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Mercado L, Rose S, Escalona-Vargas D, Dajani N, Siegel ER, Preissl H, Eswaran H. Correlating maternal and cord-blood inflammatory markers and BDNF with human fetal brain activity recorded by magnetoencephalography: An exploratory study. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 39:100804. [PMID: 38979093 PMCID: PMC11228641 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background During gestation, the brain development of the fetus is affected by many biological markers, where inflammatory processes and neurotrophic factors have been of particular interest in the past decade. Aim This exploratory study is the first attempt to explore the relationships between biomarker levels in maternal and cord-blood samples and human fetal brain activity measured with non-invasive fetal magnetoencephalography (fMEG). Method Twenty-three women were enrolled in this study for collection of maternal serum and fMEG tracings immediately prior to their scheduled cesarean delivery. Twelve of these women had a preexisting diabetic condition. At the time of delivery, umbilical cord blood was also collected. Biomarker levels from both maternal and cord blood were measured and subsequently analyzed for correlations with fetal brain activity in four frequency bands extracted from fMEG power spectral densities. Results Relative power in the delta, alpha, and beta frequency bands exhibited moderate-sized correlations with maternal BDNF and cord-blood CRP levels before and after adjusting for confounding diabetic status. These correlations were negative for the delta band, and positive for the alpha and beta bands. Maternal CRP and cord-blood BDNF and IL-6 exhibited negligible correlations with relative power in all four bands. Diabetes did not appear to be a strong confounding factor affecting the studied biomarkers. Conclusions Maternal BDNF levels and cord-blood CRP levels appear to have a direct correlation to fetal brain activity. Our findings indicate the potential use of these biomarkers in conjunction with fetal brain electrophysiology to track fetal neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Mercado
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Shannon Rose
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Diana Escalona-Vargas
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Nafisa Dajani
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Eric R. Siegel
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Hubert Preissl
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hari Eswaran
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Dingsdale H, Garay SM, Tyson HR, Savory KA, Sumption LA, Kelleher JS, Langley K, Van Goozen S, John RM. Cord serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels at birth associate with temperament outcomes at one year. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 150:47-53. [PMID: 35354099 PMCID: PMC9225956 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Altered serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are consistently linked with neurological disorders. BDNF is also increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly those found more frequently in males. At birth, male infants naturally have significantly lower serum BDNF levels (∼10-20% lower than females), which may render them more vulnerable to neurodevelopmental disorders. We previously characterized serum BDNF levels in mothers and their newborn infants as part of the Grown in Wales Study. Here, we analyzed whether cord serum BDNF levels at birth correlate with sex-specific outcomes at one year. The Bayley Scale of Infant Development, Third Edition (BSID-III) and Laboratory Temperament Assessment Battery (Lab-TAB) tasks were used to assess infant behavior and neurodevelopment at 12-14 months (mean ± SD: 13.3 ± 1.6 months; 46% male; n = 56). We found no relationship between serum BDNF levels at birth and BSID-III neurodevelopmental outcomes (cognitive or language), nor with infant behaviors in the Lab-TAB unpredictable mechanical toy or maternal separation tasks. In the sustained attention task, there was a significant positive relationship between serum BDNF and infant negative affect (B = 0.06, p = 0.018) and, for boys only, between serum BDNF and intensity of facial interest (B = 0.03, p = 0.005). However, only the latter remained after correction for multiple testing. This sex-specific association between cord serum BDNF and a parameter of attention at 12-14 months provides some support for the hypothesis that reduced serum BDNF levels at birth are linked to an increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley Dingsdale
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Samantha M Garay
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Hannah R Tyson
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Katrina A Savory
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Lorna A Sumption
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | | | - Kate Langley
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Stephanie Van Goozen
- Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Rosalind M John
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.
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Exploring the relationship between metal exposure, BDNF, and behavior in adolescent males. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 239:113877. [PMID: 34757248 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in brain development by regulating multiple pathways within the central nervous system. In the Human Biomonitoring for Europe Project (HBM4EU), this neurotrophin is being implemented as a novel effect biomarker to evaluate the potential threats of environmental chemicals on neurodevelopment. OBJECTIVES To explore the relationships among exposure to environmental metals, BDNF biomarkers at two levels of biological complexity, and behavioral function in adolescent males. METHODS Data were gathered from 125 adolescents on: spot urine sample total concentrations of the neurotoxic metal(oid)s arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb); serum BDNF protein concentrations; and concurrent behavioral functioning according to the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL/6-18). In 113 of the participants, information was also collected on blood BDNF DNA methylation at six CpGs. Associations were evaluated by multivariate linear regression analysis adjusted for confounders. RESULTS As, Cd, Hg, and Pb were detected in 100%, 98.5%, 97.0%, and 89.5% of urine samples, respectively. Median serum BDNF concentration was 32.6 ng/mL, and total percentage of BDNF gene methylation was 3.8%. In the adjusted models, urinary As was non-linearly associated with more internalizing problems and Cd with more externalizing behaviors. The percentage BDNF DNA methylation at CPGs #5 and the mean percentage CpG methylation increased across As tertiles (p-trend = 0.04 and 0.03, respectively), while 2nd tertile and 3rd tertile of Cd concentrations were associated with lower serum BDNF and higher CpG3 methylation percentage. Additionally, when BDNF was categorized in tertiles, serum BDNF at the 3rd tertile was associated with fewer behavioral problems, particularly withdrawn (p-trend = 0.04), social problems (p-trend = 0.12), and thought problems (p-trend = 0.04). CONCLUSION Exposure to As and Cd was associated with BDNF gene DNA methylation BDNF gene and serum BDNF, respectively. Associations with DNA methylation may be attributable to a higher variability over time in circulating BDNF concentrations than in the methylation status of this gene. Caution should be taken when interpreting the results relating postnatal Pb and Hg to behavioral functioning. Further studies are needed to verify these findings.
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Buck JM, Yu L, Knopik VS, Stitzel JA. DNA methylome perturbations: an epigenetic basis for the emergingly heritable neurodevelopmental abnormalities associated with maternal smoking and maternal nicotine exposure†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:644-666. [PMID: 34270696 PMCID: PMC8444709 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with an ensemble of neurodevelopmental consequences in children and therefore constitutes a pressing public health concern. Adding to this burden, contemporary epidemiological and especially animal model research suggests that grandmaternal smoking is similarly associated with neurodevelopmental abnormalities in grandchildren, indicative of intergenerational transmission of the neurodevelopmental impacts of maternal smoking. Probing the mechanistic bases of neurodevelopmental anomalies in the children of maternal smokers and the intergenerational transmission thereof, emerging research intimates that epigenetic changes, namely DNA methylome perturbations, are key factors. Altogether, these findings warrant future research to fully elucidate the etiology of neurodevelopmental impairments in the children and grandchildren of maternal smokers and underscore the clear potential thereof to benefit public health by informing the development and implementation of preventative measures, prophylactics, and treatments. To this end, the present review aims to encapsulate the burgeoning evidence linking maternal smoking to intergenerational epigenetic inheritance of neurodevelopmental abnormalities, to identify the strengths and weaknesses thereof, and to highlight areas of emphasis for future human and animal model research therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Buck
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Valerie S Knopik
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Jerry A Stitzel
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
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Abdollahi H, Edalatmanesh MA, Hosseini E, Foroozanfar M. The Effects of Hesperidin on BDNF/TrkB Signaling Pathway and Oxidative Stress Parameters in the Cerebral Cortex of the Utero-placental Insufficiency Fetal Rat Model. Basic Clin Neurosci 2021; 12:511-522. [PMID: 35154591 PMCID: PMC8817181 DOI: 10.32598/bcn.2021.2187.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Uteroplacental Insufficiency (UPI) produces critical neurodevelopmental problems affecting the Intrauterine Growth Restricted (IUGR) in offspring. This study aimed to investigate the possible neuroprotective roles of Hesperidin (Hes) on the fetal cerebral cortex of the UPI rat model. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 pregnant Wistar rats (age: ∼40 days, Mean±SD weight: 180±10 g) were randomly divided into 5 groups (n= 8/group). The study groups included control (normal saline, orally), UPI+NS (uterine vessel ligation+normal saline, orally), UPI+HES25, UPI+HES50, and UPI+HES100 (uterine vessel ligation+25, 50 and 100 mg/kg Hes, orally). After being anesthetized by ketamine and xylazine, UPI was induced by permanent bilateral closure of the uterine vessels on Gestation Day (GD) 18. From GD15, the Hes/NS-treated groups received Hes/normal saline until GD21. On GD21, the uterus, placenta, and fetus were dissected out and weighed. The oxidative stress parameters, including Catalase (CAT) activity, Malondialdehyde (MDA), and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) were measured in the fetal cerebral cortex. The expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Tropomyosin Receptor Kinase B (TrkB) was assessed by RT qPCR methods. The obtained data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc test. Results: The present study findings identified a significant difference in the uterine and fetus weight in Hes-treated mothers (P< 0.05). In the fetus, Hes reduced MDA, and increased CAT activity and TAC (P<0.001 in the UPI+Hes100 group, compared to the UPI+NS group). UPI reduced BDNF and TrkB mRNA expression, compared to the control group (P<0.05). Also, Significant increases in BDNF and TrkB mRNA expression were observed after administrating Hes in the fetal cerebral cortex of the UPI rat model, in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Conclusion: Hes, as a neuroprotective and antioxidant agent, accelerates BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway and suppresses oxidative stress parameters in the cerebral cortex of the UPI rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Abdollahi
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Ebrahim Hosseini
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Foroozanfar
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Marvdasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran
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Sardar R, Hami J, Soleimani M, Joghataei MT, Shirazi R, Golab F, Namjoo Z, Zandieh Z. Maternal diabetes-induced alterations in the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the developing rat hippocampus. J Chem Neuroanat 2021; 114:101946. [PMID: 33745942 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2021.101946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Maternal diabetes during pregnancy affects the development of hippocampus in the offspring. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has received increasing attention for its role in regulating the survival and differentiation of neuronal cells in developing and adult brain. In the current study, we evaluated the effects of maternal diabetes and insulin treatment on expression and distribution pattern of BDNF in the hippocampus of neonatal rats at the first two postnatal weeks. We found no differences in hippocampal expression of BDNF between diabetics with normal control or insulin treated neonatal rats at postnatal day (P0) (P > 0.05 each). Nevertheless, there was a marked BDNF downregulation in both sides' hippocampi of male/female diabetic group in two-week-old offspring (P ≤ 0.05 each). Furthermore, the numerical density of BDNF+ cells was significantly reduced in the right/left dentate gyrus (DG) of male and female newborns born to diabetic animals at all studied postnatal days (P ≤ 0.05 each). In addition, a lower number of reactive cells have shown in the all hippocampal subareas in the diabetic pups at P14 (P ≤ 0.05 each). Our results have demonstrated that the insulin-treatment improves some of the negative impacts of diabetes on the expression of hippocampal BDNF in the newborns. We conclude that diabetes in pregnancy bilaterally disrupts the expression of BDNF in the hippocampus of the both male and female newborns at early postnatal days. In addition, good glycemic control by insulin in the most cases is sufficient to prevent the alterations in expression of BDNF protein in developing hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Sardar
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Hami
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran; Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Mansoureh Soleimani
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad-Taghi Joghataei
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Shirazi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Fereshteh Golab
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Namjoo
- Department of Anatomical Science, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Zahra Zandieh
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
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7
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Dingsdale H, Nan X, Garay SM, Mueller A, Sumption LA, Chacón-Fernández P, Martinez-Garay I, Ghevaert C, Barde YA, John RM. The placenta protects the fetal circulation from anxiety-driven elevations in maternal serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:62. [PMID: 33462179 PMCID: PMC7813890 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01176-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays crucial roles in brain function. Numerous studies report alterations in BDNF levels in human serum in various neurological conditions, including mood disorders such as depression. However, little is known about BDNF levels in the blood during pregnancy. We asked whether maternal depression and/or anxiety during pregnancy were associated with altered serum BDNF levels in mothers (n = 251) and their new-born infants (n = 212). As prenatal exposure to maternal mood disorders significantly increases the risk of neurological conditions in later life, we also examined the possibility of placental BDNF transfer by developing a new mouse model. We found no association between maternal symptoms of depression and either maternal or infant cord blood serum BDNF. However, maternal symptoms of anxiety correlated with significantly raised maternal serum BDNF exclusively in mothers of boys (r = 0.281; P = 0.005; n = 99). Serum BDNF was significantly lower in male infants than female infants but neither correlated with maternal anxiety symptoms. Consistent with this observation, we found no evidence for BDNF transfer across the placenta. We conclude that the placenta protects the developing fetus from maternal changes in serum BDNF that could otherwise have adverse consequences for fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley Dingsdale
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Xinsheng Nan
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Samantha M Garay
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Annett Mueller
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0PT, UK
| | - Lorna A Sumption
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Pedro Chacón-Fernández
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
- Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena-FISEVI, University of Seville, E41009, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Cedric Ghevaert
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0PT, UK
| | - Yves-Alain Barde
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Rosalind M John
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.
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D'Angelo A, Ceccanti M, Petrella C, Greco A, Tirassa P, Rosso P, Ralli M, Ferraguti G, Fiore M, Messina MP. Role of neurotrophins in pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020; 247:32-41. [PMID: 32058187 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTs) are a family of polypeptides whose functions have been extensively studied in the past two decades. In particular, Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) play a major role in the development, nutrition and growth of the central and peripheral nervous system and in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative, cardiometabolic and (auto)immune diseases. However, NGF and BDNF have subtle functions for follicular development, implantation, and placentation. This short narrative review summarizes the existing evidence, published between 2000 and 2019, about the role of NTs in many different conditions that might affect women during and after pregnancy such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, obesity, depression, anxiety, smoking and alcohol abuse. Literature suggests that the dysregulation of synthesis and release of NTs may lead to decisive effects on both maternal and fetal health. Some piece of evidences was found about a possible association between NGF/BDNF and breastfeeding. Additional studies on human models are necessary to further characterize the role of NTs in life-changing experiences like labor and delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio D'Angelo
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetric, and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- Centro Riferimento Alcologico Regione Lazio, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Tirassa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Pamela Rosso
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy.
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Calderazzo S, Tavel D, Zurich MG, Kopp-Schneider A. Model-based estimation of lowest observed effect concentration from replicate experiments to identify potential biomarkers of in vitro neurotoxicity. Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:2635-2644. [PMID: 31324950 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02520-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A paradigm shift is occurring in toxicology following the report of the National Research Council of the USA National Academies entitled "Toxicity testing in the 21st Century: a vision and strategy". This new vision encourages the use of in vitro and in silico models for toxicity testing. In the goal to identify new reliable markers of toxicity, the responsiveness of different genes to various drugs (amiodarone: 0.312-2.5 [Formula: see text]; cyclosporine A: 0.25-2 [Formula: see text]; chlorpromazine: 0.625-10 [Formula: see text]; diazepam: 1-8 [Formula: see text]; carbamazepine: 6.25-50 [Formula: see text]) is studied in 3D aggregate brain cell cultures. Genes' responsiveness is quantified and ranked according to the Lowest Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC), which is estimated by reverse regression under a log-logistic model assumption. In contrast to approaches where LOEC is identified by the first observed concentration level at which the response is significantly different from a control, the model-based approach allows a principled estimation of the LOEC and of its uncertainty. The Box-Cox transform both sides approach is adopted to deal with heteroscedastic and/or non-normal residuals, while estimates from repeated experiments are summarized by a meta-analytic approach. Different inferential procedures to estimate the Box-Cox coefficient, and to obtain confidence intervals for the log-logistic curve parameters and the LOEC, are explored. A simulation study is performed to compare coverage properties and estimation errors for each approach. Application to the toxicological data identifies the genes Cort, Bdnf, and Nov as good candidates for in vitro biomarkers of toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Calderazzo
- Division of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Denise Tavel
- Department of Physiology, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 7, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Center for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Gabrielle Zurich
- Department of Physiology, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 7, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Center for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Annette Kopp-Schneider
- Division of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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Zhou CC, Gao ZY, He YQ, Wu MQ, Chen F, Wang J, Liu JX, Yan CH. Effects of lead, mercury, aluminium and manganese co-exposure on the serum BDNF concentration of pre-school children in Taizhou, China. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 217:158-165. [PMID: 30415114 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that toxic metal exposure can have adverse effects on the nervous system of children, but the toxicology of metal co-exposure on neurodevelopment remains to be clarified. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in nervous system development, but the possible effects of metal co-exposure on the serum BDNF concentrations of children remain unknown. A total of 561 children living in Taizhou City, China were recruited to participate in our cross-sectional multicenter survey. We measured their blood Pb, Hg, Al and Mn levels and serum BDNF concentrations as well as determined their associations in the total and within sex subgroups. The geometric means of the blood Pb, Hg, Al and Mn levels in all the participants were 67.18 μg/L, 1.01 μg/L, 52.03 μg/L and 18.26 μg/L, respectively. The serum BDNF concentration in children was 19.45 ng/mL. After adjusting for confounders, the blood Pb levels were significantly negatively associated with the serum BDNF concentrations in all the subjects and boys but not in girls. In addition, a significantly negative interaction between blood Pb and blood Hg and a positive interaction between blood Pb and blood Al on serum BDNF concentrations were also observed in boys but not in girls. Our findings highlight the toxic effects of metal co-exposure on serum BDNF levels in pre-school children and indicate that these effects might differ by gender, which suggest that special attention should be paid to the sex-specific effects of metal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can-Can Zhou
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Zhen-Yan Gao
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200040, PR China
| | - Yu-Qiong He
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Second Military Medical University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, 200433, PR China
| | - Mei-Qin Wu
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Fei Chen
- East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, PR China
| | - Ju Wang
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Jun-Xia Liu
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China
| | - Chong-Huai Yan
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
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Ghassabian A, Sundaram R, Chahal N, McLain AC, Bell E, Lawrence DA, Yeung EH. Determinants of neonatal brain-derived neurotrophic factor and association with child development. Dev Psychopathol 2017; 29:1499-1511. [PMID: 28462726 PMCID: PMC6201316 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579417000414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Using a population-based birth cohort in upstate New York (2008-2010), we examined the determinants of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) measured in newborn dried blood spots (n = 2,637). We also examined the association between neonatal BDNF and children's development. The cohort was initially designed to examine the influence of infertility treatment on child development but found no impact. Mothers rated children's development in five domains repeatedly through age 3 years. Socioeconomic and maternal lifestyle determinants of BDNF were examined using multivariable linear regression models. Generalized linear mixed models estimated odds ratios for neonatal BDNF in relation to failing a developmental domain. Smoking and drinking in pregnancy, nulliparity, non-White ethnicity/race, and prepregnancy obesity were associated with lower neonatal BDNF. Neonatal BDNF was not associated with failure for developmental domains; however, there was an interaction between BDNF and preterm birth. In preterm infants, a higher BDNF was associated with lower odds of failing any developmental domains, after adjusting for confounders and infertility treatment. This result was particularly significant for failure in communication. Our findings suggest that BDNF levels in neonates may be impacted by maternal lifestyle characteristics. More specifically, lower neonatal BDNF might be an early marker of aberrant neurodevelopment in preterm infants.
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12
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Placental and cord blood brain derived neurotrophic factor levels are decreased in nondiabetic macrosomia. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2017; 296:205-213. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-017-4414-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Urinary Levels of IL-1 β and GDNF in Preterm Neonates as Potential Biomarkers of Motor Development: A Prospective Study. Mediators Inflamm 2017; 2017:8201423. [PMID: 28553016 PMCID: PMC5434239 DOI: 10.1155/2017/8201423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives. To evaluate the association between inflammatory biomarkers, neurotrophic factors, birth conditions, and the presence of motor development abnormalities in preterm neonates. Methods. Plasma and urinary levels of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF, and IL-12p70), chemokines (CXCL8/IL-8, CCL2/MCP-1, CCL5/RANTES, CXCL10/IP-10, and CXCL9/MIG), and neurotrophic factors (BDNF and GDNF) were evaluated in 40 preterm neonates born between 28 and 32 incomplete weeks of gestation, at four distinct time points: at birth (umbilical cord blood) (T0), at 48 (T1), at 72 hours (T2), and at 3 weeks after birth (T3). Biomarkers levels were compared between different time points and then associated with Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) percentiles. Results. Maternal age, plasma, and urinary concentrations of inflammatory molecules and neurotrophic factors were significantly different between groups with normal versus lower than expected motor development. Higher levels of GDNF were found in the group with lower than expected motor development, while IL-1β and CXCL8/IL-8 values were higher in the group with typical motor development. Conclusion. Measurements of cytokines and neurotrophic factors in spot urine may be useful in the follow-up of motor development in preterm neonates.
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Camsari C, Folger JK, McGee D, Bursian SJ, Wang H, Knott JG, Smith GW. Effects of Periconception Cadmium and Mercury Co-Administration to Mice on Indices of Chronic Diseases in Male Offspring at Maturity. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:643-650. [PMID: 27814245 PMCID: PMC5381999 DOI: 10.1289/ehp481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term exposure to the heavy metals cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) is known to increase the risk of chronic diseases. However, to our knowledge, exposure to Cd and Hg beginning at the periconception period has not been studied to date. OBJECTIVE We examined the effect of Cd and Hg that were co-administered during early development on indices of chronic diseases in adult male mice. METHODS Adult female CD1 mice were subcutaneously administered a combination of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and methylmercury (II) chloride (CH3HgCl) (0, 0.125, 0.5, or 2.0 mg/kg body weight each) 4 days before and 4 days after conception (8 days total). Indices of anxiety-like behavior, glucose homeostasis, endocrine and molecular markers of insulin resistance, and organ weights were examined in adult male offspring. RESULTS Increased anxiety-like behavior, impaired glucose homeostasis, and higher body weight and abdominal adipose tissue weight were observed in male offspring of treated females compared with controls. Significantly increased serum leptin and insulin concentrations and impaired insulin tolerance in the male offspring of dams treated with 2.0 mg/kg body weight of Cd and Hg suggested insulin resistance. Altered mRNA abundance for genes associated with glucose and lipid homeostasis (GLUT4, IRS1, FASN, ACACA, FATP2, CD36, and G6PC) in liver and abdominal adipose tissues as well as increased IRS1 phosphorylation in liver (Ser 307) provided further evidence of insulin resistance. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that the co-administration of Cd and Hg to female mice during the early development of their offspring (the periconception period) was associated with anxiety-like behavior, altered glucose metabolism, and insulin resistance in male offspring at adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cagri Camsari
- Laboratory of Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Genomics,
- Department of Animal Science,
| | - Joseph K. Folger
- Laboratory of Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Genomics,
- Department of Animal Science,
| | - Devin McGee
- Laboratory of Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Genomics,
- Department of Animal Science,
| | | | | | - Jason G. Knott
- Department of Animal Science,
- Developmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - George W. Smith
- Laboratory of Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Genomics,
- Department of Animal Science,
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Briana DD, Papastavrou M, Boutsikou M, Marmarinos A, Gourgiotis D, Malamitsi-Puchner A. Differential expression of cord blood neurotrophins in gestational diabetes: the impact of fetal growth abnormalities. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2017; 31:278-283. [DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2017.1281907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Despina D. Briana
- Department of Neonatology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Papastavrou
- Department of Neonatology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Boutsikou
- Department of Neonatology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonios Marmarinos
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry-Molecular Diagnostics, 2nd Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Gourgiotis
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry-Molecular Diagnostics, 2nd Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Guida N, Laudati G, Mascolo L, Valsecchi V, Sirabella R, Selleri C, Di Renzo G, Canzoniero LMT, Formisano L. p38/Sp1/Sp4/HDAC4/BDNF Axis Is a Novel Molecular Pathway of the Neurotoxic Effect of the Methylmercury. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:8. [PMID: 28154524 PMCID: PMC5243805 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular pathways involved in methylmercury (MeHg)-induced neurotoxicity are not fully understood. Since pan-Histone deacetylases (HDACs) inhibition has been found to revert the neurodetrimental effect of MeHg, it appeared of interest to investigate whether the pattern of HDACs isoform protein expression is modified during MeHg-induced neurotoxicity and the transcriptional/transductional mechanisms involved. SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells treated with MeHg 1 μM for 12 and 24 h showed a significant increase of HDAC4 protein and gene expression, whereas the HDACs isoforms 1–3, 5, and 6 were unmodified. Furthermore, MeHg-induced HDAC4 increase was reverted when cells were transfected with siRNAs against specificity protein 1 (Sp1) and Sp4, that were both increased during MeHg exposure. Next we studied the role of extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in MeHg—induced increase of Sp1, Sp4, and HDAC4 expression. As shown by Western Blot analysis MeHg exposure increased the phosphorylation of p38, but not of ERK and JNK. Notably, when p38 was pharmacologically blocked, MeHg-induced Sp1, Sp4 protein expression, and HDAC4 protein and gene expression was reverted. In addition, MeHg exposure increased the binding of HDAC4 to the promoter IV of the Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene, determining its mRNA reduction, that was significantly counteracted by HDAC4 knocking down. Furthermore, rat cortical neurons exposed to MeHg (1 μM/24 h) showed an increased phosphorylation of p38, in parallel with an up-regulation of Sp1, Sp4, and HDAC4 and a down-regulation of BDNF proteins. Importantly, transfection of siRNAs against p38, Sp1, Sp4, and HDAC4 or transfection of vector overexpressing BDNF significantly blocked MeHg-induced cell death in cortical neurons. All these results suggest that p38/Sp1-Sp4/HDAC4/BDNF may represent a new pathway involved in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giusy Laudati
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Mascolo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Valsecchi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples Naples, Italy
| | - Rossana Sirabella
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Selleri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno Salerno, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Di Renzo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples Naples, Italy
| | - Lorella M T Canzoniero
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of NaplesNaples, Italy; Division of Pharmacology, Department of Science and Technology, University of SannioBenevento, Italy
| | - Luigi Formisano
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of NaplesNaples, Italy; Division of Pharmacology, Department of Science and Technology, University of SannioBenevento, Italy
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17
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Long-term consequences of prenatal stress and neurotoxicants exposure on neurodevelopment. Prog Neurobiol 2016; 155:21-35. [PMID: 27236051 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
There is a large consensus that the prenatal environment determines the susceptibility to pathological conditions later in life. The hypothesis most widely accepted is that exposure to insults inducing adverse conditions in-utero may have negative effects on the development of target organs, disrupting homeostasis and increasing the risk of diseases at adulthood. Several models have been proposed to investigate the fetal origins of adult diseases, but although these approaches hold true for almost all diseases, particular attention has been focused on disorders related to the central nervous system, since the brain is particularly sensitive to alterations of the microenvironment during early development. Neurobiological disorders can be broadly divided into developmental, neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Even though most of these diseases share genetic risk factors, the onset of the disorders cannot be explained solely by inheritance. Therefore, current understanding presumes that the interactions of environmental input, may lead to different disorders. Among the insults that can play a direct or indirect role in the development of neurobiological disorders are stress, infections, drug abuse, and environmental contaminants. Our laboratories have been involved in the study of the neurobiological impact of gestational stress on the offspring (Dr. Antonelli's lab) and on the effect of gestational exposure to toxicants, mainly methyl mercury (MeHg) and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) (Dr. Ceccatelli's lab). In this focused review, we will review the specialized literature but we will concentrate mostly on our own work on the long term neurodevelopmental consequences of gestational exposure to stress and neurotoxicants.
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18
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Flöck A, Weber SK, Ferrari N, Fietz C, Graf C, Fimmers R, Gembruch U, Merz WM. Determinants of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in umbilical cord and maternal serum. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 63:191-7. [PMID: 26460781 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a fundamental role in brain development; additionally, it is involved in various aspects of cerebral function, including neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Involvement of BDNF in parturition has not been investigated. The aim of our study was to analyze determinants of umbilical cord BDNF (UC-BDNF) concentrations of healthy, term newborns and their respective mothers. METHODS This cross-sectional prospective study was performed at a tertiary referral center. Maternal venous blood samples were taken on admission to labor ward; newborn venous blood samples were drawn from the umbilical cord (UC), before delivery of the placenta. Analysis was performed with a commercially available immunoassay. Univariate analyses and stepwise multivariate regression models were applied. RESULTS 120 patients were recruited. UC-BDNF levels were lower than maternal serum concentrations (median 641 ng/mL, IQR 506 vs. median 780 ng/mL, IQR 602). Correlation between UC- and maternal BDNF was low (R=0.251, p=0.01). In univariate analysis, mode of delivery (MoD), gestational age (GA), body mass index at delivery, and gestational diabetes were determinants of UC-BDNF (MoD and smoking for maternal BDNF, respectively). Stepwise multivariate regression analysis revealed a model with MoD and GA as determinants for UC-BDNF (MoD for maternal BDNF). CONCLUSIONS MoD and GA at delivery are determinants of circulating BDNF in the mother and newborn. We hypothesize that BDNF, like other neuroendocrine factors, is involved in the neuroendocrine cascade of delivery. Timing and mode of delivery may exert BDNF-induced effects on the cerebral function of newborns and their mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Flöck
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Bonn Medical School, Germany
| | - S K Weber
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Bonn Medical School, Germany
| | - N Ferrari
- Department for Physical Activity in Public Health, Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany
| | - C Fietz
- Department for Physical Activity in Public Health, Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany
| | - C Graf
- Department for Physical Activity in Public Health, Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany
| | - R Fimmers
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, University Bonn Medical School, Germany
| | - U Gembruch
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Bonn Medical School, Germany
| | - W M Merz
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Bonn Medical School, Germany.
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Perera F, Phillips DH, Wang Y, Roen E, Herbstman J, Rauh V, Wang S, Tang D. Prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons/aromatics, BDNF and child development. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 142:602-8. [PMID: 26301740 PMCID: PMC4609281 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Within a New York City (NYC) birth cohort, we assessed the associations between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and other aromatic DNA adducts and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations in umbilical cord blood, and neurodevelopment at age 2 years and whether BDNF is a mediator of the associations between PAH/aromatic-DNA adducts and neurodevelopment. METHODS PAH/aromatic-DNA adduct concentrations in cord blood were measured in 505 children born to nonsmoking African-American and Dominican women residing in NYC, and a subset was assessed for neurodevelopment at 2 years using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development Mental Development Index (MDI). A spectrum of PAH/aromatic-DNA adducts was measured using the (32)P-postlabeling assay; DNA adducts formed by benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a representative PAH, were measured by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)/fluorescence. BDNF mature protein in cord blood plasma was quantified by an ELISA. Multivariate regression analysis, adjusting for potential confounders, was conducted. RESULTS PAH/aromatic-DNA adduct concentration measured by postlabeling was inversely associated with BDNF concentration (p=0.02) and with MDI scores at 2 years (p=0.04). BDNF level was positively associated with MDI scores (p=0.003). Restricting to subjects having all three measures (PAH/aromatic-DNA adducts by postlabeling, MDI, and BDNF), results were similar but attenuated (p=0.13, p=0.05, p=0.01, respectively). Associations between B[a]P-DNA adducts and BDNF and B[a]P-DNA adducts and MDI at age 2 years were not significant. At age 3 years, the positive association of BDNF with MDI was not observed. CONCLUSIONS The results at age 2 suggest that prenatal exposure to a spectrum of PAH/aromatic pollutants may adversely affect early neurodevelopment, in part by reducing BDNF levels during the fetal period. However, the same relationship was not seen at age 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederica Perera
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA; Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - David H Phillips
- Analytical and Environmental Sciences Division, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, King's College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Ya Wang
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Emily Roen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA; Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Julie Herbstman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA; Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Virginia Rauh
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA; The Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University, 60 Haven Avenue, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Shuang Wang
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Deliang Tang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA; Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Columbia University, 722 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032, USA
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20
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Woods JS, Heyer NJ, Russo JE, Martin MD, Farin FM. Genetic polymorphisms affecting susceptibility to mercury neurotoxicity in children: summary findings from the Casa Pia Children's Amalgam clinical trial. Neurotoxicology 2014; 44:288-302. [PMID: 25109824 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2014.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is neurotoxic, and children may be particularly susceptible to this effect. A current major challenge is identification of children who may be uniquely susceptible to Hg toxicity because of genetic predisposition. We examined the possibility that common genetic variants that are known to affect neurologic functions or Hg handling in adults would modify the adverse neurobehavioral effects of Hg exposure in children. Three hundred thirty subjects who participated as children in the recently completed Casa Pia Clinical Trial of Dental Amalgams in Children were genotyped for 27 variants of 13 genes that are reported to affect neurologic functions and/or Hg disposition in adults. Urinary Hg concentrations, reflecting Hg exposure from any source, served as the Hg exposure index. Regression modeling strategies were employed to evaluate potential associations between allelic status for individual genes or combinations of genes, Hg exposure, and neurobehavioral test outcomes assessed at baseline and for 7 subsequent years during the clinical trial. Among boys, significant modification of Hg effects on neurobehavioral outcomes over a broad range of neurologic domains was observed with variant genotypes for 4 of 13 genes evaluated. Modification of Hg effects on a more limited number of neurobehavioral outcomes was also observed for variants of another 8 genes. Cluster analyses suggested some genes interacting in common processes to affect Hg neurotoxicity. In contrast, significant modification of Hg effects on neurobehavioral functions among girls with the same genotypes was substantially more limited. These observations suggest increased susceptibility to the adverse neurobehavioral effects of Hg among children, particularly boys, with genetic variants that are relatively common to the general human population. These findings advance public health goals to identify factors underlying susceptibility to Hg toxicity and may contribute to strategies for preventing adverse health risks associated with Hg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Woods
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Nicholas J Heyer
- Battelle Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joan E Russo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael D Martin
- Departments of Oral Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Federico M Farin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Prenatal methylmercury exposure and genetic predisposition to cognitive deficit at age 8 years. Epidemiology 2013; 24:643-50. [PMID: 23903878 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0b013e31829d5c93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive consequences at school age associated with prenatal methylmercury (MeHg) exposure may need to take into account nutritional and sociodemographic cofactors as well as relevant genetic polymorphisms. METHODS A subsample (n = 1,311) of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (Bristol, UK) was selected, and mercury (Hg) concentrations were measured in freeze-dried umbilical cord tissue as a measure of MeHg exposure. A total of 1135 children had available data on 247 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within relevant genes, as well as the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Intelligence Quotient (IQ) scores at age 8 years. Multivariate regression models were used to assess the associations between MeHg exposure and IQ and to determine possible gene-environment interactions. RESULTS Hg concentrations indicated low background exposures (mean = 26 ng/g, standard deviation = 13). Log10-transformed Hg was positively associated with IQ, which attenuated after adjustment for nutritional and sociodemographic cofactors. In stratified analyses, a reverse association was found in higher social class families (for performance IQ, P value for interaction = 0.0013) among whom there was a wider range of MeHg exposure. Among 40 SNPs showing nominally significant main effects, MeHg interactions were detected for rs662 (paraoxonase 1) and rs1042838 (progesterone receptor) (P < 0.05) and for rs3811647 (transferrin) and rs2049046 (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) (P < 0.10). CONCLUSIONS In this population with a low level of MeHg exposure, there were only equivocal associations between MeHg exposure and adverse neuropsychological outcomes. Heterogeneities in several relevant genes suggest possible genetic predisposition to MeHg neurotoxicity in a substantial proportion of the population. Future studies need to address this possibility.
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Julvez J, Grandjean P. Genetic susceptibility to methylmercury developmental neurotoxicity matters. Front Genet 2013; 4:278. [PMID: 24379825 PMCID: PMC3861742 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2013.00278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Julvez
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA ; Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology Catalonia, Spain
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health Boston, MA, USA ; Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark Odense, Denmark
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Dórea JG. Co-exposure and confounders during neurodevelopment: we need them in the bigger picture of secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2011; 111:1332-1333. [PMID: 21996059 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2011.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2011] [Accepted: 09/14/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- José G Dórea
- C.P. 04322, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidade de Brasilia, 70919-970 Brasilia, DF, Brazil.
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