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Malin KJ, Kruschel K, Gondwe K, Lagatta J, Carter CS, Nazarloo HP, Conley Y, White-Traut R. Feasibility of Stress Research in Premature Infant-Maternal Dyads During and After Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Hospitalization. Adv Neonatal Care 2023; 23:583-595. [PMID: 37948632 PMCID: PMC10786239 DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000001112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress from preterm infant admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is associated with infant and maternal physiologic changes, including endocrine and epigenetic alterations. Little is known about the mechanisms connecting NICU stress to biologic changes, and whether preterm infant and maternal stress are reciprocal. As a preliminary step, feasibility and acceptability of measuring indicators of stress are required. PURPOSE This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of research examining perceptions and biologic markers of stress in premature infant-maternal dyads during and after NICU hospitalization. METHODS We evaluated study feasibility using a longitudinal descriptive design. Acceptability was measured via a maternal questionnaire. Exploratory data regarding hospitalization, perceptions of stress, social support and social determinants of health, and biologic markers of stress were collected during the first week of life and again 3 months after NICU. RESULTS Forty-eight mothers were eligible for the study, 36 mothers were approached, 20 mothers consented to participate, and 14 mothers completed data collection. Mothers reported high levels of study acceptability despite also voicing concern about the sharing of genetic data. Exploration of DNA methylation of SLC6A4 in preterm infants was significant for a strong correlation with perception of total chronic stress. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH Clinical practice at the bedside in the NICU should include standardized screening for and early interventions to minimize stress. Complex research of stress is feasible and acceptable. Future research should focus on linking early life stress with epigenetic alterations and evaluation of the dyad for reciprocity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J Malin
- Marquette University, College of Nursing, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Dr Malin); Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee (Drs Malin and White-Traut); Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (Ms Kruschel and Dr Lagatta); University of Washington, The Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, Seattle, Washington (Dr Gondwe); The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (Drs Carter and Nazarloo); and University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Dr Conley)
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van Dokkum NH, Bao M, Verkaik-Schakel RN, Reijneveld SA, Bos AF, de Kroon MLA, Plösch T. Neonatal stress exposure and DNA methylation of stress-related and neurodevelopmentally relevant genes: An exploratory study. Early Hum Dev 2023; 186:105868. [PMID: 37797474 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2023.105868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress exposure during Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) stay may have long-lasting effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes in extremely preterm infants. Altered DNA methylation of stress-related and neurodevelopmentally relevant genes may be an underlying mechanism. AIMS This exploratory study aimed to investigate the association between neonatal stress exposure and DNA methylation in these genes at two different time points: early during the NICU stay (7-14 days after birth) and later, at discharge from the NICU. SUBJECTS We included 45 extremely preterm infants in this prospective cohort study, gestational age 24-30 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES We collected fecal samples at days 7-14 (n = 44) and discharge (n = 28) and determined DNA methylation status in predefined regions of NR3C1, SLC6A4, HSD11B2, OPRM1, SLC7A5, SLC1A2, IGF2, NNAT, BDNF and GABRA6 using pyrosequencing. Because of low DNA concentrations in some fecal samples, we could do so in 25-50 % of collected samples. We prospectively quantified daily neonatal stress exposure using the Neonatal Infant Stressor Scale (NISS) and explored associations between cumulative NISS scores and average DNA methylation status. RESULTS Rates of methylation of most genes were not statistically different between day 7-14 and discharge, except for OPRM1. We found moderately high and mostly negative correlation coefficients upon discharge with the cumulative NISS for the NR3C1, SLC6A4, SLC1A2, IGF2, BDNF and OPRM1 genes, albeit not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that expression of stress-related and neurodevelopmentally relevant genes may be differently regulated following higher neonatal stress exposure. Larger studies should challenge the findings of this study and ideally test the effects on gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke H van Dokkum
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Mian Bao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Rikst Nynke Verkaik-Schakel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sijmen A Reijneveld
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Arend F Bos
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marlou L A de Kroon
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Torsten Plösch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Duff IT, Krolick KN, Mahmoud HM, Chidambaran V. Current Evidence for Biological Biomarkers and Mechanisms Underlying Acute to Chronic Pain Transition across the Pediatric Age Spectrum. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5176. [PMID: 37629218 PMCID: PMC10455285 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12165176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is highly prevalent in the pediatric population. Many factors are involved in the transition from acute to chronic pain. Currently, there are conceptual models proposed, but they lack a mechanistically sound integrated theory considering the stages of child development. Objective biomarkers are critically needed for the diagnosis, risk stratification, and prognosis of the pathological stages of pain chronification. In this article, we summarize the current evidence on mechanisms and biomarkers of acute to chronic pain transitions in infants and children through the developmental lens. The goal is to identify gaps and outline future directions for basic and clinical research toward a developmentally informed theory of pain chronification in the pediatric population. At the outset, the importance of objective biomarkers for chronification of pain in children is outlined, followed by a summary of the current evidence on the mechanisms of acute to chronic pain transition in adults, in order to contrast with the developmental mechanisms of pain chronification in the pediatric population. Evidence is presented to show that chronic pain may have its origin from insults early in life, which prime the child for the development of chronic pain in later life. Furthermore, available genetic, epigenetic, psychophysical, electrophysiological, neuroimaging, neuroimmune, and sex mechanisms are described in infants and older children. In conclusion, future directions are discussed with a focus on research gaps, translational and clinical implications. Utilization of developmental mechanisms framework to inform clinical decision-making and strategies for prevention and management of acute to chronic pain transitions in children, is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina T. Duff
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA;
| | - Kristen N. Krolick
- Department of Anesthesia, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45242, USA; (K.N.K.); (H.M.M.)
| | - Hana Mohamed Mahmoud
- Department of Anesthesia, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45242, USA; (K.N.K.); (H.M.M.)
| | - Vidya Chidambaran
- Department of Anesthesia, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45242, USA; (K.N.K.); (H.M.M.)
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Malin KJ, Gondwe KW, Fial AV, Moore R, Conley Y, White-Traut R, Griffith T. Scoping Review of Early Toxic Stress and Epigenetic Alterations in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Nurs Res 2023; 72:218-228. [PMID: 37084322 PMCID: PMC10278559 DOI: 10.1097/nnr.0000000000000652] [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] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm infants are uniquely vulnerable to early toxic stress exposure while in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and also being at risk for suboptimal neurodevelopmental outcomes. However, the complex biological mechanisms responsible for variations in preterm infants' neurodevelopmental outcomes because of early toxic stress exposure in the NICU remain unknown. Innovative preterm behavioral epigenetics research offers a possible mechanism and describes how early toxic stress exposure may lead to epigenetic alterations, potentially affecting short- and long-term outcomes. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to review the relationships between early toxic stress exposures in the NICU and epigenetic alterations in preterm infants. The measurement of early toxic stress exposure in the NICU and effect of epigenetic alterations on neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants were also examined. METHODS We conducted a scoping review of the literature published between January 2011 and December 2021 using databases PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrance Library, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Primary data-based research that examined epigenetics, stress, and preterm infants or NICU were included. RESULTS A total of 13 articles from nine studies were included. DNA methylations of six specific genes were studied in relation to early toxic stress exposure in the NICU: SLC6A4, SLC6A3, OPRMI, NR3C1, HSD11B2, and PLAGL1. These genes are responsible for regulating serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol. Poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes were associated with alterations in DNA methylation of SLC6A4, NR3C1, and HSD11B2. Measurements of early toxic stress exposure in the NICU were inconsistent among the studies. DISCUSSION Epigenetic alterations secondary to early toxic stress exposures in the NICU may be associated with future neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. Common data elements of toxic stress exposure in preterm infants are needed. Identification of the epigenome and mechanisms by which early toxic stress exposure leads to epigenetic alterations in this vulnerable population will provide evidence to design and test individualized intervention.
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Chalfun G, Reis MM, de Oliveira MBG, de Araújo Brasil A, Dos Santos Salú M, da Cunha AJLA, Prata-Barbosa A, de Magalhães-Barbosa MC. Perinatal stress and methylation of the NR3C1 gene in newborns: systematic review. Epigenetics 2021; 17:1003-1019. [PMID: 34519616 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.1980691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse experiences in the perinatal period have been associated with the methylation of the human glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) and long-term diseases. We conducted a systematic review on the association between adversities in the perinatal period and DNA methylation in the 1 F region of the NR3C1 gene in newborns. We explored the MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, and Lilacs databases without time or language limitations. Two independent reviewers performed the selection of articles and data extraction. A third participated in the methodological quality assessment and consensus meetings at all stages. Finally, ten studies were selected. Methodological quality was considered moderate in six and low in four. Methylation changes were reported in 41 of the 47 CpG sites of exon 1 F. Six studies addressed maternal conditions during pregnancy: two reported methylation changes at the same sites (CpG 10, 13, 20, 21 and 47), and four at one or more sites from CpG 35 to 39. Four studies addressed neonatal parameters and morbidities: methylation changes at the same sites 4, 8, 10, 16, 25, and 35 were reported in two. Hypermethylation associated with stressful conditions prevailed. Hypomethylation was more often associated with protective conditions (maternal-foetal attachment during pregnancy, breast milk intake, higher birth weight or Apgar). In conclusion, methylation changes in several sites of the 1 F region of the NR3C1 gene in newborns and very young infants were associated with perinatal stress, but more robust and comparable results are needed to corroborate site-specific associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Chalfun
- Department of Pediatrics, D'Or Institute for Research and Education (Idor), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Ufrj), Rio De Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Martins Reis
- Department of Pediatrics, D'Or Institute for Research and Education (Idor), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Aline de Araújo Brasil
- Department of Pediatrics, D'Or Institute for Research and Education (Idor), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Margarida Dos Santos Salú
- Department of Pediatrics, D'Or Institute for Research and Education (Idor), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Antônio José Ledo Alves da Cunha
- Department of Pediatrics, D'Or Institute for Research and Education (Idor), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Ufrj), Rio De Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Arnaldo Prata-Barbosa
- Department of Pediatrics, D'Or Institute for Research and Education (Idor), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Ufrj), Rio De Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Abstract
This paper is the forty-first consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2018 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (2), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (3) and humans (4), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (5), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (6), stress and social status (7), learning and memory (8), eating and drinking (9), drug abuse and alcohol (10), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (11), mental illness and mood (12), seizures and neurologic disorders (13), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (14), general activity and locomotion (15), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (16), cardiovascular responses (17), respiration and thermoregulation (18), and immunological responses (19).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
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Casavant SG, Cong X, Moore J, Starkweather A. Associations between preterm infant stress, epigenetic alteration, telomere length and neurodevelopmental outcomes: A systematic review. Early Hum Dev 2019; 131:63-74. [PMID: 30870624 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Every year, an estimated 15 million babies are born preterm (<37 weeks' gestational age [GA]) globally. These preterm infants are exposed to repeated stressful and often painful procedures as part of routine life-saving care within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Preterm birth continues to be a major health issue associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders such as cerebral palsy, cognitive impairment, autism spectrum disorders and psychiatric disease. OBJECTIVE This paper identifies epigenetic alterations and incidence of telomere erosion that have been studied in preterm infants while in the NICU and as a long-term outcome measure. Better understanding of epigenetic alterations and telomere erosion might aid in early detection and prevention/alleviation of the negative effects of cumulative painful/stressful experiences in this population. METHODS The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards were used to guide this review. Systematic searches of databases included PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS and PsychInfo. RESULTS Twenty-one studies were included, appraised and then synthesized into a narrative summary. DISCUSSION Several putative epigenetic markers were identified although there was a paucity of studies related to telomere length. The interaction of disease entity combined with therapeutic interventions intended to treat may inadvertently increase infant allostatic load or ability to adapt to stress. Future research should include not only human studies but leverage newly available large data sets to conduct additional analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon G Casavant
- School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, 231 Glenbrook Road, U-2026, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Hospital of Central Connecticut, 100 Grand Street, New Britain, CT 06052, USA.
| | - Xiaomei Cong
- School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, 231 Glenbrook Road, U-2026, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - James Moore
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, 282 Washington Street, Hartford, CT 06106, USA; Pediatrics, University of Connecticut Medical School, 263 Farmington Avenue Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - Angela Starkweather
- School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, 231 Glenbrook Road, U-2026, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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Dani C, Becciani S, Pratesi S. Changes in total serum bilirubin during phototherapy in late preterm and term infants with non-haemolytic hyperbilirubinemia. Early Hum Dev 2019; 131:41-44. [PMID: 30831388 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2019.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no standardized method for total serum bilirubin (TSB) monitoring during phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and national guidelines give heterogeneous indications. AIM To assess the hypothesis that TSB values do not exceed exsanguino-transfusion (EXT) threshold during phototherapy and that it is possible to decrease its monitoring frequency in jaundiced infants. STUDY DESIGN We carried out a prospective observational study in which changes in TSB during phototherapy for non-haemolytic hyperbilirubinemia were recorded in a cohort of late preterm and term infants. TSB values after 6, 12, 18, and 24 h of phototherapy were compared to the EXT threshold matched to infants' gestational and postnatal age according to the specific nomogram of the Italian Society of Neonatology guidelines. RESULTS We studied 105 infants who started phototherapy at a mean age of 89 ± 37 h when mean TSB was 17.1 ± 2.5 mg/dL. We found that TSB decreased during phototherapy and the difference between mean TSB and EXT threshold progressively increased during phototherapy; TSB exceeded EXT threshold in none of our patients (0%). CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that differences between mean TSB and EXT threshold increased during phototherapy in late preterm and term infants with non-haemolytic hyperbilirubinemia; in none of our patients TSB exceeded EXT threshold. Our findings support the possibility of safely decreasing TSB monitoring during phototherapy, thus limiting noxious painful stimuli in neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Dani
- Division of Neonatology, Careggi University Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Becciani
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Simone Pratesi
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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