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de la Rosa R, Le A, Holm S, Ye M, Bush NR, Hessler D, Koita K, Bucci M, Long D, Thakur N. Associations Between Early-Life Adversity, Ambient Air Pollution, and Telomere Length in Children. Psychosom Med 2024; 86:422-430. [PMID: 38588482 PMCID: PMC11142884 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Examine the independent associations and interaction between early-life adversity and residential ambient air pollution exposure on relative buccal telomere length (rBTL). METHODS Experiences of abuse, neglect, household challenges, and related life events were identified in a cross-sectional sample of children aged 1 to 11 years ( n = 197) using the 17-item Pediatric ACEs and Related Life Event Screener (PEARLS) tool. The PEARLS tool was analyzed both as a total score and across established domains (Maltreatment, Household Challenges, and Social Context). Ground-level fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) concentrations were matched to residential locations for the 1 and 12 months before biospecimen collection. We used multivariable linear regression models to examine for independent associations between continuous PM 2.5 exposure and PEARLS score/domains with rBTL. In addition, effect modification by PEARLS scores and domains on associations between PM 2.5 exposure and rBTL was examined. RESULTS Study participants were 47% girls, with mean (standard deviation) age of 5.9 (3.4) years, median reported PEARLS score of 2 (interquartile range [IQR], 4), median 12-month prior PM 2.5 concentrations of 11.8 μg/m 3 (IQR, 2.7 μg/m 3 ), median 1-month prior PM 2.5 concentrations of 10.9 μg/m 3 (IQR, 5.8 μg/m 3 ), and rBTL of 0.1 (IQR, 0.03). Mean 12-month prior PM 2.5 exposure was inversely associated with rBTL ( β = -0.02, 95% confidence interval = -0.04 to -0.01). Although reported PEARLS scores and domains were not independently associated with rBTL, we observed a greater decrement in rBTL with increment of average annual PM 2.5 as reported Social Context domain items increased ( p -interaction < .05). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that adverse Social Context factors may accelerate the association between chronic PM 2.5 exposure on telomere shortening during childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemarie de la Rosa
- Environmental Health Sciences Division, University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
| | - Austin Le
- Environmental Health Sciences Division, University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health
| | - Stephanie Holm
- Western States Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit
| | - Morgan Ye
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
| | - Nicole R. Bush
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Pediatrics
| | - Danielle Hessler
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Family and Community Medicine
| | | | | | - Dayna Long
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Pediatrics
- UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland
| | - Neeta Thakur
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
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2
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Sullivan ADW, Roubinov D, Noroña-Zhou AN, Bush NR. Do dyadic interventions impact biomarkers of child health? A state-of-the-science narrative review. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 162:106949. [PMID: 38295654 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early life adversity is related to numerous poor health outcomes in childhood; however, dyadic interventions that promote sensitive and responsive caregiving may protect children from the negative consequences of such exposures. To date, quasi-experimental and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have examined the impact of dyadic interventions on a range of individual biomarkers in children, which may elucidate the relation between early stress exposure and transdiagnostic risk factors for prospective poor health. However, the content of interventions, analytic strategies, and findings vary widely across studies, obscuring key themes in the science and hindering policy and research efforts. METHODS We use a narrative approach to review findings from methodologically rigorous (predominantly RCT) studies of dyadic interventions' impacts on different biomarkers in children, including indicators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, parasympathetic (PNS) and sympathetic nervous systems (SNS), brain development, inflammation, and intracellular DNA processes. We contribute to this important area of inquiry through integrating findings across biological systems and identifying contextual and mechanistic factors to depict the current state of the field. RESULTS Evidence suggests dyadic interventions improved PNS functioning and advanced brain maturation. Some studies indicated interventions reduced hair cortisol concentrations, systemic inflammation, and resulted in differences in DNA methylation patterns. Findings did not support main effect-level change in salivary measures of HPA axis activity, SNS activity, or telomere length. Importantly, reviewed studies indicated significant heterogeneity in effects across biological systems, underscoring the importance of contextual factors (e.g., adversity subtype and severity) as potential moderators of effects. Further, findings suggested enhanced parenting behaviors may be a mechanism through which dyadic interventions operate on biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS We close with future policy and research directions, emphasizing the promise of biologically-informed dyadic interventions for understanding and ameliorating the effects of early adversity on transdiagnostic biomarkers of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra D W Sullivan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health and Community, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
| | - Danielle Roubinov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health and Community, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Amanda N Noroña-Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health and Community, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, UCSF, USA
| | - Nicole R Bush
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Health and Community, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, UCSF, USA.
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3
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Annor FB, Amene EW, Zhu L, Stamatakis C, Picchetti V, Matthews S, Miedema SS, Brown C, Thorsen VC, Manuel P, Gilbert LK, Kambona C, Coomer R, Trika J, Kamuingona R, Dube SR, Massetti GM. Parental absence as an adverse childhood experience among young adults in sub-Saharan Africa. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 150:106556. [PMID: 37993366 PMCID: PMC10961199 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parental absence in childhood has been associated with multiple negative consequences, such as depression and anxiety in young adulthood. OBJECTIVE To assess whether parental absence for six months or more in childhood is associated with poor mental health and substance use in young adulthood and whether parental absence accounts for additional variance beyond those explained by other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among youth in sub-Saharan Africa. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS We used combined Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS) data from Cote d'Ivoire (2018), Lesotho (2018), Kenya (2019), Namibia (2019), and Mozambique (2019). Analyses were restricted to 18-24-year-olds (nf = 7699; nm = 2482). METHODS We used logistic regression to examine sex-stratified relationships between parental absence in childhood (defined as biological mother or father being away for six months or more before age 18) and mental health problems and substance use and whether parental absence explained additional variance beyond those explained by other ACEs. RESULTS In sub-Saharan Africa, parental absence in childhood was common (30.5 % in females and 25.1 % in males), significantly associated with poor mental health and substance use among females and males and accounted for additional variance beyond those explained by conventional ACEs. For example, after controlling for study covariates and other ACEs, females who experienced any parental absence had 1.52 (95 % CI = 1.02-2.26) higher odds of experiencing moderate/serious psychological distress compared with those who did not. CONCLUSION The observed association between parental absence and poor mental health suggests that this experience has significant adverse consequences and merits consideration as an ACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis B Annor
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, United States.
| | - Ermias W Amene
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Liping Zhu
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Caroline Stamatakis
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rwanda
| | - Viani Picchetti
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sarah Matthews
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Stephanie S Miedema
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Colvette Brown
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Viva C Thorsen
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Pedro Manuel
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mozambique
| | - Leah K Gilbert
- United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, United States; Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Office of Safety, Security and Asset Management, Occupational Health Clinic, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Caroline Kambona
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kenya
| | - Rachel Coomer
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Namibia
| | | | | | - Shanta R Dube
- Levine College of Public Health Program, Wingate University, Wingate, NC, United States
| | - Greta M Massetti
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Zhang Y, Wang Y. Daily social support and school belonging among rural Chinese adolescents: Variations by parental migration. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2024. [PMID: 38433270 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
"Left-behind" children refer to those who live in rural areas but have parents migrating to urban areas for work. They are at increased risk for developmental problems and family dysfunction. However, we currently know little regarding their support systems at school. Using daily data over five school days from 90 adolescents (Mage = 13.70) in rural China, this study investigated daily associations linking teacher and peer support to school belonging, and how these associations varied by parental migration. Teacher but not peer support was positively associated with same-day school belonging. However, this association was attenuated for adolescents with longer duration and history of parental migration. The findings highlighted the importance of considering school settings and within-group variations for left-behind adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youchuan Zhang
- Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Yijie Wang
- Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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5
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Kertes DA, Clendinen C, Duan K, Rabinowitz JA, Browning C, Kvam P. The Social Environment Matters for Telomere Length and Internalizing Problems During Adolescence. J Youth Adolesc 2024; 53:21-35. [PMID: 37747680 PMCID: PMC10761382 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-023-01848-w] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Depression and anxiety symptoms are on the rise among adolescents. With increasing evidence that cellular aging may be associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms, there is an urgent need to identify the social environment context that may moderate this link. This study addresses this research gap by investigating the moderating role of the social environment on the relation between telomere length and emotional health among adolescents. Participants were 411 non-Hispanic (88.56%) Black (100%) adolescents (M = 14.23 years, SD = 1.85, female = 54%) in a major metropolitan city. Youth and parents reported on an array of social risk and protective factors, and youth provided DNA samples for telomere length measurement. Results demonstrated that the association of telomere length and anxiety symptoms was stronger among youth with higher perceived stress or lower school belongingness, and the association of telomere length with depressive symptoms was stronger under conditions of higher parent inter-partner psychological aggression. The results enhance our understanding of the complex associations between biological aging, the social environment, and mental health in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darlene A Kertes
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA.
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA.
| | - Cherita Clendinen
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA
| | - Ke Duan
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA
| | - Jill A Rabinowitz
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Christopher Browning
- Department of Sociology, Ohio State University, 1885 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Peter Kvam
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA
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6
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Xie M, Jiang Y, Zilioli S, Xiang S, Zhao S, Lin D. Parent-Child Separation and Diurnal Cortisol Rhythms Among Left-Behind Adolescents: The Moderating Role of Sex. J Youth Adolesc 2023:10.1007/s10964-023-01820-8. [PMID: 37481502 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-023-01820-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Prior research examining parent-child separation and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning has primarily focused on separation due to parental divorce or loss or forced migration. Less clear is the impact of parental economic migration on adolescents' HPA axis functioning. The present study fills this gap by examining diurnal cortisol patterns among left-behind adolescents who experienced separation from their migrant parents. Participants were 293 Chinese adolescents (33.4% girls, 66.21% left-behind adolescents; Mage = 10.80 years old, SD = 0.82 years). Two-level multilevel modeling was conducted to examine the associations between parent-child separation experiences and diurnal cortisol patterns. Although no significant differences were found between left-behind adolescents and their non-left-behind peers, results revealed that left-behind adolescents who experienced parent-child separation at earlier ages had more blunted diurnal cortisol slopes (usually signaling poorer mental and physical health), compared to their counterparts who experienced separation at older ages. Left-behind adolescent girls who had more adverse separation experiences exhibited smaller waking cortisol and blunted diurnal slopes; these findings were not observed among left-behind adolescent boys. Observing the association between timing of parent-child separation and adolescents' diurnal cortisol and the moderating effects of child sex, this study contributes uniquely to the developmental science of left-behind adolescents' physiological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjun Xie
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanping Jiang
- Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Samuele Zilioli
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Shiyuan Xiang
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Zhao
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Danhua Lin
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
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7
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Wang S, Zhao X, Yu Y, Tao F, Liu D, Sun Y. Prolonged Rather Than Early Childhood Parent-Child Separation Predicts Change in Molecular Markers of Cellular Aging: A Consideration of the Role of Adolescence. J Youth Adolesc 2023; 52:165-176. [PMID: 36149547 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-022-01681-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Early life adversity is a major risk factor for the onset of psychopathology, and cellular aging may be a mechanism underlying these associations. It is unknown whether and how the pattern (timing and duration) of parent-child separation is associated with accelerated cellular aging, particularly with respect to functional aging and replicative senescence, indexed by mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) elevation and telomere length (TL) attrition. This cohort study included 252 rural adolescents (mean age 11.62 years, SD: 1.56). Nearly one in five participants were persistently separated from both parents since birth. Compared with participants who never separated from their parents, adolescents with prolonged parent-child separation had higher acceleration both in functional aging and replicative senescence of cells. However, that was not the case in adolescents who experienced parent-child separation in early childhood but regained stable parental care during adolescence. These findings indicate that pubertal development reopens a window of opportunity for buffering the adverse biological effect based on significant improvements in the supportiveness of the caregiving environment relative to that in childhood. Translating such knowledge to inform intervention and prevention strategies for youths exposed to adversity is a critical goal for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihong Wang
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yue Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Deyun Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China. .,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China. .,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health & Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui Province, China.
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8
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Kazantseva AV, Davydova YD, Enikeeva RF, Mustafin RN, Lobaskova MM, Malykh SB, Khusnutdinova EK. Individual Differences in Relative Telomere Length in Mentally Healthy Subjects: The Effect of TERT Gene Polymorphism and Urban Residency. RUSS J GENET+ 2022; 58:1135-1144. [PMID: 36119151 PMCID: PMC9470233 DOI: 10.1134/s1022795422090101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The changes in the telomere length caused by the terminal underreplication in the existing literature are related to depressive disorders. However, the use of the telomere length as a biomarker of depressive states is ambiguous, which is due to the effect of various environmental factors on both the psychoemotional state and cellular aging of an organism. In order to identify the possible use of the relative telomere length (RTL) measured in peripheral blood leukocytes as a biomarker of enhanced liability to depression prior to the clinical symptoms, as well as to determine the link between telomere length, sociodemographic factors, allelic variants of the genes involved in the regulation of telomere elongation, and depression level, the association analysis of reverse transcriptase (TERT rs7726159), telomerase RNA component (TERC rs1317082), and the CST complex encoding protein (OBFC1 rs2487999) gene polymorphisms was performed with RTL and depression level in mentally healthy individuals (N = 1065) aged 18-25 years. Together with genetic variants, the examined regression models included various sociodemographic parameters as predictors. As a result of statistical analysis, we failed to observe the association between RTL and individual differences in depression level in the studied sample. Nevertheless, multiple regression analysis allowed us to construct a statistically significant model of individual variance in RTL (P = 4.3е-4; r 2 = 0.018), which included rs7726159 in the TERT gene (P = 0.020; β = 0.078) and such environmental predictors as age (P = 0.001; β = -0.027) and place of residence in childhood (urban/rural area) (P = 0.048; β = 0.063). The data obtained confirm the involvement of TERT gene variants and age in telomere length in mentally healthy individuals aged 18-25 years and indicate a negative effect of urban residency on telomere length shortening, which reflects the cellular aging of an organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Kazantseva
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics-Subdivision of the Ufa Federal Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, 450054 Ufa, Russia.,Bashkir State University, 450076 Ufa, Russia.,Ufa State Petroleum Technical University, 450064 Ufa, Russia
| | - Yu D Davydova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics-Subdivision of the Ufa Federal Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, 450054 Ufa, Russia.,Bashkir State University, 450076 Ufa, Russia
| | - R F Enikeeva
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics-Subdivision of the Ufa Federal Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, 450054 Ufa, Russia.,Bashkir State University, 450076 Ufa, Russia
| | - R N Mustafin
- Bashkir State Medical University, 450008 Ufa, Russia
| | - M M Lobaskova
- Psychological Institute, Russian Academy of Education, 125009 Moscow, Russia
| | - S B Malykh
- Psychological Institute, Russian Academy of Education, 125009 Moscow, Russia.,Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - E K Khusnutdinova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics-Subdivision of the Ufa Federal Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, 450054 Ufa, Russia.,Bashkir State University, 450076 Ufa, Russia.,Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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9
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Zhao X, Zhang A, Liu W, Tao F, Sun Y. Childhood Separation from Parents with Cognitive and Psychopathological Outcomes in Adolescence. Dev Sci 2022; 26:e13324. [PMID: 36065157 DOI: 10.1111/desc.13324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
To examine the effects of childhood parent-child separation with varying duration and form on later cognitive performance and psychopathological problems over a 6-year period, we use data from the China Family Panel Study, which is an ongoing, prospective nationally representative study across 25 provinces in China. Of the 4033 children aged 4-10 years followed in 2012, 3522 children with complete data on separation from fathers and mothers were included. In 2018, 2560 participants were followed and interviewed to assess cognitive performance, behavioral problems as well as depressive symptoms at age 10-16 years. A total of 3522 children (mean [SD] age at baseline, 6.9 [2.0] years) were included. About 17.9% and 13.3% had separated from father and mother over 11 months or more in the year prior to the survey. Prolonged separation from parents was associated with lower scores in vocabulary (maternal: adjusted β = -1.64, P = 0.002; paternal: adjusted β = -1.58, P<0.001) and mathematics performance (maternal: adjusted β = -1.10, P = 0.009; paternal: adjusted β = -0.94, P = 0.004) over a 6-year period. Prolonged maternal separation was associated with 0.34-point higher internalizing behaviors (P<0.001) and 0.21-point higher externalizing behaviors (P = 0.009), as well as 0.89-point higher depressive symptoms (P = 0.018), while prolonged paternal separation was associated with 0.23-point higher internalizing behaviors (P = 0.005) and 0.76-point higher depressive symptoms (P = 0.011). The finding demonstrates substantial negative impacts of childhood paternal and maternal separations on cognitive and mental well-being during adolescence, which might be dependent on the "stress-dose" (duration of separation) and urban-rural residence. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Zhao
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Anhui Zhang
- Wuhu Maternity & Child Health Care Center, Wuhu, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Wanxu Liu
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China
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10
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Li X, Cai J, Yang L, Zhang X, Deng W, Ni P, Zhao L, Du XD, Li T. Correlation between reduced telomere length and behavioural and emotional problems in left-behind children in a rural area in China. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 140:105732. [PMID: 35334391 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Evidence shows that being left behind experience (LBE) during childhood may increase the risks of poor psychopathological outcomes. However, it is unclear to what extent the mental health is affected by the LBE. Telomere length (TL), one of the most extensively studied biological markers of cellular ageing, provides a valuable tool for exploring the potential effects of parent-child separation on psychological problems by integrating genetic and environmental factors. In this study, a total of 613 children (mean age = 10.77, SD = 1.92) were recruited from the rural area of Deyang, Sichuan Province, China. We used a self-designed questionnaire to assess LBE, and collected psychopathological outcomes by using the Piers-Harris Children's Self-concept Scale, the Teacher's Report Form 6/18 and the Youth Self-Report 11/18. Terminal restriction fragment analysis was used to measure TL in peripheral blood leukocytes. Analyses revealed that 342 out of 613 participants (55.79%) were Left-behind children. LBE was observed to associated with shorter TL, lower self-esteem, and increased behavioural and emotional problems. The cumulative effects of LBE may be reflected by greater altered telomere homeostasis, decreased self-esteem, and worsened behavioural and emotional problems. The association of the total time of being left behind with self-esteem and behavioural and emotional problems was significantly mediated by altered telomere homeostasis, with estimated effects of 14.19%, 47.95% and 45.13%, respectively. The LBE in childhood, especially prolonged parent-child separation, increases the risk of mental health problems in childhood and adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Li
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jia Cai
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ling Yang
- The seventh people's hospital of Deyang, Deyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- The seventh people's hospital of Deyang, Deyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Deng
- Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peiyan Ni
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Liansheng Zhao
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiang-Dong Du
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Suzhou Psychiatric Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tao Li
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangzhou, China.
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11
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Liu W, Zhang A, He H, Zhao X, Tao F, Sun Y. Inflammatory burden in adolescents with prolonged parent-child separation. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 98:257-262. [PMID: 34454061 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.08.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prolonged parent-child separation is associated with a broad array of poor developmental outcomes. A potential pathway may be through changes in inflammatory processes. However, relatively little is known about the relationship between parent-child separation pattern (timing and duration) and inflammatory burden. The aim of this study was to investigate whether parent-child separation since birth is associated with inflammatory burden in adolescents. METHODS A total of 574 adolescents (mean age 12.07 years, SD: 0.62) were enrolled from rural areas of Chizhou, Anhui Province, China. Parent-child separation was reported mainly by primary caregivers, and other adverse childhood adversities (ACEs) were derived from adolescents semi-structured interview or questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from venepuncture for C-reactive protein (CRP) as well as soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR). RESULTS Nearly 40% (232/574) participants experienced parent-child separation, among which more than 1 of 4 persistently separated from both parents since birth. Both CRP and suPAR levels were significantly higher among adolescents persistently separated from both parents, compared with those who did not separate from both parents (CRP: 1.75 vs. 1.36 mg/L, P < 0.001; suPAR: 2.85 ng/mL vs. 2.55 ng/mL, P < 0.001). After adjusted for demographic covariates, body mass index, ACEs as well as parental characteristics, persistent parent-child separation was associated with elevated suPAR (B = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.12-0.48) and CRP (B = 1.34; 95% CI, 1.02-1.75). No similar associations were observed between inflammatory burden with current or early childhood parent-child separation groups. Adolescents who exposed to persistent parent-child separation were more likely to have elevated suPAR levels even if they did not have elevated CRP levels (aOR, 4.26, 95% CI, 1.23-14.80; P = 0.022). CONCLUSION Elevated inflammatory burden observed in persistent parent-child separation adolescents highlights the need to support children and adolescents undergoing separation from both parents in order to minimize the long-term impact on disease vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanxu Liu
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Anhui Zhang
- Department of Child Health Care, Wuhu Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Center, Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Haiyan He
- Department of Child Health Care, Wuhu Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Center, Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University) Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health&Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University) Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health&Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui Province, China.
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12
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Batra A, Chen LM, Wang Z, Parent C, Pokhvisneva I, Patel S, Levitan RD, Meaney MJ, Silveira PP. Early Life Adversity and Polygenic Risk for High Fasting Insulin Are Associated With Childhood Impulsivity. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:704785. [PMID: 34539334 PMCID: PMC8441000 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.704785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
While the co-morbidity between metabolic and psychiatric behaviors is well-established, the mechanisms are poorly understood, and exposure to early life adversity (ELA) is a common developmental risk factor. ELA is associated with altered insulin sensitivity and poor behavioral inhibition throughout life, which seems to contribute to the development of metabolic and psychiatric disturbances in the long term. We hypothesize that a genetic background associated with higher fasting insulin interacts with ELA to influence the development of executive functions (e.g., impulsivity in young children). We calculated the polygenic risk scores (PRSs) from the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of fasting insulin at different thresholds and identified the subset of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that best predicted peripheral insulin levels in children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) cohort [N = 467; pt– initial = 0.24 (10,296 SNPs), pt– refined = 0.05 (57 SNPs)]. We then calculated the refined PRS (rPRS) for fasting insulin at this specific threshold in the children from the Maternal Adversity, Vulnerability and Neurodevelopment (MAVAN) cohort and investigated its interaction effect with adversity on an impulsivity task applied at 36 months. We found a significant effect of interaction between fasting insulin rPRS and adversity exposure predicting impulsivity measured by the Snack Delay Task at 36 months [β = −0.329, p = 0.024], such that higher PRS [β = −0.551, p = 0.009] was linked to more impulsivity in individuals exposed to more adversity. Enrichment analysis (MetaCoreTM) of the SNPs that compose the fasting insulin rPRS at this threshold was significant for certain nervous system development processes including dopamine D2 receptor signaling. Additional enrichment analysis (FUMA) of the genes mapped from the SNPs in the fasting insulin rPRS showed enrichment with the accelerated cognitive decline GWAS. Therefore, the genetic background associated with risk for adult higher fasting insulin moderates the impact of early adversity on childhood impulsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aashita Batra
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lawrence M Chen
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Zihan Wang
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Carine Parent
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Irina Pokhvisneva
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sachin Patel
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Robert D Levitan
- Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael J Meaney
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Translational Neuroscience Programme, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Patricia Pelufo Silveira
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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13
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Chen XX, Xu LP, Zeng CC, Zhang XY, Tao FB, Sun Y. Prolonged parent-child separation and pain in adolescence: The role of HPA-axis genetic variations. J Affect Disord 2021; 292:255-260. [PMID: 34134023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.05.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence has demonstrated that childhood adversity was a predictor of pain and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis genetic variation is associated with pain risk. This study aims to explore possible effects of prolonged childhood separation from parents and HPA polygenic risk score (PRS) on pain among adolescents in rural China. METHOD We used data from 219 adolescents in rural area of Fuyang city, Anhui province, China. Parent-child separation was collected through interview and pain intensity was reported using the 11-point Numerical Rating Scale. SNP genotyping was performed using an improved multiplex ligation detection reaction (iMLDR) technique. The PRS was computed based on 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 2 genes (FKBP5 and NR3C1) related to HPA-axis stress reactivity. RESULTS Pain among adolescents separated from both parents scored higher compared to those without parent-child separation, however, this association was only observed in adolescents with moderate to high tertiles of PRS groups (parent-child separation in moderate group vs. no parent-child separation in moderate group: 3.07 vs. 1.57, P < 0.001; parent-child separation in highest group vs. no parent-child separation in highest group: 3.02 vs. 1.26, P < 0.001; parent-child separation in lowest group vs. no parent-child separation in lowest group: 2.34 vs. 1.25, P = 0.225). After controlled for demographic characteristics, psychopathological symptoms, adverse childhood experiences, parental warmth, prolonged childhood parent-child separation increased pain scores by 1.52 points (95% CI:0.72, 2.33) and 1.72 points (95% CI:1.13, 2.31) in moderate and high PRS groups, respectively. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that adolescents separated from both parents while carrying more risk alleles related to HPA-axis stress reactivity are at heightened risk of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Xing Chen
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Luo-Piao Xu
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Chen-Chen Zeng
- Fuyang Vocational Technical College, Fuyang, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xing-Yan Zhang
- Bengbu High-tech Education Group, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Fang-Biao Tao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Ying Sun
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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14
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Delgado M, Buffington CT, Bain M, Smith DL, Vernau K. Early maternal separation is not associated with changes in telomere length in domestic kittens ( Felis catus). PeerJ 2021; 9:e11394. [PMID: 34141465 PMCID: PMC8176934 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Studies of multiple species have found that adverse early life experiences, including childhood trauma and maternal separation, can result in accelerated telomere shortening. The objective of this study was to determine if premature separation from the mother affected telomere length in domestic kittens (Felis catus). Subjects were 42 orphaned kittens and 10 mother-reared kittens from local animal rescue groups and shelters. DNA was extracted from whole blood collected from kittens at approximately 1 week and 2 months of age. Telomere length was assessed by qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) from a total of 86 samples and expressed as a ratio of telomere PCR relative to a single copy gene PCR (T/S). RESULTS A generalized linear mixed model found there were no detectable differences in telomere length based on survival (F 1, 76.2 = 3.35, p = 0.07), orphan status (F 1, 56.5 = 0.44, p = 0.51), time point (F 1, 43.5 = 0.19, p = 0.67), or the interaction between orphan status and time (F 1, 43.5 = 0.86, p = 0.36). Although in other species telomere shortening is commonly associated with aging, even early in life, we did not find evidence for telomere shortening by two months of age. Our results suggest that the experience of early maternal separation in domestic cats who are subsequently hand-reared by humans does not accelerate telomere shortening compared to mother-reared kittens, at least in the first few months of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikel Delgado
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - C.A. Tony Buffington
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Melissa Bain
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Dana L. Smith
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Karen Vernau
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
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15
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Shi H, Wang Y, Li M, Tan C, Zhao C, Huang X, Dou Y, Duan X, Du Y, Wu T, Wang X, Zhang J. Impact of parent-child separation on children's social-emotional development: a cross-sectional study of left-behind children in poor rural areas of China. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:823. [PMID: 33926397 PMCID: PMC8082618 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10831-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parent-child separation is a considerable adversity for left-behind children (LBC), but there is little evidence on the association between detailed characteristics of parent-child separation and social-emotional development among LBC. This study examined the characteristics of parent-child separation and its impacts on developmental delay among under-3 LBC in poor rural China. METHODS We used data from 811 LBC surveyed in five poor counties in rural China in 2018. Detailed characteristics of their parental migration were recalled by their primary caregivers in face-to-face interviews. The children's social-emotional development was measured by using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional. Logistic regression was employed to examine the association of detailed characteristics of parent-child separation with early social-emotional problems after adjusting for the children's and primary caregivers' sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS 287 (35.4%) children were left behind by fathers and cared for by mothers (FM-MC), while 524 (64.6%) were left behind by both parents and cared for by grandparents (PM-GC). The rate of social-emotional problems among LBC was 36.8% (PM-GC vs FM-MC: 40.6% vs 29.5%; aOR 1.51, 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.16). For paternal migration, the medians of the child's age at the first migration and average duration per migration were 3 months (IQR: 1 to 9 months) and 4.48 months (IQR: 2.38 to 7.54 months), respectively. For maternal migration, the corresponding values were 9 months (IQR: 6 to 13 months) and 4.65 months (IQR: 2.71 to 7.62 months), respectively. On average, LBC had been separated from fathers for 72% of their life due to paternal migration and from mothers for 52% of their life due to maternal migration. No significant association was found between the detailed characteristics of paternal migration and social-emotional development among LBC, while social-emotional problems among LBC were significantly associated with the proportion of cumulative duration of maternal migration in the child's lifetime (aOR 2.83; 95% CI: 1.13 to 7.10). CONCLUSIONS LBC under 3 years had a high risk of social-emotional problems in poor rural China. Cumulative exposure to maternal migration may be detrimental to LBC's early social-emotional development. Programs are necessary to support these children as well as their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifeng Shi
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Mengshi Li
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Chang Tan
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Chunxia Zhao
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaona Huang
- Section of Health, Nutrition, and Water, Environment and Sanitation, UNICEF China, 12 Sanlitun Road, Chao Yang District, Beijing, 100600, China
| | - Yan Dou
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaoqian Duan
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yufeng Du
- Institute of Epidemiology and Statistics School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, 199 West Donggang Road, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Tianchen Wu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jingxu Zhang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Peking University School of Public Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China. .,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
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16
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Zhang DD, Fang J, Zhang L, Yuan JY, Wan YH, Su PY, Tao FB, Sun Y. Pubertal recalibration of cortisol reactivity following early life parent-child separation. J Affect Disord 2021; 278:320-326. [PMID: 32979563 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis had been proved to calibrate to early-life adversity and puberty may reverse the calibration. This study examines the consequences of prolonged parent-child separation on HPA axis reactivity and the pubertal recalibration hypothesis. METHODS Totally of 144 participants aged 8.75 to 15.25 (mean age 12.50 years, SD: 1.32) were enrolled from rural areas of Chizhou city, Anhui Province of China in 2019. Data on parent-child separation was collected from parents. Self-reported Peterson Pubertal Development Scale was used to assess pubertal maturation and HPA axis stress reactivity was measured using the Trier Social Stress Test for Children. RESULTS For children at early stage of puberty, childhood parent-child separation experiences were associated with blunted HPA axis reactivity (B = -1.888, p = 0.034); while for those at later stage of puberty, HPA axis reactivity was similar between children experienced early childhood separation and those without separation (AUCi: B = -0.426, p = 0.878). In contrast, for children experienced persistent parent-child separation, blunted HPA axis reactivity was observed (all p < 0.05). LIMITATIONS Due to the cross-sectional nature of this study, conclusions about causality remain speculative. CONCLUSIONS The effect of parent-child separation on dysregulation of HPA axis acts in a time-dependent manner. This finding provides support for the pubertal recalibration hypothesis suggesting that a focus of improving environment in adolescence would help those individuals reared initially in non-supportive conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Dan Zhang
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81th Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health &Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jiao Fang
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81th Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health &Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81th Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health &Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jing-Yi Yuan
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81th Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health &Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yu-Hui Wan
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81th Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health &Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Pu-Yu Su
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81th Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health &Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Fang-Biao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81th Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health &Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81th Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui Province 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health &Aristogenics, Hefei, Anhui Province, China.
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Cognitive impact of early separation from migrant parents: A spectrum of risk and key mechanisms in child development contexts. A commentary on Hou et al., (2020). Soc Sci Med 2020; 266:113427. [PMID: 33059932 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged separation from migrant parents may lead to child development risks, despite the potential benefits from improved financial circumstances. Within the substantial literature on the health and well-being of the so-called left-behind children, the cognitive impact of parental migration has been inconclusive across different settings globally. In this issue, Hou et al.'s study in rural China focused on school-age children who experience persistent absence of both migrant parents since infancy, and revealed disadvantages in language comprehension outcomes among these children, despite the mitigating effect of higher household income. While results from this study are limited to the ongoing parent-child separation, previous absence of migrant parents has been suggested to have long-lasting negative effects in studies of adolescents in reunited families. Findings from Hou and colleagues' study highlight the needs to better understand migration-related parent-child separation during sensitive developmental periods in infancy and early childhood. A spectrum of risk due to parental migration should be established, accounting for the timing and duration of migration and care arrangements, in order to better identify the at-risk children in communities affected by out-migration. Future research should further explore the mediating and moderating factors in child's environments, and evaluate post-separation adjustment among reunited families after parents' return migration. Research evidence on these aspects will inform the development of tailored intervention programs for left-behind children, and strengthen the abilities of families and communities in best serving the needs of children affected by prolonged parental absence.
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Association between prolonged separation from parents and allostatic load among children in China. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 118:104715. [PMID: 32447177 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To capture the association of exposure to prolonged separation from both parents early in life and allostatic load (AL), a measure of biological multi-system dysregulation. METHODS We used data from 557 7-12-year-old children enrolled in rural area of Chizhou city, Anhui Province, China. We computed an AL score based on eleven biomarkers representing four regulatory systems: immune/inflammatory system (high sensitivity C-reactive protein); metabolic system (body mass index; high density lipoprotein; low density lipoprotein, total cholesterol; triglycerides; fasting glucose; glycated hemoglobin; insulin) and cardiovascular system (systolic and diastolic blood pressure). Child's experiences of parent-child separation were collected a brief online questionnaire by parents of children. RESULTS More than 1 in 3 of our participants separated with both parents at age 6 or younger and nearly 1 in 10 persistently separated from both parents after birth. The AL score was significantly higher among children separated from both parents during early childhood (3.25 ± 1.98) or persistently since birth (3.48 ± 1.92), compared with those who did not separated from both parents (2.34 ± 1.53, F = 12.992, P<0.001). After adjustment of demographic covariates, body mass index as well as parent frequency of communication and parental warmth, children who separated from both parents in early childhood (β = 0.84, 95%CI:0.40, 1.28, P < 0.001) or persistently into adolescence (β = 1.27, 95%CI:0.43, 2.12, P = 0.003) evinced the highest levels of AL. CONCLUSION This study is the first to show an association between prolonged parent-child separation and physiological wear-and-tear as measured by AL, which provides potential insights into the biological mechanisms underpinning long-term health outcomes in contexts of parent-child separation.
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Moslem A, Rad A, de Prado Bert P, Alahabadi A, Ebrahimi Aval H, Miri M, Gholizadeh A, Ehrampoush MH, Sunyer J, Nawrot TS, Miri M, Dadvand P. Association of exposure to air pollution and telomere length in preschool children. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 722:137933. [PMID: 32213432 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to air pollution is associated with adverse health effects; however, the available evidence of its association with telomere length (TL), an early marker of ageing, in children is still scarce with no study available for preschool children. This study aimed to investigate the association of exposure to air pollution and traffic indicators at home and kindergarten with relative leukocyte TL (LTL) in preschool children. This cross-sectional study included 200 preschool children (5-7 years old) recruited from 27 kindergartens in Sabzevar, Iran (2017). Outdoor annual average levels PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 at residential address and kindergartens were estimated applying land use regression (LUR) models. Moreover, indoor levels of PMs at kindergartens were measured for four days in each season resulting in a total of 16 days of measurements for each kindergarten. Total streets length in different buffers and distance to major road were calculated as traffic indicators at residential address and kindergartens. We applied quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to measure relative LTL in blood samples obtained from children. Mixed linear regression models were developed with qPCR plate and kindergarten as random effects, to estimate association of each pollutant and traffic indicator with LTL, controlled for relevant covariates. Higher concentrations of outdoor PM1, PM2.5, and PM10, at home and kindergartens were associated with shorter relative LTL. Similarly, increase in indoor PM2.5 concentrations at kindergartens was associated with shorter relative LTL (β = -0.18, 95% CI: -0.36, -0.01, P-value < 0.01). Moreover, higher total street length in 100 m buffer around residence and lower residential distance to major roads were associated with shorter relative LTL (β = -0.25, 95% CI: -0.37, -0.13, P-value < 0.01, and 0.32, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.44, P-value < 0.01, respectively). Overall, our study suggested that higher exposure to air pollution and traffic at kindergarten and residential home were associated with shorter relative LTL in preschool children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Moslem
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Rad
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Paula de Prado Bert
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Ciber on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ahmad Alahabadi
- Non-communicable diseases Research Center, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Hamideh Ebrahimi Aval
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Miri
- Student Research Committee, Department of Biostatistics, School of Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Gholizadeh
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hassan Ehrampoush
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Ciber on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium; Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mohammad Miri
- Non-communicable diseases Research Center, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.
| | - Payam Dadvand
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Ciber on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
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Impact of Maternal Separation on Dopamine System and its Association with Parkinson's Disease. Neuromolecular Med 2020; 22:335-340. [PMID: 31933131 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-019-08587-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
As a type of stress, maternal separation (MS) has been one of the most widely used models in neuropsychiatric research. An increasing number of studies has found that MS not only affects the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and hippocampal 5-hydroxytryptamine system, but also causes dysfunction of the central dopamine (DA) system and increases the susceptibility of dopaminergic neurons to pathogenic factors of Parkinson's disease (PD), for instance, 6-hydroxydopamine, thus impairing motor function. We reviewed the impact of MS on the DA system and its correlation with PD and found the following: (1) discrepant effects of MS on the DA system have been reported; (2) MS is a good model to study the impact of stress on the occurrence and development of PD, however, unified modeling criteria of MS are required; (3) correlation between MS and PD may involve the impact of MS on the DA system, which however is not the only connection; (4) intervening measures can block pathways between MS and PD, which provides reference for the prevention of PD in specific populations such as left-behind children.
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Esteves KC, Jones CW, Wade M, Callerame K, Smith AK, Theall KP, Drury SS. Adverse Childhood Experiences: Implications for Offspring Telomere Length and Psychopathology. Am J Psychiatry 2020; 177:47-57. [PMID: 31509004 PMCID: PMC7273739 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.18030335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [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] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with mental and physical health risks that, through biological and psychosocial pathways, likely span generations. Within an individual, telomere length (TL), an established marker of cellular stress and aging, is associated with both ACE exposure and psychopathology, providing the basis for an emerging literature suggesting that TL is a biomarker of the health risks linked to early-life adversity both within and across generations. The authors tested the effect of maternal ACEs on both the trajectory of infant TL and infant social-emotional problems at 18 months of age. METHODS Pregnant women were recruited, and maternal scores on the Adverse Childhood Experience questionnaire were obtained, along with demographic and prenatal stress measures. Postnatal visits with 155 mother-infant dyads occurred when infants were 4, 12, and 18 months of age. At each visit, infant buccal swabs were collected for TL measurement, and mothers completed measures of maternal depression. Mothers also completed the Child Behavior Checklist at the 18-month visit. Mixed-effects modeling was used to test how maternal ACEs influenced infant TL trajectory. Linear regression was used to test the association between maternal ACEs and infant internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Finally, the interaction between telomere attrition from 4 to 18 months and maternal ACEs was examined as a predictor of infant scores on the Child Behavior Checklist. RESULTS Higher maternal ACEs were associated with shorter infant TL across infancy and higher infant externalizing behavioral problems at 18 months. No associations were found with internalizing behavioral problems. Telomere attrition from 4 to 18 months interacted with maternal ACEs to predict externalizing behaviors. In infants whose mothers reported higher scores on the Adverse Childhood Experience questionnaire, greater telomere attrition predicted higher externalizing problems, even when accounting for maternal postnatal depression and prenatal stress. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate an interactive pathway between maternal early-life adversity and infant TL that predicts emerging behavioral problems in the next generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle C Esteves
- The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans (Esteves, Drury); the Department of Neuroscience, Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans (Jones, Drury); the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto (Wade); the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans (Callerame); the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory University, Atlanta (Smith); and the Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans (Theall)
| | - Christopher W Jones
- The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans (Esteves, Drury); the Department of Neuroscience, Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans (Jones, Drury); the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto (Wade); the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans (Callerame); the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory University, Atlanta (Smith); and the Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans (Theall)
| | - Mark Wade
- The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans (Esteves, Drury); the Department of Neuroscience, Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans (Jones, Drury); the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto (Wade); the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans (Callerame); the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory University, Atlanta (Smith); and the Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans (Theall)
| | - Keegan Callerame
- The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans (Esteves, Drury); the Department of Neuroscience, Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans (Jones, Drury); the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto (Wade); the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans (Callerame); the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory University, Atlanta (Smith); and the Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans (Theall)
| | - Alicia K Smith
- The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans (Esteves, Drury); the Department of Neuroscience, Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans (Jones, Drury); the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto (Wade); the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans (Callerame); the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory University, Atlanta (Smith); and the Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans (Theall)
| | - Katherine P Theall
- The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans (Esteves, Drury); the Department of Neuroscience, Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans (Jones, Drury); the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto (Wade); the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans (Callerame); the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory University, Atlanta (Smith); and the Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans (Theall)
| | - Stacy S Drury
- The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans (Esteves, Drury); the Department of Neuroscience, Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans (Jones, Drury); the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto (Wade); the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans (Callerame); the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory University, Atlanta (Smith); and the Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans (Theall)
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Jones-Mason K, Behrens KY, Gribneau Bahm NI. The psychobiological consequences of child separation at the border: lessons from research on attachment and emotion regulation. Attach Hum Dev 2019; 23:1-36. [PMID: 31769354 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2019.1692879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In the spring of 2018, the Attorney General of the United States issued a memorandum declaring a "zero tolerance policy" under which all adults entering the United States illegally would be criminally prosecuted, and, if traveling with minor children, forcibly separated from their children. Although the government was ordered to reunite the children with their parents it is still unclear how many children have been or remain separated. Given the high risk of permanent harm to a vulnerable population, and the fact that this risk may continue into the near future, we present a review of what nearly eight decades of scholarly research has taught us about the damaging impact of deprivation and separation from parents. The article briefly reviews the origins of attachment theory as well as empirical studies that examine the psychobiological impact on children who experienced parental deprivation or separation. The paper concludes with recommendations, for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Jones-Mason
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Health and Community, University of California , San Francisco, USA
| | - Kazuko Y Behrens
- Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, State University of New York Polytechnic Institute , Utica, NY, USA
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The association between intimate partner violence against women and newborn telomere length. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:239. [PMID: 31570690 PMCID: PMC6768880 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0575-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women negatively impacts infant health. However, its impact on infant's biology, in particular on telomere length (TL) is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association between IPV against women before childbirth and cord blood TL in their newborn. A total of 774 pregnant women in the 20th-24th week of gestation were recruited at a public hospital in Hong Kong. The mothers' exposure to IPV before childbirth, demographic characteristics, obstetric outcomes, health and mental health were measured at the time of recruitment and 4 weeks after childbirth. Umbilical cord blood was collected by midwives at the time of delivery. The newborn TL was quantified using quantitative PCR method and expressed in T/S ratio (the ratio of telomere repeat copy numbers to single-copy gene numbers). After adjusting for a number of confounding variables, the mothers' exposure to any IPV before childbirth (β = -0.08, 95% CI = -0.14, -0.01) was associated with shorter TL. Specifically, psychological abuse against women before childbirth (β = -0.08, 95% CI = -0.15, -0.02) and sexual abuse against women before childbirth (β = -0.22, 95% CI = -0.43 to -0.01) were significantly associated with reduced newborn TL. This study is the first to provide evidence of an association between IPV against women before childbirth and TL shortening in their newborns. Through TL- dependent transcription and epigenetic mechanisms, our finding suggests maternal exposure to IPV may exert a life-long impact on the offspring's health.
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