1
|
Tartour AI, Chivese T, Eltayeb S, Elamin FM, Fthenou E, Seed Ahmed M, Babu GR. Prenatal psychological distress and 11β-HSD2 gene expression in human placentas: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 166:107060. [PMID: 38677195 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107060] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta acts as a buffer to regulate the degree of fetal exposure to maternal cortisol through the 11-Beta Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase isoenzyme type 2 (11-β HSD2) enzyme. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effect of prenatal psychological distress (PPD) on placental 11-β HSD2 gene expression and explore the related mechanistic pathways involved in fetal neurodevelopment. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, APA PsycInfo®, and ProQuest Dissertations for observational studies assessing the association between PPD and 11-β HSD2 expression in human placentas. Adjusted regression coefficients (β) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled based on three contextual PPD exposure groups: prenatal depression, anxiety symptoms, and perceived stress. RESULTS Of 3159 retrieved records, sixteen longitudinal studies involving 1869 participants across seven countries were included. Overall, exposure to PPD disorders showed weak negative associations with the placental 11-β HSD2 gene expression as follows: prenatal depression (β -0.01, 95% CI 0.05-0.02, I2=0%), anxiety symptoms (β -0.02, 95% CI 0.06-0.01, I2=0%), and perceived stress (β -0.01 95% CI 0.06-0.04, I2=62.8%). Third-trimester PPD exposure was more frequently associated with lower placental 11-β HSD2 levels. PPD and placental 11-β HSD2 were associated with changes in cortisol reactivity and the development of adverse health outcomes in mothers and children. Female-offspring were more vulnerable to PPD exposures. CONCLUSION The study presents evidence of a modest role of prenatal psychological distress in regulating placental 11-β HSD2 gene expression. Future prospective cohorts utilizing larger sample sizes or advanced statistical methods to enhance the detection of small effect sizes should be planned. Additionally, controlling for key predictors such as the mother's ethnicity, trimester of PPD exposure, mode of delivery, and infant sex is crucial for valid exploration of PPD effects on fetal programming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angham Ibrahim Tartour
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P. O. Box:2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Tawanda Chivese
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P. O. Box:2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Safa Eltayeb
- Qatar Biobank for Medical Research, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fatima M Elamin
- Office of Research Ethics and Integrity, Qatar University, P. O. Box:2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Eleni Fthenou
- Qatar Biobank for Medical Research, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammed Seed Ahmed
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P. O. Box:2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Giridhara Rathnaiah Babu
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, P. O. Box:2713, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Scroggins JK, Yang Q, Dotters-Katz SK, Brandon D, Reuter-Rice K. Examination of Maternal Allostatic Load Among Postpartum Women With Distinct Postpartum Symptom Typologies. Biol Res Nurs 2024; 26:279-292. [PMID: 37990445 DOI: 10.1177/10998004231217680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increased allostatic load (cumulative physiologic wear and tear of the body) can lead to adverse health outcomes. Symptom experiences are known to influence allostatic load. Yet, the relationships between postpartum symptom typologies and maternal allostatic load remain unknown. METHODS We used Community Child Health Network data and included participants with allostatic load data at 6, 12, or 24 months postpartum. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine associations between postpartum symptom typologies and (a) overall allostatic load, (b) allostatic load subscales for body systems (neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, metabolic, and inflammatory), and (c) individual biomarkers within the subscale. RESULTS Overall allostatic load at 12 months postpartum was different by symptom typologies before (p = .042) and after adjusting for confounders (p = .029). Postpartum women in typology 5 (high overall) had the highest adjusted overall allostatic load (M = 4.18, SE = .27). At 12 months, adjusted allostatic load for the cardiovascular subscale was higher in typologies 3 (moderate-high sleep symptoms, M = 1.78, SE = .13) and 5 (high overall, M = 1.80, SE = .17). Within the cardiovascular subscale, those in typology 3 had higher adjusted odds for a clinically significant level of pulse rate (aOR = 2.01, CI = 1.22, 3.31). CONCLUSION Postpartum women who experienced high symptom severity across all symptoms (typology 5) at 6 months had higher overall allostatic load at 12 months postpartum. Typologies 3 and 5 had the highest symptom severity in sleep-related symptoms and higher cardiovascular subscale scores. Postpartum symptom management should target symptom burden in an effort to reduce allostatic load thereby improving postpartum women's health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihye Kim Scroggins
- School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Qing Yang
- School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Debra Brandon
- School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Karin Reuter-Rice
- School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chowdhury SF, Prout N, Rivera-Núñez Z, Barrett E, Brunner J, Duberstein Z, Kannan K, Salafia CM, Shah R, Miller RK, O'Connor TG. PFAS alters placental arterial vasculature in term human placentae: A prospective pregnancy cohort study. Placenta 2024; 149:54-63. [PMID: 38518389 PMCID: PMC10997442 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in industrial and consumer goods that are widely detected in human populations and are associated with adverse health outcomes, including perinatal health risks and child health. One mechanism of influence may be the impact of PFAS exposure on placental structure and function. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between maternal prenatal exposure to PFAS and measures of placental vascularization, and to assess whether changes in vascularization play a role in mediating the impact of PFAS on birth outcomes. METHODS Using data from a prospective cohort study, we examined associations between second trimester PFAS (individually and as mixtures using Bayesian kernel machine regression) and placental arterial vasculature in term placentae (N = 158); secondarily we evaluated the degree to which alterations in placental arterial vasculature explained associations between PFAS exposure and birth outcomes. Placental arterial vasculature features were collected from arterial tracings of each placental image. RESULTS In both linear regression and mixture models, natural log-transformed perfluorooctanoic acid concentrations were negatively associated with surface vasculature, indexed by the mean distance from arterial end point to perimeter (β = -0.23, 95% CI: -0.41, -0.041); additionally, maximum arterial tortuosity was negatively associated with placental weight (β = -0.19, 95% CI: -0.34, -0.051). There were no reliable differences in effect by fetal sex. DISCUSSION The findings provide some of the first evidence of PFAS exposure shaping a key measure of placental vascular function, which may underlie the impact of PFAS on perinatal and child health risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Firoza Chowdhury
- Wynne Center for Family Research, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue., Rochester, NY, 14642, USA; Translational Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue., Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
| | - Nashae Prout
- Wynne Center for Family Research, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue., Rochester, NY, 14642, USA; Toxicology Graduate Program, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue., Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
| | - Zorimar Rivera-Núñez
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 170 Frelinghuysen Rd., Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
| | - Emily Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 170 Frelinghuysen Rd., Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, USA.
| | - Jessica Brunner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, USA.
| | - Zoe Duberstein
- Wynne Center for Family Research, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue., Rochester, NY, 14642, USA; Psychology, University of Rochester, Meliora Hall, P.O. Box 270266, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA.
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 1st Ave., New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Carolyn M Salafia
- Placental Analytics LLC, 187 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle, NY, 10804, USA; Institute for Basic Research, 1550 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA; New York Presbyterian- Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, 550 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11215, USA; Queens Hospital Center, 82-68 164th Street, Queens, New York, 11432, USA.
| | - Ruchit Shah
- Placental Analytics LLC, 187 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle, NY, 10804, USA.
| | - Richard K Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, USA.
| | - Thomas G O'Connor
- Wynne Center for Family Research, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue., Rochester, NY, 14642, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, USA; Psychology, University of Rochester, Meliora Hall, P.O. Box 270266, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester, 300 Crittenden Blvd., Rochester, NY, 14642, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue., Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Castro-Quintas Á, Eixarch E, Martin-Gonzalez NS, Daura-Corral M, Marques-Feixa L, Palma-Gudiel H, Rocavert-Barranco M, Miguel-Valero A, Monteserín-García JL, de la Fuente-Tomás L, Crispi F, Arias B, García-Portilla MP, Fañanás L. Diurnal cortisol throughout pregnancy and its association with maternal depressive symptoms and birth outcomes. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 161:106930. [PMID: 38142606 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106930] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression during pregnancy is a common complication that can negatively affect fetal health and birth outcomes. Cortisol is believed to be a key mediator of this association. Although pregnancy entails a natural increase in cortisol levels, preclinical depression could alter its circadian rhythm, producing excessively high overall diurnal cortisol levels that might be harmful for the fetus and future offspring development. OBJECTIVES Using a prospective longitudinal design, we aimed to study (i) trimestral cortisol circadian rhythm and its overall levels throughout pregnancy in healthy women, (ii) the extent to which maternal depressive symptoms influence both cortisol rhythmicity and overall levels, and (iii) the possible adverse consequences of elevated maternal cortisol on the offspring's weight and gestational age at birth. STUDY DESIGN 112 healthy pregnant women from the general Spanish population were recruited before their first pregnancy. To assess cortisol circadian rhythm, participants provided four saliva samples at each trimester of pregnancy (at awakening, 30 min after awakening, before lunch and before going to bed). Overall cortisol levels were calculated with AUCg approximation. Depressive symptoms were evaluated in each trimester and defined according to EPDS cut-off values (1st trimester, EPDS ≥ 11; 2nd and 3rd trimesters, EPDS ≥ 10). At birth, the risk for low weight, prematurity and weight birth percentile was retrieved for 100 infants. Mixed models and simple effects were employed to study changes of maternal cortisol circadian rhythm and overall levels throughout pregnancy and the possible influence of maternal depressive symptoms. Finally, logistic regressions were performed to assess the associations between maternal overall cortisol levels in each trimester of pregnancy and birth anthropometrics. RESULTS Although overall diurnal cortisol levels increase throughout pregnancy, cortisol circadian rhythm is preserved in all trimesters [1st (F(3110)= 92.565, p < .001), 2nd (F(3,85)= 46.828, p < .001) and 3rd (F(3,90)= 65.555, p < .001)]. However, women with depressive symptoms showed a flattened cortisol circadian pattern only during the second trimester, characterized by a blunted awakening peak and reduced evening decline (F(3,85)= 4.136, p = .009), but not during the first (F(3,11)= 1.676, p = .176) or the third (F(3,90)= 1.089, p = .358) trimesters. Additionally, they did not show a cortisol increase from second to third trimester (p = .636). Finally, higher maternal cortisol levels in second and third trimesters seemed to be associated with increased risk of prematurity (adjusted OR -0.371, 95% CI 0.490-0.972, p = .034) and low birth weight percentile (adjusted OR -0.612, 95% CI 0.348-0.846, p = .007) respectively. CONCLUSION Maternal cortisol levels increased throughout pregnancy, although cortisol circadian rhythm was preserved in all trimesters of pregnancy. However, prenatal depressive symptoms were associated with flattened maternal cortisol circadian rhythm in mid-pregnancy. Therefore, it seems that women with depressive symptoms tended to increase less gradually their cortisol levels from mid to late pregnancy. Finally, higher maternal cortisol levels in mid and late-pregnancy seem to be associated with poorer birth anthropometrics Early detection of depressive symptoms in general population could help to prevent putative obstetrical and birth adverse outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Águeda Castro-Quintas
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedicine Institute of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER of Mental Health, CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisenda Eixarch
- BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu); Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER of Rare Diseases, CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea San Martin-Gonzalez
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedicine Institute of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER of Mental Health, CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Daura-Corral
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Marques-Feixa
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedicine Institute of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER of Mental Health, CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Helena Palma-Gudiel
- Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER of Mental Health, CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; College of Public Health and Health Professions, Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, United States
| | | | - Alba Miguel-Valero
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Monteserín-García
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedicine Institute of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER of Mental Health, CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorena de la Fuente-Tomás
- Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER of Mental Health, CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Fátima Crispi
- BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu); Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER of Rare Diseases, CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Barbara Arias
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedicine Institute of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER of Mental Health, CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Paz García-Portilla
- Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER of Mental Health, CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; Servicio de Salud del Principado de Asturias (SESPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Lourdes Fañanás
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedicine Institute of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain; Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBER of Mental Health, CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Howland MA. Recalibration of the stress response system over adult development: Is there a perinatal recalibration period? Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:2315-2337. [PMID: 37641984 PMCID: PMC10901284 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423000998] [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] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
During early life-sensitive periods (i.e., fetal, infancy), the developing stress response system adaptively calibrates to match environmental conditions, whether harsh or supportive. Recent evidence suggests that puberty is another window when the stress system is open to recalibration if environmental conditions have shifted significantly. Whether additional periods of recalibration exist in adulthood remains to be established. The present paper draws parallels between childhood (re)calibration periods and the perinatal period to hypothesize that this phase may be an additional window of stress recalibration in adult life. Specifically, the perinatal period (defined here to include pregnancy, lactation, and early parenthood) is also a developmental switch point characterized by heightened neural plasticity and marked changes in stress system function. After discussing these similarities, lines of empirical evidence needed to substantiate the perinatal stress recalibration hypothesis are proposed, and existing research support is reviewed. Complexities and challenges related to delineating the boundaries of perinatal stress recalibration and empirically testing this hypothesis are discussed, as well as possibilities for future multidisciplinary research. In the theme of this special issue, perinatal stress recalibration may be a mechanism of multilevel, multisystem risk, and resilience, both intra-individually and intergenerationally, with implications for optimizing interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariann A Howland
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hansel MC, Murphy HR, Brunner J, Wang C, Miller RK, O'Connor TG, Barrett ES, Rivera-Núñez Z. Associations between neighborhood stress and maternal sex steroid hormones in pregnancy. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:730. [PMID: 37845614 PMCID: PMC10577914 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06043-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neighborhood stressors (e.g., crime and deprivation) have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth and low birth weight. A potential mechanism is disruption of maternal endocrine pathways. While stress hormones (e.g., cortisol) have received much attention, other relevant hormones, including sex steroids, have been overlooked. METHODS Pregnant women in the Understanding Pregnancy Signals and Infant Development (UPSIDE) study contributed biospecimens, questionnaires, and medical record data (n = 262). In each trimester, maternal serum total testosterone [TT], estrone, estradiol, and estriol were measured using LC/MS-MS and serum free testosterone was measured by equilibrium dialysis. In the third trimester, participants reported on neighborhood stress over the last year through the validated City Stress Inventory. We examined two subscales: 11-item neighborhood disorder (e.g., vacant buildings, crime) and 7-item exposure to violence (personal experiences of violence). Composite scores were calculated and examined categorically (quartile (Q) for neighborhood disorder and any/none for exposure to violence). We fitted linear mixed models examining associations between neighborhood stressors and sex steroid hormones across pregnancy as well as trimester-specific linear regression models, all adjusting for confounders. Secondarily, we stratified by fetal sex. Results are presented as percentage change (∆%) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in hormones. RESULTS Most participants (73%) reported one or more exposures to neighborhood disorder; 22% reported any exposure to violence. In adjusted models, neighborhood disorder was associated with higher TT across pregnancy (Q2: %∆= 37.3, 95%CI: 13.2, 66.5; Q3: %∆= 22.2, 95%CI: 1.2, 47.5; and Q4: %∆= 25.7, 95%CI: 1.6, 55.3), with the strongest associations observed in the third trimester (Q2: %∆= 38.0, 95%CI: 10.6, 72.1; Q3: %∆= 29.2, 95%CI: 4.4, 59.9; and Q4: %∆=33.4, 95%CI: 4.9, 69.6). In stratified models, neighborhood disorder was associated with higher TT among women carrying male fetuses (%∆ range: 48.2-84.8). Exposure to violence was not associated with any hormones. CONCLUSION Neighborhood disorder is associated with higher maternal testosterone levels, which may have implications for maternal and child health. Additional research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which neighborhood stress impacts endocrine physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan C Hansel
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Hannah R Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jessica Brunner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Christina Wang
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor -UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Richard K Miller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Thomas G O'Connor
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Zorimar Rivera-Núñez
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Panisch LS, Murphy HR, Wu Q, Brunner JL, Duberstein ZT, Arnold MS, Best M, Barrett ES, Miller RK, Qiu X, O’Connor TG. Adverse Childhood Experiences Predict Diurnal Cortisol Throughout Gestation. Psychosom Med 2023; 85:507-516. [PMID: 37199406 PMCID: PMC10524578 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001218] [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: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with negative prenatal and perinatal health outcomes and may, via these pathways, have intergenerational effects on child health and development. We examine the impact of ACEs on maternal salivary cortisol, a key measure of prenatal biology previously linked with pregnancy-related health outcomes. METHODS Leveraging assessments across three trimesters, we used linear mixed-effects models to analyze the influence of ACEs on maternal prenatal diurnal cortisol patterns in a diverse cohort of pregnant women (analytic sample, n = 207). Covariates included comorbid prenatal depression, psychiatric medications, and sociodemographic factors. RESULTS Maternal ACEs were significantly associated with flatter diurnal cortisol slopes (i.e., less steep decline), after adjusting for covariates, with effects consistent across gestation (estimate = 0.15, standard error = 0.06, p = .008). CONCLUSIONS ACEs experienced before pregnancy may have a robust and lasting influence on maternal prenatal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity throughout gestation, a key biological marker associated with perinatal and child health outcomes. The findings suggest one route of intergenerational transmission of early adverse experiences and underscore the potential value of assessing prepregnancy adverse experiences for promoting perinatal and maternal and child health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa S. Panisch
- Wayne State University School of Social Work, 5447 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Hannah R. Murphy
- Translational Biomedical Science, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, New York, 14642, USA
- Wynne Center for Family Research, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, New York, 14642, USA
| | - Qiuyi Wu
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Saunders Research Building, 265 Crittenden Blvd., Box 630, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Jessica L. Brunner
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, New York, 14642, USA
| | - Zoe T. Duberstein
- Wynne Center for Family Research, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, New York, 14642, USA
- Psychology, University of Rochester, Meliora Hall, P.O. Box 270266, Rochester, New York, 14627, USA
| | - Molly S. Arnold
- Wynne Center for Family Research, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, New York, 14642, USA
- Psychology, University of Rochester, Meliora Hall, P.O. Box 270266, Rochester, New York, 14627, USA
| | - Meghan Best
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, New York, 14642, USA
| | - Emily S. Barrett
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, New York, 14642, USA
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, New Jersey, 08854, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 170 Frelinghuysen Rd., Piscataway, New Jersey, 08854, USA
| | - Richard K. Miller
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, New York, 14642, USA
| | - Xing Qiu
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Saunders Research Building, 265 Crittenden Blvd., Box 630, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Thomas G. O’Connor
- Wynne Center for Family Research, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, New York, 14642, USA
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, New York, 14642, USA
- Psychology, University of Rochester, Meliora Hall, P.O. Box 270266, Rochester, New York, 14627, USA
- Neuroscience, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 603, KMRB G.9602, Rochester, New York, 14642, USA
- Psychiatry, University of Rochester, 300 Crittenden Blvd., Rochester, New York, 14642, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Carbone JT, Hicks LM, Brown S, Saini EK, Dayton CJ. Adverse Childhood Experiences: Associations with a Blunted Cortisol Stress Response During Pregnancy. Matern Child Health J 2023:10.1007/s10995-023-03651-2. [PMID: 37000382 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03651-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are associated with a range of negative physical and mental health outcomes, yet there is limited research focused on the effect of ACEs on stress responses during pregnancy. Expectant mothers experience an increase in cortisol levels as pregnancy progresses, with this increase having important implications for fetal and early infant development. Little is known about the impact of ACEs on maternal cortisol levels. This study explored the relationship between maternal ACEs and cortisol response among expectant mothers nearing or in the third trimester of pregnancy. METHODS 39 expectant mothers were exposed to a Baby Cry Protocol via an infant simulator, with salivary cortisol collected at five points in time (N = 181). Stepwise, multilevel model creation resulted in a random intercept and random slope model with an interaction term for total number of ACEs and week of pregnancy. RESULTS The repeated measures data showed that cortisol levels decreased across collection times, from arrival at the lab, through the Baby Cry Protocol, to recovery. Predictive margins for the interaction term showed that while exposure to a greater number of ACEs was associated with higher cortisol levels early in the third trimester, the expected increase in cortisol late in pregnancy was blunted for expectant mothers who were exposed to a greater number of ACEs. DISCUSSION These findings findings suggest the importance of ACEs screening and intervention efforts as part of prenatal care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason T Carbone
- School of Social Work, Wayne State University, 5447 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA.
| | - Laurel M Hicks
- University of Colorado Boulder, Renée Crown Wellness Institute, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Suzanne Brown
- School of Social Work, Wayne State University, 5447 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | | | - Carolyn J Dayton
- School of Social Work, Wayne State University, 5447 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
- Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|