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Luo M, Yi Y, Huang S, Dai S, Xie L, Liu K, Zhang S, Jiang T, Wang T, Yao B, Wang H, Xu D. Gestational dexamethasone exposure impacts hippocampal excitatory synaptic transmission and learning and memory function with transgenerational effects. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:3708-3727. [PMID: 37719378 PMCID: PMC10501875 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation of learning and memory is regulated by synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons. Here we explored how gestational exposure to dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid commonly used in clinical practice, has lasting effects on offspring's learning and memory. Adult offspring rats of prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE) displayed significant impairments in novelty recognition and spatial learning memory, with some phenotypes maintained transgenerationally. PDE impaired synaptic transmission of hippocampal excitatory neurons in offspring of F1 to F3 generations, and abnormalities of neurotransmitters and receptors would impair synaptic plasticity and lead to impaired learning and memory, but these changes failed to carry over to offspring of F5 and F7 generations. Mechanistically, altered hippocampal miR-133a-3p-SIRT1-CDK5-NR2B signaling axis in PDE multigeneration caused inhibition of excitatory synaptic transmission, which might be related to oocyte-specific high expression and transmission of miR-133a-3p. Together, PDE affects hippocampal excitatory synaptic transmission, with lasting consequences across generations, and CDK5 in offspring's peripheral blood might be used as an early-warning marker for fetal-originated learning and memory impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingcui Luo
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yiwen Yi
- Department of Pharmacology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Songqiang Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Shiyun Dai
- Department of Pharmacology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Lulu Xie
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Kexin Liu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Baozhen Yao
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
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Lovato I, Simonelli A, Visentin S, Priante E, Baraldi E, Sacchi C. Prenatal environment and developmental trajectories: the intrauterine growth restriction. Minerva Pediatr (Torino) 2023; 75:62-74. [PMID: 35708036 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5276.22.06949-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The prenatal environment is of fundamental importance for the fetus, as the fetus is particularly susceptible to environmental influences while in utero, and several prenatal adversities may constitute a risk factor for fetal growth and child development. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to a pregnancy complication involving the inadequate growth of the fetus in utero, with potential programming consequences on the children's brain-behavior development. In this narrative review we will discuss the most recent literature about IUGR children, including their development and their relationship with the prenatal and postnatal environment. In particular, as an attempt to an adaptive response to intrauterine changes, the brain development of IUGR fetuses follows abnormal developmental pathways, which likely has cascade effects on the future neurodevelopmental outcomes of the children. Cognitive and motor functions are in fact impaired, as well as IUGR children present, across studies, poor socio-emotional abilities and a greater risk for internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. The current work also highlights how the postnatal environment, and in particular parental care, has an important role in IUGR development, acting as a protective factor, or otherwise increasing their constitutional vulnerabilities. Overall, this narrative review has important implications for clinical practice, suggesting the need for long-term follow-up care with IUGR children and strategies supporting parent-child interactions as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Lovato
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandra Simonelli
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Silvia Visentin
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Priante
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Eugenio Baraldi
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Sacchi
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Padua, Italy -
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Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction is a condition that prevents normal fetal development, and previous studies have reported that intrauterine growth restriction is caused by adverse intrauterine factors. This condition affects both short- and long-term neurodevelopmental disorders. Studies have revealed that neurodevelopmental disorders can contribute to gray and white matter damage and decrease the brain volume of affected individuals. Further, these disorders are associated with increased risks of mental retardation, cognitive impairment, and cerebral palsy, which seriously affect the quality of life. Although the mechanisms underlying the neurologic injury associated with intrauterine growth restriction are not completely clear, studies have revealed that neuronal apoptosis, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, excitatory toxicity, disruption of blood-brain barrier, and epigenetics may be involved in this process. This article reviews the manifestations and possible mechanisms underlying neurologic injury in intrauterine growth restriction and provides a theoretical basis for the effective prevention and treatment of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijia Wan
- Department of Pediatrics, 70566The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Laboratory of Neonatal Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kaiju Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, 70566The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Laboratory of Neonatal Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Pingyang Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, 70566The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Laboratory of Neonatal Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Sacchi C, Miscioscia M, Visentin S, Simonelli A. Maternal-fetal attachment in pregnant Italian women: multidimensional influences and the association with maternal caregiving in the infant's first year of life. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:488. [PMID: 34229661 PMCID: PMC8261930 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-03964-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal–Fetal Attachment (MFA) describes the cognitive-representational, emotional, and behavioral aspects of the mother–fetus relationship that develops during pregnancy. We present two studies conducted on pregnant Italian women. In Study I, we aimed to explore multifaceted associations of MFA with variables important for a healthy pregnancy (e.g., maternal mental health, the couple’s relationship). In Study II, we investigated the predictive role of MFA on observed maternal caregiving during the first months of the infant’s life. Methods In Study I, 113 pregnant Italian women were assessed on MFA (Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale, MAAS), maternal depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II, BDI-II), maternal anxiety (State Trait Anxiety Inventory – State version, STAI), adjustment of the couple (Dyadic Adjustment Scale, DAS), and perceived parental care (The Parental Bonding Instrument, PBI). In Study II, 29 mother–infant pairs were followed up at 4 months to assess observational variables of maternal caregiving through the Emotional Availability Scale (EAS) and to test for an association with MFA in pregnancy. Results Study I showed a significant association between MFA and the quality of the couple relationship (β = .49, P < .001) and between MFA and the recall of memories of care received in childhood (β = .22, P = .025). Study II showed a predictive effect of MFA on maternal structuring observed during mother–infant interactions at 4 months of age (β = 0.36, P = .046). Conclusion The study points out relevant relationship contexts that might receive care and support throughout pregnancy to protect MFA. The findings also provide thoughtful insights on the role of MFA in early maternal caregiving, suggesting that MFA might be a candidate as one putative antecedent of mother–infant interaction processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Sacchi
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padova, via Venezia 8, Padova, Italy.
| | - Marina Miscioscia
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padova, via Venezia 8, Padova, Italy.,Division of Women's and Child's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Visentin
- Division of Women's and Child's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Simonelli
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padova, via Venezia 8, Padova, Italy
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Partanen L, Korkalainen N, Mäkikallio K, Olsén P, Heikkinen H, Yliherva A. Foetal growth restriction has negative influence on narrative skills in 8-10-year-old children. Acta Paediatr 2020; 109:1595-1602. [PMID: 31869483 DOI: 10.1111/apa.15146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM The risk for neurocognitive difficulties is increased in children born with foetal growth restriction (FGR), but no data exist yet on their narrative skills. The narrative skills of 8- to 10-year-old children born with FGR between 24 and 40 weeks were compared with those of children born with appropriate growth for gestational age (AGA). METHODS A prospectively collected cohort of 36 children with FGR was recruited prenatally at a Finnish tertiary hospital from 1998-2001, and 31 children with AGA served as controls. Narrative skills were assessed using a standardised test, and correlations between narrative, communication, reading and spelling skills were studied. RESULTS Children born with FGR produced significantly less information and shorter utterances in their narratives than the AGA group. Children born preterm with FGR performed significantly more poorly in their narratives than the preterm AGA group. Poor narrative skills correlated with poor communication, reading and spelling skills. CONCLUSION Children born with FGR had poorer narrative skills compared with their AGA peers at the age of 8-10 years, and narrative skills were linked to other language-based skills, which underlines the importance of early detection and preventive measures to optimise the educational outcome of children born with FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Partanen
- Faculty of Humanities Child Language Research Centre University of Oulu Oulu Finland
| | - Noora Korkalainen
- Faculty of Humanities Child Language Research Centre University of Oulu Oulu Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology University Hospital of Oulu Oulu Finland
| | - Kaarin Mäkikallio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology University Hospital of Turku Turku Finland
- Department of Clinical Medicine University of Turku Turku Finland
| | - Päivi Olsén
- PEDEGO Research Unit University of Oulu Oulu Finland
- Department of Paediatrics University Hospital of Oulu Oulu Finland
| | - Hanna Heikkinen
- Research Unit of Mathematical Sciences University of Oulu Oulu Finland
| | - Anneli Yliherva
- Faculty of Humanities Child Language Research Centre University of Oulu Oulu Finland
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Srinivasan K, Thomas S, Anand S, Jayachandra M, Thomas T, Strand TA, Kurpad AV, Duggan CP. Vitamin B-12 Supplementation during Pregnancy and Early Lactation Does Not Affect Neurophysiologic Outcomes in Children Aged 6 Years. J Nutr 2020; 150:1951-1957. [PMID: 32470975 PMCID: PMC7330478 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxaa123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deficiency of vitamin B-12 is common in pregnant Indian women. Assessment of neurophysiological measures using event-related potentials (ERPs) may yield additional information on the effects of maternal B-12 supplementation on child brain function. OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of vitamin B-12 supplementation (50 μg daily orally) during pregnancy on the childhood ERP measures of positive waveform ∼300 ms after stimulus (P300) and mismatch negativity. METHODS This study was a follow-up of children born to pregnant women who received oral vitamin B-12 supplements (n = 62) compared with children of pregnant women who received placebo (n = 70) from a randomized controlled trial. The mean ± SD child age was 72 ± 1 mo. We used the Enobio system to assess the ERP measures P300 and mismatch negativity. RESULTS There were no significant differences in the primary outcomes, amplitudes, and latencies of the P300 results and the mismatch negativity between children in the supplementation and placebo groups. We combined the intervention and placebo groups for secondary analyses. On multiple variable regression analysis after adjusting for treatment group, intrauterine growth restriction, and home environment, P300 amplitude in children was significantly higher in the lowest tertile of third-trimester maternal methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations (β = 3034.04; 95% CI: 923.24, 5144.83) compared with the highest MMA tertile (β = 1612.12; 95% CI: -258.86, 3483.10, P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS While no significant effects of maternal vitamin B-12 supplementation on children's ERP measures were seen at 72 mo, elevated maternal MMA concentrations in the third trimester were negatively associated with P300 amplitude in children. It may be worthwhile to study the impact of maternal and infant vitamin B-12 supplementation on childhood brain structure and function in longer and larger trials. The parent trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00641862.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnamachari Srinivasan
- Division of Mental Health and Neurosciences, St. John's Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Susan Thomas
- Division of Mental Health and Neurosciences, St. John's Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Shilpa Anand
- Division of Mental Health and Neurosciences, St. John's Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Mahesh Jayachandra
- Division of Mental Health and Neurosciences, St. John's Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Tinku Thomas
- Department of Biostatistics, St. John's Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Anura V Kurpad
- Division of Nutrition, St. John's Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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The Primary Care-Video Intervention Therapy for Growth-Vulnerable Infants. A Case Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17051796. [PMID: 32164247 PMCID: PMC7084751 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17051796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Perinatal growth vulnerability (e.g., Small for Gestational Age, SGA) poses the goal to not overlook subtle developmental susceptibilities and their impact on the parent–infant relationship. In this case study, we examined the application of a video-feedback intervention program to support parenting, the Primary Care-Video Intervention Therapy (PC-VIT), specifically developed to fit pediatric care characteristics. The case presentation details the principal steps of the intervention with the family of an SGA infant from birth up to toddlerhood. Findings for this family highlighted initial worries about the infant’s growth. Along sessions, PC-VIT held maternal anxiety and sustained parents’ abilities to recognize and talk about the infant’s developmental skills and regulatory abilities. The PC-VIT shows the powerful opportunity to limit the impact of infant growth vulnerability on the parent–child relationship and socio-emotional development. Pediatricians can prevent vulnerable developmental milestones from clinical outcomes by implementing timely and effective strategies embracing mental health and parenting-related issues.
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González-Valenzuela MJ, González-Mesa E, Cazorla-Granados O, López-Montiel D. Type of Delivery, Neuropsychological Development and Intelligence in Twin Births. Front Psychol 2019; 10:972. [PMID: 31130896 PMCID: PMC6509588 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on a retrospective cohort design with 6-year-old children born in twin births, the relationship between verbal, non-verbal, global neuropsychological development, general intelligence and type of delivery has been studied. To this end, the possible effect of third gestational, obstetric and neonatal variables, such as maternal age at delivery, fetal presentation, gestational age, newborn weight and Apgar at minute one, was controlled. The exposed cohort includes children born by cesarean section, and the unexposed cohort is composed of children born vaginally with or without induction. A total of 124 children were evaluated in their 1st year of primary school using the Child Neuropsychological Maturity Questionnaire, Kaufman's Intelligence Test and the medical histories of the children collected after birth. By means of binary logistic regression analysis, it has been found that the type of delivery is presented as an independent risk factor for disorders in verbal, non-verbal and global development and for the general intellectual difficulties of children born of multiple births. These results suggest the need to analyze in future prospective studies with broader samples the relationship between different types of obstetric and perinatal variables of birth type and infant neuropsychological development and general intelligence, in order to prevent possible psychological alterations from birth.
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