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Guha A, Hunter SK, Legget KT, McHugo M, Hoffman MC, Tregellas JR. Intrinsic Infant Hippocampal Function Supports Inhibitory Processing. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22529. [PMID: 39010701 PMCID: PMC11254329 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Impaired cerebral inhibition is commonly observed in neurodevelopmental disorders and may represent a vulnerability factor for their development. The hippocampus plays a key role in inhibition among adults and undergoes significant and rapid changes during early brain development. Therefore, the structure represents an important candidate region for early identification of pathology that is relevant to inhibitory dysfunction. To determine whether hippocampal function corresponds to inhibition in the early postnatal period, the present study evaluated relationships between hippocampal activity and sensory gating in infants 4-20 weeks of age (N = 18). Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure hippocampal activity, including the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFFs) and fractional ALFF. Electroencephalography during a paired-stimulus paradigm was used to measure sensory gating (P50). Higher activity of the right hippocampus was associated with better sensory gating (P50 ratio), driven by a reduction in response to the second stimulus. These findings suggest that meaningful effects of hippocampal function can be detected early in infancy. Specifically, higher intrinsic hippocampal activity in the early postnatal period may support effective inhibitory processing. Future work will benefit from longitudinal analysis to clarify the trajectory of hippocampal function, alterations of which may contribute to the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders and represent an intervention target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Guha
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
| | - Sharon K. Hunter
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
| | - Kristina T. Legget
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
- Research Service, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center
| | - Maureen McHugo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
| | - M. Camille Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
| | - Jason R. Tregellas
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
- Research Service, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center
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Hoffman MC, Hunter SJ, D'Alessandro A, Christians U, Law AJ, Freedman R. Maternal Plasma Choline during Gestation and Small for Gestational Age Infants. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e939-e948. [PMID: 36584689 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1759775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Small for gestational age (SGA) infants are at increased risk for neonatal morbidity and developmental problems in childhood. No current interventions during human pregnancy address this problem. This study investigated the possible relationship between maternal choline concentration during pregnancy and SGA infants. STUDY DESIGN Maternal plasma choline concentrations were sampled at 16 and 28 weeks' gestation from women in a public prenatal clinic. Additional factors assessed were maternal age, body mass index, infection, C-reactive protein, hair cortisol, and compliance with prenatal vitamins and folate. Infants below the 10th percentile for gestational age were classified as SGA. Binary logistic regression was used to identify significant associated factors in pregnancies resulting in SGA infants compared with pregnancies resulting in non-SGA infants. RESULTS Thirteen (8%) of 159 women had SGA infants. Maternal plasma choline concentrations were low for pregnant participants whose infants were SGA, with the 28-week concentration significantly lower compared with other participants. Plasma choline concentrations ≥7 μM at 28 weeks, consistent with a minimally adequate dietary intake of choline-containing foods, were achieved by only 2 (15%) of mothers with SGA infants, compared with 51% of mothers whose infants were not SGA. Choline concentrations <7 μM at 28 weeks' gestation were associated with an odds ratio for SGA of 16.6 (95% confidence interval: 1.5-189.2, p = 0.023). Other significant factors were female sex and maternal C-reactive protein plasma concentration during gestation. CONCLUSION This observational study suggests that higher maternal choline levels may influence the risk for SGA. Maternal plasma choline concentrations are not routinely available in clinical laboratories. However, plasma choline levels can be increased by the mothers' intake of choline or phosphatidylcholine supplements. No nutritional intervention is currently recommended to prevent SGA, but the evidence from this study suggests that further consideration of the role of maternal choline may be warranted. KEY POINTS · More females are small for gestational age.. · Low maternal choline is related to small infants.. · Maternal choline ≥7 μM at 28 weeks appears optimal..
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Hoffman
- Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Sharon J Hunter
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Uwe Christians
- Department of Anesthesiology, iC42 Clinical Research and Development, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Amanda J Law
- Department of Psychiatry, Cell and Developmental Biology, and Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Robert Freedman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
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Hunter SK, Hoffman MC, D’Alessandro A, Freedman R. Developmental Windows for Effects of Choline and Folate on Excitatory and Inhibitory Neurotransmission During Human Gestation. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22453. [PMID: 38646069 PMCID: PMC11031125 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22453] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Choline and folate are critical nutrients for fetal brain development, but the timing of their influence during gestation has not been previously characterized. At different periods during gestation, choline stimulation of α7-nicotinic receptors facilitates conversion of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors from excitatory to inhibitory and recruitment of GluR1-R2 receptors for faster excitatory responses to glutamate. The outcome of the fetal development of inhibition and excitation was assessed in 159 newborns by P50 cerebral auditory-evoked responses. Paired stimuli, S1, S2, were presented 500 msec apart. Higher P50 amplitude in response to S1 (P50S1microV) assesses excitation, and lower P50S2microV assesses inhibition in this paired-stimulus paradigm. Development of inhibition was related solely to maternal choline plasma concentration and folate supplementation at 16 weeks' gestation. Development of excitation was related only to maternal choline at 28 weeks. Higher maternal choline concentrations later in gestation did not compensate for earlier lower concentrations. At 4 years of age, increased behavior problems on the Child Behavior Checklist 1½-5yrs were related to both newborn inhibition and excitation. Incomplete development of inhibition and excitation associated with lower choline and folate during relatively brief periods of gestation thus has enduring effects on child development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon K. Hunter
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine
| | - M. Camille Hoffman
- Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine
| | - Angelo D’Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine
| | - Robert Freedman
- Department Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine
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Obeid R, Karlsson T. Choline - a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023. Food Nutr Res 2023; 67:10359. [PMID: 38187796 PMCID: PMC10770654 DOI: 10.29219/fnr.v67.10359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Choline is an essential nutrient with metabolic roles as a methyl donor in one carbon metabolism and as a precursor for membrane phospholipids and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Choline content is particularly high in liver, eggs, and wheat germ, although it is present in a variety of foods. The main dietary sources of choline in the Nordic and Baltic countries are meat, dairy, eggs, and grain. A diet that is devoid of choline causes liver and muscle dysfunction within 3 weeks. Choline requirements are higher during pregnancy and lactation than in non-pregnant women. Although no randomized controlled trials are available, observational studies in human, supported by coherence from interventional studies with neurodevelopmental outcomes and experimental studies in animals, strongly suggest that sufficient intake of choline during pregnancy is necessary for normal brain development and function in the child. Observational studies suggested that adequate intake of choline could have positive effects on cognitive function in older people. However, prospective data are lacking, and no intervention studies are available in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima Obeid
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of the Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Therese Karlsson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Graham AS, Ben-Azu B, Tremblay MÈ, Torre P, Senekal M, Laughton B, van der Kouwe A, Jankiewicz M, Kaba M, Holmes MJ. A review of the auditory-gut-brain axis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1183694. [PMID: 37600010 PMCID: PMC10435389 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1183694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hearing loss places a substantial burden on medical resources across the world and impacts quality of life for those affected. Further, it can occur peripherally and/or centrally. With many possible causes of hearing loss, there is scope for investigating the underlying mechanisms involved. Various signaling pathways connecting gut microbes and the brain (the gut-brain axis) have been identified and well established in a variety of diseases and disorders. However, the role of these pathways in providing links to other parts of the body has not been explored in much depth. Therefore, the aim of this review is to explore potential underlying mechanisms that connect the auditory system to the gut-brain axis. Using select keywords in PubMed, and additional hand-searching in google scholar, relevant studies were identified. In this review we summarize the key players in the auditory-gut-brain axis under four subheadings: anatomical, extracellular, immune and dietary. Firstly, we identify important anatomical structures in the auditory-gut-brain axis, particularly highlighting a direct connection provided by the vagus nerve. Leading on from this we discuss several extracellular signaling pathways which might connect the ear, gut and brain. A link is established between inflammatory responses in the ear and gut microbiome-altering interventions, highlighting a contribution of the immune system. Finally, we discuss the contribution of diet to the auditory-gut-brain axis. Based on the reviewed literature, we propose numerous possible key players connecting the auditory system to the gut-brain axis. In the future, a more thorough investigation of these key players in animal models and human research may provide insight and assist in developing effective interventions for treating hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S. Graham
- Imaging Sciences, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Human Biology, Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Benneth Ben-Azu
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Institute for Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Peter Torre
- School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Marjanne Senekal
- Department of Human Biology, Division of Physiological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Barbara Laughton
- Family Clinical Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andre van der Kouwe
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marcin Jankiewicz
- Imaging Sciences, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Human Biology, Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mamadou Kaba
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Martha J. Holmes
- Imaging Sciences, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Human Biology, Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- ImageTech, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, BC, Canada
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Shaikh SR, Crott JW, Comstock SS, Yeruva L, Davis TA. Nutritional Immunology Across the Lifespan: A Call for Papers. J Nutr 2023; 153:2135-2136. [PMID: 37349203 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Saame Raza Shaikh
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Jimmy W Crott
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah S Comstock
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Laxmi Yeruva
- Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Teresa A Davis
- United States Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Mancini VO, Brook J, Hernandez C, Strickland D, Christophersen CT, D'Vaz N, Silva D, Prescott S, Callaghan B, Downs J, Finlay-Jones A. Associations between the human immune system and gut microbiome with neurodevelopment in the first 5 years of life: A systematic scoping review. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22360. [PMID: 36811373 PMCID: PMC10107682 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review was to map the literature assessing associations between maternal or infant immune or gut microbiome biomarkers and child neurodevelopmental outcomes within the first 5 years of life. We conducted a PRISMA-ScR compliant review of peer-reviewed, English-language journal articles. Studies reporting gut microbiome or immune system biomarkers and child neurodevelopmental outcomes prior to 5 years were eligible. Sixty-nine of 23,495 retrieved studies were included. Of these, 18 reported on the maternal immune system, 40 on the infant immune system, and 13 on the infant gut microbiome. No studies examined the maternal microbiome, and only one study examined biomarkers from both the immune system and the gut microbiome. Additionally, only one study included both maternal and infant biomarkers. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed from 6 days to 5 years. Associations between biomarkers and neurodevelopmental outcomes were largely nonsignificant and small in effect size. While the immune system and gut microbiome are thought to have interactive impacts on the developing brain, there remains a paucity of published studies that report biomarkers from both systems and associations with child development outcomes. Heterogeneity of research designs and methodologies may also contribute to inconsistent findings. Future studies should integrate data across biological systems to generate novel insights into the biological underpinnings of early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent O Mancini
- Early Neurodevelopment and Mental Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Juliet Brook
- Early Neurodevelopment and Mental Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Christian Hernandez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Deborah Strickland
- Early Neurodevelopment and Mental Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Claus T Christophersen
- WA Human Microbiome Collaboration Centre, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nina D'Vaz
- Early Neurodevelopment and Mental Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Desiree Silva
- Early Neurodevelopment and Mental Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Susan Prescott
- Early Neurodevelopment and Mental Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Bridget Callaghan
- Brain and Body Lab, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jenny Downs
- Early Neurodevelopment and Mental Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Amy Finlay-Jones
- Early Neurodevelopment and Mental Health, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
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Obeid R, Derbyshire E, Schön C. Association between Maternal Choline, Fetal Brain Development, and Child Neurocognition: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human Studies. Adv Nutr 2022; 13:2445-2457. [PMID: 36041182 PMCID: PMC9776654 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmac082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We studied associations between prenatal and early postnatal choline intake, brain development, and neurocognitive function of children. We conducted a systematic review followed by a meta-analysis and critical appraisal of human studies published from 1997 to 2021. Thirty publications were identified. The meta-analysis included 5 of 7 case-control studies studying neural tube defects (NTDs) in relation to maternal choline intakes/circulating concentrations. Low maternal choline intake/circulating concentrations were associated with a higher OR for NTDs among 1131 mothers of newborns with NTDs and 4439 control mothers (pooled estimate = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.67). The 95% prediction intervals were 0.78, 2.36. Findings and critical evaluation of 10 publications with interventional designs showed that higher maternal choline intakes during the second half of pregnancy and early postnatal period (550 mg up to 1 g/d on top of the diet) or a child intake of 513 to 625 mg/d from supplements were safe and likely to demonstrate favorable effects on several domains of child neurocognition, such as memory, attention, and visuospatial learning versus the comparators. Findings from observational studies (n = 13) partly supported the association between maternal choline intake/serum concentrations and child neurocognition, but there was low confidence in the use of plasma choline concentrations as a choline intake marker. In conclusion, low maternal choline intakes were associated with a higher OR for NTDs. The risk could be up to 2.36-fold in some populations. Despite limitations of available trials and observational studies, higher maternal choline intake was likely to be associated with better child neurocognition/neurodevelopment. The results should be used to guide choline intake recommendations in pregnancy and lactation, especially because most young women are not achieving the reference intake of choline. This meta-analysis is registered at PROSPERO as CRD42021233790.
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Choline Improves Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia Induced Changes in Male but Not Female Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213983. [PMID: 36430459 PMCID: PMC9694200 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Choline is an essential nutrient with many roles in brain development and function. Supplementation of choline in early development can have long-lasting benefits. Our experiments aimed to determine the efficacy of choline supplementation in a postnatal day (PND) 10 rat model of neonatal hypoxia ischemia (HI) at term using both male and female rat pups. Choline (100 mg/kg) or saline administration was initiated the day after birth and given daily for 10 or 14 consecutive days. We determined choline's effects on neurite outgrowth of sex-specific cultured cerebellar granule cells after HI with and without choline. The magnitude of tissue loss in the cerebrum was determined at 72 h after HI and in adult rats. The efficacy of choline supplementation in improving motor ability and learning, tested using eyeblink conditioning, were assessed in young adult male and female rats. Overall, we find that choline improves neurite outgrowth, short-term histological measures and learning ability in males. Surprisingly, choline did not benefit females, and appears to exacerbate HI-induced changes.
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Hunter SK, Hoffman MC, D’Alessandro A, Wyrwa A, Noonan K, Zeisel SH, Law AJ, Freedman R. Prenatal choline, cannabis, and infection, and their association with offspring development of attention and social problems through 4 years of age. Psychol Med 2022; 52:3019-3028. [PMID: 33491615 PMCID: PMC8310535 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720005061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal choline is a key nutrient, like folic acid and vitamin D, for fetal brain development and subsequent mental function. We sought to determine whether effects of higher maternal plasma choline concentrations on childhood attention and social problems, found in an initial clinical trial of choline supplementation, are observed in a second cohort. METHODS Of 183 mothers enrolled from an urban safety net hospital clinic, 162 complied with gestational assessments and brought their newborns for study at 1 month of age; 83 continued assessments through 4 years of age. Effects of maternal 16 weeks of gestation plasma choline concentrations ⩾7.07 μM, 1 s.d. below the mean level obtained with supplementation in the previous trial, were compared to lower levels. The Attention Problems and Withdrawn Syndrome scales on Child Behavior Checklist 1½-5 were the principal outcomes. RESULTS Higher maternal plasma choline was associated with lower mean Attention Problems percentiles in children, and for male children, with lower Withdrawn percentiles. Higher plasma choline concentrations also reduced Attention Problems percentiles for children of mothers who used cannabis during gestation as well as children of mothers who had gestational infection. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal choline's positive associations with early childhood behaviors are found in a second, more diverse cohort. Increases in attention problems and social withdrawal in early childhood are associated with later mental illnesses including attention deficit disorder and schizophrenia. Choline concentrations in the pregnant women in this study replicate other research findings suggesting that most pregnant women do not have adequate choline in their diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon K. Hunter
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - M. Camille Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Angelo D’Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Anna Wyrwa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Kathleen Noonan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Steven H. Zeisel
- Departments of Nutrition and Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Amanda J. Law
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Robert Freedman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
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Freedman R, Hunter SK, Law AJ, Clark AM, Roberts A, Hoffman MC. Choline, folic acid, Vitamin D, and fetal brain development in the psychosis spectrum. Schizophr Res 2022; 247:16-25. [PMID: 33838984 PMCID: PMC8494861 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Choline, folic acid, and Vitamin D are essential for fetal brain development that may be the first steps in the pathogenesis of the psychotic spectrum. Micronutrient deficiencies have been associated with changes in fetal brain development, manifest as early problems in childhood behavior, and cognition, and later as increased incidence of psychotic and autism spectrum disorders. Micronutrient supplements may not only prevent deficiency, but they may also positively affect brain development in the context of other maternal risk factors, including maternal infection, stress, inflammation, and substance abuse. Many genes associated with later psychotic illness are highly expressed in the fetal brain, where they are responsible for various neurodevelopmental mechanisms. Interaction of micronutrient vitamins with these genetically programmed mechanisms to prevent pathological brain development associated with later psychosis is under active investigation. In addition to their effects on brain development, micronutrient vitamins have effects on other aspects of gestation and fetal development, including the prevention of premature delivery and other developmental abnormalities. Supplemental micronutrient vitamins should be part of good prenatal care, as has already happened for folic acid and Vitamin D and is now advocated by the American Medical Association for choline. The benefits of these micronutrient supplements include protection of brain development and the possibility of decreased risk for future psychotic disorders in those children who are either genetically or environmentally vulnerable. The purpose of this review is to present the current evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of micronutrients in gestation and to suggest areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Freedman
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Sharon K Hunter
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Amanda J Law
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Alena M Clark
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Campus Box 93, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
| | | | - M Camille Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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12
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Li T, Samuel TM, Zhu Z, Howell B, Cho S, Baluyot K, Hazlett H, Elison JT, Wu D, Hauser J, Sprenger N, Zhu H, Lin W. Joint analyses of human milk fatty acids, phospholipids, and choline in association with cognition and temperament traits during the first 6 months of life. Front Nutr 2022; 9:919769. [PMID: 36091236 PMCID: PMC9449418 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.919769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Early dietary exposure via human milk nutrients offers a window of opportunity to support cognitive and temperament development. While several studies have focused on associations of few pre-selected human milk nutrients with cognition and temperament, it is highly plausible that human milk nutrients synergistically and jointly support cognitive and behavioral development in early life. We aimed to discern the combined associations of three major classes of human milk nutrients with cognition and temperament during the first 6 months of life when human milk is the primary source of an infant’s nutrition and explore whether there were persistent effects up to 18 months old. The Mullen Scales of Early Learning and Infant Behavior Questionnaires—Revised were used to assess cognition and temperament, respectively, of 54 exclusively/predominantly breastfed infants in the first 6 months of life, whose follow-ups were conducted at 6–9, 9–12, and 12–18 months old. Human milk samples were obtained from the mothers of the participants at less than 6 months of age and analyzed for fatty acids [total monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acid, total saturated fatty acid (TSFA), arachidonic acid (ARA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), ARA/DHA, omega-6/omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio (n-6/n-3)], phospholipids [phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), sphingomyelin], and choline [free choline, phosphocholine (PCho), glycerophosphocholine]. Feature selection was performed to select nutrients associated with cognition and temperament. The combined effects of selected nutrients were analyzed using multiple regression. A positive association between the arachidonic acid (ARA) and surgency was observed (p = 0.024). A significant effect of DHA, n-6/n-3, PE, and TSFA concentrations on receptive language (R2 = 0.39, p = 0.025) and the elevated ARA, PCho, and PI with increased surgency (R2 = 0.43, p = 0.003) was identified, suggesting that DHA and ARA may have distinct roles for temperament and language functions. Furthermore, the exploratory association analyses suggest that the effects of human milk nutrients on R.L. and surgency may persist beyond the first 6 months of life, particularly surgency at 12–18 months (p = 0.002). Our study highlighted that various human milk nutrients work together to support the development of cognition and temperament traits during early infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Li
- Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Tinu M. Samuel
- Nestlé Product Technology Center-Nutrition, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Vevey, Switzerland
| | - Ziliang Zhu
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Brittany Howell
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Seoyoon Cho
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Kristine Baluyot
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Heather Hazlett
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jed T. Elison
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Di Wu
- Division of Oral and Craniofacial Health Science, Adams School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jonas Hauser
- Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Société des Produits Nestlé SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Sprenger
- Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Société des Produits Nestlé SA, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hongtu Zhu
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Weili Lin
- Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: Weili Lin,
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13
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Germano C, Messina A, Tavella E, Vitale R, Avellis V, Barboni M, Attini R, Revelli A, Zola P, Manzoni P, Masturzo B. Fetal Brain Damage during Maternal COVID-19: Emerging Hypothesis, Mechanism, and Possible Mitigation through Maternal-Targeted Nutritional Supplementation. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14163303. [PMID: 36014809 PMCID: PMC9414753 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 or CoV-2) pandemic in 2019 and the risk of CoV-2 infection during pregnancy led the scientific community to investigate the potential negative effects of Coronavirus infection on pregnancy outcomes and fetal development. In particular, as CoV-2 neurotropism has been demonstrated in adults, recent studies suggested a possible risk of fetal brain damage and fetal brain development impairment, with consequent psychiatric manifestations in offspring of mothers affected by COronaVIrus Disease (COVID) during pregnancy. Through the understanding of CoV-2’s pathogenesis and the pathways responsible for cell damage, along with the available data about neurotropic virus attitudes, different strategies have been suggested to lower the risk of neurologic disease in newborns. In this regard, the role of nutrition in mitigating fetal damages related to oxidative stress and the inflammatory environment during viral infection has been investigated, and arginine, n3PUFA, vitamins B1 and B9, choline, and flavonoids were found to be promising in and out of pregnancy. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the mechanism of fetal brain damage and the impact of nutrition in reducing inflammation related to worse neurological outcomes in the context of CoV-2 infections during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Germano
- Department of Maternal, Neonatal and Infant Medicine, University Hospital “Degli Infermi”, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
- Sant’Anna Hospital, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Alessandro Messina
- Sant’Anna Hospital, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Tavella
- Sant’Anna Hospital, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Raffaele Vitale
- Sant’Anna Hospital, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Avellis
- Sant’Anna Hospital, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Martina Barboni
- Sant’Anna Hospital, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Rossella Attini
- Sant’Anna Hospital, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Alberto Revelli
- Sant’Anna Hospital, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Zola
- Sant’Anna Hospital, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Manzoni
- Department of Maternal, Neonatal and Infant Medicine, University Hospital “Degli Infermi”, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
| | - Bianca Masturzo
- Department of Maternal, Neonatal and Infant Medicine, University Hospital “Degli Infermi”, 13875 Ponderano, Italy
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14
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The importance of nutrition in pregnancy and lactation: lifelong consequences. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:607-632. [PMID: 34968458 PMCID: PMC9182711 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Most women in the United States do not meet the recommendations for healthful nutrition and weight before and during pregnancy. Women and providers often ask what a healthy diet for a pregnant woman should look like. The message should be “eat better, not more.” This can be achieved by basing diet on a variety of nutrient-dense, whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, healthy fats with omega-3 fatty acids that include nuts and seeds, and fish, in place of poorer quality highly processed foods. Such a diet embodies nutritional density and is less likely to be accompanied by excessive energy intake than the standard American diet consisting of increased intakes of processed foods, fatty red meat, and sweetened foods and beverages. Women who report “prudent” or “health-conscious” eating patterns before and/or during pregnancy may have fewer pregnancy complications and adverse child health outcomes. Comprehensive nutritional supplementation (multiple micronutrients plus balanced protein energy) among women with inadequate nutrition has been associated with improved birth outcomes, including decreased rates of low birthweight. A diet that severely restricts any macronutrient class should be avoided, specifically the ketogenic diet that lacks carbohydrates, the Paleo diet because of dairy restriction, and any diet characterized by excess saturated fats. User-friendly tools to facilitate a quick evaluation of dietary patterns with clear guidance on how to address dietary inadequacies and embedded support from trained healthcare providers are urgently needed. Recent evidence has shown that although excessive gestational weight gain predicts adverse perinatal outcomes among women with normal weight, the degree of prepregnancy obesity predicts adverse perinatal outcomes to a greater degree than gestational weight gain among women with obesity. Furthermore, low body mass index and insufficient gestational weight gain are associated with poor perinatal outcomes. Observational data have shown that first-trimester gain is the strongest predictor of adverse outcomes. Interventions beginning in early pregnancy or preconception are needed to prevent downstream complications for mothers and their children. For neonates, human milk provides personalized nutrition and is associated with short- and long-term health benefits for infants and mothers. Eating a healthy diet is a way for lactating mothers to support optimal health for themselves and their infants.
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15
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SAMe, Choline, and Valproic Acid as Possible Epigenetic Drugs: Their Effects in Pregnancy with a Special Emphasis on Animal Studies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020192. [PMID: 35215304 PMCID: PMC8879727 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we discuss the functions and main effects on pregnancy outcomes of three agents that have the ability to induce epigenetic modifications: valproic acid (VPA), a well-known teratogen that is a histone deacetylase inhibitor; S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), the most effective methyl donor; and choline, an important micronutrient involved in the one methyl group cycle and in the synthesis of SAMe. Our aim was to describe the possible effects of these compounds when administered during pregnancy on the developing embryo and fetus or, if administered postnatally, their effects on the developing child. These substances are able to modify gene expression and possibly alleviate neurobehavioral changes in disturbances that have epigenetic origins, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), depression, Rett syndrome, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Valproic acid and SAMe are antagonistic epigenetic modulators whether administered in utero or postnatally. However, VPA is a major human teratogen and, whenever possible, should not be used by pregnant women. Most currently relevant data come from experimental animal studies that aimed to explore the possibility of using these substances as epigenetic modifiers and possible therapeutic agents. In experimental animals, each of these substances was able to alleviate the severity of several well-known diseases by inducing changes in the expression of affected genes or by other yet unknown mechanisms. We believe that additional studies are needed to further explore the possibility of using these substances, and similar compounds, for the treatment of ”epigenetic human diseases”.
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16
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Hunter SK, Hoffman MC, D'Alessandro A, Walker VK, Balser M, Noonan K, Law AJ, Freedman R. Maternal prenatal choline and inflammation effects on 4-year-olds' performance on the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-IV. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 141:50-56. [PMID: 34174557 PMCID: PMC8364874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Maternal gestational inflammation from infection, obesity, depression, and adverse childhood experiences negatively affects offspring cognitive development. Choline is a key nutrient in fetal brain development. We investigated whether higher maternal plasma choline concentrations have a positive association with offspring cognition, specifically processing speed, in the presence of inflammation. Forty-eight children were evaluated at 4 years of age. Processing Speed Composite Score on the Wechsler Preschool & Primary Scales of Intelligence was the principal outcome. Maternal C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, and choline plasma concentration had been measured at 16 weeks' gestation. Choline concentrations >7.07μM were compared to lower levels. Mothers with lower choline levels reported more depression and stress. Head circumference was larger for neonates of mothers with higher choline levels. In analyses with maternal CRP, higher maternal choline was associated with higher offspring Processing Speed Composite Scores for both sexes. For males, higher maternal choline competed with the negative association of maternal CRP on Processing Speed. Higher Processing Speed was related to the child's behavioral ratings, with fewer Withdrawn Problems on the Child Behavior Checklist 1 ½-5 years at 4 years and higher Infant Behavior Questionnaire Orienting/Regulation at 3 months of age, consistent with persistent developmental effects. Higher processing speed and decreased problems in social withdrawal are positively associated with prenatal maternal choline. Both lower processing speed and social withdrawal problems are precursors to later mental difficulties. Choline supplementation in pregnancy may mitigate effects of maternal inflammation that contribute to problems in offspring's' cognition and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Camille Hoffman
- Departments of Psychiatry, USA; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Amanda J Law
- Departments of Psychiatry, USA; Departments of Cell and Developmental Biology, USA; Departments of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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17
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Micronutrient supplementation in pregnancies following bariatric surgery: a practical review for clinicians. Obes Surg 2021; 31:4542-4554. [PMID: 34304377 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-021-05546-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery are at high risk for nutritional deficiencies before and after surgery if no proper supplementation and close follow-up are maintained. As pregnancies after these surgeries are occurring more frequently, deficiencies imply risks for both mother and child. Nutritional needs for this specific population are different from that of patients with obesity or a non-bariatric population. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the most described vitamins and minerals during pregnancy, after bariatric surgery, and during pregnancy after bariatric surgery in order to summarize their specific needs and possible side effects and to provide a useful guideline to the involved caregivers.
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18
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Wang X, Xu T, Zhang Y, Gao N, Feng T, Wang S, Zhang M. In Vivo Detection of Redox-Inactive Neurochemicals in the Rat Brain with an Ion Transfer Microsensor. ACS Sens 2021; 6:2757-2762. [PMID: 34191484 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.1c00978] [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: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemical tracking of redox-inactive neurochemicals remain a challenge due to chemical inertness, almost no Faraday electron transfer for these species, and the complex brain atmosphere. In this work, we demonstrate a low-cost, simple-making liquid/liquid interface microsensor (LLIM) to monitor redox-inactive neurochemicals in the rat brain. Taking choline (Ch) as an example, based on the difference in solvation energies of Ch in cerebrospinal fluid (aqueous phase) and 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE; organic phase), Ch is recognized in the specific ion-transfer potential and distinctive ion-transfer current signals. The LLIM has an excellent response to Ch with good linearity and selectivity, and the detection limit is 0.37 μM. The LLIM can monitor the dynamics of Ch in the cortex of the rat brain by both local microinfusion and intraperitoneal injection of Ch. This work first demonstrates that the LLIM can be successfully applied in the brain and obtain electrochemical signals in such a sophisticated system, allowing one new perspective of sensing at the liquid/liquid interface for nonelectrically active substances in vivo to understand the physiological function of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
| | - Tianci Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
| | - Nan Gao
- Department of Chemistry, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
| | - Taotao Feng
- Department of Chemistry, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
| | - Shujun Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
| | - Meining Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
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19
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Alashmali S, Walchuk C, Cadonic C, Albensi BC, Aliani M, Suh M. The effect of choline availability from gestation to early development on brain and retina functions and phospholipid composition in a male mouse model. Nutr Neurosci 2021; 25:1594-1608. [PMID: 33641632 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2021.1885229] [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: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although choline is essential for brain development and neural function, the effect of choline on retina function is not well understood. This study examined the effects of choline on neural tissues of brain and retina, and membrane phospholipid (PL) composition during fetal development. METHODS Pregnant C57BL/6 mice were fed one of 4 choline modified diets: i) control (Cont, 2.5g/kg), ii) choline deficient (Def, 0g/kg), iii) supplemented with choline chloride (Cho, 10g/kg) and iv) supplemented with egg phosphatidylcholine (PC, 10g/kg). At postnatal day (PD) 21, pups were weaned onto their mothers' respective diets until PD 45. Spatial memory was measured using the Morris Water Maze; retina function by electroretinogram (ERG); and PL composition with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. RESULTS Cho and PC supplementation enhanced cued learning and spatial memory abilities, respectively (p Def > PC > Cho, with no statistically significant alterations in cone-driven responses. There were no differences in the composition of major PLs in the brain and retina. In the brain, subclasses of ether PL, alkyl acyl- phosphatidylethanolamine (PEaa) and phosphatidylcholine (PCaa) were significantly greater among the PC supplemented group in comparison to the Def group. DISCUSSION These results indicate that while choline supplementation during gestation to an early developmental period is beneficial for spatial memory, contributions to retina function are minor. Assessment with a larger sample size of retinas could warrant the essentiality of choline for retina development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoug Alashmali
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Chelsey Walchuk
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada.,Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Research, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Chris Cadonic
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Benedict C Albensi
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Michel Aliani
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada.,Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Research, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Miyoung Suh
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada.,Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Research, Winnipeg, Canada
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20
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Hunter SK, Hoffman MC, D'Alessandro A, Noonan K, Wyrwa A, Freedman R, Law AJ. Male fetus susceptibility to maternal inflammation: C-reactive protein and brain development. Psychol Med 2021; 51:450-459. [PMID: 31787129 PMCID: PMC7263978 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291719003313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal inflammation in early pregnancy has been identified epidemiologically as a prenatal pathogenic factor for the offspring's later mental illness. Early newborn manifestations of the effects of maternal inflammation on human fetal brain development are largely unknown. METHODS Maternal infection, depression, obesity, and other factors associated with inflammation were assessed at 16 weeks gestation, along with maternal C-reactive protein (CRP), cytokines, and serum choline. Cerebral inhibition was assessed by inhibitory P50 sensory gating at 1 month of age, and infant behavior was assessed by maternal ratings at 3 months of age. RESULTS Maternal CRP diminished the development of cerebral inhibition in newborn males but paradoxically increased inhibition in females. Similar sex-dependent effects were seen in mothers' assessment of their infant's self-regulatory behaviors at 3 months of age. Higher maternal choline levels partly mitigated the effect of CRP in male offspring. CONCLUSIONS The male fetal-placental unit appears to be more sensitive to maternal inflammation than females. Effects are particularly marked on cerebral inhibition. Deficits in cerebral inhibition 1 month after birth, similar to those observed in several mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, indicate fetal developmental pathways that may lead to later mental illness. Deficits in early infant behavior follow. Early intervention before birth, including prenatal vitamins, folate, and choline supplements, may help prevent fetal development of pathophysiological deficits that can have life-long consequences for mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon K Hunter
- Departments of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado80045, USA
| | - M Camille Hoffman
- Departments of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado80045, USA
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado80045, USA
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado80045, USA
| | - Kathleen Noonan
- Departments of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado80045, USA
| | - Anna Wyrwa
- Departments of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado80045, USA
| | - Robert Freedman
- Departments of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado80045, USA
| | - Amanda J Law
- Departments of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado80045, USA
- Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado80045, USA
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21
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GOMES CDB, CARVALHAES MADBL. Insufficient choline intake during pregnancy: cohort study. REV NUTR 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-9865202134e200187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the intake of choline during pregnancy and associated factors. Methods Cohort study with 353 pregnant women recruited from the primary health care network in an inland city of the State of São Paulo. In-house interviews were conducted in each of the gestational trimesters. In each of these points in time, a 24-hour dietary recall was collected. Subsequently, a new dietary recall collection was performed by telephone in the same trimester on a non-consecutive day, differentiating weekday versus weekend/holiday. Dietary intake data were included in the Nutrition Data System for Research software, and the habitual food intake throughout pregnancy was determined, with intra-individual variation correction in the MSM software. The influence of socioeconomic, obstetric and lifestyle factors, and of the actual diet, on choline intake during pregnancy was assessed using linear regression models, that were developed with the Stata software version 14.2, at a significance level of 95%. Results Choline intake (281.1±68.6 milligrams) was below the recommended adequate intake, and only energy was positively associated with this micronutrient intake. Conclusion Choline intake in the population studied fell far short of current recommendations, and only higher energy intake was found as a factor associated with a higher intake.
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22
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Hunter SK, Hoffman MC, McCarthy L, D’Alessandro A, Wyrwa A, Noonan K, Christians U, Nakimuli-Mpungu E, Zeisel SH, Law AJ, Freedman R. Black American Maternal Prenatal Choline, Offspring Gestational Age at Birth, and Developmental Predisposition to Mental Illness. Schizophr Bull 2020; 47:896-905. [PMID: 33184653 PMCID: PMC8266582 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbaa171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Black Americans have increased risk for schizophrenia and other mental illnesses with prenatal origins. Prenatal choline promotes infant brain development and behavioral outcomes, but choline has not been specifically assessed in Black Americans. Pregnant women (N = 183, N = 25 Black Americans) enrolled in a study of prenatal stressors and interactions with prenatal choline. Black American women had lower 16-week gestation plasma choline than Whites. Lower choline was not related to obesity, income, or metabolic genotypes. Pregnant women in rural Uganda have higher choline levels than Black American women. Black Americans' lower choline was associated with higher hair cortisol, indicative of higher stress. Lower maternal choline was associated with offsprings' lower gestational age at birth and with decreased auditory P50 inhibition, a marker of inhibitory neuron development. Behavioral development was assessed on the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-R-SF (IBQ-R) at 3 months. Lower Black American maternal gestational choline was associated with lower infant IBQ-R Orienting/Regulation, indicating decreased attention and relation to caregivers. Additional evidence for developmental effects of choline in Black Americans comes from a randomized clinical trial of gestational phosphatidylcholine supplementation versus placebo that included 15 Black Americans. Phosphatidylcholine increased gestational age at birth and newborn P50 inhibition and decreased Social Withdrawn and Attention problems at 40 months of age in Black Americans' offspring compared to placebo. Inhibitory and behavioral deficits associated with lower prenatal choline in offspring of Black American women indicate potential developmental predispositions to later mental illnesses that might be ameliorated by prenatal choline or phosphatidylcholine supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon K Hunter
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of
Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - M Camille Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of
Medicine, Aurora, CO,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal
Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Lizbeth McCarthy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal
Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Denver Health Medical
Center, Denver, CO
| | - Angelo D’Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado
School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Anna Wyrwa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of
Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Kathleen Noonan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of
Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Uwe Christians
- Department of Anesthesiology, iC42 Clinical Research and Development,
University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Etheldreda Nakimuli-Mpungu
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of
Health Sciences. Kampala, Uganda
| | - Steven H Zeisel
- Departments of Nutrition and Pediatrics, University of North
Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Amanda J Law
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of
Medicine, Aurora, CO,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado School of
Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Robert Freedman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of
Medicine, Aurora, CO,To whom correspondence should be addressed; Department of Psychiatry F-546,
University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, CO
80045, US; tel: 720-224-4638, fax: 303-724-4960, e-mail:
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Chowdhury P, Pathak P. Neuroprotective immunity by essential nutrient "Choline" for the prevention of SARS CoV2 infections: An in silico study by molecular dynamics approach. Chem Phys Lett 2020; 761:138057. [PMID: 33041350 PMCID: PMC7532804 DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2020.138057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal Choline level protects the fetus's developing brain from effects of CoV2. Choline from many food supplements can protect the fetus from Coronavirus. Choline is used for treatment of many neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer. Natural Choline may regulate 3CLpro protein’s viral replication.
Prenatal COVID infection is one of the worst affected and least attended aspects of the COVID-19 disease. Like other coronaviruses, CoV2 infection is anticipated to affect fetal development by maternal inflammatory response on the fetus and placenta. Studies showed that higher prenatal choline level in mother’s body can safeguard the developing brain of the fetus from the adverse effects of CoV2 infection. Choline is commonly used as food supplement. By virtual screening, molecular docking and molecular dynamics techniques, we have established a strong inhibitory possibility of choline for SARS 3CLpro protease which may provide a lead for prenatal COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Papia Chowdhury
- Department of Physics and Materials Science and Engineering, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida 201309, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pustak Pathak
- Vishwa Bharati Public School, Arun Vihar, Noida, Sector 28, 201301, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Freedman R, Hunter SK, Law AJ, D'Alessandro A, Noonan K, Wyrwa A, Camille Hoffman M. Maternal choline and respiratory coronavirus effects on fetal brain development. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 128:1-4. [PMID: 32474140 PMCID: PMC7247782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal COVID-19 infection is anticipated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control to affect fetal development similarly to other common respiratory coronaviruses through effects of the maternal inflammatory response on the fetus and placenta. Plasma choline levels were measured at 16 weeks gestation in 43 mothers who had contracted common respiratory viruses during the first 6-16 weeks of pregnancy and 53 mothers who had not. When their infants reached 3 months of age, mothers completed the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (IBQ-R), which assesses their infants' level of activity (Surgency), their fearfulness and sadness (Negativity), and their ability to maintain attention and bond to their parents and caretakers (Regulation). Infants of mothers who had contracted a moderately severe respiratory virus infection and had higher gestational choline serum levels (≥7.5 mM consistent with U.S. Food and Drug Administration dietary recommendations) had significantly increased development of their ability to maintain attention and to bond with their parents (Regulation), compared to infants whose mothers had contracted an infection but had lower choline levels (<7.5 mM). For infants of mothers with choline levels ≥7.5 μM, there was no effect of viral infection on infant IBQ-R Regulation, compared to infants of mothers who were not infected. Higher choline levels obtained through diet or supplements may protect fetal development and support infant early behavioral development even if the mother contracts a viral infection in early gestation when the brain is first being formed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Freedman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Sharon K. Hunter
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Amanda J. Law
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, USA
| | | | - Kathleen Noonan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Anna Wyrwa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - M. Camille Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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Freedman R, Hunter SK, Noonan K, Wyrwa A, Christians U, Law AJ, Hoffman MC. Maternal Prenatal Depression in Pregnancies With Female and Male Fetuses and Developmental Associations With C-reactive Protein and Cortisol. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2020; 6:310-320. [PMID: 33060035 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal depression has lasting effects on development in offspring, including later mental illness risk. Maternal responses to depression include inflammation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis stimulation. Effects on development of cerebral inhibitory neurocircuits may differ for female and male fetuses. METHODS Mothers (N = 181) were assessed periodically, beginning at 16 weeks' gestation, using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale. Maternal prenatal C-reactive protein and hair cortisol and cortisone levels were determined. Cortisone was determined in neonatal hair. Development of cerebral inhibitory neurocircuits was assessed in 162 1-month-old newborns by inhibition of P50 electrophysiological responses to repeated sounds. RESULTS Maternal depression was associated with decreased newborn P50 inhibition in both sexes. Maternal C-reactive protein levels were significantly associated with depression only in pregnancies with male fetuses and with decreased newborn P50 inhibition only in male newborns. Maternal cortisol levels were significantly associated with depression only in pregnancies with female fetuses and with decreased newborn P50 inhibition only in female newborns. In pregnancies with male fetuses compared with pregnancies with female fetuses, cortisol was more robustly metabolized to cortisone, which does not activate cortisol receptors. CONCLUSIONS This study finds sex-specific associations of C-reactive protein and cortisol levels with prenatal depression in women and with decreased development of newborn P50 inhibition. Sex-based differences in maternal response to depression with inflammation or cortisol and their developmental effects may reflect evolutionary influences to promote survival in adversity. Decreased newborn P50 inhibition is associated with later childhood behavioral problems, and decreased P50 inhibition is a pathophysiological feature of several mental illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Freedman
- Institute for Children's Mental Disorders, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center F-546, Aurora, Colorado.
| | - Sharon K Hunter
- Institute for Children's Mental Disorders, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center F-546, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kathleen Noonan
- Institute for Children's Mental Disorders, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center F-546, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Anna Wyrwa
- Institute for Children's Mental Disorders, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center F-546, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Uwe Christians
- Department of Psychiatry, iC42 Clinical Research and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center F-546, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Amanda J Law
- Institute for Children's Mental Disorders, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center F-546, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Anesthesiology, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center F-546, Aurora, Colorado
| | - M Camille Hoffman
- Institute for Children's Mental Disorders, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center F-546, Aurora, Colorado; Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center F-546, Aurora, Colorado
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Hoffman MC, Hunter SK, D’Alessandro A, Noonan K, Wyrwa A, Freedman R. Interaction of maternal choline levels and prenatal Marijuana's effects on the offspring. Psychol Med 2020; 50:1716-1726. [PMID: 31364525 PMCID: PMC7055467 DOI: 10.1017/s003329171900179x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated whether higher maternal choline levels mitigate effects of marijuana on fetal brain development. Choline transported into the amniotic fluid from the mother activates α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on fetal cerebro-cortical inhibitory neurons, whose development is impeded by cannabis blockade of their cannabinoid-1(CB1) receptors. METHODS Marijuana use was assessed during pregnancy from women who later brought their newborns for study. Mothers were informed about choline and other nutrients, but not specifically for marijuana use. Maternal serum choline was measured at 16 weeks gestation. RESULTS Marijuana use for the first 10 weeks gestation or more by 15% of mothers decreased newborns' inhibition of evoked potentials to repeated sounds (d' = 0.55, p < 0.05). This effect was ameliorated if women had higher gestational choline (rs = -0.50, p = 0.011). At 3 months of age, children whose mothers continued marijuana use through their 10th gestational week or more had poorer self-regulation (d' = -0.79, p < 0.05). This effect was also ameliorated if mothers had higher gestational choline (rs = 0.54, p = 0.013). Maternal choline levels correlated with the children's improved duration of attention, cuddliness, and bonding with parents. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal marijuana use adversely affects fetal brain development and subsequent behavioral self-regulation, a precursor to later, more serious problems in childhood. Stopping marijuana use before 10 weeks gestational age prevented these effects. Many mothers refuse to cease use because of familiarity with marijuana and belief in its safety. Higher maternal choline mitigates some of marijuana's adverse effects on the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Camille Hoffman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Sharon K. Hunter
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Angelo D’Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Kathleen Noonan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Anna Wyrwa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Robert Freedman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
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Derbyshire E, Obeid R. Choline, Neurological Development and Brain Function: A Systematic Review Focusing on the First 1000 Days. Nutrients 2020; 12:E1731. [PMID: 32531929 PMCID: PMC7352907 DOI: 10.3390/nu12061731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The foundations of neurodevelopment across an individual's lifespan are established in the first 1000 days of life (2 years). During this period an adequate supply of nutrients are essential for proper neurodevelopment and lifelong brain function. Of these, evidence for choline has been building but has not been widely collated using systematic approaches. Therefore, a systematic review was performed to identify the animal and human studies looking at inter-relationships between choline, neurological development, and brain function during the first 1000 days of life. The database PubMed was used, and reference lists were searched. In total, 813 publications were subject to the title/abstract review, and 38 animal and 16 human studies were included after evaluation. Findings suggest that supplementing the maternal or child's diet with choline over the first 1000 days of life could subsequently: (1) support normal brain development (animal and human evidence), (2) protect against neural and metabolic insults, particularly when the fetus is exposed to alcohol (animal and human evidence), and (3) improve neural and cognitive functioning (animal evidence). Overall, most offspring would benefit from increased choline supply during the first 1000 days of life, particularly in relation to helping facilitate normal brain development. Health policies and guidelines should consider re-evaluation to help communicate and impart potential choline benefits through diet and/or supplementation approaches across this critical life stage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rima Obeid
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital of the Saarland, Building 57, 66424 Homburg, Germany;
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Zhaori G. Professor Robert Freedman and his contributions to psychiatric research. Pediatr Investig 2020; 4:73-76. [PMID: 32851347 PMCID: PMC7331399 DOI: 10.1002/ped4.12201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Getu Zhaori
- Editorial OfficePediatric InvestigationBeijing Children’s HospitalCapital Medical UniversityNational Center for Children’s HealthBeijingChina
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Li Y, Freedman R. Prospects for improving future mental health of children through prenatal maternal micronutrient supplementation in China. Pediatr Investig 2020; 4:118-126. [PMID: 32851355 PMCID: PMC7331361 DOI: 10.1002/ped4.12199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal micronutrients in pregnant women's diets, including supplements, have an essential role in fetal brain development and may reduce the risk of mental disorders in offspring. Folic acid, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and choline have been investigated for this purpose. Folic acid supplementation throughout pregnancy has well-established positive effects. Vitamin D, administered to the mother before birth or to the newborn, has also been shown to reduce the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy have a more uncertain role, with recent trials questioning a beneficial effect on cognition and attention deficit disorder, despite positive effects on prematurity and neonatal wheezing prevention. Choline supplementation is associated with positive effects on cognition and behavior, including early behaviors associated with the development of autism and schizophrenia. There is no experience yet with COVID-19, but adverse effects on fetal brain development of most common coronaviruses are mitigated by higher choline levels. Maternal dietary supplementation of nutrients is a benign and inexpensive intervention in pregnancy to prevent life-long disability from mental illness. Use of dietary supplements in poorer, rural areas of China is below recommendations. Physicians, midwives, and public health officials in China can promote prenatal nutrient supplementation to reduce the future burden of mental illnesses that might be prevented before birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of PsychiatryBeijing Children’s HospitalCapital Medical UniversityNational Center for Children’s HealthBeijingChina
| | - Robert Freedman
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraCOUSA
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Abstract
The onset of schizophrenia is usually in late adolescence or early adulthood. However, accumulating evidence has suggested that the disease condition is an outcome of gene-environment interactions that act in neural development during early life and adolescence. Some children who later develop schizophrenia have early developmental and educational and social challenges. Some patients with schizophrenia have an abundance of nonspecific neurologic soft signs and minor physical anomalies. Adolescence is a sensitive period of increased neuronal plasticity. It is important to consider early detection and intervention from the prodromal stage to early disease to prevent its devastating long-term consequences.
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Freedman R, Olsen-Dufour AM, Olincy A. P50 inhibitory sensory gating in schizophrenia: analysis of recent studies. Schizophr Res 2020; 218:93-98. [PMID: 32061454 PMCID: PMC7299819 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inhibitory sensory gating of the P50 cerebral evoked potential to paired auditory stimuli (S1, S2) is a widely used paradigm for the study of schizophrenia and related conditions. Its use to measure genetic, treatment, and developmental effects requires a metric with more stable properties than the simple ratio of the paired responses. METHODS This study assessed the ratio P50S2μV/P50S1μV and P50S2μV co-varied for P50S1μV in all 27 independent published studies that compared schizophrenia patients with healthy controls from 2000 to 2019. The largest study from each research group was selected. The Colorado research group's studies were excluded to eliminate bias from the first report of the phenomenon. RESULTS Across the 27 studies encompassing 1179 schizophrenia patients and 1091 healthy controls, both P50S2μV co-varied for P50S1μV and P50S2μV/P50S1μV significantly separated the patients from the controls (both P < 0.0001). Effect size for P50S2μV co-varied for P50S1μV is d' = 1.23. The normal distribution of P50S2μV co-varied for P50S1μV detected influences of maternal inflammation and effects on behavior in a recent developmental study, an emerging use for the P50 inhibitory gating measure. P50S2μV/P50S1μV was not normally distributed. Results from two multi-site NIMH genetics collaborations also support the use of P50S2μV as a biomarker. CONCLUSION Both methods detect an abnormality of cerebral inhibition in schizophrenia with high significance across multiple independent laboratories. The normal distribution of P50S2μV co-varied for P50S1μV makes it more suitable for studies of genetic, treatment, and other influences on the development and expression of inhibitory deficits in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Freedman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Amanda M. Olsen-Dufour
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Ann Olincy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
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Beluska-Turkan K, Korczak R, Hartell B, Moskal K, Maukonen J, Alexander DE, Salem N, Harkness L, Ayad W, Szaro J, Zhang K, Siriwardhana N. Nutritional Gaps and Supplementation in the First 1000 Days. Nutrients 2019; 11:E2891. [PMID: 31783636 PMCID: PMC6949907 DOI: 10.3390/nu11122891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimized nutrition during the first 1000 days (from conception through the 2nd birthday) is critical for healthy development and a healthy life for the newborn. Pregnancy and the postpartum period are accompanied by physiological changes, increased energy needs, and changing requirements in the nutrients critical for optimal growth and development. Infants and toddlers also experience physiological changes and have specific nutritional needs. Food and nutrition experts can provide women of childbearing age with adequate dietary advice to optimize nutrition, as well as guidance on selecting appropriate dietary supplements. Considering the approaching 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) will be making specific recommendations for children, it is important to provide accurate scientific information to support health influencers in the field of nutrition. The purpose of this review is to summarize the nutrition and supplementation literature for the first 1000 days; to highlight nutritional and knowledge gaps; and to educate nutrition influencers to provide thoughtful guidance to mothers and families. Optimal nutrition during pregnancy through early childhood is critical for supporting a healthy life. Nutrition influencers, such as dietitians, obstetricians/gynecologists, and other relevant health professionals, should continue guiding supplement and food intake and work closely with expectant families and nutrition gatekeepers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Beluska-Turkan
- Church & Dwight, Co., Inc., Product Development Nutritional Sciences, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; (K.B.-T.); (K.M.); (L.H.); (W.A.); (J.S.); (K.Z.)
| | - Renee Korczak
- Premier Nutrition, LLC, Bernardsville, NJ 07924, USA;
| | - Beth Hartell
- PearTree Nutrition, LLC, Seattle, WA 98115, USA;
| | - Kristin Moskal
- Church & Dwight, Co., Inc., Product Development Nutritional Sciences, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; (K.B.-T.); (K.M.); (L.H.); (W.A.); (J.S.); (K.Z.)
| | | | | | - Norman Salem
- DSM Nutritional Products, Columbia, MD 21045, USA;
| | - Laura Harkness
- Church & Dwight, Co., Inc., Product Development Nutritional Sciences, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; (K.B.-T.); (K.M.); (L.H.); (W.A.); (J.S.); (K.Z.)
| | - Wafaa Ayad
- Church & Dwight, Co., Inc., Product Development Nutritional Sciences, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; (K.B.-T.); (K.M.); (L.H.); (W.A.); (J.S.); (K.Z.)
| | - Jacalyn Szaro
- Church & Dwight, Co., Inc., Product Development Nutritional Sciences, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; (K.B.-T.); (K.M.); (L.H.); (W.A.); (J.S.); (K.Z.)
| | - Kelly Zhang
- Church & Dwight, Co., Inc., Product Development Nutritional Sciences, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; (K.B.-T.); (K.M.); (L.H.); (W.A.); (J.S.); (K.Z.)
| | - Nalin Siriwardhana
- Church & Dwight, Co., Inc., Product Development Nutritional Sciences, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; (K.B.-T.); (K.M.); (L.H.); (W.A.); (J.S.); (K.Z.)
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Meyer U. Neurodevelopmental Resilience and Susceptibility to Maternal Immune Activation. Trends Neurosci 2019; 42:793-806. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Choline: Exploring the Growing Science on Its Benefits for Moms and Babies. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11081823. [PMID: 31394787 PMCID: PMC6722688 DOI: 10.3390/nu11081823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of ensuring adequate choline intakes during pregnancy is increasingly recognized. Choline is critical for a number of physiological processes during the prenatal period with roles in membrane biosynthesis and tissue expansion, neurotransmission and brain development, and methyl group donation and gene expression. Studies in animals and humans have shown that supplementing the maternal diet with additional choline improves several pregnancy outcomes and protects against certain neural and metabolic insults. Most pregnant women in the U.S. are not achieving choline intake recommendations of 450 mg/day and would likely benefit from boosting their choline intakes through dietary and/or supplemental approaches.
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