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Panelli DM, Mayo JA, Wong RJ, Becker M, Feyaerts D, Marić I, Wu E, Gotlib IH, Gaudillière B, Aghaeepour N, Druzin ML, Stevenson DK, Shaw GM, Bianco K. Mode of delivery predicts postpartum maternal leukocyte telomere length. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 300:224-229. [PMID: 39032311 PMCID: PMC11347108 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.07.026] [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: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have suggested that pregnancy accelerates biologic aging, yet little is known about how biomarkers of aging are affected by events during the peripartum period. Given that immune shifts are known to occur following surgery, we explored the relation between mode of delivery and postpartum maternal leukocyte telomere length (LTL), a marker of biologic aging. STUDY DESIGN Postpartum maternal blood samples were obtained from a prospective cohort of term, singleton livebirths without hypertensive disorders or peripartum infections between 2012 and 2018. The primary outcome was postpartum LTLs from one blood sample drawn between postpartum week 1 and up to 6 months postpartum, measured from thawed frozen peripheral blood mononuclear cells using quantitative PCR in basepairs (bp). Multivariable linear regression models compared LTLs between vaginal versus cesarean births, adjusting for age, body mass index, and nulliparity as potential confounders. Analyses were conducted in two mutually exclusive groups: those with LTL measured postpartum week 1 and those measured up to 6 months postpartum. Secondarily, we compared multiomics by mode of delivery using machine-learning methods to evaluate whether other biologic changes occurred following cesarean. These included transcriptomics, metabolomics, microbiomics, immunomics, and proteomics (serum and plasma). RESULTS Of 67 included people, 50 (74.6 %) had vaginal and 17 (25.4 %) had cesarean births. LTLs were significantly shorter after cesarean in postpartum week 1 (5755.2 bp cesarean versus 6267.8 bp vaginal, p = 0.01) as well as in the later draws (5586.6 versus 5945.6 bp, p = 0.04). After adjusting for confounders, these differences persisted in both week 1 (adjusted beta -496.1, 95 % confidence interval [CI] -891.1, -101.1, p = 0.01) and beyond (adjusted beta -396.8; 95 % CI -727.2, -66.4. p = 0.02). Among the 15 participants who also had complete postpartum multiomics data available, there were predictive signatures of vaginal versus cesarean births in transcriptomics (cell-free [cf]RNA), metabolomics, microbiomics, and proteomics that did not persist after false discovery correction. CONCLUSION Maternal LTLs in postpartum week 1 were nearly 500 bp shorter following cesarean. This difference persisted several weeks postpartum, even though other markers of inflammation had normalized. Mode of delivery should be considered in any analyses of postpartum LTLs and further investigation into this phenomenon is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Panelli
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Jonathan A Mayo
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ronald J Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Martin Becker
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, University of Rostock, Germany; Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Dorien Feyaerts
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ivana Marić
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Erica Wu
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ian H Gotlib
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Brice Gaudillière
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nima Aghaeepour
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Maurice L Druzin
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David K Stevenson
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gary M Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Katherine Bianco
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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2
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Rinne GR, Carroll JE, Guardino CM, Shalowitz MU, Ramey SL, Schetter CD. Parental Preconception Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Maternal Prenatal Inflammation Prospectively Predict Shorter Telomere Length in Children. Psychosom Med 2024; 86:410-421. [PMID: 37594236 PMCID: PMC10879462 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001241] [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: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Parental trauma exposure and trauma-related distress can increase the risk of adverse health outcomes in offspring, but the pathways implicated in intergenerational transmission are not fully explicated. Accelerated biological aging may be one mechanism underlying less favorable health in trauma-exposed individuals and their offspring. This study examines the associations of preconception maternal and paternal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms with child telomere length, and maternal prenatal C-reactive protein (CRP) as a biological mechanism. METHODS Mothers ( n = 127) and a subset of the fathers ( n = 84) reported on PTSD symptoms before conception. Mothers provided blood spots in the second and third trimesters that were assayed for CRP. At age 4 years, children provided buccal cells for measurement of telomere length. Models adjusted for parental age, socioeconomic status, maternal prepregnancy body mass index, child biological sex, and child age. RESULTS Mothers' PTSD symptoms were significantly associated with shorter child telomere length ( β = -0.22, SE = 0.10, p = .023). Fathers' PTSD symptoms were also inversely associated with child telomere length ( β = -0.21, SE = 0.11), although nonsignificant ( p = .065). There was no significant indirect effect of mothers' PTSD symptoms on child telomere length through CRP in pregnancy, but higher second-trimester CRP was significantly associated with shorter child telomere length ( β = -0.35, SE = 0.18, p = .048). CONCLUSIONS Maternal symptoms of PTSD before conception and second-trimester inflammation were associated with shorter telomere length in offspring in early childhood, independent of covariates. Findings indicate that intergenerational transmission of parental trauma may occur in part through accelerated biological aging processes and provide further evidence that prenatal proinflammatory processes program child telomere length.Open Science Framework Preregistration:https://osf.io/7c2d5/?view_only=cd0fb81f48db4b8f9c59fc8bb7b0ef97 .
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Judith E. Carroll
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, University of California, Los Angeles
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | | | | | - Sharon Landesman Ramey
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
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3
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Walker CG, Thayer ZM, Marks EJ, Ly KN, Pillai A, Waldie K, Underwood L, Snell RG, Knowles SD, Cha JE, Morton SMB. Association between maternal depression symptoms and child telomere length. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 174:319-325. [PMID: 38685189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.04.037] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The biological mechanisms that explain how adverse early life events influence adult disease risk are poorly understood. One proposed mechanism is via the induction of accelerated biological aging, for which telomere length is considered a biomarker. We aimed to determine if maternal depression pre- and post-partum was associated with telomere length in children at 4 years of age (n = 4299). Mothers completed structured questionnaires assessing depression during pregnancy (Edinburgh Depression Scale), at 9 months (Edinburgh Depression Scale), and at 54 months postpartum (Patient Health Questionnaire 9). Regression methods were used to investigate the relationship between telomere length (DNA from saliva) and maternal depression score recorded at each stage. Significant covariates included in the final model were: maternal age at pregnancy; child sex; child ethnicity; gestational age group, and rurality group. Child telomere length was found to be longer if their mother had a higher depression score at both postpartum time points tested (9 months of age; coefficient 0.003, SE = 0.001, P = 0.01, 54 months of age; coefficient 0.003, SE = 0.002, P = 0.02). Although these findings seem paradoxical, increased telomere length may be an adaptive response to early life stressors. We propose several testable hypotheses for these results and to determine if the positive association between depression and telomere length is a developmental adaptation or an indirect consequence of environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline G Walker
- Centre for Longitudinal Research - He Ara ki Mua and Growing Up in New Zealand, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Zaneta M Thayer
- Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Emma J Marks
- Centre for Longitudinal Research - He Ara ki Mua and Growing Up in New Zealand, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kien N Ly
- Centre for Longitudinal Research - He Ara ki Mua and Growing Up in New Zealand, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Avinesh Pillai
- Centre for Longitudinal Research - He Ara ki Mua and Growing Up in New Zealand, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Statistics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Karen Waldie
- Centre for Longitudinal Research - He Ara ki Mua and Growing Up in New Zealand, University of Auckland, New Zealand; School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lisa Underwood
- Centre for Longitudinal Research - He Ara ki Mua and Growing Up in New Zealand, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Russell G Snell
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sarah D Knowles
- Centre for Longitudinal Research - He Ara ki Mua and Growing Up in New Zealand, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Auckland Museum, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jane E Cha
- Centre for Longitudinal Research - He Ara ki Mua and Growing Up in New Zealand, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Susan M B Morton
- Centre for Longitudinal Research - He Ara ki Mua and Growing Up in New Zealand, University of Auckland, New Zealand
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4
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Frydrychová RČ, Konopová B, Peska V, Brejcha M, Sábová M. Telomeres and telomerase: active but complex players in life-history decisions. Biogerontology 2024; 25:205-226. [PMID: 37610666 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10060-z] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Studies on human telomeres have established that telomeres exert a significant influence on lifespan and health of organisms. However, recent research has indicated that the original idea that telomeres affect lifespan in a universal and central manner across all eukaryotic species is an oversimplification. Indeed, findings from a variety of animal species revealed that the role of telomere biology in aging is more subtle and intricate than previously recognized. Here, we show how telomere biology varies depending on the taxon. We also show how telomere biology corresponds to basic life history traits and affects the life table of a species and investments in growth, body size, reproduction, and lifespan; telomeres are hypothesized to shape evolutionary perspectives for species in an active but complex manner. Our evaluation is based on telomere biology data from many examples from throughout the animal kingdom that vary according to the degree of organismal complexity and life history strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radmila Čapková Frydrychová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Barbora Konopová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Vratislav Peska
- Department of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miloslav Brejcha
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Michala Sábová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
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Monaghan P. Linking telomere dynamics to evolution, life history and environmental change: perspectives, predictions and problems. Biogerontology 2024; 25:301-311. [PMID: 38252370 PMCID: PMC10998769 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10081-8] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
This perspectives paper considers the value of studying telomere biology outside of a biomedical context. I provide illustrative examples of the kinds of questions that evolutionary ecologists have addressed in studies of telomere dynamics in non-model species, primarily metazoan animals, and what this can contribute to our understanding of their evolution, life histories and health. I also discuss why the predicted relationships between telomere dynamics and life history traits, based on the detailed cellular studies in humans and model organisms, are not always found in studies in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pat Monaghan
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, Graham Kerr Building University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
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Meesters M, Van Eetvelde M, Beci B, Opsomer G. The importance of developmental programming in the dairy industry. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 262:107428. [PMID: 38340370 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107428] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The concept of developmental programming suggests that environmental influences during pre- and early postnatal life that can have long-term effects on future health and performance. In dairy cattle, maternal body growth, age, parity and milk yield, as well as environmental factors during gestation, have the potential to create a suboptimal environment for the developing fetus. As a result, the calf's phenotype may undergo adaptations. Moreover, developmental programming can have long-term effects on subsequent birth weight, immunity and metabolism, as well as on postnatal growth, body composition, fertility, milk yield and even longevity of dairy cows. This review provides an overview of the impact of developmental programming on later health and performance in dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Meesters
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Mieke Van Eetvelde
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Barbara Beci
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Geert Opsomer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Wai KM, Swe T, Su Hninn TS, Paing AM, Naing YL, Htay ZW, Ihara K. Prenatal exposure to environmental heavy metals and newborn telomere length: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123192. [PMID: 38135140 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental heavy metals is associated with telomere length (TL) alteration. Available information regarding the effect of prenatal exposure to environmental pollutants on newborn TL is controversial. The aim of this study is to systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis of the existing epidemiological studies on the associations between prenatal metal exposure and newborn TL. A comprehensive literature search was performed using the online databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect from their inception to December 1, 2023. Thirteen eligible studies were included from the overall initial identification of 3559 records. The effect size was expressed as standardized beta coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by the restricted maximum-likelihood approach with a weighted random-effects model. Prenatal exposure to environmental heavy metals was associated with a shorter newborn TL (standardized beta = -0.04; 95% CI: -0.08, 0.00; p = 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that prenatal exposure to cadmium was significantly, negatively associated with TL in newborns (standardized beta = -0.05; 95% CI: -0.10, -0.01; p = 0.021). Heavy metal exposure during the third trimester was significantly associated with a shorter TL in newborns (standardized beta = -0.05; 95% CI: -0.11, -0.01; p = 0.045). No significant association was found between the newborn's sex and exposure sample type. This study provides evidence for the negative effect of prenatal exposure to heavy metals on newborn TL. In particular, cadmium exposure and exposure during the third trimester of pregnancy are critical factors associated with heavy metal-induced TL shortening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyi Mar Wai
- Department of Social Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Japan; Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Thinzar Swe
- Preclinical Department, University of Medicine (2), Myanmar
| | - Thae Su Su Hninn
- International Program in Hazardous Substance and Environmental Management, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
| | | | - Yoon Lei Naing
- Department of Human Resource for Health, University of Medicine (1), Myanmar
| | - Zin Wai Htay
- Department of Global Health Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazushige Ihara
- Department of Social Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki University, Japan
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Ahlers NE, Lin J, Weiss SJ. WITHDRAWN: Exposure to Ambient Particulate Matter during Pregnancy: Implications for Infant Telomere Length. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2023.09.17.23295692. [PMID: 37790308 PMCID: PMC10543047 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.17.23295692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
This manuscript has been withdrawn by the authors as it was submitted and made public without the full consent of all the authors. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author. The authors have an approved version for citation that is peer reviewed. Ahlers, N.E.; Lin, J.; Weiss, S.J. Exposure to Ambient Particulate Matter during Pregnancy: Implications for Infant Telomere Length. Air 2024, 2, 24-37. https://doi.org/10.3390/air2010002.
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Lis N, Lamnisos D, Bograkou-Tzanetakou A, Hadjimbei E, Tzanetakou IP. Preterm Birth and Its Association with Maternal Diet, and Placental and Neonatal Telomere Length. Nutrients 2023; 15:4975. [PMID: 38068836 PMCID: PMC10708229 DOI: 10.3390/nu15234975] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB), a multi-causal syndrome, is one of the global epidemics. Maternal nutrition, but also neonatal and placental telomere length (TL), are among the factors affecting PTB risk. However, the exact relationship between these factors and the PTB outcome, remains obscure. The aim of this review was to investigate the association between PTB, maternal nutrition, and placental-infant TL. Observational studies were sought with the keywords: maternal nutrition, placental TL, newborn, TL, and PTB. No studies were found that included all of the keywords simultaneously, and thus, the keywords were searched in dyads, to reach assumptive conclusions. The findings show that maternal nutrition affects PTB risk, through its influence on maternal TL. On the other hand, maternal TL independently affects PTB risk, and at the same time PTB is a major determinant of offspring TL regulation. The strength of the associations, and the extent of the influence from covariates, remains to be elucidated in future research. Furthermore, the question of whether maternal TL is simply a biomarker of maternal nutritional status and PTB risk, or a causative factor of PTB, to date, remains to be answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikoletta Lis
- Department of Health Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus; (N.L.); (D.L.)
- Maternity Clinic, Cork University Maternity Hospital, T12 YE02 Cork, Ireland
| | - Demetris Lamnisos
- Department of Health Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus; (N.L.); (D.L.)
| | | | - Elena Hadjimbei
- Department of Life Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus;
| | - Irene P. Tzanetakou
- Department of Life Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus;
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Naudé PJW, Stein DJ, Lin J, Zar HJ. Investigating the association of prenatal psychological adversities with mother and child telomere length and neurodevelopment. J Affect Disord 2023; 340:675-685. [PMID: 37591348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.074] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to prenatal maternal psychological adversities can negatively affect the offspring's developing brain. Shortened telomere length (TL) has been implicated as a mechanism for the transgenerational effects of maternal psychological adversities on offspring. This study aimed to determine associations between prenatal psychological stressors and distress with maternal and early life TL, and associations between maternal, newborn and child TL with neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years of age. METHODS Follow-up TL was measured in a subgroup of African mothers (n = 138) and their newborns (n = 142) and children (n = 96) at 2-years in the Drakenstein Child Health Study. Prenatal symptoms of depression, distress, intimate partner violence, posttraumatic stress-disorder and childhood trauma were measured at 27 weeks gestation. Neurodevelopment was assessed at 2 years using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III. TLs were measured in whole bloods from mothers and their children at 2-years, and cord bloods in newborns. RESULTS Maternal prenatal stressors and distress were not significantly associated with TL in mothers or their children at birth or at 2-years. Furthermore, maternal psychological measures were not associated with early-life attrition of TL. Longer TL in children at 2-years was associated (p = 0.04) with higher motor functioning. LIMITATIONS Limited numbers of participants and single time-point psychological measures. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to provide information on the association of early life TL with prenatal psychological adversities and neurodevelopmental outcomes in a population of low-income African mothers and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petrus J W Naudé
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Dan J Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa; MRC Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jue Lin
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa; SA-MRC Unit on Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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Zhang N, Baker EC, Welsh TH, Riley DG. Telomere Dynamics in Livestock. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1389. [PMID: 37997988 PMCID: PMC10669808 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Telomeres are repeated sequences of nucleotides at the end of chromosomes. They deteriorate across mitotic divisions of a cell. In Homo sapiens this process of lifetime reduction has been shown to correspond with aspects of organismal aging and exposure to stress or other insults. The early impetus to characterize telomere dynamics in livestock related to the concern that aged donor DNA would result in earlier cell senescence and overall aging in cloned animals. Telomere length investigations in dairy cows included breed effects, estimates of additive genetic control (heritability 0.12 to 0.46), and effects of external stressors on telomere degradation across animal life. Evaluation of telomeres with respect to aging has also been conducted in pigs and horses, and there are fewer reports of telomere biology in beef cattle, sheep, and goats. There were minimal associations of telomere length with animal productivity measures. Most, but not all, work in livestock has documented an inverse relationship between peripheral blood cell telomere length and age; that is, a longer telomere length was associated with younger age. Because livestock longevity affects productivity and profitability, the role of tissue-specific telomere attrition in aging may present alternative improvement strategies for genetic improvement while also providing translational biomedical knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (N.Z.); (T.H.W.J.)
| | - Emilie C. Baker
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX 79016, USA;
| | - Thomas H. Welsh
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (N.Z.); (T.H.W.J.)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - David G. Riley
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (N.Z.); (T.H.W.J.)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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12
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Farrukh S, Baig S. Parental telomeres implications on immune senescence of newborns. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 12:81-86. [PMID: 38022874 PMCID: PMC10658162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Telomere, the biological chronometer, and its effect on the immune system considerably varies among individuals. During pregnancy, multiple risk factors affect telomere reprogramming during fetal life which can lead to health disparities in newborns. These changes may cause a long-term impact on the telomere genetics of the newborn and become a reason for lifelong health implications and immune senescence. Therefore, telomere shortening in parents due to genetic variation may act as a hallmark of immune senescence and aging in their newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Farrukh
- Department of Biochemistry, Ziauddin University Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Saeeda Baig
- Department of Biochemistry, Ziauddin University Karachi, Pakistan
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Liu Q, Wang D, Li W, Li X, Yang Z, Zhang A, He J, Chen X, Chang Y, Chen X, Tang NJ. Association of chromosomal abnormalities with prenatal exposure to heavy metals: A nested case-control study in high-risk pregnant women in China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 265:115518. [PMID: 37776819 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to heavy metals causes multiple hazards to fetal growth and development. Epidemiological studies on the association between heavy metals and fetal chromosomal abnormalities (CAs) are lacking. We conducted a nested case-control study in a cohort of high-risk pregnant women in China from September 2018 to June 2021. A total of 387 participants were diagnosed with fetal CAs in the case group and 699 were diagnosed with a normal karyotype in the control group. Amniotic fluid concentrations of 10 metals (barium, cobalt, antimony, manganese, ferrum, copper, selenium, strontium, vanadium, and chromium) were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. We applied quantile g-computation and weighted quantile sum regression to assess the overall effect of metal mixtures and identify metals with significant weight. Logistic and Poisson regression analyses were used to estimate the effects of metals on CAs and CAs subtypes. Our results showed that the metal mixture concentrations were positively associated with the risk of fetal CAs. In adjusted logistic models, Sb was associated with fetal CAs (OR=1.15, 95% CI: 1.02-1.30), and revealed a linear dose-response relationship between Sb level and the risk of fetal CAs. Additionally, the exploratory analysis revealed that Sb levels were associated with Klinefelter syndrome (OR=1.452, 95% CI: 1.063-1.984) and Turner syndrome (OR=1.698; 95% CI,1.048-2.751). Our study revealed that metal mixtures are associated with a higher risk of fetal CAs and that this association may be driven primarily by Sb. Moreover, we provide a genetic perspective on the effects of heavy metals on sexual development in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianfeng Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Wen Li
- Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, No. 156, Sanma Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300100, China; Nankai University, Tianjin 30071, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Tianjin 300100, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Ze Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Ai Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Jiayu He
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, No. 156, Sanma Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300100, China; Nankai University, Tianjin 30071, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Tianjin 300100, China
| | - Ying Chang
- Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, No. 156, Sanma Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300100, China; Nankai University, Tianjin 30071, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Tianjin 300100, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
| | - Nai-Jun Tang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
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14
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Petermann-Rocha F, Valera-Gran D, Prieto-Botella D, Martens DS, Gonzalez-Palacios S, Riaño-Galán I, Murcia M, Irizar A, Julvez J, Santa-Marina L, Tardón A, Sunyer J, Vioque J, Nawrot T, Navarrete-Muñoz EM. Folic Acid Supplementation during Pregnancy and Its Association with Telomere Length in Children at Four Years: Results from the INMA Birth Cohort Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:4303. [PMID: 37836587 PMCID: PMC10574547 DOI: 10.3390/nu15194303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the association between folic acid supplements (FAs) during different periods of pregnancy and offspring telomere length (TL) at age four in 666 children from the INMA study. FAs were self-reported using food-structured questionnaires during three periods of pregnancy (the first three months of pregnancy, from month fourth onward, and the whole pregnancy). For each period, the average daily dosage of FAs was categorised into (i) <400 μg/d, (ii) ≥400 to 999 μg/d, (iii) ≥1000 to 4999 μg/d, and (iv) ≥5000 μg/d. Leucocyte TL at age four was measured using quantitative PCR methods. Multiple robust linear log-level regression models were used to report the % difference among FA categories. During the first period, and compared with children whose mothers were classified in the reference group (<400 μg/d), children whose mothers took higher dosages of FAs showed shorter TL at age four (≥5000 μg/d). When the first and the second periods were mutually adjusted, children whose mothers self-reported ≥5000 μg/d during the first period of pregnancy had a statistically significant shorter TL than their counterparts (% difference: -7.28% [95% CI: -14.42 to -0.13]). Similar trends were observed for the whole period of pregnancy. When the analysis was stratified by sex, the association was more evident in boys (% difference: -13.5% [95% CI: -23.0 to -4.04]), whereas no association was observed in girls. This study suggests that high dosages of FAs in the first pregnancy period may be associated with a shorter TL in children at age four, particularly among boys. Further studies should confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Petermann-Rocha
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago 8370109, Chile;
| | - Desirée Valera-Gran
- Department of Surgery and Pathology, Miguel Hernandez University, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (D.P.-B.); (E.-M.N.-M.)
- Grupo de Investigación en Terapia Ocupacional (InTeO), Miguel Hernandez University, 03550 Alicante, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández (ISABIAL-UMH), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (S.G.-P.); (J.V.)
| | - Daniel Prieto-Botella
- Department of Surgery and Pathology, Miguel Hernandez University, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (D.P.-B.); (E.-M.N.-M.)
- Grupo de Investigación en Terapia Ocupacional (InTeO), Miguel Hernandez University, 03550 Alicante, Spain
| | - Dries S Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Hasselt, Belgium; (D.S.M.)
| | - Sandra Gonzalez-Palacios
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández (ISABIAL-UMH), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (S.G.-P.); (J.V.)
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (I.R.-G.); (M.M.); (A.I.); (J.J.); (L.S.-M.); (A.T.); (J.S.)
- Unidad de Epidemiología de la Nutrición (EPINUT), Departamento de Salud Pública, Historia de la Ciencia y Ginecología, Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), 03550 Alicante, Spain
| | - Isolina Riaño-Galán
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (I.R.-G.); (M.M.); (A.I.); (J.J.); (L.S.-M.); (A.T.); (J.S.)
- Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), University of Oviedo, 33003 Oviedo, Spain
- Pediatrics Unit, Central University Hospital of Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Mario Murcia
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (I.R.-G.); (M.M.); (A.I.); (J.J.); (L.S.-M.); (A.T.); (J.S.)
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, 46020 Valencia, Spain
- Servicio de Análisis de Sistemas de Información Sanitaria, Conselleria de Sanitat, Generalitat Valenciana, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Amaia Irizar
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (I.R.-G.); (M.M.); (A.I.); (J.J.); (L.S.-M.); (A.T.); (J.S.)
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, Biodonostia Health Institute, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Jordi Julvez
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (I.R.-G.); (M.M.); (A.I.); (J.J.); (L.S.-M.); (A.T.); (J.S.)
- Clinical and Epidemiological Neuroscience Group (NeuroÈpia), Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43204 Reus, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Global (ISGlobal) de Barcelona Campus MAR, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Loreto Santa-Marina
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (I.R.-G.); (M.M.); (A.I.); (J.J.); (L.S.-M.); (A.T.); (J.S.)
- Group of Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development, Biodonostia Health Institute, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain
- Health Department of Basque Government, Sub-Directorate of Public Health of Gipuzkoa, 20013 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Adonina Tardón
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (I.R.-G.); (M.M.); (A.I.); (J.J.); (L.S.-M.); (A.T.); (J.S.)
- Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), University of Oviedo, 33003 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología Del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Departamento de Medicina, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (I.R.-G.); (M.M.); (A.I.); (J.J.); (L.S.-M.); (A.T.); (J.S.)
- Instituto de Salud Global (ISGlobal) de Barcelona Campus MAR, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona (PRBB), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesús Vioque
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández (ISABIAL-UMH), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (S.G.-P.); (J.V.)
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (I.R.-G.); (M.M.); (A.I.); (J.J.); (L.S.-M.); (A.T.); (J.S.)
- Unidad de Epidemiología de la Nutrición (EPINUT), Departamento de Salud Pública, Historia de la Ciencia y Ginecología, Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), 03550 Alicante, Spain
| | - Tim Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Hasselt, Belgium; (D.S.M.)
| | - Eva-María Navarrete-Muñoz
- Department of Surgery and Pathology, Miguel Hernandez University, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (D.P.-B.); (E.-M.N.-M.)
- Grupo de Investigación en Terapia Ocupacional (InTeO), Miguel Hernandez University, 03550 Alicante, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández (ISABIAL-UMH), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (S.G.-P.); (J.V.)
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15
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Bossu CM, Rodriguez M, Rayne C, Chromczak DA, Higgins PG, Trulio LA, Ruegg KC. Genomic approaches to mitigating genetic diversity loss in declining populations. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:5228-5240. [PMID: 37610278 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
The accelerating pace of global biodiversity loss is exacerbated by habitat fragmentation and subsequent inbreeding in small populations. To address this problem, conservation practitioners often turn to assisted breeding programmes with the aim of enhancing genetic diversity in declining populations. Although genomic information is infrequently included in these efforts, it has the potential to significantly enhance the success of such programmes. In this study, we showcase the value of genomic approaches for increasing genetic diversity in assisted breeding efforts, specifically focusing on a highly inbred population of Western burrowing owls. To maximize genetic diversity in the resulting offspring, we begin by creating an optimal pairing decision tree based on sex, kinship and patterns of homozygosity across the genome. To evaluate the effectiveness of our strategy, we compare genetic diversity, brood size and nestling success rates between optimized and non-optimized pairs. Additionally, we leverage recently discovered correlations between telomere length and fitness across species to investigate whether genomic optimization could have long-term fitness benefits. Our results indicate that pairing individuals with contrasting patterns of homozygosity across the genome is an effective way to increase genetic diversity in offspring. Although short-term field-based metrics of success did not differ significantly between optimized and non-optimized pairs, offspring from optimized pairs had significantly longer telomeres, suggesting that genetic optimization can help reduce the risk of inbreeding depression. These findings underscore the importance of genomic tools for informing efforts to preserve the adaptive potential of small, inbred populations at risk of further decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christen M Bossu
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Colorado, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Marina Rodriguez
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Colorado, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Christine Rayne
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Colorado, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Debra A Chromczak
- Burrowing Owl Researcher & Consultant, Riegelsville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Lynne A Trulio
- Department of Environmental Studies, San José State University, San Jose, California, USA
| | - Kristen C Ruegg
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Colorado, Fort Collins, USA
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16
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Mayer SE, Guan J, Lin J, Hamlat E, Parker JE, Brownell K, Price C, Mujahid M, Tomiyama AJ, Slavich GM, Laraia BA, Epel ES. Intergenerational effects of maternal lifetime stressor exposure on offspring telomere length in Black and White women. Psychol Med 2023; 53:6171-6182. [PMID: 36457292 PMCID: PMC10235210 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722003397] [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: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although maternal stressor exposure has been associated with shorter telomere length (TL) in offspring, this literature is based largely on White samples. Furthermore, timing of maternal stressors has rarely been examined. Here, we examined how maternal stressors occurring during adolescence, pregnancy, and across the lifespan related to child TL in Black and White mothers. METHOD Mothers (112 Black; 110 White; Mage = 39) and their youngest offspring (n = 222; Mage = 8) were part of a larger prospective cohort study, wherein mothers reported their stressors during adolescence (assessed twice during adolescence for the past year), pregnancy (assessed in midlife for most recent pregnancy), and across their lifespan (assessed in midlife). Mother and child provided saliva for TL measurement. Multiple linear regression models examined the interaction of maternal stressor exposure and race in relation to child TL, controlling for maternal TL and child gender and age. Race-stratified analyses were also conducted. RESULTS Neither maternal adolescence nor lifespan stressors interacted with race in relation to child TL. In contrast, greater maternal pregnancy stressors were associated with shorter child TL, but this effect was present for children of White but not Black mothers. Moreover, this effect was significant for financial but not social pregnancy stressors. Race-stratified models revealed that greater financial pregnancy stressors predicted shorter telomeres in offspring of White, but not Black mothers. CONCLUSIONS Race and maternal stressors interact and are related to biological aging across generations, but these effects are specific to certain races, stressors, and exposure time periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie E. Mayer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0984, USA
| | - Joanna Guan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0984, USA
| | - Jue Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Elissa Hamlat
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0984, USA
| | - Jordan E. Parker
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kristy Brownell
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Candice Price
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Mahasin Mujahid
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - A. Janet Tomiyama
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - George M. Slavich
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Barbara A. Laraia
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Elissa S. Epel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0984, USA
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17
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Wolf SE, Shalev I. The shelterin protein expansion of telomere dynamics: Linking early life adversity, life history, and the hallmarks of aging. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105261. [PMID: 37268182 PMCID: PMC10527177 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Aging is characterized by functional decline occurring alongside changes to several hallmarks of aging. One of the hallmarks includes attrition of repeated DNA sequences found at the ends of chromosomes called telomeres. While telomere attrition is linked to morbidity and mortality, whether and how it causally contributes to lifelong rates of functional decline is unclear. In this review, we propose the shelterin-telomere hypothesis of life history, in which telomere-binding shelterin proteins translate telomere attrition into a range of physiological outcomes, the extent of which may be modulated by currently understudied variation in shelterin protein levels. Shelterin proteins may expand the breadth and timing of consequences of telomere attrition, e.g., by translating early life adversity into acceleration of the aging process. We consider how the pleiotropic roles of shelterin proteins provide novel insights into natural variation in physiology, life history, and lifespan. We highlight key open questions that encourage the integrative, organismal study of shelterin proteins that enhances our understanding of the contribution of the telomere system to aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Wolf
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Idan Shalev
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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18
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Khoury JE, Atkinson L, Jack S, Bennett T, Raha S, Duku E, Gonzalez A. Protocol for the COVID-19 Wellbeing and Stress Study: a longitudinal study of parent distress, biological stress and child biopsychosocial development during the pandemic and beyond. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071926. [PMID: 37580092 PMCID: PMC10432660 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-071926] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has had a unique impact on the mental health and well-being of pregnant individuals and parents of young children. However, the impact of COVID-19-related stress during pregnancy on early child biopsychosocial development, remains unclear. The COVID-19 Wellbeing and Stress Study will: (1) investigate the impact of different forms of prenatal stress experienced during the pandemic (including objective hardship, perceived psychological distress and biological stress) on child stress biology, (2) examine the association between child stress biology and child developmental outcomes, (3) determine whether child stress biology acts as a mechanism linking prenatal stress to adverse child developmental outcomes and (4) assess whether gestational age at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic or child sex, moderate these associations. METHODS AND ANALYSES The COVID-19 Wellbeing and Stress Study is a prospective longitudinal study, consisting of six time points, spanning from pregnancy to 3 years postpartum. The study began in June 2020, consisting of 304 pregnant people from Ontario, Canada. This multimethod study is composed of questionnaires, biological samples, behavioural observations and developmental assessments ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (#11034) and the Mount Saint Vincent University Research Ethics Board (#2020-187, #2021-075, #2022-008). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed presentations and publications, community presentations, and electronic forums (social media, newsletters and website postings).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Khoury
- Department of Psychology, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Leslie Atkinson
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan Jack
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Teresa Bennett
- Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandeep Raha
- Department of Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric Duku
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Gonzalez
- Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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19
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Kurashova NA, Vanyarkina AS, Petrova AG, Rychkova LV, Kolesnikov SI, Darenskaya MA, Moskaleva EV, Kolesnikova LI. Length of Leukocyte Telomeres in Newborns of HIV-Infected Mothers. Bull Exp Biol Med 2023:10.1007/s10517-023-05846-7. [PMID: 37474692 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-023-05846-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
We studied the relative length of telomeres in newborns with unrealized perinatal transmission of HIV (zero viral load according to PCR results). A cross-sectional survey of 62 newborns of HIV-infected mothers (Apgar score 8); the control group consisted of 80 healthy newborns (Apgar score 8). DNA extracted from whole venous blood samples was analyzed. In newborns of HIV-infected mothers, the relative length of telomeres was significantly lower (0.69 (0.66; 0.72)) than in newborns of the control group (1.1 (0.97; 1.22)) (p<0.001). No significant differences in the relative length of telomeres were found between newborns of mothers with a viral load at the time of delivery and with undetectable viral load: 0.69 (0.66; 0.73) and 0.69 (0.63; 0.72). These findings indicate that HIV-infection in mothers or exposure to antiretroviral therapy has an impact on the relative telomere length in leukocytes of newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Kurashova
- Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia.
| | - A S Vanyarkina
- Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - A G Petrova
- Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - L V Rychkova
- Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - S I Kolesnikov
- Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - M A Darenskaya
- Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - E V Moskaleva
- Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - L I Kolesnikova
- Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems, Irkutsk, Russia
- Irkutsk State University, Irkutsk, Russia
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20
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Mposhi A, Turner JD. How can early life adversity still exert an effect decades later? A question of timing, tissues and mechanisms. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1215544. [PMID: 37457711 PMCID: PMC10348484 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1215544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to any number of stressors during the first 1000 days from conception to age 2 years is important in shaping an individual's life trajectory of health and disease. Despite the expanding range of stressors as well as later-life phenotypes and outcomes, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Our previous data strongly suggests that early-life exposure to a stressor reduces the capacity of the immune system to generate subsequent generations of naïve cells, while others have shown that, early life stress impairs the capacity of neuronal stem cells to proliferate as they age. This leads us to the "stem cell hypothesis" whereby exposure to adversity during a sensitive period acts through a common mechanism in all the cell types by programming the tissue resident progenitor cells. Furthermore, we review the mechanistic differences observed in fully differentiated cells and suggest that early life adversity (ELA) may alter mitochondria in stem cells. This may consequently alter the destiny of these cells, producing the lifelong "supply" of functionally altered fully differentiated cells.
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21
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Sulyok E, Farkas B, Bodis J. Pathomechanisms of Prenatally Programmed Adult Diseases. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1354. [PMID: 37507894 PMCID: PMC10376205 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12071354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on epidemiological observations Barker et al. put forward the hypothesis/concept that an adverse intrauterine environment (involving an insufficient nutrient supply, chronic hypoxia, stress, and toxic substances) is an important risk factor for the development of chronic diseases later in life. The fetus responds to the unfavorable environment with adaptive reactions, which ensure survival in the short run, but at the expense of initiating pathological processes leading to adult diseases. In this review, the major mechanisms (including telomere dysfunction, epigenetic modifications, and cardiovascular-renal-endocrine-metabolic reactions) will be outlined, with a particular emphasis on the role of oxidative stress in the fetal origin of adult diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endre Sulyok
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Balint Farkas
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Jozsef Bodis
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
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22
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Herrera-Moreno JF, Prada D, Baccarelli AA. Early Environment and Telomeres: a Long-Term Toxic Relationship. Curr Environ Health Rep 2023; 10:112-124. [PMID: 36944821 PMCID: PMC10849088 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00395-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Telomere length (TL) shortening is a hallmark of biological aging. While studies have extensively focused on the impact of environmental exposures on TL in older populations, consistent evidence indicates that prenatal environmental exposures to air pollutants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, metals, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals influence TL shortening. Here, we summarize evidence linking prenatal environmental exposures with children's TL and discuss potential long-term effects. RECENT FINDINGS Current evidence shows that prenatal environmental exposures alter TL and identify pregnancy as a critical window of susceptibility for telomere damage in children. However, results vary across studies, possibly depending on the source, exposure time window, and stage evaluated. Additional research is needed to investigate whether early TL alterations mediate long-term health effects of offspring. Prenatal environmental exposures induce early childhood changes in TL. Based on known links between TL and biological aging, these alterations may have long-term impact on individuals' health throughout life.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Francisco Herrera-Moreno
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168Th Street, Suite 1105E, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Diddier Prada
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168Th Street, Suite 1105E, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Instituto Nacional de Cancerología - México, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168Th Street, Suite 1105E, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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23
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Chandyo RK, Schwinger C, Kvestad I, Ulak M, Ranjitkar S, Shrestha M, Nguyen LV, Corona-Perez D, DeVivo I, Shrestha L, Strand TA. The association between household biomass fuel use and leukocyte telomere length among toddlers in Bhaktapur, Nepal. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:448-454. [PMID: 36138138 PMCID: PMC10234806 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-022-00474-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomass fuels are still in use for cooking by many households in resource poor countries such as Nepal and is a major source of household air pollution (HAP). Chronic exposure to HAP has been shown to be associated with shorter telomere length in adults. OBJECTIVES To measure the association between exposure related to household biomass fuel in infancy and leukocyte telomere length (LTL) at 18-23 months of age among 497 children from Bhaktapur, Nepal. METHODS In a prospective cohort study design, we have collected information on household cooking fuel use and several clinical, anthropometric, demographic, and socioeconomic variables. We estimated the association between biomass fuel use and the relative LTL in multiple linear regression models. RESULTS Most of the families (78%) reported liquified petroleum gas (LPG) as the primary cooking fuel, and 18.7% used biomass. The mean relative (SD) LTL was 1.03 (0.19). Children living in households using biomass fuel had on average 0.09 (95% CI: 0.05 to 0.13) units shorter LTL than children in households with no biomass fuel use. The observed association was unaltered after adjusting for relevant confounders. The association between LTL and biomass use was strongest among children from households with ≤2 rooms and without separate kitchen. SIGNIFICANCE Exposure to biomass fuel use in early life might have consequences for longevity, and risk of chronic illnesses reflected in shortening of the telomeres. Our findings support the ongoing effort to reduce exposure to biomass fuel in low-resource settings. IMPACT STATEMENTS Biomass for cooking is a leading source of household air pollution in low and middle-income countries, contributing to many chronic diseases and premature deaths. Chronic exposure to biomass fuel through oxidative stress and inflammation has been associated with a shortening of the telomeres, a "biological marker" of longevity. This prospective cohort study describes the association between household biomass fuel use and leukocyte telomere length among 497 toddlers. Leukocyte telomere length was significantly shorter among children living in households with biomass fuel than in children from homes where mainly LPG was used for cooking. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02272842, registered October 21, 2014, Universal Trial Number: U1111-1161-5187 (September 8, 2014).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram K Chandyo
- Department of Community Medicine, Kathmandu Medical College, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Catherine Schwinger
- Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health, Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ingrid Kvestad
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Lillehammer, Norway
| | - Manjeswori Ulak
- Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health, Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Child Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Suman Ranjitkar
- Department of Child Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Merina Shrestha
- Department of Child Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Linda Vy Nguyen
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Diana Corona-Perez
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Immaculata DeVivo
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laxman Shrestha
- Department of Child Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Tor A Strand
- Centre for Intervention Science in Maternal and Child Health, Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Lillehammer, Norway.
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24
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Duncan E, Papatheodoulou M, Metcalfe NB, McLennan D. Does pre-spawning catch and release angling affect offspring telomere dynamics in Atlantic salmon? CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 11:coad018. [PMID: 37113976 PMCID: PMC10129346 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coad018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The practice of 'catch and release' (C&R) angling confers a balance between animal welfare, conservation efforts and preserving the socio-economic interests of recreational angling. However, C&R angling can still cause exhaustion and physical injury, and often exposes the captured fish to the stress of air exposure. Therefore, the true conservation success of C&R angling depends on whether the angled individuals then survive to reproduction and whether there are any persisting effects on subsequent generations. Here we tested the hypothesis that the stress of C&R angling is then passed on to offspring. We experimentally manipulated the C&R experience of wild adult salmon prior to the spawning season. These parental fish either underwent a C&R simulation (which involved exercise with/without air exposure) or were left as control individuals. We then measured the telomere length of the arising offspring (at the larval stage of development) since previous studies have linked a shorter telomere length with reduced fitness/longevity and the rate of telomere loss is thought to be influenced by stress. Family-level telomere length was positively related to rate of growth. However, the telomere lengths of the salmon offspring were unrelated to the C&R experience of their parents. This may be due to there being no intergenerational effect of parental stress exposure on offspring telomeres, or to any potential effects being buffered by the significant telomere elongation mechanisms that are thought to occur during the embryonic and larval stages of development. While this may suggest that C&R angling has a minimal intergenerational effect on offspring fitness, there have been numerous other reports of negative C&R effects, therefore we should still be aiming to mitigate and refine such practices, in order to minimize their impacts on fish populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Duncan
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, Graham Kerr Building, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK
| | - Magdalene Papatheodoulou
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, Graham Kerr Building, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK
| | - Neil B Metcalfe
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, Graham Kerr Building, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK
| | - Darryl McLennan
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, Graham Kerr Building, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ Glasgow, UK
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25
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Meesters M, Van Eetvelde M, Martens DS, Nawrot TS, Dewulf M, Govaere J, Opsomer G. Prenatal environment impacts telomere length in newborn dairy heifers. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4672. [PMID: 36949104 PMCID: PMC10033676 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31943-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere length is associated with longevity and survival in multiple species. In human population-based studies, multiple prenatal factors have been described to be associated with a newborn's telomere length. In the present study, we measured relative leukocyte telomere length in 210 Holstein Friesian heifers, within the first ten days of life. The dam's age, parity, and milk production parameters, as well as environmental factors during gestation were assessed for their potential effect on telomere length. We found that for both primi- and multiparous dams, the telomere length was 1.16% shorter for each day increase in the calf's age at sampling (P = 0.017). The dam's age at parturition (P = 0.045), and the median temperature-humidity index (THI) during the third trimester of gestation (P = 0.006) were also negatively associated with the calves' TL. Investigating multiparous dams separately, only the calf's age at sampling was significantly and negatively associated with the calves' TL (P = 0.025). Results of the present study support the hypothesis that in cattle, early life telomere length is influenced by prenatal factors. Furthermore, the results suggest that selecting heifers born in winter out of young dams might contribute to increased longevity in dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Meesters
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Mieke Van Eetvelde
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Dries S Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Research Unit Environment and Health, Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Manon Dewulf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Jan Govaere
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Geert Opsomer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Liu Y, Song L, Wu M, Bi J, Wang L, Liu Q, Xiong C, Cao Z, Xu S, Wang Y. Association between rare earth element exposure during pregnancy and newborn telomere length. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:38751-38760. [PMID: 36586020 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24958-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Telomere length (TL) is considered a marker of biological aging and lifetime health, and some epidemiological studies report that the environmental exposures may influence TL at birth. We aimed to investigate the associations between prenatal rare earth elements (REE) exposure and newborn TL. A total of 587 mother-newborn pairs were recruited during 2013 to 2015 in Wuhan, China. Maternal urinary concentrations of REE collected during three trimesters were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure relative cord blood TL. The trimester-specific associations between prenatal REE exposure and cord blood TL were evaluated using multiple informant models. Weighted quantile sum regression was used to estimate the mixture effect of urinary REE on cord blood TL. After adjustment for potential confounders, per doubling of urinary REE (Dy, Yb, Pr, Nd, and Tm) concentrations (μg/g creatinine) during the second trimester was respectively associated with 1.94% (95% CI 0.19%, 3.72%), 2.10% (95% CI 0.31%, 3.92%), 2.11% (95% CI 0.35%, 3.89%), 2.08% (95% CI 0.01%, 4.20%), and 1.38% (95% CI 0.09%, 2.70%) increase in cord blood TL. Furthermore, exposure to the mixture of REE during the second trimester was also significantly associated with increased cord blood TL (percent change 1.20%, 95% CI 0.30%, 2.11%). However, these associations were not statistically significant in the first and third trimesters. This study provides new evidence on the potential effect of prenatal REE exposure on the initial (newborn) setting of offspring's telomere biology. Further epidemiological studies are warranted to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Liu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hangkong Road 13, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Clinical and Public Health, School of Health and Rehabilitation, Jiangsu College of Nursing, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lulu Song
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hangkong Road 13, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mingyang Wu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hangkong Road 13, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jianing Bi
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hangkong Road 13, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lulin Wang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hangkong Road 13, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hangkong Road 13, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chao Xiong
- Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhongqiang Cao
- Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shunqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Youjie Wang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hangkong Road 13, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Lazarides C, Moog NK, Verner G, Voelkle MC, Henrich W, Heim CM, Braun T, Wadhwa PD, Buss C, Entringer S. The association between history of prenatal loss and maternal psychological state in a subsequent pregnancy: an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study. Psychol Med 2023; 53:855-865. [PMID: 34127159 PMCID: PMC9975992 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721002221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal loss which occurs in approximately 20% of pregnancies represents a well-established risk factor for anxiety and affective disorders. In the current study, we examined whether a history of prenatal loss is associated with a subsequent pregnancy with maternal psychological state using ecological momentary assessment (EMA)-based measures of pregnancy-specific distress and mood in everyday life. METHOD This study was conducted in a cohort of N = 155 healthy pregnant women, of which N = 40 had a history of prenatal loss. An EMA protocol was used in early and late pregnancy to collect repeated measures of maternal stress and mood, on average eight times per day over a consecutive 4-day period. The association between a history of prenatal loss and psychological state was estimated using linear mixed models. RESULTS Compared to women who had not experienced a prior prenatal loss, women with a history of prenatal loss reported higher levels of pregnancy-specific distress in early as well as late pregnancy and also were more nervous and tired. Furthermore, in the comparison group pregnancy-specific distress decreased and mood improved from early to late pregnancy, whereas these changes across pregnancy were not evident in women in the prenatal loss group. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that prenatal loss in a prior pregnancy is associated with a subsequent pregnancy with significantly higher stress and impaired mood levels in everyday life across gestation. These findings have important implications for designing EMA-based ambulatory, personalized interventions to reduce stress during pregnancy in this high-risk group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Lazarides
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nora K. Moog
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Glenn Verner
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manuel C. Voelkle
- Faculty of Life Science, Department of Psychology, Psychological Research Methods, Humboldt-University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Henrich
- Department of Obstetrics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine M. Heim
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thorsten Braun
- Department of Obstetrics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pathik D. Wadhwa
- Development, Health and Disease Research Program, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Claudia Buss
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Development, Health and Disease Research Program, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Sonja Entringer
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Development, Health and Disease Research Program, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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28
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Dines V, Suvakov S, Kattah A, Vermunt J, Narang K, Jayachandran M, Abou Hassan C, Norby AM, Garovic VD. Preeclampsia and the Kidney: Pathophysiology and Clinical Implications. Compr Physiol 2023; 13:4231-4267. [PMID: 36715282 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are major contributors to maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. This group of disorders includes chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension, and eclampsia. The body undergoes important physiological changes during pregnancy to allow for normal placental and fetal development. Several mechanisms have been proposed that may lead to preeclampsia, including abnormal placentation and placental hypoxia, impaired angiogenesis, excessive pro-inflammatory response, immune system imbalance, abnormalities of cellular senescence, alterations in regulation and activity of angiotensin II, and oxidative stress, ultimately resulting in upregulation of multiple mediators of endothelial cell dysfunction leading to maternal disease. The clinical implications of preeclampsia are significant as there are important short-term and long-term health consequences for those affected. Preeclampsia leads to increased risk of preterm delivery and increased morbidity and mortality of both the developing fetus and mother. Preeclampsia also commonly leads to acute kidney injury, and women who experience preeclampsia or another hypertensive disorder of pregnancy are at increased lifetime risk of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. An understanding of normal pregnancy physiology and the pathophysiology of preeclampsia is essential to develop novel treatment approaches and manage patients with preeclampsia and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. © 2023 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 13:4231-4267, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Dines
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sonja Suvakov
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Andrea Kattah
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jane Vermunt
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kavita Narang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Coline Abou Hassan
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Alexander M Norby
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Vesna D Garovic
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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29
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Qureshi F, Aris IM, Rifas-Shiman SL, Perng W, Oken E, Rich-Edwards J, Cardenas A, Baccarelli AA, Enlow MB, Belfort MB, Tiemeier H. Associations of cord blood leukocyte telomere length with adiposity growth from infancy to adolescence. Pediatr Obes 2023; 18:e12977. [PMID: 36085441 PMCID: PMC9772131 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12977] [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: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) may be a biomarker for chronic disease susceptibility, but no work has tested this hypothesis directly. Our study investigated associations of LTL at birth with markers of adiposity growth that are linked with cardiometabolic health later in life. METHODS Participants were 375 children in Project Viva (48% female, 71% White). Body mass index (BMI) trajectories from birth to 18 years were tracked using repeated measures of BMI collected in physical examinations and via medical records, then used to predict age (months) and magnitude (kg/m2 ) of BMI peak and rebound. LTL was measured from cord blood via duplex quantitative PCR. A binary variable indicating LTL shorter than the reference population average was the primary exposure. RESULTS LTL was unrelated to BMI at peak or rebound, but associations were apparent with the timing of BMI growth milestones. Short LTL was related to a later age of peak for females (β = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.16, 1.82; psex interaction = 0.015) and an earlier age of rebound for both males and females (βcombined = -5.26, 95% CI = -9.44, -1.08). CONCLUSION LTL at birth may be an early biomarker of altered adiposity growth. Newborn telomere biology may shed new insight into the developmental origins of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Qureshi
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Izzuddin M Aris
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sheryl L Rifas-Shiman
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wei Perng
- Department of Epidemiology, Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Emily Oken
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Janet Rich-Edwards
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Women's Health, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andres Cardenas
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, Berkeley, California, USA
- Center for Computational Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Laboratory of Environmental Epigenetics, Departments of Environmental Health Sciences and Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michelle Bosquet Enlow
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mandy B Belfort
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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30
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Longitudinal Association of Telomere Dynamics with Obesity and Metabolic Disorders in Young Children. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14235191. [PMID: 36501220 PMCID: PMC9735474 DOI: 10.3390/nu14235191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In adults, short leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is associated with metabolic disorders, such as obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. These associations could stem from early life interactions between LTL and metabolic disorders. To test this hypothesis, we explored the associations between LTL and metabolic parameters as well as their evolution over time in children with or without obesity at baseline. Seventy-three (n = 73) children attending our Outpatient Clinic for the Prevention and Management of Overweight and Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence, aged 2-10 years (mean ± SD: 7.6 ± 2.0 years), were followed for 2 to 4 years. Anthropometric, clinical, and biological (including LTL by Southern blot) measurements were performed annually. Baseline LTL correlated negatively with BMI (p = 0.02), fat percentage (p = 0.01), and blood glucose (p = 0.0007). These associations persisted after adjustments for age and sex. No associations were found between LTL attrition during the follow-up period and any of the metabolic parameters. In young children, obesity and metabolic disturbances were associated with shorter telomeres but were not associated with more pronounced LTL attrition. These results suggest that short telomeres contribute to the development of obesity and metabolic disorders very early in life, which can have a major impact on health.
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31
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Leake DW. Tracing Slow Phenoptosis to the Prenatal Stage in Social Vertebrates. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2022; 87:1512-1527. [PMID: 36717460 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297922120094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Vladimir Skulachev's coining of the term "phenoptosis" 25 years ago (Skulachev, V. P., Biochemistry (Moscow), 62, 1997) highlighted the theoretical possibility that aging is a programmed process to speed the exit of individuals posing some danger to their social group. While rapid "acute phenoptosis" might occur at any age (e.g., to prevent spread of deadly infections), "slow phenoptosis" is generally considered to occur later in life in the form of chronic age-related disorders. However, recent research indicates that risks for such chronic disorders can be greatly raised by early life adversity, especially during the prenatal stage. Much of this research uses indicators of biological aging, the speeding or slowing of natural physiological deterioration in response to environmental inputs, leading to divergence from chronological age. Studies using biological aging indicators commonly find it is accelerated not only in older individuals with chronic disorders, but also in very young individuals with health problems. This review will explain how accelerated biological aging equates to slow phenoptosis. Its occurrence even in the prenatal stage is theoretically supported by W. D. Hamilton's proposal that offsprings detecting they have dangerous mutations should then automatically speed their demise, in order to improve their inclusive fitness by giving their parents the chance to produce other fitter siblings.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Leake
- University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
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32
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Noguera JC, da Silva A, Velando A. Egg corticosterone can stimulate telomerase activity and promote longer telomeres during embryo development. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6252-6260. [PMID: 33065771 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
It is often assumed that the transfer of maternal glucocorticoids (GCs; e.g., corticosterone or cortisol) to offspring is an inevitable cost associated with adverse or stressful conditions experienced by mothers. However, recent evidence indicates that maternal GCs may adaptively programme particular physiological and molecular pathways during development to enhance offspring fitness. In this context, an important mechanism through which maternal GCs may lastingly affect offspring phenotypic quality and survival is via effects on embryo telomerase activity and so on offspring postnatal telomere length. Here, using a field experimental design for which we manipulated the corticosterone content in yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) eggs, we show that embryos from corticosterone-injected eggs not only had a higher telomerase activity but also longer telomeres just after hatching. A complementary analysis further revealed that gull hatchlings with longer telomeres had a higher survival probability during the period when most of the chick mortality occurs. Given the important role that telomere length and its restoring mechanisms have on ageing trajectories and disease risk, our findings provide a new mechanistic link by which mothers may presumably shape offspring life-history trajectories and phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Carlos Noguera
- Grupo de Ecología Animal (GEA), Centro de Investigacion Mariña (CIM), Universidad de Vigo, Vigo, 36310, Spain
| | - Alberto da Silva
- Grupo de Ecología Animal (GEA), Centro de Investigacion Mariña (CIM), Universidad de Vigo, Vigo, 36310, Spain
| | - Alberto Velando
- Grupo de Ecología Animal (GEA), Centro de Investigacion Mariña (CIM), Universidad de Vigo, Vigo, 36310, Spain
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33
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Tobler M, Gómez-Blanco D, Hegemann A, Lapa M, Neto JM, Tarka M, Xiong Y, Hasselquist D. Telomeres in ecology and evolution: A review and classification of hypotheses. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:5946-5965. [PMID: 34865259 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Research on telomeres in the fields of ecology and evolution has been rapidly expanding over the last two decades. This has resulted in the formulation of a multitude of, often name-given, hypotheses related to the associations between telomeres and life-history traits or fitness-facilitating processes (and the mechanisms underlying them). However, the differences (or similarities) between the various hypotheses, which can originate from different research fields, are often not obvious. Our aim here is therefore to give an overview of the hypotheses that are of interest in ecology and evolution and to provide two frameworks that help discriminate among them. We group the hypotheses (i) based on their association with different research questions, and (ii) using a hierarchical approach that builds on the assumptions they make, such as about causality of telomere length/shortening and/or the proposed functional consequences of telomere shortening on organism performance. Both our frameworks show that there exist parallel lines of thoughts in different research fields. Moreover, they also clearly illustrate that there are in many cases competing hypotheses within clusters, and that some of these even have contradictory assumptions and/or predictions. We also touch upon two topics in telomere research that would benefit from further conceptualization. This review should help researchers, both those familiar with and those new to the subject, to identify future avenues of research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arne Hegemann
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mariana Lapa
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Júlio M Neto
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maja Tarka
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ye Xiong
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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34
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Metcalfe NB, Olsson M. How telomere dynamics are influenced by the balance between mitochondrial efficiency, reactive oxygen species production and DNA damage. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6040-6052. [PMID: 34435398 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that oxidative stress is a major cause of DNA damage and telomere attrition. Most endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in the mitochondria, producing a link between mitochondrial function, DNA integrity and telomere dynamics. In this review we will describe how ROS production, rates of damage to telomeric DNA and DNA repair are dynamic processes. The rate of ROS production depends on mitochondrial features such as the level of inner membrane uncoupling and the proportion of time that ATP is actively being produced. However, the efficiency of ATP production (the ATP/O ratio) is positively related to the rate of ROS production, so leading to a trade-off between the body's energy requirements and its need to prevent oxidative stress. Telomeric DNA is especially vulnerable to oxidative damage due to features such as its high guanine content; while repair to damaged telomere regions is possible through a range of mechanisms, these can result in more rapid telomere shortening. There is increasing evidence that mitochondrial efficiency varies over time and with environmental context, as do rates of DNA repair. We argue that telomere dynamics can only be understood by appreciating that the optimal solution to the trade-off between energetic efficiency and telomere protection will differ between individuals and will change over time, depending on resource availability, energetic demands and life history strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil B Metcalfe
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Mats Olsson
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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35
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Bae J, Bertucci EM, Bock SL, Hale MD, Moore J, Wilkinson PM, Rainwater TR, Bowden JA, Koal T, PhamTuan H, Parrott BB. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors interact during development to influence telomere length in a long-lived reptile. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6114-6127. [PMID: 34101921 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms connecting environmental conditions to plasticity in biological aging trajectories are fundamental to understanding individual variation in functional traits and life history. Recent findings suggest that telomere biology is especially dynamic during early life stages and has long-term consequences for subsequent reproduction and survival. However, our current understanding is mostly derived from studies investigating ecological and anthropogenic factors separately, leaving the effects of complex environmental interactions unresolved. American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) are long-lived apex predators that rely on incubation temperature during a discrete period during development and endocrine cues to determine sex, making them especially vulnerable to current climatic variability and exposure to anthropogenic contaminants interfering with hormone function. Here, we combine field studies with a factorial design to understand how the developmental environment, along with intrinsic biological variation contribute to persistent telomere variation. We found that exposure to a common endocrine disrupting contaminant, DDE, affects telomere length, but that the directionality is highly dependent upon incubation temperature. Variation in hatchling growth, underlies a strong clutch effect. We also assess concentrations of a panel of glucocorticoid hormones and find that contaminant exposure elicits an increase in circulating glucocorticoids. Consistent with emerging evidence linking stress and aging trajectories, GC levels also appear to trend with shorter telomere length. Thus, we add support for a mechanistic link between contaminants and glucocorticoid signalling, which interacts with ecological aspects of the developmental environment to alter telomere dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsoo Bae
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, USA.,Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Emily M Bertucci
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, USA.,Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Samantha L Bock
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, USA.,Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Matthew D Hale
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, USA.,Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Jameel Moore
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, USA.,Benedict College, Columbia, SC, USA
| | | | - Thomas R Rainwater
- Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, Georgetown, SC, USA.,Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology & Forest Science, Clemson University, Georgetown, SC, USA
| | - John A Bowden
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Benjamin B Parrott
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, USA.,Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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36
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Entringer S, Scholaske L, Kurt M, Duman EA, Adam EK, Razum O, Spallek J. Diurnal cortisol variation during pregnancy in Turkish origin and non-migrant women in a German birth cohort study. J Psychosom Res 2022; 162:111020. [PMID: 36081181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.111020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immigrants from Turkey experience health disadvantages relative to non-immigrant populations in Germany that are manifest from the earliest stages of the lifespan onwards and are perpetuated across generations. Chronic stress and perturbations of stress-responsive physiological systems, including the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis, are believed to in part mediate this relationship. Cortisol plays an important role in the association between maternal stress during pregnancy and many pregnancy-, birth- and offspring-related outcomes. We therefore examined whether maternal migrant background is associated with diurnal cortisol variation during pregnancy. METHODS 109 pregnant women (incl. n = 32 Turkish origin women) that participated in a multi-site prospective cohort study in Germany collected saliva samples across the day on two consecutive days around 24 and 32 weeks gestation. Hierarchical linear models were applied to quantify associations between migrant background and diurnal cortisol variation across pregnancy. RESULTS Women of Turkish origin exhibited a significantly lower cortisol awakening response (CAR) and a flatter diurnal cortisol slope (DCS) compared to non-migrant women after adjusting for household income. These relationships between migrant status and diurnal cortisol variation were mainly driven by 2nd generation migrants. DISCUSSION A potential HPA axis dysregulation of Turkish-origin pregnant women may contribute to the intergenerational transmission of health disadvantages in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Entringer
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Department of Pediatrics and Development, Health and Disease Research Program, University of California, Irvine, USA.
| | - Laura Scholaske
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, 10117 Berlin, Germany; German Center for Integration and Migration Research (DeZIM), Berlin, Germany.
| | - Medlin Kurt
- Department of Public Health, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Senftenberg, Germany
| | - Elif Aysimi Duman
- Department of Psychology, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey; Center for Life Sciences and Technologies, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Emma K Adam
- School of Education and Social Policy and Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, USA.
| | - Oliver Razum
- Department of Epidemiology & International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany; Research Institute Social Cohesion (RISC), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Jacob Spallek
- Department of Public Health, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Senftenberg, Germany.
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37
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Panelli DM, Diwan M, Cruz GI, Leonard SA, Chueh J, Gotlib IH, Bianco K. An exploratory analysis of leukocyte telomere length among pregnant and non-pregnant people. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 25:100506. [PMID: 36110146 PMCID: PMC9467886 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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38
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Iannarelli NJ, Wade TJ, Dempster KS, Moore J, MacNeil AJ, O'Leary DD. No Mediation Effect of Telomere Length or Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number on the Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Central Arterial Stiffness. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e026619. [DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.026619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Previous reports have suggested that accelerated biological aging—indexed by telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn)—may contribute to associations between ACEs and cardiovascular health outcomes. Here, we examine the potential mediating effects of TL and mtDNAcn on the association between ACEs and central arterial stiffness—an intermediate cardiovascular health outcome—as a novel pathway linking ACEs to CVD risk among young adults.
Methods and Results
One hundred and eighty‐five (n=102 women; mean age, 22.5±1.5 years) individuals provided information on ACEs. TL (kb per diploid cell) and mtDNAcn (copies per diploid cell) were quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction techniques. Central arterial stiffness was measured as carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV; m/s). Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the associations between ACEs, TL, mtDNAcn, and cfPWV. ACEs were positively associated with cfPWV (
β
=0.147,
P
=0.035). TL (
β
=−0.170,
P
=0.011) and mtDNAcn (
β
=−0.159,
P
=0.019) were inversely associated with cfPWV. Neither TL (
β
=−0.027,
P
=0.726) nor mtDNAcn (
β
=0.038,
P
=0.620) was associated with ACEs. Neither marker mediated the association between ACEs and cfPWV.
Conclusions
An increasing number of ACEs were associated with a faster cfPWV and thus, a greater degree of central arterial stiffness. ACEs were not associated with either TL or mtDNAcn, suggesting that these markers do not represent a mediating pathway linking ACEs to central arterial stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel J. Iannarelli
- Department of Health Sciences Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Brock University St. Catharines Ontario Canada
- Brock‐Niagara Centre for Health and Well‐Being Brock University St. Catharines Ontario Canada
| | - Terrance J. Wade
- Department of Health Sciences Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Brock University St. Catharines Ontario Canada
- Brock‐Niagara Centre for Health and Well‐Being Brock University St. Catharines Ontario Canada
| | - Kylie S. Dempster
- Department of Health Sciences Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Brock University St. Catharines Ontario Canada
- Brock‐Niagara Centre for Health and Well‐Being Brock University St. Catharines Ontario Canada
| | - Jessy Moore
- Department of Health Sciences Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Brock University St. Catharines Ontario Canada
| | - Adam J. MacNeil
- Department of Health Sciences Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Brock University St. Catharines Ontario Canada
| | - Deborah D. O'Leary
- Department of Health Sciences Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Brock University St. Catharines Ontario Canada
- Brock‐Niagara Centre for Health and Well‐Being Brock University St. Catharines Ontario Canada
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39
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Berlanga-Acosta J, Fernandez-Mayola M, Mendoza-Mari Y, Garcia-Ojalvo A, Martinez-Jimenez I, Rodriguez-Rodriguez N, Garcia del Barco Herrera D, Guillén-Nieto G. Cell-Free Filtrates (CFF) as Vectors of a Transmissible Pathologic Tissue Memory Code: A Hypothetical and Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11575. [PMID: 36232877 PMCID: PMC9570059 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular memory is a controversial concept representing the ability of cells to "write and memorize" stressful experiences via epigenetic operators. The progressive course of chronic, non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, and arteriosclerosis, is likely driven through an abnormal epigenetic reprogramming, fostering the hypothesis of a cellular pathologic memory. Accordingly, cultured diabetic and cancer patient-derived cells recall behavioral traits as when in the donor's organism irrespective to culture time and conditions. Here, we analyze the data of studies conducted by our group and led by a cascade of hypothesis, in which we aimed to validate the hypothetical existence and transmissibility of a cellular pathologic memory in diabetes, arteriosclerotic peripheral arterial disease, and cancer. These experiments were based on the administration to otherwise healthy animals of cell-free filtrates prepared from human pathologic tissue samples representative of each disease condition. The administration of each pathologic tissue homogenate consistently induced the faithful recapitulation of: (1) Diabetic archetypical changes in cutaneous arterioles and nerves. (2) Non-thrombotic arteriosclerotic thickening, collagenous arterial encroachment, aberrant angiogenesis, and vascular remodeling. (3) Pre-malignant and malignant epithelial and mesenchymal tumors in different organs; all evocative of the donor's tissue histopathology and with no barriers for interspecies transmission. We hypothesize that homogenates contain pathologic tissue memory codes represented in soluble drivers that "infiltrate" host's animal cells, and ultimately impose their phenotypic signatures. The identification and validation of the actors in behind may pave the way for future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Berlanga-Acosta
- Tissue Repair, Wound Healing and Cytoprotection Research Group, Biomedical Research Direction, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Ave. 31 S/N. e/ 158 and 190, Cubanacán, Playa, Havana 10600, Cuba
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40
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Song L, Wu M, Wang L, Bi J, Cao Z, Xu S, Tian Y, Xiong C, Wang Y. Ambient ozone exposure during pregnancy and telomere length in newborns: a prospective investigation in Wuhan, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:62662-62668. [PMID: 35411518 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19977-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that environmental exposures, including air pollution, may influence initial (newborn) telomere length (TL), which has important implications for lifetime health. However, the effect of prenatal ozone exposure on newborn TL is unclear. This study aimed to examine the association of ozone exposure during pregnancy with newborn TL. We used data from a birth cohort study of 762 mother-newborn pairs performed in Wuhan, China, during 2013-2015. Land-use regression models were used to assess prenatal ozone exposure. Newborn TL was quantified in cord blood by qPCR assay. We applied multiple informant model to explore the relationship of prenatal ozone exposure with newborn TL. After adjustment for potential confounders, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in ozone exposure during the 2nd trimester, 3rd trimester, and whole pregnancy were associated with 6.00% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.59%, 10.62%), 12.64% (95% CI: 7.52%, 18.00%), and 7.10% (95% CI: 4.09%, 10.20%) longer cord blood TL, respectively. In contrast, an IQR increase in ozone exposure during the 1st trimester was associated with a 8.39% (95% CI: - 12.90%, - 3.65%) shorter cord blood TL. In multipollutant models, consistent associations were observed between ozone exposures during the 2nd trimester and whole pregnancy and cord blood TL, but not significant for the 1st and 3rd trimesters. In conclusion, our findings suggest positive associations of ozone exposure during the 2nd trimester, 3rd trimester, and whole pregnancy with newborn TL and a negative association during the 1st trimester. This study provides new evidence in humans for a potential "programming" mechanism linking maternal ozone exposure to the initial (newborn) setting of offspring's telomere biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Song
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mingyang Wu
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lulin Wang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jianing Bi
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhongqiang Cao
- Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Road No. 100, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shunqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yaohua Tian
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chao Xiong
- Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Road No. 100, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Youjie Wang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Maternal Age and Behavior during Pregnancy Affect the 2D:4D Digit Ratio in Polish Children Aged 6–13 Years. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11091286. [PMID: 36138765 PMCID: PMC9527011 DOI: 10.3390/biology11091286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: The length of the second and fourth finger calculated as a ratio (2D:4D) is a marker of prenatal exposure to sex hormones. Higher exposure to testosterone is related to a lower 2D:4D digit ratio, and inversely, higher exposure to estrogen is related to a higher 2D:4D. The digit ratio in humans (prenatally determined by sex hormone levels and androgen receptor activity) is associated with multiple biological, cognitive, and behavioral traits, as well as health in later life. The aim of this study was to verify if maternal traits during pregnancy are associated with 2D:4D among their children. Methods: We investigated 537 boys, 646 girls, and their mothers. The investigation consisted of a questionnaire and a measurement part. In the questionnaire, we included questions about maternal traits during pregnancy such as: illnesses, active and passive smoking, work activity, psychological trauma (death or serious illness of a loved one, divorce, job loss), and age. We performed length measurements of the second and fourth fingers on both hands for both study groups. Results: The GLM analysis showed that children of smoking mothers were characterized by a higher 2D:4D R as compared to their peers whose mothers did not smoke (β = 0.10, p = 0.0008). In turn, the offspring of women who worked during pregnancy exhibited lower 2D:4D R values than the children of women who did not work (β = −0.07, p = 0.0233). It should be noted, however, that the effects of those maternal factors were small, as each of them explained less than 1% of 2D:4D R in the population, adjusted for child age and sex. Pearson’s linear correlation revealed that maternal age was negatively correlated with 2D:4D R in daughters (r = −0.11, p = 0.0137), but not in sons (r = 0.02, p = 0.6908). The negative correlation of 2D:4D R with maternal age indicates that the daughters of older mothers exhibited lower values of that ratio relative to the same-age daughters of younger mothers. Conclusions: For both study groups, the right-hand digit ratio was positively correlated with maternal smoking and negatively with maternal work during pregnancy. Maternal age during pregnancy was negatively related to right hand 2D:4D only among girls.
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Aoulad Fares D, Wiegel RE, Eggink AJ, Willemsen SP, van Meurs JBJ, Steegers-Theunissen RPM. Shorter periconception maternal telomere length and the risk of congenital cardiac outflow defects in the offspring. Eur J Clin Invest 2022; 52:e13784. [PMID: 35347712 PMCID: PMC9540113 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital cardiac outflow defects (COD) are the largest group of congenital heart defects, with ventricular septal defect (VSD) as the most prevalent phenotype. Increased maternal age, excessive oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in the pathophysiology of COD and enhance telomere length (TL) shortening. We investigated the association between periconception maternal TL and the risk of having a child with COD. METHODS From a multicentre case-control trial, 306 case mothers of a child with COD and 424 control mothers of a child without a congenital malformation were selected. Relative TL was measured by qPCR. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compute crude and adjusted odds ratios, per standard deviation decrease, between maternal T/S ratio and COD and VSD risk. Adjustments were made for maternal age. Additional adjustments were made in a second model. RESULTS Shorter maternal relative TL was significantly associated with an OR of 1.29 (95% CI 1.04-1.61), p = .02, for the risk of VSD in offspring, which remained significant after an adjustment for maternal age (adjOR 1.25(95% CI 1.01-1.55), p = .04). No association between maternal TL and the risk of overall COD in offspring was observed. CONCLUSION Shorter maternal relative TL is associated with an approximately 1.3-OR for the risk, per SD in relative TL shortening, of VSD in the offspring. These findings need further confirmation in other studies on the predictive value of maternal TL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiat Aoulad Fares
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rosalieke E Wiegel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alex J Eggink
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sten P Willemsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joyce B J van Meurs
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Pepke ML, Kvalnes T, Ranke PS, Araya‐Ajoy YG, Wright J, Sæther B, Jensen H, Ringsby TH. Causes and consequences of variation in early-life telomere length in a bird metapopulation. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9144. [PMID: 35923948 PMCID: PMC9339764 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental conditions during early-life development can have lasting effects shaping individual heterogeneity in fitness and fitness-related traits. The length of telomeres, the DNA sequences protecting chromosome ends, may be affected by early-life conditions, and telomere length (TL) has been associated with individual performance within some wild animal populations. Thus, knowledge of the mechanisms that generate variation in TL, and the relationship between TL and fitness, is important in understanding the role of telomeres in ecology and life-history evolution. Here, we investigate how environmental conditions and morphological traits are associated with early-life blood TL and if TL predicts natal dispersal probability or components of fitness in 2746 wild house sparrow (Passer domesticus) nestlings from two populations sampled across 20 years (1994-2013). We retrieved weather data and we monitored population fluctuations, individual survival, and reproductive output using field observations and genetic pedigrees. We found a negative effect of population density on TL, but only in one of the populations. There was a curvilinear association between TL and the maximum daily North Atlantic Oscillation index during incubation, suggesting that there are optimal weather conditions that result in the longest TL. Dispersers tended to have shorter telomeres than non-dispersers. TL did not predict survival, but we found a tendency for individuals with short telomeres to have higher annual reproductive success. Our study showed how early-life TL is shaped by effects of growth, weather conditions, and population density, supporting that environmental stressors negatively affect TL in wild populations. In addition, shorter telomeres may be associated with a faster pace-of-life, as individuals with higher dispersal rates and annual reproduction tended to have shorter early-life TL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Le Pepke
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD)Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
| | - Thomas Kvalnes
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD)Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
| | - Peter Sjolte Ranke
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD)Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
| | - Yimen G. Araya‐Ajoy
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD)Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
| | - Jonathan Wright
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD)Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
| | - Bernt‐Erik Sæther
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD)Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
| | - Henrik Jensen
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD)Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
| | - Thor Harald Ringsby
- Department of Biology, Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD)Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)TrondheimNorway
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Martens DS, Sleurs H, Dockx Y, Rasking L, Plusquin M, Nawrot TS. Association of Newborn Telomere Length With Blood Pressure in Childhood. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2225521. [PMID: 35930283 PMCID: PMC9356312 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.25521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Adult telomere length (TL) is a biological marker of aging associated with vascular health. TL at birth is associated with later life TL and may contain early biological information of later life cardiovascular health and disease. OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether newborn TL is associated with early life blood pressure differences in childhood. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study was part of the ENVIRONAGE (Environmental Influence on Aging in Early Life) study, a birth cohort of Belgian mother-child pairs with recruitment at birth and a median follow-up of 4.5 years conducted between October 2014 and July 2021. Participants included for analysis provided full data for evaluation at follow-up visit. Data analysis was conducted between August and September 2021. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Cord blood and placental average relative TL were measured at birth using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were evaluated at follow-up. High childhood blood pressure (standardized for child age, sex, and height) was defined following the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. Multivariable adjusted linear and logistic regression models were used to associate newborn TL and blood pressure indicators in childhood. RESULTS This study included 485 newborn children (52.8% girls) with a mean (SD) age of 4.6 (0.4) years at the follow-up visit. Newborn TL was associated with lower blood pressure in childhood. A 1-IQR increase in cord blood TL was associated with a -1.54 mm Hg (95% CI, -2.36 to -0.72 mm Hg) lower diastolic blood pressure and -1.18 mm Hg (95% CI, -1.89 to -0.46 mm Hg) lower MAP. No association was observed with systolic blood pressure. Furthermore, a 1-IQR increase in cord blood TL was associated with lower odds of having high blood pressure at the age of 4 to 6 years (adjusted OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.98). In placenta, a 1-IQR increase in TL was associated with a -0.96 mm Hg (95% CI, -1.72 to -0.21 mm Hg) lower diastolic, -0.88 mm Hg (95% CI, -1.54 to -0.22 mm Hg) lower MAP, and a lower adjusted OR of 0.69 (95% CI, 0.52 to 0.92) for having a high blood pressure in childhood. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this prospective birth cohort study, variation in early life blood pressure at school-age was associated with TL at birth. Cardiovascular health may to some extent be programmed at birth, and these results suggest that TL entails a biological mechanism in this programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dries S. Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Hanne Sleurs
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Yinthe Dockx
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Leen Rasking
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Tim S. Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Research Unit Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Isaevska E, Fiano V, Asta F, Stafoggia M, Moirano G, Popovic M, Pizzi C, Trevisan M, De Marco L, Polidoro S, Gagliardi L, Rusconi F, Brescianini S, Nisticò L, Stazi MA, Ronfani L, Porta D, Richiardi L. Prenatal exposure to PM 10 and changes in DNA methylation and telomere length in cord blood. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 209:112717. [PMID: 35063426 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution exposure in pregnancy can cause molecular level alterations that might influence later disease susceptibility. OBJECTIVES We investigated DNA methylation (DNAm) and telomere length (TL) in the cord blood in relation to gestational PM10 exposure and explored potential gestational windows of susceptibility. METHODS Cord blood epigenome-wide DNAm (N = 384) and TL (N = 500) were measured in children of the Italian birth cohort Piccolipiù, using the Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip and qPCR, respectively. PM10 daily exposure levels, based on maternal residential address, were estimated for different gestational periods using models based on satellite data. Epigenome-wide analysis to identify differentially methylated probes (DMPs) and regions (DMRs) was conducted, followed by a pathway analysis and replication analysis in an second Piccolipiù dataset. Distributed lag models (DLMs) using weekly exposures were used to study the association of PM10 exposure across pregnancy with telomere length, as well as with the DMPs that showed robust associations. RESULTS Gestational PM10 exposure was associated with the DNA methylation of more than 250 unique DMPs, most of them identified in early gestation, and 1 DMR. Out of 151 DMPs available in the replication dataset, ten DMPs showed robust associations: eight were associated with exposure during early gestation and 2 with exposure during the whole pregnancy. These exposure windows were supported by the DLM analysis. The PM10 exposure between 15th and 20th gestational week seem to be associated with shorter telomeres at birth, while exposure between 24th and 29th was associated with longer telomeres. DISCUSSION The early pregnancy period is a potential critical window during which PM10 exposure can influence cord blood DNA methylation. The results from the TL analysis were consistent with previous findings and merit further exploration in future studies. The study underlines the importance of considering gestational windows outside of the predefined trimesters that may not always overlap with biologically relevant windows of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Isaevska
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, CPO-Piemonte, Turin, Italy.
| | - Valentina Fiano
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, CPO-Piemonte, Turin, Italy.
| | - Federica Asta
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy.
| | - Massimo Stafoggia
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giovenale Moirano
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, CPO-Piemonte, Turin, Italy.
| | - Maja Popovic
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, CPO-Piemonte, Turin, Italy.
| | - Costanza Pizzi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, CPO-Piemonte, Turin, Italy.
| | - Morena Trevisan
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, CPO-Piemonte, Turin, Italy.
| | - Laura De Marco
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, CPO-Piemonte, Turin, Italy.
| | - Silvia Polidoro
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), Candiolo, Italy; 5MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, UK.
| | - Luigi Gagliardi
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatrics, Ospedale Versilia, Viareggio, AUSL Toscana Nord Ovest, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Franca Rusconi
- Unit of Epidemiology, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy; Department of Mother and Child Health, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Sonia Brescianini
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - Lorenza Nisticò
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Antonietta Stazi
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - Luca Ronfani
- Clinical Epidemiology and Public Health Research Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy.
| | - Daniela Porta
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Richiardi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, CPO-Piemonte, Turin, Italy.
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Pham C, Vryer R, O’Hely M, Mansell T, Burgner D, Collier F, Symeonides C, Tang MLK, Vuillermin P, Gray L, Saffery R, Ponsonby AL. Shortened Infant Telomere Length Is Associated with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children at Age Two Years: A Birth Cohort Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094601. [PMID: 35562991 PMCID: PMC9104809 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors can accelerate telomere length (TL) attrition. Shortened TL is linked to attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in school-aged children. The onset of ADHD occurs as early as preschool-age, but the TL-ADHD association in younger children is unknown. We investigated associations between infant TL and ADHD symptoms in children and assessed environmental factors as potential confounders and/or mediators of this association. Relative TL was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in cord and 12-month blood in the birth cohort study, the Barwon Infant Study. Early life environmental factors collected antenatally to two years were used to measure confounding. ADHD symptoms at age two years were evaluated by the Child Behavior Checklist Attention Problems (AP) and the Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Problems (ADHP). Associations between early life environmental factors on TL or ADHD symptoms were assessed using multivariable regression models adjusted for relevant factors. Telomere length at 12 months (TL12), but not at birth, was inversely associated with AP (β = −0.56; 95% CI (−1.13, 0.006); p = 0.05) and ADHP (β = −0.66; 95% CI (−1.11, −0.21); p = 0.004). Infant secondhand smoke exposure at one month was independently associated with shorter TL12 and also higher ADHD symptoms. Further work is needed to elucidate the mechanisms that influence TL attrition and early neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Pham
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.P.); (R.V.); (M.O.); (T.M.); (D.B.); (C.S.); (M.L.K.T.); (P.V.); (R.S.)
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (F.C.); (L.G.)
| | - Regan Vryer
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.P.); (R.V.); (M.O.); (T.M.); (D.B.); (C.S.); (M.L.K.T.); (P.V.); (R.S.)
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (F.C.); (L.G.)
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Martin O’Hely
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.P.); (R.V.); (M.O.); (T.M.); (D.B.); (C.S.); (M.L.K.T.); (P.V.); (R.S.)
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (F.C.); (L.G.)
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Toby Mansell
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.P.); (R.V.); (M.O.); (T.M.); (D.B.); (C.S.); (M.L.K.T.); (P.V.); (R.S.)
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (F.C.); (L.G.)
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - David Burgner
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.P.); (R.V.); (M.O.); (T.M.); (D.B.); (C.S.); (M.L.K.T.); (P.V.); (R.S.)
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (F.C.); (L.G.)
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Fiona Collier
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (F.C.); (L.G.)
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Christos Symeonides
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.P.); (R.V.); (M.O.); (T.M.); (D.B.); (C.S.); (M.L.K.T.); (P.V.); (R.S.)
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Mimi L. K. Tang
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.P.); (R.V.); (M.O.); (T.M.); (D.B.); (C.S.); (M.L.K.T.); (P.V.); (R.S.)
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Peter Vuillermin
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.P.); (R.V.); (M.O.); (T.M.); (D.B.); (C.S.); (M.L.K.T.); (P.V.); (R.S.)
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (F.C.); (L.G.)
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Lawrence Gray
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (F.C.); (L.G.)
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.P.); (R.V.); (M.O.); (T.M.); (D.B.); (C.S.); (M.L.K.T.); (P.V.); (R.S.)
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (F.C.); (L.G.)
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Anne-Louise Ponsonby
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (C.P.); (R.V.); (M.O.); (T.M.); (D.B.); (C.S.); (M.L.K.T.); (P.V.); (R.S.)
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Child Health Research Unit, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (F.C.); (L.G.)
- Correspondence:
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Romero-Haro AÁ, Morger J, Haussmann MF, Tschirren B. Reproductive strategies affect telomere dynamics across the life course. Am Nat 2022; 200:373-382. [DOI: 10.1086/720440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Inbreeding is associated with shorter early-life telomere length in a wild passerine. CONSERV GENET 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-022-01441-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractInbreeding can have negative effects on survival and reproduction, which may be of conservation concern in small and isolated populations. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying inbreeding depression are not well-known. The length of telomeres, the DNA sequences protecting chromosome ends, has been associated with health or fitness in several species. We investigated effects of inbreeding on early-life telomere length in two small island populations of wild house sparrows (Passer domesticus) known to be affected by inbreeding depression. Using genomic measures of inbreeding we found that inbred nestling house sparrows (n = 371) have significantly shorter telomeres. Using pedigree-based estimates of inbreeding we found a tendency for inbred nestling house sparrows to have shorter telomeres (n = 1195). This negative effect of inbreeding on telomere length may have been complemented by a heterosis effect resulting in longer telomeres in individuals that were less inbred than the population average. Furthermore, we found some evidence of stronger effects of inbreeding on telomere length in males than females. Thus, telomere length may reveal subtle costs of inbreeding in the wild and demonstrate a route by which inbreeding negatively impacts the physiological state of an organism already at early life-history stages.
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Marasco V, Smith S, Angelier F. How does early-life adversity shape telomere dynamics during adulthood? Problems and paradigms. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2100184. [PMID: 35122449 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Although early-life adversity has been associated with negative consequences during adulthood, growing evidence shows that such adversity can also lead to subsequent stress resilience and positive fitness outcomes. Telomere dynamics are relevant in this context because of the link with developmental conditions and longevity. However, few studies have assessed whether the effects of early-life adversity on developmental telomere dynamics may relate to adult telomere dynamics. We propose that the potential links between early-life adversity and adult telomere dynamics could be driven by developmental constraints (the Constraint hypothesis), by the nature/severity of developmental adversity (the Resilience hypothesis), or by developmental-mediated changes in individual life-history strategies (the Pace of Life hypothesis). We discuss these non-mutually exclusive hypotheses, explore future research directions, and propose specific studies to test these hypotheses. Our article aims to expand our understanding of the evolutionary role of developmental conditions on adult telomere dynamics, stress resilience and ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Marasco
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology (KLIVV), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Steve Smith
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology (KLIVV), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Frédéric Angelier
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-La Rochelle Université (LRU), UMR 7372, Villiers en Bois, France
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50
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Telomere biology is an emerging area of scientific interest. Telomeres are deoxynucleic acid caps at the ends of chromosomes that naturally shorten over one's lifespan; because of this, short telomeres have been studied as a marker of cellular aging. Given the association between short telomeres and genetic and environmental factors, their role in pregnancy has become an intriguing area of research. RECENT FINDINGS This review describes recent data on telomeres in pregnancy. Specifically, we discuss the association between short maternal leukocyte telomeres and poor nutritional status, between short neonatal telomeres and greater maternal psychosocial stress, and between shorter fetal amniotic membrane telomeres and the spontaneous onset of parturition. We also review recent studies suggesting that events during pregnancy can impact telomeres in the offspring years into the future. SUMMARY Telomere length varies in maternal, placental, and neonatal cells, but within each of these compartments telomeres may play their own distinct role during pregnancy. Whether telomeres are reflective of the cumulative impact of stressors, or part of an as-yet unknown fetal programming mechanism is an area of interest. With future research, we may work toward a better understanding of gestational biology which could have far reaching intergenerational impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M. Panelli
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Katherine BIANCO
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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