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Hodge KM, Zhabotynsky V, Burt AA, Carter BS, Fry RC, Helderman J, Hofheimer JA, McGowan EC, Neal CR, Pastyrnak SL, Smith LM, DellaGrotta SA, Dansereau LM, Lester BM, Marsit CJ, O'Shea TM, Everson TM. Epigenetic associations in HPA axis genes related to bronchopulmonary dysplasia and antenatal steroids. Pediatr Res 2024; 96:510-518. [PMID: 38480856 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03116-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a common morbidity among very preterm infants, is associated with chronic disease and neurodevelopmental impairments. A hypothesized mechanism for these outcomes lies in altered glucocorticoid (GC) activity. We hypothesized that BPD and its treatments may result in epigenetic differences in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is modulated by GC, and could be ascertained using an established GC risk score and DNA methylation (DNAm) of HPA axis genes. METHODS DNAm was quantified from buccal tissue (ECHO-NOVI) and from neonatal blood spots (ELGAN ECHO) via the EPIC microarray. Prenatal maternal characteristics, pregnancy complication, and neonatal medical complication data were collected from medical record review and maternal interviews. RESULTS The GC score was not associated with steroid exposure or BPD. However, six HPA genes involved in stress response regulation demonstrated differential methylation with antenatal steroid exposure; two CpGs within FKBP5 and POMC were differentially methylated with BPD severity. These findings were sex-specific in both cohorts; males had greater magnitude of differential methylation within these genes. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that BPD severity and antenatal steroids are associated with DNAm at some HPA genes in very preterm infants and the effects appear to be sex-, tissue-, and age-specific. IMPACT This study addresses bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), an important health outcome among preterm neonates, and interrogates a commonly studied pathway, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The combination of BPD, the HPA axis, and epigenetic markers has not been previously reported. In this study, we found that BPD itself was not associated with epigenetic responses in the HPA axis in infants born very preterm; however, antenatal treatment with steroids was associated with epigenetic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenyaita M Hodge
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Vasyl Zhabotynsky
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Amber A Burt
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brian S Carter
- Department of Pediatrics-Neonatology, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer Helderman
- Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Julie A Hofheimer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Elisabeth C McGowan
- Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Charles R Neal
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Steven L Pastyrnak
- Department of Pediatrics, Spectrum Health-Helen Devos Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Lynne M Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Sheri A DellaGrotta
- Brown Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lynne M Dansereau
- Brown Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Barry M Lester
- Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Brown Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - T Michael O'Shea
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Todd M Everson
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Harvey-Carroll J, Stevenson TJ, Bussière LF, Spencer KA. Pre-natal exposure to glucocorticoids causes changes in developmental circadian clock gene expression and post-natal behaviour in the Japanese quail. Horm Behav 2024; 163:105562. [PMID: 38810363 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105562] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The embryonic environment is critical in shaping developmental trajectories and consequently post-natal phenotypes. Exposure to elevated stress hormones during this developmental stage is known to alter a variety of post-natal phenotypic traits, and it has been suggested that pre-natal stress can have long term effects on the circadian rhythm of glucocorticoid hormone production. Despite the importance of the circadian system, the potential impact of developmental glucocorticoid exposure on circadian clock genes, has not yet been fully explored. Here, we showed that pre-natal exposure to corticosterone (CORT, a key glucocorticoid) resulted in a significant upregulation of two key hypothalamic circadian clock genes during the embryonic period in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Altered expression was still present 10 days into post-natal life for both genes, but then disappeared by post-natal day 28. At post-natal day 28, however, diel rhythms of eating and resting were influenced by exposure to pre-natal CORT. Males exposed to pre-natal CORT featured an earlier acrophase, alongside spending a higher proportion of time feeding. Females exposed to pre-natal CORT featured a less pronounced shift in acrophase and spent less time eating. Both males and females exposed to pre-natal CORT spent less time inactive during the day. Pre-natal CORT males appeared to feature a delay in peak activity levels. Our novel data suggest that these circadian clock genes and aspects of diurnal behaviours are highly susceptible to glucocorticoid disruption during embryonic development, and these effects are persistent across developmental stages, at least into early post-natal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Harvey-Carroll
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, Scotland; Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences & Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Tyler J Stevenson
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Luc F Bussière
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences & Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karen A Spencer
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, Scotland
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3
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Ngema M, Xulu ND, Ngubane PS, Khathi A. A Review of Fetal Development in Pregnancies with Maternal Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)-Associated Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Dysregulation: Possible Links to Pregestational Prediabetes. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1372. [PMID: 38927579 PMCID: PMC11201628 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061372] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Research has identified fetal risk factors for adult diseases, forming the basis for the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis. DOHaD suggests that maternal insults during pregnancy cause structural and functional changes in fetal organs, increasing the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adulthood. It is proposed that altered maternal physiology, such as increased glucocorticoid (GC) levels associated with a dysregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in maternal stress and T2DM during pregnancy, exposes the fetus to excess GC. Prenatal glucocorticoid exposure reduces fetal growth and programs the fetal HPA axis, permanently altering its activity into adulthood. This programmed HPA axis is linked to increased risks of hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and mental disorders in adulthood. With the global rise in T2DM, particularly among young adults of reproductive age, it is crucial to prevent its onset. T2DM is often preceded by a prediabetic state, a condition that does not show any symptoms, causing many to unknowingly progress to T2DM. Studying prediabetes is essential, as it is a reversible stage that may help prevent T2DM-related pregnancy complications. The existing literature focuses on HPA axis dysregulation in T2DM pregnancies and its link to fetal programming. However, the effects of prediabetes on HPA axis function, specifically glucocorticoid in pregnancy and fetal outcomes, are not well understood. This review consolidates research on T2DM during pregnancy, its impact on fetal programming via the HPA axis, and possible links with pregestational prediabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andile Khathi
- School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4001, South Africa; (M.N.); (N.D.X.); (P.S.N.)
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4
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Zhang P, Zheng Z, Sun H, Gao T, Xiao X. A review of common influencing factors and possible mechanisms associated with allergic diseases complicating tic disorders in children. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1360420. [PMID: 38957776 PMCID: PMC11218626 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1360420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, the incidence of childhood allergic diseases has increased globally, and their impact on the affected child extends beyond the allergy itself. There is evidence of an association between childhood allergic diseases and the development of neurological disorders. Several studies have shown a correlation between allergic diseases and tic disorders (TD), and allergic diseases may be an important risk factor for TD. Possible factors influencing the development of these disorders include neurotransmitter imbalance, maternal anxiety or depression, gut microbial disorders, sleep disturbances, maternal allergic status, exposure to tobacco, and environmental factors. Moreover, gut microbial disturbances, altered immunological profiles, and DNA methylation in patients with allergic diseases may be potential mechanisms contributing to the development of TD. An in-depth investigation of the relationship between allergic diseases and TD in children will be important for preventing and treating TD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Zhang
- Department of Child Health, Dalian Municipal Women and Children’s Medical Center (Group), Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhimin Zheng
- Department of Child Health, Dalian Municipal Women and Children’s Medical Center (Group), Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Child Health, Dalian Municipal Women and Children’s Medical Center (Group), Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Tieying Gao
- Department of Child Health, Dalian Municipal Women and Children’s Medical Center (Group), Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xuwu Xiao
- Department of Child Health, Dalian Municipal Women and Children’s Medical Center (Group), Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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5
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Boonstra R. Population regulation and limitation-insights from lemming cycles: past, present and future. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20240660. [PMID: 38835279 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.0660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rudy Boonstra
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough , Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada
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6
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Folger AT, Ding L, Yolton K, Ammerman RT, Ji H, Frey JR, Bowers KA. Association between maternal prenatal depressive symptoms and offspring epigenetic aging at 3-5 weeks. Ann Epidemiol 2024; 93:1-6. [PMID: 38479709 PMCID: PMC11031304 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2024.03.001] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic clocks are emerging as tools for assessing acceleration and deceleration of biological age during childhood. Maternal depression during pregnancy may affect the biological aging of offspring and related development. In a low-income cohort of mother-child dyads, we investigated the relationship between prenatal maternal depressive symptoms and infant epigenetic age residuals, which represent the deviation (acceleration or deceleration) that exists between predicted biological age and chronological age. The epigenetic age residuals were derived from a pediatric-specific buccal epithelial clock. We hypothesized that maternal depressive symptoms, both sub-clinical and elevated (clinical level), would be associated with estimated biological age deceleration in offspring during early infancy. We analyzed data from 94 mother-child dyads using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and DNA methylation derived from offspring buccal cells collected at 3-5 weeks of age. There was a significant non-linear association between the EPDS score and epigenetic age residual (β = -0.017, 95% confidence interval: -0.03,-0.01, P = <0.01). The results indicated that infants of mothers with sub-clinical depressive symptoms had the lowest infant epigenetic age residuals while infants of mothers with no-to-low depressive symptoms had the highest and experienced biological age acceleration. Maternal depressive symptoms may influence the biological aging of offspring living in poverty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alonzo T Folger
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
| | - Lili Ding
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Kimberly Yolton
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Robert T Ammerman
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Hong Ji
- Department of Anatomy Physiology and Cell biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, California National Primate Research Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer R Frey
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Katherine A Bowers
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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7
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Ninan K, Murphy KE, Asztalos EV, Jiang Y, Huszti E, Matthews SG, Santaguida P, Mukerji A, McDonald SD. The Impact of Infant Sex on Multiple Courses versus a Single Course of Antenatal Corticosteroids: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e2919-e2926. [PMID: 37935374 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1776348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Animal literature has suggested that the impact of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) may vary by infant sex. Our objective was to assess the impact of infant sex on the use of multiple courses versus a single course of ACS and perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a secondary analysis of the Multiple Courses of Antenatal Corticosteroids for Preterm Birth trial, which randomly allocated pregnant people to multiple courses versus a single course of ACS. Our primary outcome was a composite of perinatal mortality or clinically significant neonatal morbidity (including neonatal death, stillbirth, severe respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage [grade III or IV], cystic periventricular leukomalacia, and necrotizing enterocolitis [stage II or III]). Secondary outcomes included individual components of the primary outcome as well as anthropometric measures. Baseline characteristics were compared between participants who received multiple courses versus a single course of ACS. An interaction between exposure to ACS and infant sex was assessed for significance and multivariable regression analyses were conducted with adjustment for predefined covariates, when feasible. RESULTS Data on 2,300 infants were analyzed. The interaction term between treatment status (multiple courses vs. a single course of ACS) and infant sex was not significant for the primary outcome (p = 0.86), nor for any of the secondary outcomes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Infant sex did not modify the association between exposure to ACS and perinatal outcomes including perinatal mortality or neonatal morbidity or anthropometric outcomes. However, animal literature indicates that sex-specific differences after exposure to ACS may emerge over time and thus investigating long-term sex-specific outcomes warrants further attention. KEY POINTS · We explored the impact of infant sex on perinatal outcomes after multiple versus a single course of ACS.. · Infant sex was not a significant effect modifier of ACS exposure and perinatal outcomes.. · Animal literature indicates that sex-specific differences after ACS exposure may emerge over time.. · Further investigation of long-term sex-specific outcomes is warranted..
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Ninan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kellie E Murphy
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth V Asztalos
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yidi Jiang
- Biostatistics Research Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ella Huszti
- Biostatistics Research Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pasqualina Santaguida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amit Mukerji
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah D McDonald
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Calcaterra V, Zuccotti G, Pelizzo G. Controlling fetal stress for preventing adverse health conditions in neonates and children. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2024; 5:1265069. [PMID: 38638534 PMCID: PMC11024238 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2024.1265069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric and Adolescent Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gloria Pelizzo
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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9
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Aronica TS, Carella M, Balistreri CR. Different Levels of Therapeutic Strategies to Recover the Microbiome to Prevent/Delay Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) or Arrest Its Progression in Children. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3928. [PMID: 38612738 PMCID: PMC11012256 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073928] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Changes in the components, variety, metabolism, and products of microbiomes, particularly of the gut microbiome (GM), have been revealed to be closely associated with the onset and progression of numerous human illnesses, including hematological neoplasms. Among the latter pathologies, there is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most widespread malignant neoplasm in pediatric subjects. Accordingly, ALL cases present a typical dysfunctional GM during all its clinical stages and resulting inflammation, which contributes to its progression, altered response to therapy, and possible relapses. Children with ALL have GM with characteristic variations in composition, variety, and functions, and such alterations may influence and predict the complications and prognosis of ALL after chemotherapy treatment or stem cell hematopoietic transplants. In addition, growing evidence also reports the ability of GM to influence the formation, growth, and roles of the newborn's hematopoietic system through the process of developmental programming during fetal life as well as its susceptibility to the onset of onco-hematological pathologies, namely ALL. Here, we suggest some therapeutic strategies that can be applied at two levels of intervention to recover the microbiome and consequently prevent/delay ALL or arrest its progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Silvano Aronica
- Complex Operative Unit of Clinical Pathology, ARNAS Civico Di Cristina e Benfratelli Hospitals, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (T.S.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Miriam Carella
- Complex Operative Unit of Clinical Pathology, ARNAS Civico Di Cristina e Benfratelli Hospitals, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (T.S.A.); (M.C.)
| | - Carmela Rita Balistreri
- Cellular, Molecular and Clinical Pathological Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy
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10
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Miltiadous A, Callahan DL, Dujon AM, Buchanan KL, Rollins LA. Maternally derived avian corticosterone affects offspring genome-wide DNA methylation in a passerine species. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17283. [PMID: 38288572 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17283] [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: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Avian embryos develop in an egg composition which reflects both maternal condition and the recent environment of their mother. In birds, yolk corticosterone (CORT) influences development by impacting pre- and postnatal growth, as well as nestling stress responses and development. One possible mechanism through which maternal CORT may affect offspring development is via changes to offspring DNA methylation. We sought to investigate this, for the first time in birds, by quantifying the impact of manipulations to maternal CORT on offspring DNA methylation. We non-invasively manipulated plasma CORT concentrations of egg-laying female zebra finches (Taeniopygia castanotis) with an acute dose of CORT administered around the time of ovulation and collected their eggs. We then assessed DNA methylation in the resulting embryonic tissue and in their associated vitelline membrane blood vessels, during early development (5 days after lay), using two established methods - liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and methylation-sensitive amplification fragment length polymorphism (MS-AFLP). LC-MS analysis showed that global DNA methylation was lower in embryos from CORT-treated mothers, compared to control embryos. In contrast, blood vessel DNA from eggs from CORT-treated mothers showed global methylation increases, compared to control samples. There was a higher proportion of global DNA methylation in the embryonic DNA of second clutches, compared to first clutches. Locus-specific analyses using MS-AFLP did not reveal a treatment effect. Our results indicate that an acute elevation of maternal CORT around ovulation impacts DNA methylation patterns in their offspring. This could provide a mechanistic understanding of how a mother's experience can affect her offspring's phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Miltiadous
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Damien L Callahan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Antoine M Dujon
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- CREEC/CANECEV (CREES), MIVEGEC, IRD 224-CNRS 5290-Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Katherine L Buchanan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lee A Rollins
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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11
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Bakhireva LN, Solomon E, Roberts MH, Ma X, Rai R, Wiesel A, Jacobson SW, Weinberg J, Milligan ED. Independent and Combined Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Prenatal Stress on Fetal HPA Axis Development. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2690. [PMID: 38473937 PMCID: PMC10932119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052690] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and prenatal stress (PS) are highly prevalent conditions known to affect fetal programming of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of light PAE, PS, and PAE-PS interaction on fetal HPA axis activity assessed via placental and umbilical cord blood biomarkers. Participants of the ENRICH-2 cohort were recruited during the second trimester and classified into the PAE and unexposed control groups. PS was assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale. Placental tissue was collected promptly after delivery; gene and protein analysis for 11β-HSD1, 11β-HSD2, and pCRH were conducted by qPCR and ELISA, respectively. Umbilical cord blood was analyzed for cortisone and cortisol. Pearson correlation and multivariable linear regression examined the association of PAE and PS with HPA axis biomarkers. Mean alcohol consumption in the PAE group was ~2 drinks/week. Higher PS was observed in the PAE group (p < 0.01). In multivariable modeling, PS was associated with pCRH gene expression (β = 0.006, p < 0.01), while PAE was associated with 11β-HSD2 protein expression (β = 0.56, p < 0.01). A significant alcohol-by-stress interaction was observed with respect to 11β-HSD2 protein expression (p < 0.01). Results indicate that PAE and PS may independently and in combination affect fetal programming of the HPA axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila N. Bakhireva
- College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research and Education Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (M.H.R.); (X.M.); (R.R.); (A.W.)
| | - Elizabeth Solomon
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA; (E.S.); (E.D.M.)
| | - Melissa H. Roberts
- College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research and Education Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (M.H.R.); (X.M.); (R.R.); (A.W.)
| | - Xingya Ma
- College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research and Education Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (M.H.R.); (X.M.); (R.R.); (A.W.)
| | - Rajani Rai
- College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research and Education Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (M.H.R.); (X.M.); (R.R.); (A.W.)
| | - Alexandria Wiesel
- College of Pharmacy Substance Use Research and Education Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (M.H.R.); (X.M.); (R.R.); (A.W.)
| | - Sandra W. Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA;
| | - Joanne Weinberg
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada;
| | - Erin D. Milligan
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA; (E.S.); (E.D.M.)
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Dieckmann L, Czamara D. Epigenetics of prenatal stress in humans: the current research landscape. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:20. [PMID: 38308342 PMCID: PMC10837967 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01635-9] [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: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Fetal exposure to prenatal stress can have significant consequences on short- and long-term health. Epigenetic mechanisms, especially DNA methylation (DNAm), are a possible process how these adverse environmental events could be biologically embedded. We evaluated candidate gene as well as epigenome-wide association studies associating prenatal stress and DNAm changes in peripheral tissues; however, most of these findings lack robust replication. Prenatal stress-associated epigenetic changes have also been linked to child health including internalizing problems, neurobehavioral outcomes and stress reactivity. Future studies should focus on refined measurement and definition of prenatal stress and its timing, ideally also incorporating genomic as well as longitudinal information. This will provide further opportunities to enhance our understanding of the biological embedding of prenatal stress exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Dieckmann
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Darina Czamara
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.
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13
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Jones SL, De Braga V, Caccese C, Lew J, Elgbeili G, Castellanos-Ryan N, Parent S, Muckle G, Herba CM, Fraser WD, Ducharme S, Barnwell J, Trasler J, Séguin JR, Nguyen TV, Montreuil TC. Prenatal paternal anxiety symptoms predict child DHEA levels and internalizing symptoms during adrenarche. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 17:1217846. [PMID: 38239262 PMCID: PMC10794355 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1217846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study examined (1) whether measures of paternal anxious and depressive symptoms collected prenatally and during a follow-up assessment when the child was in middle childhood, predict child neuroendocrine outcomes, and (2) whether neuroendocrine outcomes are intermediate factors between paternal mental health and child cognitive/behavioral outcomes. Middle childhood coincides with increased autonomy as the child transitions into grade school, and with adrenarche, as the maturing adrenal gland increases secretion of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated metabolite (DHEA-S), hormones that are implicated in corticolimbic development which regulate emotions and cognition. Methods Participants were recruited from a subsample of a large prospective birth cohort study (3D study). We conducted a follow-up study when children were 6-8 years old (N = 61 families, 36 boys, 25 girls). Parental symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression were assessed via validated self-report questionnaires: prenatally using an in-house anxiety questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D), and at the follow up, using the Beck Anxiety and Beck Depression Inventories. Children provided salivary hormone samples, and their pituitary gland volume was measured from structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans. Child behaviors were measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and cognitive outcomes using the WISC-V. Multiple regression analyses were used to test whether paternal mental health symptoms assessed prenatally and during childhood are associated with child neuroendocrine outcomes, adjusting for maternal mental health and child sex. Indirect-effect models assessed whether neuroendocrine factors are important intermediates that link paternal mental health and cognitive/behavioral outcomes. Results (1) Fathers' prenatal anxiety symptoms predicted lower DHEA levels in the children, but not pituitary volume. (2) Higher prenatal paternal anxiety symptoms predicted higher child internalizing symptoms via an indirect pathway of lower child DHEA. No associations were detected between paternal anxiety symptoms measured in childhood, and neuroendocrine outcomes. No child sex differences were detected on any measure. Conclusion These results highlight the often-overlooked role of paternal factors during pregnancy on child development, suggesting that paternal prenatal anxiety symptoms are associated with child neuroendocrine function and in turn internalizing symptoms that manifest at least up to middle childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherri Lee Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Research Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Victoria De Braga
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- School of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Christina Caccese
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jimin Lew
- Department of Psychiatry, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Guillaume Elgbeili
- Department of Psychiatry, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Research Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Sophie Parent
- School of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gina Muckle
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec, School of Psychology, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine M. Herba
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Ste-Justine Research Centre, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - William D. Fraser
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Ste-Justine Research Centre, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Sherbrooke, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Simon Ducharme
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Research Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julia Barnwell
- Department of Psychiatry, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Human Genetics and Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Department of Psychiatry, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Human Genetics and Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean R. Séguin
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Ste-Justine Research Centre, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tuong-Vi Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Reproductive Psychiatry Program, McGill University Health Centre, Departments of Psychiatry and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tina C. Montreuil
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Ste-Justine Research Centre, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Keeton VF, Hoffmann TJ, Goodwin KM, Powell B, Tupuola S, Weiss SJ. Prenatal exposure to social adversity and infant cortisol in the first year of life. Stress 2024; 27:2316042. [PMID: 38377153 PMCID: PMC11006384 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2024.2316042] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to social adversity has been associated with cortisol dysregulation during pregnancy and in later childhood; less is known about how prenatal exposure to social stressors affects postnatal cortisol of infants. In a secondary analysis of data from a longitudinal study, we tested whether a pregnant woman's reports of social adversity during the third trimester were associated with their infant's resting cortisol at 1, 6, and 12 months postnatal. Our hypothesis was that prenatal exposure to social adversity would be associated with elevation of infants' cortisol. Measures included prenatal survey reports of social stressors and economic hardship, and resting cortisol levels determined from infant saliva samples acquired at each postnatal timepoint. Data were analyzed using linear mixed effects models. The final sample included 189 women and their infants (46.56% assigned female sex at birth). Prenatal economic hardship was significantly associated with infant cortisol at 6 months postnatal; reports of social stressors were not significantly associated with cortisol at any time point. Factors associated with hardship, such as psychological distress or nutritional deficiencies, may alter fetal HPA axis development, resulting in elevated infant cortisol levels. Developmental changes unique to 6 months of age may explain effects at this timepoint. More work is needed to better comprehend the complex pre- and post-natal physiologic and behavioral factors that affect infant HPA axis development and function, and the modifying role of environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria F. Keeton
- Assistant Professor, Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, University of California, Davis, 2570 48 St., Sacramento, CA, USA 95817
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, CA Preterm Birth Initiative, USA
| | - Thomas J. Hoffmann
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Office of Research School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Kalisha Moneé Goodwin
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, CA Preterm Birth Initiative, USA
| | - Bree Powell
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, CA Preterm Birth Initiative, USA
| | - Sophia Tupuola
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, CA Preterm Birth Initiative, USA
| | - Sandra J. Weiss
- Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, USA
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15
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Ronai C, Katlaps I, Kim A, Valent AM, Thornburg KL, Madriago E. Perinatal Stressors and Consequences for Neonates with Critical Congenital Heart Disease. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:497. [PMID: 38132664 PMCID: PMC10744155 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10120497] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) is a traumatic event that can cause expectant parents to experience anxiety, depression, and toxic stress. Prenatal exposure to stress may impact neonatal postoperative outcomes. In addition, expectant parents may have other psychosocial stressors that may compound maternal stress. We investigated the relationship between stress in pregnancies complicated by prenatally diagnosed CHD and their neonatal outcomes. METHODS A pilot retrospective cohort study of pregnancies with prenatally diagnosed critical CHD (2019-2021) was performed. The collected data included pregnancy characteristics and neonatal and postoperative outcomes (including the need for exogenous corticosteroid treatment (ECT)). In order to quantify prenatal stressors, a composite prenatal stress score (PSS) was established and utilized. RESULTS In total, 41 maternal-fetal dyads were evaluated. Thirteen (32%) neonates had single-ventricle anatomy. The need for ECT after CHD surgery was associated with higher pregnant patient PSS (p = 0.01). PSS did not correlate with birthweight, infection, or hypoglycemia in the neonatal period. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal stress is multifactorial; higher PSS is correlates with post-bypass ECT, suggesting that a stressful intrauterine environment may be associated with worse neonatal postoperative outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Ronai
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Isabel Katlaps
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Amanda Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Amy M. Valent
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Kent L. Thornburg
- Center for Developmental Health, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Erin Madriago
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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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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17
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Mariño-Narvaez C, Puertas-Gonzalez JA, Romero-Gonzalez B, Gonzalez-Perez R, Peralta-Ramírez MI. How prenatal cortisol levels may differentially affect the neurodevelopment of boys and girls. Early Hum Dev 2023; 187:105874. [PMID: 37866289 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2023.105874] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal stress could have serious consequences on maternal and fetal health. In this sense, some studies have stated that maternal HCC during pregnancy could contribute to sex-specific effects on infant neurodevelopment, following the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Hypothesis. AIM This study aimed to determine whether maternal hair cortisol concentration (HCC) during each trimester of pregnancy and postpartum could predict the neurodevelopmental outcomes of their 12-month-old offspring, with sex-specific differences considered. STUDY DESIGN longitudinal. SUBJECTS The study involved 93 pregnant women and their babies. OUTCOME MEASURE Hair samples collected during each trimester and postpartum and The Bayley Scales for Infant Development III was used to assess the infants' abilities. RESULTS The results showed that maternal HCC during the first and second trimesters could predict language and motor abilities. However, when discriminated by sex, only females' cognitive, expressive language, and fine and gross motor skills were predicted by cortisol, not males. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the idea that non-toxic levels of cortisol can positively influence infants' neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Borja Romero-Gonzalez
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Campus Duques de Soria, University of Valladolid, Soria, Spain.
| | - Raquel Gonzalez-Perez
- Pharmacology Departament, CIBERehd, Faculty of Pharmacy, University de Granada, Spain
| | - Maria Isabel Peralta-Ramírez
- Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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18
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LaDage LD, McCormick GL, Robbins TR, Longwell AS, Langkilde T. The effects of early-life and intergenerational stress on the brain. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231356. [PMID: 38018110 PMCID: PMC10685117 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1356] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress experienced during ontogeny can have profound effects on the adult phenotype. However, stress can also be experienced intergenerationally, where an offspring's phenotype can be moulded by stress experienced by the parents. Although early-life and intergenerational stress can alter anatomy, physiology, and behaviour, nothing is known about how these stress contexts interact to affect the neural phenotype. Here, we examined how early-life and intergenerational stress affect the brain in eastern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus). Some lizard populations co-occur with predatory fire ants, and stress from fire ant attacks exerts intergenerational physiological and behavioural changes in lizards. However, it is unclear if intergenerational stress, or the interaction between intergenerational and early-life stress, modulates the brain. To test this, we captured gravid females from fire ant invaded and uninvaded populations, and subjected offspring to three early-life stress treatments: (1) fire ant attack, (2) corticosterone, or (3) a control. Corticosterone and fire ant attack decreased some aspects of the neural phenotype while population of origin and the interaction of early-life stress and population had no effects on the brain. These results suggest that early-life stressors may better predict adult brain variation than intergenerational stress in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara D. LaDage
- Division of Mathematics & Natural Sciences, Penn State Altoona, 3000 Ivyside Dr., Altoona, PA 16601, USA
| | - Gail L. McCormick
- Eberly College of Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Travis R. Robbins
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska Omaha, 6001 Dodge St., Omaha, NE 68182, USA
| | - Anna S. Longwell
- Division of Mathematics & Natural Sciences, Penn State Altoona, 3000 Ivyside Dr., Altoona, PA 16601, USA
| | - Tracy Langkilde
- Eberly College of Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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Foss S, Petty CR, Howell C, Mendonca J, Bosse A, Waber DP, Wright RJ, Enlow MB. Associations among maternal lifetime trauma, psychological symptoms in pregnancy, and infant stress reactivity and regulation. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:1714-1731. [PMID: 35678173 PMCID: PMC9732151 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422000402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Maternal trauma has intergenerational implications, including worse birth outcomes, altered brain morphology, and poorer mental health. Research investigating intergenerational effects of maternal trauma on infant stress reactivity and regulation is limited. Maternal mental health during pregnancy may be a contributor: psychopathology is a sequela of trauma exposure and predictor of altered self-regulatory capacity in offspring of affected mothers. We assessed associations among maternal lifetime trauma and infant stress responsivity, mediated by psychological symptoms in pregnancy. Mothers reported lifetime trauma history and anxiety, depressive, and posttraumatic stress symptoms during pregnancy. At infant age 6 months, stress reactivity and regulation were assessed via maternal behavior ratings (Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised, IBQ-R) and behavioral (negative mood) and physiological (respiratory sinus arrhythmia, RSA) markers during a laboratory stressor (Still-Face Paradigm). Maternal trauma was directly associated with lower infant physiological regulation and indirectly associated with lower levels of both infant behavioral and physiological regulation via higher maternal anxiety during pregnancy. Maternal trauma was also indirectly associated with higher infant reactivity via higher maternal anxiety during pregnancy. Post hoc analyses indicated differential contributions of maternal prenatal versus postnatal anxiety to infant outcomes. Findings highlight potential contributory mechanisms toward maladaptive child stress response, which has been associated with poor behavioral, cognitive, and academic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Foss
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carter R. Petty
- Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caroline Howell
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Juliana Mendonca
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Abigail Bosse
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Deborah P. Waber
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rosalind J. Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Kravis Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle Bosquet Enlow
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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20
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Harper KM, Harp SJ, Moy SS. Prenatal stress unmasks behavioral phenotypes in genetic mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1271225. [PMID: 37809038 PMCID: PMC10556231 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1271225] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are complex conditions characterized by heterogeneous clinical profiles and symptoms that arise in infancy and childhood. NDDs are often attributed to a complicated interaction between genetic risk and environmental factors, suggesting a need for preclinical models reflecting the combined impact of heritable susceptibility and environmental effects. A notable advantage of "two-hit" models is the power to reveal underlying vulnerability that may not be detected in studies employing only genetic or environmental alterations. In this review, we summarize existing literature that investigates detrimental interactions between prenatal stress (PNS) and genes associated with NDDs, with a focus on behavioral phenotyping approaches in mouse models. A challenge in determining the overall role of PNS exposure in genetic models is the diversity of approaches for inducing stress, variability in developmental timepoints for exposure, and differences in phenotyping regimens across laboratories. Identification of optimal stress protocols and critical windows for developmental effects would greatly improve the use of PNS in gene × environment mouse models of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M. Harper
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Samuel J. Harp
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Sheryl S. Moy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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21
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Jeong DS, Lee JY, Kim MH, Oh JH. Regulation of sexually dimorphic placental adaptation in LPS exposure-induced intrauterine growth restriction. Mol Med 2023; 29:114. [PMID: 37718409 PMCID: PMC10506314 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00688-5] [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: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual dimorphism in placental physiology affects the functionality of placental adaptation during adverse pregnancy. Defects of placental function compromise fetal programming, affecting the offspring's adult life. However, studies focusing on the relationship between sex-specific placental adaptation and consequent fetal maldevelopment under sub-optimal uterus milieu are still elusive. METHODS Here, we investigated the effects of maternal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure between placental sex. Pregnant ICR mice received intraperitoneal injection of phosphate-buffered saline or 100, 200, and 400 µg/kg LPS on the gestational day (GD) 15.5. To determine whether prenatal maternal LPS exposure resulted in complicated pregnancy outcomes, survival rate of embryos was calculated and the growth of embryos and placentas was examined. To elucidate global transcriptomic changes occurring in the placenta, total RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed in female and male placentas. RESULTS LPS administration induced placental inflammation in both sexes at GD 17.5. Prenatal infection resulted in growth retardation in both sexes of embryos, and especially more prevalently in male. Impaired placental development was observed in a sex-specific manner. LPS 400 µg/kg reduced the percentage area of the labyrinth in females and junctional zone in males, respectively. RNA-sequencing revealed widespread sexually dimorphic transcriptional changes in placenta. In particular, representative changes were involved in biological processes such as trophoblast differentiation, nutrient/ion transporter, pregnancy, and immune system. CONCLUSIONS Our results present the sexually dimorphic responses of placental physiology in intrauterine growth restriction model and provide tentative relationship further to be elucidated between sex-biased placental functional change and long-term effects on the offspring's later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Som Jeong
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology Laboratory, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yeon Lee
- Vivozon, Inc, Kolon Digital Tower3, 49, Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung Hee Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology Laboratory, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji Hoon Oh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Keimyung University College of Natural Sciences, Daegu, 42601, Republic of Korea.
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22
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Nowak AL, Anderson CM, Zhao Y, Ford JL, Mackos AR, Ohm J, Tan A, Saadat N, Misra DP, Giurgescu C. Epigenetic Implications of Neighborhood Disorder and Psychological Distress among Pregnant Black Women. West J Nurs Res 2023; 45:780-788. [PMID: 37382364 PMCID: PMC10528284 DOI: 10.1177/01939459231184713] [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: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Background: In the United States, Black women experience preterm birth (PTB; <37 weeks gestation) at more than 1.5 times the rate of non-Hispanic White women. Social determinants of health including the neighborhood environment have been recognized as contributing to the risk of PTB. Due to historical segregation, Black women are more likely to live in neighborhoods with higher levels of neighborhood disorder compared with White women. Perceived neighborhood disorder appears to be a risk factor for maternal psychological distress in Black women and psychological distress has mediated the association between neighborhood disorder and the risk for PTB. However, the biological pathways underpinning these associations are not clear. Objective: We examined the associations among neighborhood disorder; psychological distress; DNA methylation of six stress-related, glucocorticoid candidate genes (AVP, CRH, CRHBP, FKBP5, HSD11B2, NR3C1); and gestational age at birth among 44 Black pregnant women. Methods: Women who were 18-45 years old and 8-18 weeks gestation had blood drawn and completed questionnaires measuring perceived neighborhood disorder, neighborhood crime, and psychological distress. Results: Three CpG sites were associated with neighborhood disorder (cg03405789 [CRH], cg14939152 and cg15910486 [NR3C1]). One CpG site, cg03098337 (FKBP5) was associated with psychological distress. Three of the identified CpG sites were located within gene CpG islands or shores-areas at which DNA methylation is known to affect gene transcription. Conclusion: These findings warrant further research to clarify intermediate biological pathways and potential biomarkers to identify women at risk for PTB. Identification of PTB risk early in pregnancy would allow for interventions to prevent PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L Nowak
- Assistant Professor, Loyola University Chicago, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, CTRE: Room 346, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Cindy M Anderson
- Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Educational Innovation, Martha S. Pitzer Center for Women, Children and Youth, The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yihong Zhao
- Professor of Data Sciences, Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jodi L Ford
- Professor and Assistant Director of the Martha S. Pitzer Center for Women Children and Youth, Director, Stress Science Lab, The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Amy R Mackos
- Associate Clinical Professor, The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Joyce Ohm
- Associate Professor of Oncology, Department of Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Alai Tan
- Research Professor, Center of Research and Health Analytics, Faculty Affiliate, Translational Data Analytics Institute, The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nadia Saadat
- Research Investigator, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dawn P Misra
- Professor and Chair, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MSU College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Carmen Giurgescu
- Professor and Associate Dean for Research, Chatlos Foundation Endowed Chair in Nursing, University of Central Florida College of Nursing, Orlando, FL, USA
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Ninan K, Gojic A, Wang Y, Asztalos EV, Beltempo M, Murphy KE, McDonald SD. The proportions of term or late preterm births after exposure to early antenatal corticosteroids, and outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis of 1.6 million infants. BMJ 2023; 382:e076035. [PMID: 37532269 PMCID: PMC10394681 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-076035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review the proportions of infants with early exposure to antenatal corticosteroids but born at term or late preterm, and short term and long term outcomes. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analyses. DATA SOURCES Eight databases searched from 1 January 2000 to 1 February 2023, reflecting recent perinatal care, and references of screened articles. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Randomised controlled trials and population based cohort studies with data on infants with early exposure to antenatal corticosteroids (<34 weeks) but born at term (≥37 weeks), late preterm (34-36 weeks), or term/late preterm combined. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full text articles and assessed risk of bias (Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised controlled trials and Newcastle-Ottawa scale for population based studies). Reviewers extracted data on populations, exposure to antenatal corticosteroids, and outcomes. The authors analysed randomised and cohort data separately, using random effects meta-analyses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the proportion of infants with early exposure to antenatal corticosteroids but born at term. Secondary outcomes included the proportions of infants born late preterm or term/late preterm combined after early exposure to antenatal corticosteroids and short term and long term outcomes versus non-exposure for the three gestational time points (term, late preterm, term/late preterm combined). RESULTS Of 14 799 records, the reviewers screened 8815 non-duplicate titles and abstracts and assessed 713 full text articles. Seven randomised controlled trials and 10 population based cohort studies (1.6 million infants total) were included. In randomised controlled trials and population based data, ∼40% of infants with early exposure to antenatal corticosteroids were born at term (low or very low certainty). Among children born at term, early exposure to antenatal corticosteroids versus no exposure was associated with increased risks of admission to neonatal intensive care (adjusted odds ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.19 to 1.86, one study, 5330 infants, very low certainty; unadjusted relative risk 1.69, 95% confidence interval 1.51 to 1.89, three studies, 1 176 022 infants, I2=58%, τ2=0.01, low certainty), intubation (unadjusted relative risk 2.59, 1.39 to 4.81, absolute effect 7 more per 1000, 95% confidence interval from 2 more to 16 more, one study, 8076 infants, very low certainty, one study, 8076 infants, very low certainty), reduced head circumference (adjusted mean difference -0.21, 95% confidence interval -0.29 to -0.13, one study, 183 325 infants, low certainty), and any long term neurodevelopmental or behavioural disorder in population based studies (eg, any neurodevelopmental or behavioural disorder in children born at term, adjusted hazard ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.36 to 1.60, one study, 641 487 children, low certainty). CONCLUSIONS About 40% of infants exposed to early antenatal corticosteroids were born at term, with associated adverse short term and long term outcomes (low or very low certainty), highlighting the need for caution when considering antenatal corticosteroids. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022360079.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Ninan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Anja Gojic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Yanchen Wang
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth V Asztalos
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marc Beltempo
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kellie E Murphy
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah D McDonald
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
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24
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Özel F, Rüegg J. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and implications for neurodevelopment. Dev Med Child Neurol 2023; 65:1005-1011. [PMID: 36808586 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Human brain development is a complex multistep process that is partly coordinated by the endocrine system. Any interference with the endocrine system might affect this process and result in deleterious outcomes. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) represent a large group of exogenous chemicals with the capacity of interfering with endocrine functions. In different population-based settings, associations between exposure to EDCs, particularly in prenatal life, and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes have been demonstrated. These findings are strengthened by numerous experimental studies. Although mechanisms underlying these associations are not entirely delineated, disruption of thyroid hormone and, to a lesser extent, sex hormone signalling have been shown to be involved. Humans are constantly exposed to mixtures of EDCs, and further research combining epidemiological and experimental settings is required to improve our understanding of the link between real-life exposures to these chemicals and their impact on neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Özel
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Centre for Women's Mental Health during the Reproductive Lifespan-WOMHER, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Anzà S, Schneider D, Daniel R, Heistermann M, Sangmaneedet S, Ostner J, Schülke O. The long-term gut bacterial signature of a wild primate is associated with a timing effect of pre- and postnatal maternal glucocorticoid levels. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:165. [PMID: 37501202 PMCID: PMC10373267 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01596-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During development, elevated levels of maternal glucocorticoids (GCs) can have detrimental effects on offspring morphology, cognition, and behavior as well as physiology and metabolism. Depending on the timing of exposure, such effects may vary in strength or even reverse in direction, may alleviate with age, or may concern more stable and long-term programming of phenotypic traits. Maternal effects on gut bacterial diversity, composition, and function, and the persistence of such effects into adulthood of long-lived model species in the natural habitats remain underexplored. RESULTS In a cross-sectional sample of infant, juvenile, and adult Assamese macaques, the timing of exposure to elevated maternal GCs during ontogeny was associated with the gut bacterial community of the offspring. Specifically, naturally varying maternal GC levels during early but not late gestation or lactation were associated with reduced bacterial richness. The overall effect of maternal GCs during early gestation on the gut bacterial composition and function exacerbated with offspring age and was 10 times stronger than the effect associated with exposure during late prenatal or postnatal periods. Instead, variation in maternal GCs during the late prenatal or postnatal period had less pronounced or less stable statistical effects and therefore a weaker effect on the entire bacterial community composition, particularly in adult individuals. Finally, higher early prenatal GCs were associated with an increase in the relative abundance of several potential pro-inflammatory bacteria and a decrease in the abundance of Bifidobacterium and other anti-inflammatory taxa, an effect that exacerbated with age. CONCLUSIONS In primates, the gut microbiota can be shaped by developmental effects with strong timing effects on plasticity and potentially detrimental consequences for adult health. Together with results on other macaque species, this study suggests potential detrimental developmental effects similar to rapid inflammaging, suggesting that prenatal exposure to high maternal GC concentrations is a common cause underlying both phenomena. Our findings await confirmation by metagenomic functional and causal analyses and by longitudinal studies of long-lived, ecologically flexible primates in their natural habitat, including developmental effects that originate before birth. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Anzà
- Behavioral Ecology Department, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.
- Primate Social Evolution Group, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Goettingen, Germany.
- Leibniz ScienceCampus Primate Cognition, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Goettingen, Germany.
- Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Dominik Schneider
- Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rolf Daniel
- Genomic and Applied Microbiology and Göttingen Genomics Laboratory, Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Heistermann
- Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Somboon Sangmaneedet
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Julia Ostner
- Behavioral Ecology Department, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Primate Social Evolution Group, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Goettingen, Germany
- Leibniz ScienceCampus Primate Cognition, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Schülke
- Behavioral Ecology Department, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Primate Social Evolution Group, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Goettingen, Germany
- Leibniz ScienceCampus Primate Cognition, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Goettingen, Germany
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26
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Bhattacharya S, MacCallum PE, Dayma M, McGrath-Janes A, King B, Dawson L, Bambico FR, Berry MD, Yuan Q, Martin GM, Preisser EL, Blundell JJ. A short pre-conception bout of predation risk affects both children and grandchildren. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10886. [PMID: 37407623 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37455-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic events that affect physiology and behavior in the current generation may also impact future generations. We demonstrate that an ecologically realistic degree of predation risk prior to conception causes lasting changes in the first filial (F1) and second filial (F2) generations. We exposed male and female mice to a live rat (predator stress) or control (non-predator) condition for 5 min. Ten days later, stressed males and females were bred together as were control males and females. Adult F1 offspring from preconception-stressed parents responded to a mild stressor with more anxiety-like behavior and hyperarousal than offspring from control parents. Exposing these F1 offspring to the mild stressor increased neuronal activity (cFOS) in the hippocampus and altered glucocorticoid system function peripherally (plasma corticosterone levels). Even without the mild stressor, F1 offspring from preconception-stressed parents still exhibited more anxiety-like behaviors than controls. Cross-fostering studies confirmed that preconception stress, not maternal social environment, determined offspring behavioral phenotype. The effects of preconception parental stress were also unexpectedly persistent and produced similar behavioral phenotypes in the F2 offspring. Our data illustrate that a surprisingly small amount of preconception predator stress alters the brain, physiology, and behavior of future generations. A better understanding of the 'long shadow' cast by fearful events is critical for understanding the adaptive costs and benefits of transgenerational plasticity. It also suggests the intriguing possibility that similar risk-induced changes are the rule rather than the exception in free-living organisms, and that such multigenerational impacts are as ubiquitous as they are cryptic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriya Bhattacharya
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada
- Northwestern Polytechnic, Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 4C4, Canada
| | - Phillip E MacCallum
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Mrunal Dayma
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Andrea McGrath-Janes
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Brianna King
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Laura Dawson
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Francis R Bambico
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Mark D Berry
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Qi Yuan
- Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Gerard M Martin
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Evan L Preisser
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Jacqueline J Blundell
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada.
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Navalón P, Campos-Berga L, Buesa J, Lizarán M, Ghosn F, Almansa B, Moreno-Giménez A, Vento M, Diago V, García-Blanco A. Rescue doses of antenatal corticosteroids, children's neurodevelopment, and salivary cortisol after a threatened preterm labor: a 30-month follow-up study. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:100918. [PMID: 36882125 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.100918] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal corticosteroids reduce neonatal complications when administered to women at risk for preterm birth. Moreover, antenatal corticosteroid rescue doses are recommended for women who remain at risk after the initial course. However, there is controversy about the most appropriate frequency and the exact timing of administering additional antenatal corticosteroid doses because there are potential long-term negative effects on infants' neurodevelopment and physiological stress functioning. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to (1) to assess the long-term neurodevelopmental effects of receiving antenatal corticosteroid rescue doses in comparison with receiving only the initial course; (2) to measure the cortisol levels of infants of mothers who received antenatal corticosteroid rescue doses; (3) to examine a potential dose-response effect of the number of antenatal corticosteroid rescue doses on children's neurodevelopment and salivary cortisol. STUDY DESIGN This study followed 110 mother-infant pairs who underwent a spontaneous episode of threatened preterm labor until the children were 30 months old, regardless of their gestational age at birth. Among the participants, 61 received only the initial course of corticosteroids (no rescue dose group), and 49 participants required at least one rescue dose of corticosteroids (rescue doses group). The follow-up was carried out at 3 different times, namely at threatened preterm labor diagnosis (T1), when the children were 6 months of age (T2), and when the children were 30 months of corrected age for prematurity (T3). Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Ages & Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition. Saliva samples were collected for cortisol level determination. RESULTS First, the rescue doses group showed lower problem-solving skills at 30 months of age than the no rescue doses group. Second, the rescue doses group demonstrated higher salivary cortisol levels at 30 months of age. Third, a dose-response effect was found that indicated that the more rescue doses the rescue doses group received, the lower the problem-solving skills and the higher the salivary cortisol levels at 30 months of age. CONCLUSION Our findings reinforce the hypothesis that additional antenatal corticosteroid doses provided after the initial course may have long-term effects on the neurodevelopment and glucocorticoid metabolism of the offspring. In this regard, the results raise concerns about the negative effects of repeated doses of antenatal corticosteroids in addition to a full course. Further studies are necessary to confirm this hypothesis to help physicians reassess the standard antenatal corticosteroid treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Navalón
- Neonatal Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain (Drs Navalón, Campos-Berga, and Buesa, Mses Lizarán, Ghosn, Almansa, and Moreno-Giménez, and Drs Vento and García-Blanco); Division of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain (Drs Navalón, Campos-Berga, Buesa, and García-Blanco)
| | - Laura Campos-Berga
- Neonatal Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain (Drs Navalón, Campos-Berga, and Buesa, Mses Lizarán, Ghosn, Almansa, and Moreno-Giménez, and Drs Vento and García-Blanco); Division of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain (Drs Navalón, Campos-Berga, Buesa, and García-Blanco)
| | - Julia Buesa
- Neonatal Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain (Drs Navalón, Campos-Berga, and Buesa, Mses Lizarán, Ghosn, Almansa, and Moreno-Giménez, and Drs Vento and García-Blanco); Division of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain (Drs Navalón, Campos-Berga, Buesa, and García-Blanco)
| | - Marta Lizarán
- Neonatal Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain (Drs Navalón, Campos-Berga, and Buesa, Mses Lizarán, Ghosn, Almansa, and Moreno-Giménez, and Drs Vento and García-Blanco); Department of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatments, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain (Mses Lizarán, Ghosn, Almansa, and Moreno-Giménez and Dr García-Blanco)
| | - Farah Ghosn
- Neonatal Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain (Drs Navalón, Campos-Berga, and Buesa, Mses Lizarán, Ghosn, Almansa, and Moreno-Giménez, and Drs Vento and García-Blanco); Department of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatments, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain (Mses Lizarán, Ghosn, Almansa, and Moreno-Giménez and Dr García-Blanco)
| | - Belén Almansa
- Neonatal Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain (Drs Navalón, Campos-Berga, and Buesa, Mses Lizarán, Ghosn, Almansa, and Moreno-Giménez, and Drs Vento and García-Blanco); Department of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatments, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain (Mses Lizarán, Ghosn, Almansa, and Moreno-Giménez and Dr García-Blanco)
| | - Alba Moreno-Giménez
- Neonatal Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain (Drs Navalón, Campos-Berga, and Buesa, Mses Lizarán, Ghosn, Almansa, and Moreno-Giménez, and Drs Vento and García-Blanco); Department of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatments, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain (Mses Lizarán, Ghosn, Almansa, and Moreno-Giménez and Dr García-Blanco)
| | - Máximo Vento
- Neonatal Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain (Drs Navalón, Campos-Berga, and Buesa, Mses Lizarán, Ghosn, Almansa, and Moreno-Giménez, and Drs Vento and García-Blanco); Division of Neonatology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain (Dr Vento)
| | - Vicente Diago
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain (Dr Diago)
| | - Ana García-Blanco
- Neonatal Research Group, La Fe Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain (Drs Navalón, Campos-Berga, and Buesa, Mses Lizarán, Ghosn, Almansa, and Moreno-Giménez, and Drs Vento and García-Blanco); Division of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain (Drs Navalón, Campos-Berga, Buesa, and García-Blanco); Department of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatments, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain (Mses Lizarán, Ghosn, Almansa, and Moreno-Giménez and Dr García-Blanco).
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Ruffaner-Hanson CD, Fernandez-Oropeza AK, Sun MS, Caldwell KK, Allan AM, Savage DD, Valenzuela CF, Noor S, Milligan ED. Prenatal alcohol exposure alters mRNA expression for stress peptides, glucocorticoid receptor function and immune factors in acutely stressed neonatal brain. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1203557. [PMID: 37425005 PMCID: PMC10326286 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1203557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The amygdala, hippocampus and hypothalamus are critical stress regulatory areas that undergo functional maturation for stress responding initially established during gestational and early postnatal brain development. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a consequence of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), results in cognitive, mood and behavioral disorders. Prenatal alcohol exposure negatively impacts components of the brain stress response system, including stress-associated brain neuropeptides and glucocorticoid receptors in the amygdala, hippocampus and hypothalamus. While PAE generates a unique brain cytokine expression pattern, little is known about the role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and related proinflammatory signaling factors, as well as anti-inflammatory cytokines in PAE brain stress-responsive regions. We hypothesized that PAE sensitizes the early brain stress response system resulting in dysregulated neuroendocrine and neuroimmune activation. Methods A single, 4-h exposure of maternal separation stress in male and female postnatal day 10 (PND10) C57Bl/6 offspring was utilized. Offspring were from either prenatal control exposure (saccharin) or a limited access (4 h) drinking-in-the-dark model of PAE. Immediately after stress on PND10, the hippocampus, amygdala and hypothalamus were collected, and mRNA expression was analyzed for stress-associated factors (CRH and AVP), glucocorticoid receptor signaling regulators (GAS5, FKBP51 and FKBP52), astrocyte and microglial activation, and factors associated with TLR4 activation including proinflammatory interleukin-1β (IL-1β), along with additional pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Select protein expression analysis of CRH, FKBP and factors associated with the TLR4 signaling cascade from male and female amygdala was conducted. Results The female amygdala revealed increased mRNA expression in stress-associated factors, glucocorticoid receptor signaling regulators and all of the factors critical in the TLR4 activation cascade, while the hypothalamus revealed blunted mRNA expression of all of these factors in PAE following stress. Conversely, far fewer mRNA changes were observed in males, notably in the hippocampus and hypothalamus, but not the amygdala. Statistically significant increases in CRH protein, and a strong trend in increased IL-1β were observed in male offspring with PAE independent of stressor exposure. Conclusion Prenatal alcohol exposure creates stress-related factors and TLR-4 neuroimmune pathway sensitization observed predominantly in females, that is unmasked in early postnatal life by a stress challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Erin D. Milligan
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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29
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Holdsworth EA, Schell LM, Appleton AA. Maternal-infant interaction quality is associated with child NR3C1 CpG site methylation at 7 years of age. Am J Hum Biol 2023; 35:e23876. [PMID: 36779373 PMCID: PMC10909417 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Infancy is both a critical window for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis development, and a sensitive period for social-emotional influences. We hypothesized that the social-emotional quality of maternal-infant interactions are associated with methylation of HPA-axis gene NR3C1 later in childhood. METHODS Using a subsample of 114 mother-infant pairs from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), linear regression models were created to predict variance in methylation of seven selected CpG sites from NR3C1 in whole blood at age 7 years, including the main predictor variable of the first principal component score of observed maternal-infant interaction quality (derived from the Thorpe Interaction Measure at 12 months of age) and covariates of cell-type proportion, maternal financial difficulties and marital status at 8 months postnatal, child birthweight, and sex. RESULTS CpG site cg27122725 methylation was negatively associated with warmer, more positive maternal interaction with her infant (β = 0.19, p = .02, q = 0.13). In sensitivity analyses, the second highest quartile of maternal behavior (neutral, hesitant behavior) was positively associated with cg12466613 methylation. The other five CpG sites were not significantly associated with maternal-infant interaction quality. CONCLUSIONS Narrow individual variation of maternal interaction with her infant is associated with childhood methylation of two CpG sites on NR3C1 that may be particularly sensitive to environmental influences. Infancy may be a sensitive period for even small influences from the social-emotional environment on the epigenetic determinants of HPA-axis function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Holdsworth
- Department of AnthropologyWashington State UniversityPullmanWashingtonUSA
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity at Albany State University of New YorkAlbanyNew YorkUSA
| | - Lawrence M. Schell
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity at Albany State University of New YorkAlbanyNew YorkUSA
- Department of Epidemiology & BiostatisticsUniversity at Albany State University of New YorkRensselaerNew YorkUSA
| | - Allison A. Appleton
- Department of Epidemiology & BiostatisticsUniversity at Albany State University of New YorkRensselaerNew YorkUSA
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Lalonde C, Sreetharan S, Murray A, Stoa L, Cybulski ME, Kennedy A, Landry N, Stillar A, Khurana S, Tharmalingam S, Wilson J, Khaper N, Lees SJ, Boreham D, Tai TC. Absence of Depressive and Anxious Behavior with Genetic Dysregulation in Adult C57Bl/6J Mice after Prenatal Exposure to Ionizing Radiation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108466. [PMID: 37239811 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108466] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The exposure of ionizing radiation during early gestation often leads to deleterious and even lethal effects; however, few extensive studies have been conducted on late gestational exposures. This research examined the behavior al effects of C57Bl/6J mouse offspring exposed to low dose ionizing gamma irradiation during the equivalent third trimester. Pregnant dams were randomly assigned to sham or exposed groups to either low dose or sublethal dose radiation (50, 300, or 1000 mGy) at gestational day 15. Adult offspring underwent a behavioral and genetic analysis after being raised under normal murine housing conditions. Our results indicate very little change in the behavioral tasks measuring general anxiety, social anxiety, and stress-management in animals exposed prenatally across the low dose radiation conditions. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions were conducted on the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum of each animal; results indicate some dysregulation in markers of DNA damage, synaptic activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulation, and methylation pathways in the offspring. Together, our results provide evidence in the C57Bl/6J strain, that exposure to sublethal dose radiation (<1000 mGy) during the last period of gestation leads to no observable changes in behaviour when assessed as adults, although some changes in gene expression were observed for specific brain regions. These results indicate that the level of oxidative stress occurring during late gestation for this mouse strain is not sufficient for a change in the assessed behavioral phenotype, but results in some modest dysregulation of the genetic profile of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Lalonde
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
| | - Shayenthiran Sreetharan
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S4L8, Canada
| | - Alyssa Murray
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
| | - Lisa Stoa
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S4L8, Canada
| | | | - Allison Kennedy
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
| | - Nicholas Landry
- Department of Psychology, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON P1B8L7, Canada
| | - Amy Stillar
- Department of Psychology, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON P1B8L7, Canada
| | - Sandhya Khurana
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
| | - Sujeenthar Tharmalingam
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
| | - Joanna Wilson
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S4L8, Canada
| | - Neelam Khaper
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
| | - Simon J Lees
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
| | - Douglas Boreham
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
| | - T C Tai
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, Sudbury, ON P3E2C6, Canada
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31
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Donnici C, Long X, Reynolds J, Giesbrecht GF, Dewey D, Letourneau N, Huo Y, Landman B, Lebel C. Prenatal depressive symptoms and childhood development of brain limbic and default mode network structure. Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:2380-2394. [PMID: 36691973 PMCID: PMC10028635 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26216] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal depressive symptoms are linked to negative child behavioral and cognitive outcomes and predict later psychopathology in adolescent children. Prior work links prenatal depressive symptoms to child brain structure in regions like the amygdala; however, the relationship between symptoms and the development of brain structure over time remains unclear. We measured maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy and acquired longitudinal T1-weighted and diffusion imaging data in children (n = 111; 60 females) between 2.6 and 8 years of age. Controlling for postnatal symptoms, we used linear mixed effects models to test relationships between prenatal depressive symptoms and age-related changes in (i) amygdala and hippocampal volume and (ii) structural properties of the limbic and default-mode networks using graph theory. Higher prenatal depressive symptoms in the second trimester were associated with more curvilinear trajectories of left amygdala volume changes. Higher prenatal depressive symptoms in the third trimester were associated with slower age-related changes in limbic global efficiency and average node degree across childhood. Our work provides evidence that moderate symptoms of prenatal depression in a low sociodemographic risk sample are associated with structural brain development in regions and networks implicated in emotion processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Donnici
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Xiangyu Long
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jess Reynolds
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yuankai Huo
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Bennett Landman
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Catherine Lebel
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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32
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Ruiz-Raya F, Noguera JC, Velando A. Covariation between glucocorticoid levels and receptor expression modulates embryo development and postnatal phenotypes in gulls. Horm Behav 2023; 149:105316. [PMID: 36731260 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105316] [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: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis can translate, through glucocorticoid secretion, the prenatal environment to development to produce phenotypes that match prevailing environmental conditions. However, whether developmental plasticity is modulated by the interaction between circulating glucocorticoids and receptor expression remains unclear. Here, we tested whether covariation between plasma corticosterone (CORT) and glucocorticoid receptor gene (Nr3c1) expression in blood underlies embryonic developmental programming in yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis). We examined variations in circulating levels of CORT and the expression and DNA methylation patterns of Nr3c1 in response to two ecologically relevant prenatal factors: adult alarm calls (a cue of predator presence) and changes in prenatal light environment (a cue of competitive disadvantage). We then determined whether embryonic development and postnatal phenotypes were associated with CORT levels and Nr3c1 expression, and explored direct and indirect relationships between the prenatal environment, hormone-receptor covariation, and postnatal phenotypes. Prenatal exposure to alarm calls increased CORT levels and up-regulated Nr3c1 expression in gull chicks, while exposure to light cues reduced both hormone levels and receptor expression. Chicks prenatally exposed to alarm calls showed altered DNA methylation profiles in the Nr3c1 regulatory region, but patterns varied throughout the breeding season and between years. Moreover, our results suggest a negative relationship between DNA methylation and expression in Nr3c1 , at least at specific CpG sites. The interplay between circulating CORT and Nr3c1 expression affected embryo developmental timing and vocalizations, as well as hatchling mass and fitness-relevant behaviours. These findings provide a link between prenatal inputs, glucocorticoid function and phenotypic outcomes, suggesting that hormone-receptor interaction may underlie developmental programming in free-living animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Ruiz-Raya
- Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, Grupo de Ecoloxía Animal, Vigo 36310, Spain.
| | - Jose C Noguera
- Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, Grupo de Ecoloxía Animal, Vigo 36310, Spain
| | - Alberto Velando
- Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, Grupo de Ecoloxía Animal, Vigo 36310, Spain
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Edwards PD, Palme R, Boonstra R. Is chronic stress a causal mechanism for small mammal population cycles? Reconciling the evidence. Oecologia 2023; 201:609-623. [PMID: 36864247 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05338-5] [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: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stress has long been hypothesized to play a role in driving population cycles. Christian (1950) hypothesized that high population density results in chronic stress and mass "die-offs" in small mammal populations. Updated variations of this hypothesis propose that chronic stress at high population density may reduce fitness, reproduction, or program aspects of phenotype, driving population declines. We tested the effect of density on the stress axis in meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) by manipulating population density in field enclosures over three years. Using fecal corticosterone metabolites as a non-invasive measure of glucocorticoid (GC) concentrations, we found that density alone was not associated with GC differences. However, we found that the seasonal relationship of GC levels differed by density treatment, with high-density populations having elevated GC levels early in the breeding season and decreasing towards late summer. We additionally tested hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor and mineralocorticoid receptor gene expression in juvenile voles born at different densities, with the hypothesis that high density may reduce receptor expression, altering negative feedback of the stress axis. We found that females had marginally higher glucocorticoid receptor expression at high density, no effect in males, and no detectable effect of density on mineralocorticoid receptor expression in either sex. Hence, we found no evidence that high density directly impairs negative feedback in the hippocampus, but rather female offspring may be better equipped for negative feedback. We compare our findings with prior studies to attempt to disentangle the complicated relationship between density, seasonality, sex, reproduction and the stress axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe D Edwards
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C 1A4, Canada.
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada.
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rudy Boonstra
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C 1A4, Canada
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34
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Dong Y, Weng J, Zhu Y, Sun D, He W, Chen Q, Cheng J, Zhu Y, Jiang Y. Transcriptomic profiling of the developing brain revealed cell-type and brain-region specificity in a mouse model of prenatal stress. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:86. [PMID: 36829105 PMCID: PMC9951484 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09186-8] [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: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal stress (PS) is considered as a risk factor for many mental disorders. PS-induced transcriptomic alterations may contribute to the functional dysregulation during brain development. Here, we used RNA-seq to explore changes of gene expression in the mouse fetal brain after prenatal exposure to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). RESULTS We compared the stressed brains to the controls and identified groups of significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs). GO analysis on up-regulated DEGs revealed enrichment for the cell cycle pathways, while down-regulated DEGs were mostly enriched in the neuronal pathways related to synaptic transmission. We further performed cell-type enrichment analysis using published scRNA-seq data from the fetal mouse brain and revealed cell-type-specificity for up- and down-regulated DEGs, respectively. The up-regulated DEGs were highly enriched in the radial glia, while down-regulated DEGs were enriched in different types of neurons. Cell deconvolution analysis further showed altered cell fractions in the stressed brain, indicating accumulation of neuroblast and impaired neurogenesis. Moreover, we also observed distinct brain-region expression pattern when mapping DEGs onto the developing Allen brain atlas. The up-regulated DEGs were primarily enriched in the dorsal forebrain regions including the cortical plate and hippocampal formation. Surprisingly, down-regulated DEGs were found excluded from the cortical region, but highly expressed on various regions in the ventral forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain. CONCLUSION Taken together, we provided an unbiased data source for transcriptomic alterations of the whole fetal brain after chronic PS, and reported differential cell-type and brain-region vulnerability of the developing brain in response to environmental insults during the pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Dong
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Weng
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Yueyan Zhu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Daijing Sun
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Wei He
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Chen
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Cheng
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.
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35
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Lopes NA, Ambeskovic M, King SE, Faraji J, Soltanpour N, Falkenberg EA, Scheidl T, Patel M, Fang X, Metz GAS, Olson DM. Environmental Enrichment Promotes Transgenerational Programming of Uterine Inflammatory and Stress Markers Comparable to Gestational Chronic Variable Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043734. [PMID: 36835144 PMCID: PMC9962069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal maternal stress is linked to adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes, including shortened gestation lengths, low birth weights, cardio-metabolic dysfunction, and cognitive and behavioural problems. Stress disrupts the homeostatic milieu of pregnancy by altering inflammatory and neuroendocrine mediators. These stress-induced phenotypic changes can be passed on to the offspring epigenetically. We investigated the effects of gestational chronic variable stress (CVS) in rats using restraint and social isolation stress in the parental F0 generation and its transgenerational transmission across three generations of female offspring (F1-F3). A subset of F1 rats was housed in an enriched environment (EE) to mitigate the adverse effects of CVS. We found that CVS is transmitted across generations and induces inflammatory changes in the uterus. CVS did not alter any gestational lengths or birth weights. However, inflammatory and endocrine markers changed in the uterine tissues of stressed mothers and their offspring, suggesting that stress is transgenerationally transmitted. The F2 offspring reared in EE had increased birth weights, but their uterine gene expression patterns remained comparable to those of stressed animals. Thus, ancestral CVS induced changes transgenerationally in fetal programming of uterine stress markers over three generations of offspring, and EE housing did not mitigate these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayara A. Lopes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Mirela Ambeskovic
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Stephanie E. King
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Jamshid Faraji
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Nasrin Soltanpour
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Erin A. Falkenberg
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Taylor Scheidl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Mansi Patel
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Xin Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Gerlinde A. S. Metz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
- Correspondence: (G.A.S.M.); (D.M.O.); Tel.: +1-403-394-3992 (G.A.S.M.); +1-780-492-8559 (D.M.O.)
| | - David M. Olson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Correspondence: (G.A.S.M.); (D.M.O.); Tel.: +1-403-394-3992 (G.A.S.M.); +1-780-492-8559 (D.M.O.)
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Schillinger D, Bullock A, Powell C, Fukagawa NK, Greenlee MC, Towne J, Gonzalvo JD, Lopata AM, Cook JW, Herman WH. The National Clinical Care Commission Report to Congress: Leveraging Federal Policies and Programs for Population-Level Diabetes Prevention and Control: Recommendations From the National Clinical Care Commission. Diabetes Care 2023; 46:e24-e38. [PMID: 36701595 PMCID: PMC9887620 DOI: 10.2337/dc22-0619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The etiology of type 2 diabetes is rooted in a myriad of factors and exposures at individual, community, and societal levels, many of which also affect the control of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Not only do such factors impact risk and treatment at the time of diagnosis but they also can accumulate biologically from preconception, in utero, and across the life course. These factors include inadequate nutritional quality, poor access to physical activity resources, chronic stress (e.g., adverse childhood experiences, racism, and poverty), and exposures to environmental toxins. The National Clinical Care Commission (NCCC) concluded that the diabetes epidemic cannot be treated solely as a biomedical problem but must also be treated as a societal problem that requires an all-of-government approach. The NCCC determined that it is critical to design, leverage, and coordinate federal policies and programs to foster social and environmental conditions that facilitate the prevention and treatment of diabetes. This article reviews the rationale, scientific evidence base, and content of the NCCC's population-wide recommendations that address food systems; consumption of water over sugar-sweetened beverages; food and beverage labeling; marketing and advertising; workplace, ambient, and built environments; and research. Recommendations relate to specific federal policies, programs, agencies, and departments, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Environmental Protection Agency, and others. These population-level recommendations are transformative. By recommending health-in-all-policies and an equity-based approach to governance, the NCCC Report to Congress has the potential to contribute to meaningful change across the diabetes continuum and beyond. Adopting these recommendations could significantly reduce diabetes incidence, complications, costs, and inequities. Substantial political resolve will be needed to translate recommendations into policy. Engagement by diverse members of the diabetes stakeholder community will be critical to such efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean Schillinger
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Center for Vulnerable Populations, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA
| | - Ann Bullock
- Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention, Indian Health Service, Rockville, MD
| | - Clydette Powell
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Naomi K. Fukagawa
- Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD
| | | | - Jana Towne
- Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention, Indian Health Service, Rockville, MD
| | - Jasmine D. Gonzalvo
- Center for Health Equity and Innovation, Purdue University/Eskenazi Health, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Aaron M. Lopata
- Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, MD
| | | | - William H. Herman
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Departments of Internal Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Weiss SJ, Keeton V, Richoux S, Cooper B, Niemann S. Exposure to antenatal corticosteroids and infant cortisol regulation. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 147:105960. [PMID: 36327758 PMCID: PMC9968454 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Administration of antenatal corticosteroids (AC) is the standard of care during pregnancy for women who are at risk of early delivery. Evidence indicates that AC improve survival and reduce morbidity for preterm infants. However, research suggests that infants whose mothers receive AC have an altered hypothalamic-pituitary-axis (HPA) response to stressors in early life. Results are mixed regarding the nature of these effects, with studies showing both suppressed and augmented HPA activity. In addition, research is very limited beyond the 4th month of life. The purpose of this study was to determine if AC exposure was associated with infant cortisol levels in a resting state or in response to a stressor at 1, 6 and 12 months postnatal. We also evaluated the moderating role of preterm birth in this association. 181 women and their infants participated in the study. Women were recruited during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy; at this time, they completed the Perceived Stress Scale and provided 8 salivary samples over a 2-day period for cortisol assay. They provided these data again at 6 and 12 months postnatal. At 1, 6, and 12 months postnatal, salivary samples were collected from infants to examine their cortisol levels before and after participation in a 'stressor protocol'. Data were extracted from the medical record on AC exposure, gestational age, maternal obstetric risk, and neonatal morbidity. Mixed effects multilevel regression modeling was used to examine the aims. Infants whose mothers received AC had significantly lower resting state (B = -2.47, CI: -3.691, -0.0484) and post-stressor (B = -2.51, CI: -4.283, -0.4276) cortisol levels across the first year of life than infants whose mothers did not receive AC. There was no moderating effect of preterm birth on the relationship between AC exposure and cortisol. Results indicate a state of dampened HPA activation and cortisol hypo-arousal that persists across the first year of life among infants who were exposed to corticosteroids in utero. Further research is needed to examine mechanisms responsible for any alterations that occur during development of the fetal HPA axis, including epigenetic and biochemical factors that control hormonal secretion, negative feedback, and glucocorticoid receptor function throughout the HPA axis. Findings warrant careful consideration by obstetric clinicians of the benefits and risks of prescribing AC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra J. Weiss
- Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, USA,Correspondence to: Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, Box 0608, 2 Koret Way, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA. (S.J. Weiss)
| | - Victoria Keeton
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Sarah Richoux
- Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Bruce Cooper
- Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Sandra Niemann
- Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, USA
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38
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Ssewanyana D, Knight JA, Matthews SG, Wong J, Khani NA, Lye J, Murphy KE, Foshay K, Okeke J, Lye SJ, Hung RJ. Maternal prenatal psychological distress and vitamin intake with children's neurocognitive development. Pediatr Res 2022; 92:1450-1457. [PMID: 35288638 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02003-0] [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] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal prenatal psychological distress (PPD) is increasingly linked to sub-optimal child neurodevelopment. Daily intake of prenatal vitamin during pre-conception and early pregnancy may ameliorate the effects of PPD on cognition in the offspring. METHODS PPD was assessed in early (12-16 weeks) and late (28-32 weeks) gestation in the Ontario Birth Study. Prenatal vitamin supplement intake information was collected in early gestation. Child cognition at 4 years was assessed using the NIH Toolbox. Poisson regression was used to investigate associations between PPD and/or prenatal vitamin intake and child cognition. RESULTS Four hundred and eighteen mother-child dyads were assessed. Moderate-severe PPD experienced during early gestation was associated with reduced cognition (adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRRadj) = 3.71, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.57-8.77, P = 0.003). Daily intake of prenatal vitamins was not associated with cognition (IRRadj = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.73-2.46, P = 0.34). Upon stratification, the experience of mild-severe PPD with daily intake of prenatal vitamins was associated with higher incident rates of suboptimal cognition compared to children of women with daily prenatal vitamin intake without any episode of PPD (IRRadj = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.1-7.4). CONCLUSIONS Moderate-severe PPD in early pregnancy is associated with poor cognition in children and daily intake of prenatal vitamin did not ameliorate this association. IMPACT Our findings expand on existing literature by highlighting that exposure to prenatal psychological distress (PPD), in moderate-to-severe form, in the early stages of pregnancy, can have detrimental effects on the offspring's cognitive development at 4 years. Overall, prenatal vitamin intake did not ameliorate the effects of PPD. Early screening and treatment of prenatal maternal mental illness is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derrick Ssewanyana
- Alliance for Human Development, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Prosserman Centre for Population Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Julia A Knight
- Prosserman Centre for Population Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Alliance for Human Development, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jody Wong
- Prosserman Centre for Population Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nadya Adel Khani
- Prosserman Centre for Population Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Lye
- Prosserman Centre for Population Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kellie E Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kim Foshay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Justin Okeke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen J Lye
- Alliance for Human Development, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rayjean J Hung
- Prosserman Centre for Population Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Perinatal and early childhood biomarkers of psychosocial stress and adverse experiences. Pediatr Res 2022; 92:956-965. [PMID: 35091705 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-01933-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The human brain develops through a complex interplay of genetic and environmental influences. During critical periods of development, experiences shape brain architecture, often with long-lasting effects. If experiences are adverse, the effects may include the risk of mental and physical disease, whereas positive environments may increase the likelihood of healthy outcomes. Understanding how psychosocial stress and adverse experiences are embedded in biological systems and how we can identify markers of risk may lead to discovering new approaches to improve patient care and outcomes. Biomarkers can be used to identify specific intervention targets and at-risk children early when physiological system malleability increases the likelihood of intervention success. However, identifying reliable biomarkers has been challenging, particularly in the perinatal period and the first years of life, including in preterm infants. This review explores the landscape of psychosocial stress and adverse experience biomarkers. We highlight potential benefits and challenges of identifying risk clinically and different sub-signatures of stress, and in their ability to inform targeted interventions. Finally, we propose that the combination of preterm birth and adversity amplifies the risk for abnormal development and calls for a focus on this group of infants within the field of psychosocial stress and adverse experience biomarkers. IMPACT: Reviews the landscape of biomarkers of psychosocial stress and adverse experiences in the perinatal period and early childhood and highlights the potential benefits and challenges of their clinical utility in identifying risk status in children, and in developing targeted interventions. Explores associations between psychosocial stress and adverse experiences in childhood with prematurity and identifies potential areas of assessment and intervention to improve outcomes in this at-risk group.
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40
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Van Assche IA, Lemiere J, Amant F, Van Calsteren K. Direct and indirect effects on child neurocognitive development when maternal cancer is diagnosed during pregnancy: What do we know so far? Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 179:103824. [PMID: 36174901 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103824] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer during pregnancy threatens the lives of mother and foetus and its incidence is rising, making it an emerging medical challenge. Evidence on the direct impact of cancer therapies on neonatal outcomes resulted in general guidelines for maternal treatment that safeguards foetal development. Less focus has been placed on indirect factors, in pre- and postnatal periods, that may exert long-term impacts specifically on child neurocognition. Foetal development, in the context of maternal cancer during pregnancy, may be influenced directly by exposure to cancer diagnostics and (co-)treatment, or indirectly through maternal inflammation, malnutrition, hormonal fluctuations, prematurity, and psycho-biological stress. Maternal stress and insecure mother-infant bonding related to postpartum cancer treatment may further impact child cognitive-behavioural development. Understanding the independent and synergistic effects of the factors impacting neurocognitive development creates the opportunity to intervene during the oncological treatment to improve the child's long-term outcome, both by medical and psychosocial care and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indra A Van Assche
- Department of Development and Regeneration: Woman and Child, KU Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jurgen Lemiere
- Department of Oncology: Pediatric Oncology, KU Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pediatrics: Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Frédéric Amant
- Department of Oncology: Gynaecological Oncology, KU Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Gynaecological Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium; Center for Gynaecologic Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Kristel Van Calsteren
- Department of Development and Regeneration: Woman and Child, KU Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Foetomaternal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium.
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41
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Murphy HR, Gu Y, Wu Q, Brunner J, Panisch LS, Best M, Arnold MS, Duberstein ZT, Putzig J, Carnahan J, Groth SW, Barrett ES, Qiu X, O'Connor TG. Prenatal diurnal cortisol: Normative patterns and associations with affective symptoms and stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 143:105856. [PMID: 35797838 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in pregnancy has attracted considerable research attention, in part, because it may be a mechanism by which diverse prenatal exposures alter perinatal and child health outcomes. Symptoms of affective disturbance and stress are among the most-studied prenatal factors associated with HPA axis alterations, but there remains uncertainty about the nature of the association because of the limitations to, and variability in, data collection and analytic approaches. The current study capitalized on a prospective, longitudinal pregnancy cohort that examined salivary diurnal cortisol, collected at 5 time points across the day, at each trimester in a diverse sample of women. Detailed data on affective symptoms and major life events were collected at each trimester, as were data on health behaviors, medication, and socio-demographics. Results indicated modest stability of individual differences in diurnal cortisol across pregnancy, which was evident for diurnal slope (ICC = .20) and measures of total output (area under the curve, ICC = .25); substantial gestation-related increases in total cortisol output across pregnancy was also observed (p < .001). Adjusting for health behaviors, medication, and socio-demographic covariates, elevated levels of depressive symptoms and major life events were significantly (p < .05) associated with a higher morning awakening value and flatter diurnal slope, which was evident across all trimesters. In addition to the normative gestation-related changes in cortisol production, our results demonstrate selective but robust associations between psychological symptoms, stressors, and the HPA axis across gestation, and suggest both methodological and mechanistic strategies for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R Murphy
- Wynne Center for Family Research, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Yu Gu
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester, 265 Crittenden Blvd., Box 630, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Qiuyi Wu
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester, 265 Crittenden Blvd., Box 630, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Jessica Brunner
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Lisa S Panisch
- Wayne State University School of Social Work, 5447 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Meghan Best
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Molly S Arnold
- Wynne Center for Family Research, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Psychology, University of Rochester, Meliora Hall, P.O. Box 270266, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Zoe T Duberstein
- Wynne Center for Family Research, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Psychology, University of Rochester, Meliora Hall, P.O. Box 270266, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Jenelle Putzig
- Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Jennifer Carnahan
- Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Susan W Groth
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, 255 Crittenden Blvd., Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 170 Frelinghuysen Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Xing Qiu
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester, 265 Crittenden Blvd., Box 630, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Thomas G O'Connor
- Wynne Center for Family Research, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Psychology, University of Rochester, Meliora Hall, P.O. Box 270266, Rochester, NY 14627, USA; Neuroscience, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 603, KMRB G.9602, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Psychiatry, University of Rochester, 300 Crittenden Blvd., Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
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42
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Rubin AM, Seebacher F. Bisphenols impact hormone levels in animals: A meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 828:154533. [PMID: 35288143 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenols are used in the manufacture of plastics and are endocrine disrupting compounds detectable in free living organisms and environments globally. The original bisphenol, bisphenol A (BPA), is best known as a xenoestrogen, but it also disrupts other steroid hormones and other classes of hormones including thyroid and pituitary hormones. When its toxicity became better known, BPA was replaced by presumably less toxic alternatives, including bisphenols S, F, and AF. However, recent data suggest that all bisphenols can have endocrine disrupting effects, although their impacts remain unresolved particularly in non-human animals. Our aim was to establish the current state-of-knowledge of the effects of different bisphenols on circulating hormone levels in non-human animals. Our meta-analysis showed that a diverse range of hormones (including thyroid hormones, corticosterone, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estradiol) are strongly impacted by exposure to any bisphenol type, and that in laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) the effect was modified by life-stage. Although there were qualitative differences, BPA alternatives had as great or greater effects on hormone levels as BPA. However, data coverage across hormones was uneven, and most studies measured the effects of BPA on vertebrate reproductive hormones. Similarly, taxonomic coverage was poor. Over 80% of data originated from laboratory rats and zebrafish (Danio rerio) and there are no data for whole classes of invertebrates and vertebrates (e.g., amphibians). Our results show that all bisphenols alter circulating levels of a broad range of hormones. However, the current state-of-knowledge is incomplete so that the ecological impacts of bisphenols are difficult to gauge, although based on the available data bisphenols are likely to be detrimental to a broad range of taxa and ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Rubin
- School Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Frank Seebacher
- School Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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43
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Deutsch AR, Vargas MC, Lucchini M, Brink LT, Odendaal HJ, Elliott AJ. Effect of individual or comorbid antenatal depression and anxiety on birth outcomes and moderation by maternal traumatic experiences and resilience. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2022; 9:100365. [PMID: 35966253 PMCID: PMC9373828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2022.100365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although antenatal depression and anxiety (e.g., negative antenatal mental health; NAMH) are individually associated with preterm birth (PTB) and infant neurological impairment, few studies account for comorbidity. Understanding how NAMH impacts PTB and infant neurological functioning by either singular (depression or anxiety) or comorbid status, as well as the way in which these effects can be moderated by additional risk or protective factors (traumatic experiences and trait resiliency) can contribute further understanding of NAMH effects on birth outcomes. Methods The sample included 3042 mother-infant dyads from U.S. and South Africa cohorts of the Safe Passage Study (N = 3042). A four-category NAMH variable was created to categorize depression-only, anxiety-only, comorbid, or no NAMH statuses. Results There were no NAMH main effects on PTB, however, anxiety-only and comorbid NAMH increased odds of PTB for mothers with higher rates of traumatic life experiences. Anxiety-only and comorbid NAMH were associated with increased odds of newborn neurological impairment, and the effect of comorbid NAMH was stronger for mothers with higher rates of traumatic experiences. Resiliency decreased odds of neurological impairment for mothers who reported depression-only or anxiety-only NAMH. Limitations Limitations included potential artefacts of two cohorts that differed in rates of almost all variables, a single time point for measuring NAMH, and lack of pregnancy-specific NAMH measures. Conclusions Especially when compared to mothers with no NAMH, comorbidity or singular-condition NAMH statuses associate with negative birth outcomes in nuanced ways, especially when considering additional contexts that may foster or protect against NAMH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle R. Deutsch
- Avera Research Institute
- University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics
| | | | - Maristella Lucchini
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, Division of Developmental Neuroscience
| | - Lucy T. Brink
- Stellenbosch University, School of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
| | - Hein J. Odendaal
- Stellenbosch University, School of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
| | - Amy J. Elliott
- Avera Research Institute
- University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics
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The Early-Life «Programming» of Anxiety-Driven Behaviours in Adulthood as a Product of Predator-Driven Evolution. Evol Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11692-022-09571-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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45
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Social Isolation Stress Modulates Pregnancy Outcomes and the Inflammatory Profile of Rat Uterus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116169. [PMID: 35682846 PMCID: PMC9181517 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal stressors have been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes; including preterm birth (PTB). Recent work demonstrates that social isolation in mothers represents a silent stressor contributing to PTB risk. Here; we investigate the association of inflammatory and stress markers with PTB risk in Long–Evans rats exposed to social isolation stress (SIS) during preconception and pregnancy across four generations (F0-F3). Gestational length; blood glucose; corticosterone levels; and maternal and offspring weights were assessed in two SIS paradigms: transgenerational (TG) and multigenerational (MG) exposure. Maternal uterine tissues were collected 21 days after the dams gave birth. Exposure to SIS reduced pregnancy lengths in the parental generation and neonatal birth weights in the F1 and F2 generations. Interleukin (IL)-1β (Il1b) mRNA levels increased in F0 animals but decreased in the offspring of both stress lineages. Protein levels of IL-1β decreased in the TG lineage. Corticotrophin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (Crhr1) expression decreased in SIS-exposed F0 animals and increased in the TG-F2 and MG-F1 offspring. Expression of enzyme 11-β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 (11bHSD2) was enhanced in F1 animals. These findings suggest SIS has adverse consequences on the F0 mothers; but their F1–F3 progeny may adapt to this chronic stress; thus supporting the fetal programming hypothesis.
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Fowden AL, Vaughan OR, Murray AJ, Forhead AJ. Metabolic Consequences of Glucocorticoid Exposure before Birth. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14112304. [PMID: 35684104 PMCID: PMC9182938 DOI: 10.3390/nu14112304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids have an important role in development of the metabolic phenotype in utero. They act as environmental and maturational signals in adapting feto-placental metabolism to maximize the chances of survival both before and at birth. They influence placental nutrient handling and fetal metabolic processes to support fetal growth, fuel storage and energy production with respect to nutrient availability. More specifically, they regulate the transport, utilization and production of a range of nutrients by the feto-placental tissues that enables greater metabolic flexibility in utero while minimizing any further drain on maternal resources during periods of stress. Near term, the natural rise in fetal glucocorticoid concentrations also stimulates key metabolic adaptations that prepare tissues for the new energy demanding functions after birth. Glucocorticoids, therefore, have a central role in the metabolic communication between the mother, placenta and fetus that optimizes offspring metabolic phenotype for survival to reproductive age. This review discusses the effects of maternal and fetal glucocorticoids on the supply and utilization of nutrients by the feto-placental tissues with particular emphasis on studies using quantitative methods to assess metabolism in rodents and sheep in vivo during late pregnancy. It considers the routes of glucocorticoid overexposure in utero, including experimental administration of synthetic glucocorticoids, and the mechanisms by which these hormones control feto-placental metabolism at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. It also briefly examines the consequences of intrauterine glucocorticoid overexposure for postnatal metabolic health and the generational inheritance of metabolic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail L. Fowden
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (A.J.M.); (A.J.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Owen R. Vaughan
- EGA Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK;
| | - Andrew J. Murray
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (A.J.M.); (A.J.F.)
| | - Alison J. Forhead
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (A.J.M.); (A.J.F.)
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
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Effect of Paternal Diet on Spermatogenesis and Offspring Health: Focus on Epigenetics and Interventions with Food Bioactive Compounds. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14102150. [PMID: 35631291 PMCID: PMC9143121 DOI: 10.3390/nu14102150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a growing public health problem. Consumption of antioxidant bioactive food compounds (BFCs) that include micronutrients and non-nutrients has been highlighted as a potential strategy to protect against oxidative and inflammatory damage in the male reproductive system induced by obesity, alcohol, and toxicants and, thus, improve spermatogenesis and the fertility parameters. Paternal consumption of such dietary compounds could not only benefit the fathers but their offspring as well. Studies in the new field of paternal origins of health and disease show that paternal malnutrition can alter sperm epigenome, and this can alter fetal development and program an increased risk of metabolic diseases and breast cancer in adulthood. BFCs, such as ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, polyunsaturated fatty acids, trace elements, carnitines, N-acetylcysteine, and coenzyme Q10, have been shown to improve male gametogenesis, modulate epigenetics of germ cells, and the epigenetic signature of the offspring, restoring offspring metabolic health induced by stressors during early life. This indicates that, from a father’s perspective, preconception is a valuable window of opportunity to start potential nutritional interventions with these BFCs to maximize sperm epigenetic integrity and promote adequate fetal growth and development, thus preventing chronic disease in adulthood.
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Cattane N, Vernon AC, Borsini A, Scassellati C, Endres D, Capuron L, Tamouza R, Benros ME, Leza JC, Pariante CM, Riva MA, Cattaneo A. Preclinical animal models of mental illnesses to translate findings from the bench to the bedside: Molecular brain mechanisms and peripheral biomarkers associated to early life stress or immune challenges. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 58:55-79. [PMID: 35235897 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal models are useful preclinical tools for studying the pathogenesis of mental disorders and the effectiveness of their treatment. While it is not possible to mimic all symptoms occurring in humans, it is however possible to investigate the behavioral, physiological and neuroanatomical alterations relevant for these complex disorders in controlled conditions and in genetically homogeneous populations. Stressful and infection-related exposures represent the most employed environmental risk factors able to trigger or to unmask a psychopathological phenotype in animals. Indeed, when occurring during sensitive periods of brain maturation, including pre, postnatal life and adolescence, they can affect the offspring's neurodevelopmental trajectories, increasing the risk for mental disorders. Not all stressed or immune challenged animals, however, develop behavioral alterations and preclinical animal models can explain differences between vulnerable or resilient phenotypes. Our review focuses on different paradigms of stress (prenatal stress, maternal separation, social isolation and social defeat stress) and immune challenges (immune activation in pregnancy) and investigates the subsequent alterations in several biological and behavioral domains at different time points of animals' life. It also discusses the "double-hit" hypothesis where an initial early adverse event can prime the response to a second negative challenge. Interestingly, stress and infections early in life induce the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, alter the levels of neurotransmitters, neurotrophins and pro-inflammatory cytokines and affect the functions of microglia and oxidative stress. In conclusion, animal models allow shedding light on the pathophysiology of human mental illnesses and discovering novel molecular drug targets for personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Cattane
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Anthony C Vernon
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandra Borsini
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Catia Scassellati
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Dominique Endres
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lucile Capuron
- Univ. Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ryad Tamouza
- Département Medico-Universitaire de Psychiatrie et d'Addictologie (DMU ADAPT), Laboratoire Neuro-psychiatrie translationnelle, AP-HP, UniversitéParis Est Créteil, INSERM U955, IMRB, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Fondation FondaMental, F-94010 Créteil, France
| | - Michael Eriksen Benros
- Biological and Precision Psychiatry, Copenhagen Research Centre for Mental Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 15, 4th floor, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Juan C Leza
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12), IUIN-UCM. Spain
| | - Carmine M Pariante
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Marco A Riva
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cattaneo
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy.
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The maternal-placental-fetal interface: Adaptations of the HPA axis and immune mediators following maternal stress and prenatal alcohol exposure. Exp Neurol 2022; 355:114121. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Asztalos EV, Murphy KE, Matthews SG. A Growing Dilemma: Antenatal Corticosteroids and Long-Term Consequences. Am J Perinatol 2022; 39:592-600. [PMID: 33053595 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A single course of synthetic antenatal corticosteroids is standard care for women considered to be at risk for preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation. While the intended target is the fetal lung, the fetal brain contains remarkably high levels of glucocorticoid receptors in structures critical in the regulation of behavior and endocrine function. Negative programming signals may occur which can lead to permanent maladaptive changes and predispose the infant/child to an increased risk in physical, mental, and developmental disorders. METHODS Framed around these areas of concerns for physical, mental, and developmental disorders, this narrative review drew on studies (animal and clinical), evaluating the long-term effects of antenatal corticosteroids to present the case that a more targeted approach to the use of antenatal corticosteroids for the betterment of the fetus urgently needed. RESULTS Studies raised concerns about the potential negative long-term consequences, especially for the exposed fetus who was born beyond the period of the greatest benefit from antenatal corticosteroids. The long-term consequences are more subtle in nature and usually manifest later in life, often beyond the scope of most clinical trials. CONCLUSION Continued research is needed to identify sufficient safety data, both short term and long term. Caution in the use of antenatal corticosteroids should be exercised while additional work is undertaken to optimize dosing strategies and better identify women at risk of preterm birth prior to administration of antenatal corticosteroids. KEY POINTS · A single-course ACS is a remarkable therapy with substantial benefits.. · There is a potential of long-term neurodevelopmental consequences in the ACS-exposed fetus.. · There is a need to improve dosing strategies and identification of appropriate at risk women..
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth V Asztalos
- Department of Newborn and Developmental Paediatrics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kellie E Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sinai Health Systems, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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