel and unfamiliar, rhyme, both spoken with the maternal and an unfamiliar female voice. For the stimulation-naïve group, both rhymes were unfamiliar. During stimulus presentation, heart rate activity and high-density electroencephalography were collected and newborns’ responses during familiar and unfamiliar stimulation were analyzed. All newborns demonstrated stronger speech–brain coupling at 1 Hz during the presentation of the maternal voice vs. the unfamiliar female voice. Rhyme familiarity originating from prenatal exposure had no effect on speech–brain coupling in experimentally stimulated newborns. Furthermore, only stimulation-naïve newborns demonstrated an increase in heart rate during the presentation of the unfamiliar female voice. The results indicate prenatal familiarization to auditory speech and point to the specific significance of the maternal voice already in two- to five-week-old newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelheid Lang
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience (CCNS), Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
- Laboratory for Sleep, Cognition and Consciousness Research, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (P.O.); (R.d.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-662-8044-5113
| | - Peter Ott
- Laboratory for Sleep, Cognition and Consciousness Research, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (P.O.); (R.d.G.)
- Information Technology and Systems Management, Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Renata del Giudice
- Laboratory for Sleep, Cognition and Consciousness Research, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (P.O.); (R.d.G.)
- Department of Mental Health, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
- San Paolo University Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Manuel Schabus
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience (CCNS), Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria;
- Laboratory for Sleep, Cognition and Consciousness Research, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (P.O.); (R.d.G.)
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Effect of Vitamin D Status during Pregnancy on Infant Neurodevelopment: The ECLIPSES Study. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12103196. [PMID: 33086652 PMCID: PMC7603368 DOI: 10.3390/nu12103196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D status during pregnancy is involved in numerous physiological processes, including brain development. In this study, we assess the association between vitamin D status during pregnancy and infant neurodevelopment (cognitive, language, and motor skills). From an initial sample of 793 women (mean age 30.6) recruited before the 12th week of pregnancy, 422 mother–infant pairs were followed up to a postpartum visit. Vitamin D levels were assessed in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy, and socio-demographic, nutritional, and psychological variables were collected. At 40 days postpartum, the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III were administered to the infants and several obstetrical data were recorded. Independently from several confounding factors, deficient vitamin D levels in the first trimester of pregnancy (<30 nmol/L) predicted a worse performance in cognitive and language skills. Language performance worsened with lower vitamin D levels (<20 nmol/L). In the third trimester, this highly deficient level was also associated with lower motor skills. Vitamin D deficiency was therefore associated with worse neurodevelopmental outcomes. More studies are needed to determine specific recommendations with regard to vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy in order to promote an optimal course for pregnancy and optimal infant neurodevelopment.
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Maehara K, Morokuma S, Nakahara K, Okawa H, Kato K. A study on the association between eye movements and regular mouthing movements (RMMs) in normal fetuses between 24 to 39 weeks of gestation. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233909. [PMID: 32470054 PMCID: PMC7259622 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Regular Mouthing Movements (RMMs) are movements in which lips and lower jaw movements occur regularly and can be observed in the fetus using transabdominal ultrasonic tomography. In near term infants, it is known that RMMs form clusters during the quiet sleep period. The notation of RMMs is not uniform, and is described as spontaneous sucking movement or non-nutritive sucking in newborns. Non-nutritive sucking is used to evaluate neurological function after birth, but there are no fetal indicators. The purpose of this study was to clarify the changes in the RMM clusters in fetuses at 24–39 weeks of gestation, and to investigate the relationship with the non-eye movement (NEM) period, which corresponds to the quiet sleep period after birth. Subjects included 83 normal single pregnancy cases. Fetal RMMs and eye movement (EM) were observed for 60 minutes using ultrasonic tomography and recorded as moving image files. We created time series data of eye movements and mouth movements from video recordings, and calculated RMM clusters per minute within effective observation time, RMM clusters per minute in EM period, RMM clusters per minute in NEM period, mouthing movements per cluster and ratio of number of RMM clusters per minute between NEM and EM periods and analyzed using linear regression analysis. As a result, critical points were detected in at two time points, at 32–33 weeks and 36–37 weeks of gestation, in RMM clusters per minute within the effective observation time and RMM clusters per minute in NEM period, respectively. RMM clusters in human fetuses increased from 32–33 to 36–37 weeks. This change is thought to represent fetal sleep development and central nervous system development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kana Maehara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Seiichi Morokuma
- Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Kazushige Nakahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hikohiro Okawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kiyoko Kato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Wallois F, Routier L, Bourel-Ponchel E. Impact of prematurity on neurodevelopment. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 173:341-375. [PMID: 32958184 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64150-2.00026-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The consequences of prematurity on brain functional development are numerous and diverse, and impact all brain functions at different levels. Prematurity occurs between 22 and 36 weeks of gestation. This period is marked by extreme dynamics in the physiologic maturation, structural, and functional processes. These different processes appear sequentially or simultaneously. They are dependent on genetic and/or environmental factors. Disturbance of these processes or of the fine-tuning between them, when caring for premature children, is likely to induce disturbances in the structural and functional development of the immature neural networks. These will appear as impairments in learning skills progress and are likely to have a lasting impact on the development of children born prematurely. The level of severity depends on the initial alteration, whether structural or functional. In this chapter, after having briefly reviewed the neurodevelopmental, structural, and functional processes, we describe, in a nonexhaustive manner, the impact of prematurity on the different brain, motor, sensory, and cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrice Wallois
- Research Group on Multimodal Analysis of Brain Function, Jules Verne Picardie University, Amiens, France; Department of Pediatric Functional Exploration of the Nervous System, University Hospital, Picardie, Amiens, France.
| | - Laura Routier
- Research Group on Multimodal Analysis of Brain Function, Jules Verne Picardie University, Amiens, France; Department of Pediatric Functional Exploration of the Nervous System, University Hospital, Picardie, Amiens, France
| | - Emilie Bourel-Ponchel
- Research Group on Multimodal Analysis of Brain Function, Jules Verne Picardie University, Amiens, France; Department of Pediatric Functional Exploration of the Nervous System, University Hospital, Picardie, Amiens, France
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