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Eaves LA, Harrington CE, Fry RC. Epigenetic Responses to Nonchemical Stressors: Potential Molecular Links to Perinatal Health Outcomes. Curr Environ Health Rep 2024; 11:145-157. [PMID: 38580766 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-024-00435-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] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We summarize the recent literature investigating exposure to four nonchemical stressors (financial stress, racism, psychosocial stress, and trauma) and DNA methylation, miRNA expression, and mRNA expression. We also highlight the relationships between these epigenetic changes and six critical perinatal outcomes (preterm birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, childhood allergic disease, and childhood neurocognition). RECENT FINDINGS Multiple studies have found financial stress, psychosocial stress, and trauma to be associated with DNA methylation and/or miRNA and mRNA expression. Fewer studies have investigated the effects of racism. The majority of studies assessed epigenetic or genomic changes in maternal blood, cord blood, or placenta. Several studies included multi-OMIC assessments in which DNA methylation and/or miRNA expression were associated with gene expression. There is strong evidence for the role of epigenetics in driving the health outcomes considered. A total of 22 biomarkers, including numerous HPA axis genes, were identified to be epigenetically altered by both stressors and outcomes. Epigenetic changes related to inflammation, the immune and endocrine systems, and cell growth and survival were highlighted across numerous studies. Maternal exposure to nonchemical stressors is associated with epigenetic and/or genomic changes in a tissue-specific manner among inflammatory, immune, endocrine, and cell growth-related pathways, which may act as mediating pathways to perinatal health outcomes. Future research can test the mediating role of the specific biomarkers identified as linked with both stressors and outcomes. Understanding underlying epigenetic mechanisms altered by nonchemical stressors can provide a better understanding of how chemical and nonchemical exposures interact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Eaves
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Cailee E Harrington
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Gascoigne EL, Roell KR, Eaves LA, Fry RC, Manuck TA. Accelerated epigenetic clock aging in maternal peripheral blood and preterm birth. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:559.e1-559.e9. [PMID: 37690595 PMCID: PMC10920398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.09.003] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic clocks use CpG DNA methylation to estimate biological age. Acceleration is associated with cancer, heart disease, and shorter life span. Few studies evaluate DNA methylation age and pregnancy outcomes. AgeAccelGrim is a novel epigenetic clock that combines 7 DNA methylation components. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether maternal biological aging (via AgeAccelGrim) is associated with early preterm birth. STUDY DESIGN A prospective cohort of patients with singleton pregnancies and at high risk of spontaneous preterm birth delivering at a tertiary university hospital were included in this study. Genome-wide CpG methylation was measured using the Illumina EPIC BeadChip (Illumina, Inc, San Diego, CA) from maternal blood samples obtained at <28 weeks of gestation. AgeAccelGrim and its 7 DNA methylation components were estimated by the Horvath DNA methylation age online tool. Positive values are associated with accelerated biological aging, whereas negative values are associated with slower biological aging relative to each subject's age. The primary outcome was preterm birth at <34 weeks of gestation (any indication). The secondary outcomes were preterm birth at <37 and <28 weeks of gestation. AgeAccelGrim was analyzed as a continuous variable and in quartiles. Exploratory analyses evaluated each of the 7 DNA methylation components included in the composite AgeAccelGrim. Data were analyzed by chi-square test, t test, rank-sum test, logistic regression (controlling a priori for maternal age, cell counts, low socioeconomic status, and gestational age at the time of sample collection), and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. The log-rank test was used to test the equality of the survival functions. RESULTS Overall, 163 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of the patients, 48%, 39%, and 21% delivered at <37, <34, and <28 weeks of gestation, respectively. The median AgeAccelGrim was -0.35 years (interquartile range, -2.24 to 1.31) for those delivering at term. Those delivering preterm had higher AgeAccelGrim values that were inversely proportional to delivery gestational age (preterm birth at <37 weeks of gestation: +0.40 years [interquartile range: -1.21 to +2.28]; preterm birth at <34 weeks of gestation: +0.51 years [interquartile range: -1.05 to +2.67]; preterm birth at <28 weeks of gestation: +1.05 years [interquartile range: -0.72 to +2.72]). Estimated DNA methylation of the 7 epigenetic clock component values was increased among those with preterm birth at <34 weeks of gestation, although the differences were only significant for DNA methylation of plasminogen activation inhibitor 1. In regression models, AgeAcccelGrim was associated with an elevated risk of preterm birth with increasing magnitude for increasing severity of preterm birth. For each 1-year increase in the AgeAccelGrim value (ie, each 1-year increase in biological age compared with chronologic age), the adjusted odds of preterm birth were 11% (adjusted odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.24), 13% (adjusted odds ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.26), and 18% (adjusted odds ratio, 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.35) higher for preterm birth at <37, <34, and <28 weeks of gestation, respectively. Similarly, individuals with accelerated biological aging (≥75th percentile AgeAccelGrim) had more than double the odds of preterm birth at <34 weeks of gestation (adjusted odds ratio, 2.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-5.08) and more than triple the odds of preterm birth at <28 weeks of gestation (adjusted odds ratio, 3.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.61-9.38). The adjusted odds ratio for preterm birth at <37 weeks of gestation was 1.73 but spanned the null (adjusted odds ratio, 1.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-3.69). In Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, those in the highest AgeAccelGrim quartile delivered the earliest (log-rank P value of <.001). CONCLUSION Accelerated biological aging was associated with preterm birth among high-risk patients. Future research confirming these findings and elucidating factors that slow biological aging may improve birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Gascoigne
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Kyle R Roell
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Lauren A Eaves
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Tracy A Manuck
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC.
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Basile-Ibrahim B, Combellick J, Mead TL, Sorensen A, Batten J, Schafer R. The Social Context of Pregnancy, Respectful Maternity Care, Biomarkers of Weathering, and Postpartum Mental Health Inequities: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:480. [PMID: 38673391 PMCID: PMC11049830 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040480] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Background: Mental health disorders are the number one cause of maternal mortality and a significant maternal morbidity. This scoping review sought to understand the associations between social context and experiences during pregnancy and birth, biological indicators of stress and weathering, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Methods: A scoping review was performed using PRISMA-ScR guidance and JBI scoping review methodology. The search was conducted in OVID Medline and Embase. Results: This review identified 74 eligible English-language peer-reviewed original research articles. A majority of studies reported significant associations between social context, negative and stressful experiences in the prenatal period, and a higher incidence of diagnosis and symptoms of PMADs. Included studies reported significant associations between postpartum depression and prenatal stressors (n = 17), socioeconomic disadvantage (n = 14), negative birth experiences (n = 9), obstetric violence (n = 3), and mistreatment by maternity care providers (n = 3). Birth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was positively associated with negative birth experiences (n = 11), obstetric violence (n = 1), mistreatment by the maternity care team (n = 1), socioeconomic disadvantage (n = 2), and prenatal stress (n = 1); and inverse association with supportiveness of the maternity care team (n = 5) and presence of a birth companion or doula (n = 4). Postpartum anxiety was significantly associated with negative birth experiences (n = 2) and prenatal stress (n = 3). Findings related to associations between biomarkers of stress and weathering, perinatal exposures, and PMADs (n = 14) had mixed significance. Conclusions: Postpartum mental health outcomes are linked with the prenatal social context and interactions with the maternity care team during pregnancy and birth. Respectful maternity care has the potential to reduce adverse postpartum mental health outcomes, especially for persons affected by systemic oppression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joan Combellick
- School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, CT 06477, USA; (J.C.)
| | - Thomas L. Mead
- Biomedical Libraries, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA;
| | - Alee Sorensen
- School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, CT 06477, USA; (J.C.)
| | - Janene Batten
- Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
| | - Robyn Schafer
- Division of Advanced Nursing Practice, School of Nursing, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07107, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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Peng S, Xu R, Wei K, Liu N, Lv Y, Lin Y. Association between kidney function and biological age: a China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1259074. [PMID: 38164447 PMCID: PMC10757928 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1259074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The chronological age (CA) cannot precisely reflect the health status. Our study aimed to establish a model of kidney biological age to evaluate kidney function more elaborately. Methods The modeling group was used to establish the model, consisting of 1,303 respondents of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The biological age of the kidney (BA) was constructed by principal component analysis (PCA) and Klemera and Doubal's method (KDM) with the 1,303 health respondents. Results PCA was chosen as the best method for our research step by step. The test group was used to apply the model. (a) BA of the kidney can distinguish respondents with from without kidney disease. (b) BA of the kidney was significantly different in various levels of kidney function. The BA of the eGFR <60 group and 60 ≤ eGFR <90 group were older than GFR ≥90 group. (c) The group with younger BA of kidney at baseline had a lower risk of kidney function decreased. (d) The risk of decreased kidney function caused by increasing BA every additional year is higher than CA. Discussion The BA of the kidney is a parameter negatively correlated with decreased kidney function and fills the blank of evaluation among people in the middle of heathy and kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Peng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Health Management Centre, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Wei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Lv
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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McKenna BG, Choi J, Brennan PA, K Knight A, Smith AK, R Pilkay S, Corwin EJ, Dunlop AL. Maternal Adversity and Epigenetic Age Acceleration Predict Heightened Emotional Reactivity in Offspring: Implications for Intergenerational Transmission of Risk. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2023; 51:1753-1767. [PMID: 36227464 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-022-00981-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Black American women are disproportionately exposed to adversities that may have an intergenerational impact on mental health. The present study examined whether maternal exposure to adversity and epigenetic age acceleration (EAA; a biomarker of stress exposure) predicts the socioemotional health of her offspring. During pregnancy, 180 Black American women self-reported experiences of childhood adversity and marginalization-related adversity (i.e., racial discrimination and gendered racial stress) and provided a blood sample for epigenetic assessment. At a three-year follow-up visit, women reported their offspring's emotional reactivity (an early indicator of psychopathology) via the CBCL/1.5-5. After adjusting for maternal education and offspring sex, results indicated that greater maternal experiences of childhood trauma (β = 0.21, SE(β) = 0.01; p = 0.01) and racial discrimination (β = 0.14, SE(β) = 0.07; p = 0.049) predicted greater offspring emotional reactivity, as did maternal EAA (β = 0.17, SE(β) = 0.09, p = 0.046). Our findings suggest that maternal EAA could serve as an early biomarker for intergenerational risk conferred by maternal adversity, and that 'maternal adversity' must be defined more broadly to include social marginalization, particularly for Black Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke G McKenna
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Joanne Choi
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | - Anna K Knight
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Stefanie R Pilkay
- School of Social Work, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, USA
| | | | - Anne L Dunlop
- School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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Park M, Ahn S. An explanatory model of quality of life in high-risk pregnant women in Korea: a structural equation model. KOREAN JOURNAL OF WOMEN HEALTH NURSING 2023; 29:302-316. [PMID: 38204390 PMCID: PMC10788389 DOI: 10.4069/kjwhn.2023.11.13.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to develop and validate a structural model for the quality of life (QoL) among high-risk pregnant women, based on Roy's adaptation model. METHODS This cross-sectional study collected data from 333 first-time mothers diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy in two obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Cheonan, Korea, or participating in an online community, between October 20, 2021 and February 20, 2022. Structured questionnaires measured QoL, contextual stimuli (uncertainty), coping (adaptive or maladaptive), and adaptation mode (fatigue, state anxiety, antenatal depression, maternal identity, and marital adjustment). RESULTS The mean age of the respondents was 35.29±3.72 years, ranging from 26 to 45 years. The most common high-risk pregnancy diagnosis was gestational diabetes (26.1%). followed by preterm labor (21.6%). QoL was higher than average (18.63±3.80). Above-moderate mean scores were obtained for all domains (psychological/baby, 19.03; socioeconomic, 19.00; relational/spouse-partner, 20.99; relational/family-friends, 19.18; and health and functioning, 16.18). The final model explained 51% of variance in QoL in high-risk pregnant women, with acceptable overall model fit. Adaptation mode (β=-.81, p=.034) and maladaptive coping (β=.46 p=.043) directly affected QoL, and uncertainty (β=-. 21, p=.004), adaptive coping (β=.36 p=.026), and maladaptive coping (β=-.56 p=.023) indirectly affected QoL. CONCLUSION It is essential to develop nursing interventions aimed at enhancing appropriate coping strategies to improve QoL in high-risk pregnant women. By reinforcing adaptive coping strategies and mitigating maladaptive coping, these interventions can contribute to better maternal and fetal outcomes and improve the overall well-being of high-risk pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihyeon Park
- College of Nursing, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Sukhee Ahn
- College of Nursing, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
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Jain VG, Monangi N, Zhang G, Muglia LJ. Genetics, epigenetics, and transcriptomics of preterm birth. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 88:e13600. [PMID: 35818963 PMCID: PMC9509423 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth contributes significantly to neonatal mortality and morbidity. Despite its global significance, there has only been limited progress in preventing preterm birth. Spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) results from a wide variety of pathological processes. Although many non-genetic risk factors influence the timing of gestation and labor, compelling evidence supports the role of substantial genetic and epigenetic influences and their interactions with the environment contributing to sPTB. To investigate a common and complex disease such as sPTB, various approaches such as genome-wide association studies, whole-exome sequencing, transcriptomics, and integrative approaches combining these with other 'omics studies have been used. However, many of these studies were typically small or focused on a single ethnicity or geographic region with limited data, particularly in populations at high risk for sPTB, or lacked a robust replication. These studies found many genes involved in the inflammation and immunity-related pathways that may affect sPTB. Recent studies also suggest the role of epigenetic modifications of gene expression by the environmental signals as a potential contributor to the risk of sPTB. Future genetic studies of sPTB should continue to consider the contributions of both maternal and fetal genomes as well as their interaction with the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viral G. Jain
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Nagendra Monangi
- Division of Neonatology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Ge Zhang
- Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Louis J. Muglia
- Center for Prevention of Preterm Birth, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center Ohio Collaborative, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Ryan CP, Rege RJ, Lee NR, Carba DB, Kobor MS, MacIsaac JL, Lin DS, Atashzay P, Kuzawa CW. Maternal epigenetic clocks measured during pregnancy do not predict gestational age at delivery or offspring birth outcomes: a replication study in metropolitan Cebu, Philippines. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:78. [PMID: 35733189 PMCID: PMC9219190 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01296-6] [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: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse birth outcomes, such as early gestational age and low birth weight, can have lasting effects on morbidity and mortality, with impacts that persist into adulthood. Identifying the maternal factors that contribute to adverse birth outcomes in the next generation is thus a priority. Epigenetic clocks, which have emerged as powerful tools for quantifying biological aging and various dimensions of physiological dysregulation, hold promise for clarifying relationships between maternal biology and infant health, including the maternal factors or states that predict birth outcomes. Nevertheless, studies exploring the relationship between maternal epigenetic age and birth outcomes remain few. Here, we attempt to replicate a series of analyses previously reported in a US-based sample, using a larger similarly aged sample (n = 296) of participants of a long-running study in the Philippines. New pregnancies were identified prospectively, dried blood spot samples were collected during the third trimester, and information was obtained on gestational age at delivery and offspring weight after birth. Genome-wide DNA methylation was assessed with the Infinium EPIC array. Using a suite of 15 epigenetic clocks, we only found one significant relationship: advanced age on the epigenetic clock trained on leptin predicted a significantly earlier gestational age at delivery (β = - 0.15, p = 0.009). Of the other 29 relationships tested predicting gestational age and offspring birth weight, none were statistically significant. In this sample of Filipino women, epigenetic clocks capturing multiple dimensions of biology and health do not predict birth outcomes in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calen P Ryan
- Department of Epidemiology, Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
| | - Raviraj J Rege
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Nanette R Lee
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, University of San Carlos, Talamban, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Delia B Carba
- USC-Office of Population Studies Foundation, University of San Carlos, Talamban, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Michael S Kobor
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Julie L MacIsaac
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David S Lin
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Parmida Atashzay
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christopher W Kuzawa
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.,Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
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