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Schneider D, Bouhali F, Richter CG, Costache R, Costache C, Kirchhoffer K, Sheth V, MacDonald I, Hoeft F. Perinatal influences on academic achievement and the developing brain: a scoping systematic review. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1352241. [PMID: 38962224 PMCID: PMC11221367 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1352241] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction and methods In this PRISMA-compliant systematic review, we identify and synthesize the findings of research in which neuroimaging and assessments of achievement have been used to examine the relationships among aspects of developmental programming, neurodevelopment, and achievement in reading and mathematics. Results Forty-seven studies met inclusion criteria. The majority examined the impact of prematurity (n = 32) and prenatal alcohol exposure (n = 13). Several prematurity studies reported a positive correlation between white-matter integrity of callosal fibers and executive functioning and/or achievement, and white matter properties were consistently associated with cognitive and academic performance in preterm and full-term children. Volumetric studies reported positive associations between academic and cognitive abilities and white and gray matter volume in regions such as the insula, putamen, and prefrontal lobes. Functional MRI studies demonstrated increased right-hemispheric language processing among preterm children. Altered activation of the frontoparietal network related to numerical abilities was also reported. Prenatal alcohol exposure studies reported alterations in white matter microstructure linked to deficits in cognitive functioning and academic achievement, including mathematics, reading, and vocabulary skills. Volumetric studies reported reductions in cerebral, cerebellar, and subcortical gray matter volumes associated with decreased scores on measures of executive functioning, attention, working memory, and academic performance. Functional MRI studies demonstrated broad, diffuse activation, reduced activation in canonical regions, and increased activation in non-canonical regions during numeric tasks. Discussion A preponderance of studies linked prematurity and prenatal alcohol exposure to altered neurodevelopmental processes and suboptimal academic achievement. Limitations and recommendations for future research are discussed. Systematic review registration Identifier: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/ZAN67.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Schneider
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Webster University, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Caroline G. Richter
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Radu Costache
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Catalina Costache
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Kaitlyn Kirchhoffer
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Vatsa Sheth
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Ibo MacDonald
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fumiko Hoeft
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Abo Hamza E, Tindle R, Pawlak S, Bedewy D, Moustafa AA. The impact of poverty and socioeconomic status on brain, behaviour, and development: a unified framework. Rev Neurosci 2024; 0:revneuro-2023-0163. [PMID: 38607658 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2023-0163] [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: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
In this article, we, for the first time, provide a comprehensive overview and unified framework of the impact of poverty and low socioeconomic status (SES) on the brain and behaviour. While there are many studies on the impact of low SES on the brain (including cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and even neurotransmitters) and behaviours (including educational attainment, language development, development of psychopathological disorders), prior studies did not integrate behavioural, educational, and neural findings in one framework. Here, we argue that the impact of poverty and low SES on the brain and behaviour are interrelated. Specifically, based on prior studies, due to a lack of resources, poverty and low SES are associated with poor nutrition, high levels of stress in caregivers and their children, and exposure to socio-environmental hazards. These psychological and physical injuries impact the normal development of several brain areas and neurotransmitters. Impaired functioning of the amygdala can lead to the development of psychopathological disorders, while impaired hippocampus and cortex functions are associated with a delay in learning and language development as well as poor academic performance. This in turn perpetuates poverty in children, leading to a vicious cycle of poverty and psychological/physical impairments. In addition to providing economic aid to economically disadvantaged families, interventions should aim to tackle neural abnormalities caused by poverty and low SES in early childhood. Importantly, acknowledging brain abnormalities due to poverty in early childhood can help increase economic equity. In the current study, we provide a comprehensive list of future studies to help understand the impact of poverty on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eid Abo Hamza
- College of Education, Humanities & Social Sciences, 289293 Al Ain University , 64141, Al Jimi, UAE
- Faculty of Education, Tanta University, Al-Geish St., 122011, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Richard Tindle
- JMS Allied Services, 1109 Coffs Harbour , NSW, 2452, Australia
| | - Simon Pawlak
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, John Street, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Dalia Bedewy
- Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Sciences, 59104 Ajman University , University Street, Al jerf 1, Ajman, UAE
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Tanta University, Al-Geish St., 122011, Tanta, Egypt
- 59104 Humanities and Social Sciences Research Center (HSSRC), Ajman University , University Street, Al jerf 1, Ajman, UAE
| | - Ahmed A Moustafa
- Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, The Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Cnr Kingsway & University Roads, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Society and Design, 448704 Bond University , 14 University Dr, Robina QLD 4226, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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Thompson DK, Kelly CE, Dhollander T, Muggli E, Hearps S, Lewis S, Nguyen TNN, Spittle A, Elliott EJ, Penington A, Halliday J, Anderson PJ. Associations between low-moderate prenatal alcohol exposure and brain development in childhood. Neuroimage Clin 2024; 42:103595. [PMID: 38555806 PMCID: PMC10998198 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2024.103595] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of low-moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on brain development have been infrequently studied. AIM To compare cortical and white matter structure between children aged 6 to 8 years with low-moderate PAE in trimester 1 only, low-moderate PAE throughout gestation, or no PAE. METHODS Women reported quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy. Magnetic resonance imaging was undertaken for 143 children aged 6 to 8 years with PAE during trimester 1 only (n = 44), PAE throughout gestation (n = 58), and no PAE (n = 41). T1-weighted images were processed using FreeSurfer, obtaining brain volume, area, and thickness of 34 cortical regions per hemisphere. Fibre density (FD), fibre cross-section (FC) and fibre density and cross-section (FDC) metrics were computed for diffusion images. Brain measures were compared between PAE groups adjusted for age and sex, then additionally for intracranial volume. RESULTS After adjustments, the right caudal anterior cingulate cortex volume (pFDR = 0.045) and area (pFDR = 0.008), and right cingulum tract cross-sectional area (pFWE < 0.05) were smaller in children exposed to alcohol throughout gestation compared with no PAE. CONCLUSION This study reports a relationship between low-moderate PAE throughout gestation and cingulate cortex and cingulum tract alterations, suggesting a teratogenic vulnerability. Further investigation is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanne K Thompson
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claire E Kelly
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thijs Dhollander
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Evelyne Muggli
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Hearps
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sharon Lewis
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Alicia Spittle
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Physiotherapy, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth J Elliott
- The University of Sydney, Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Kids Research, Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony Penington
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane Halliday
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter J Anderson
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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Sundermann B, Feldmann R, Mathys C, Rau JMH, Garde S, Braje A, Weglage J, Pfleiderer B. Functional connectivity of cognition-related brain networks in adults with fetal alcohol syndrome. BMC Med 2023; 21:496. [PMID: 38093292 PMCID: PMC10720228 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03208-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) can result in cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive functions affected are subserved by few functional brain networks. Functional connectivity (FC) in these networks can be assessed with resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). Alterations of FC have been reported in children and adolescents prenatally exposed to alcohol. Previous reports varied substantially regarding the exact nature of findings. The purpose of this study was to assess FC of cognition-related networks in young adults with FAS. METHODS Cross-sectional rs-fMRI study in participants with FAS (n = 39, age: 20.9 ± 3.4 years) and healthy participants without prenatal alcohol exposure (n = 44, age: 22.2 ± 3.4 years). FC was calculated as correlation between cortical regions in ten cognition-related sub-networks. Subsequent modelling of overall FC was based on linear models comparing FC between FAS and controls. Results were subjected to a hierarchical statistical testing approach, first determining whether there is any alteration of FC in FAS in the full cognitive connectome, subsequently resolving these findings to the level of either FC within each network or between networks based on the Higher Criticism (HC) approach for detecting rare and weak effects in high-dimensional data. Finally, group differences in single connections were assessed using conventional multiple-comparison correction. In an additional exploratory analysis, dynamic FC states were assessed. RESULTS Comparing FAS participants with controls, we observed altered FC of cognition-related brain regions globally, within 7 out of 10 networks, and between networks employing the HC statistic. This was most obvious in attention-related network components. Findings also spanned across subcomponents of the fronto-parietal control and default mode networks. None of the single FC alterations within these networks yielded statistical significance in the conventional high-resolution analysis. The exploratory time-resolved FC analysis did not show significant group differences of dynamic FC states. CONCLUSIONS FC in cognition-related networks was altered in adults with FAS. Effects were widely distributed across networks, potentially reflecting the diversity of cognitive deficits in FAS. However, no altered single connections could be determined in the most detailed analysis level. Findings were pronounced in networks in line with attentional deficits previously reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Sundermann
- Institute of Radiology and Neuroradiology, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Oldenburg, Universitätsmedizin Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Clinic of Radiology, Medical Faculty, University of Münster, Albert- Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building A1, 48149, Münster, Germany
- Research Center Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Reinhold Feldmann
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Mathys
- Institute of Radiology and Neuroradiology, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Oldenburg, Universitätsmedizin Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Research Center Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Johanna M H Rau
- Clinic of Radiology, Medical Faculty, University of Münster, Albert- Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building A1, 48149, Münster, Germany
- Department of Neurology With Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Garde
- Clinic of Radiology, Medical Faculty, University of Münster, Albert- Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building A1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Anna Braje
- Clinic of Radiology, Medical Faculty, University of Münster, Albert- Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building A1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Josef Weglage
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Bettina Pfleiderer
- Clinic of Radiology, Medical Faculty, University of Münster, Albert- Schweitzer-Campus 1, Building A1, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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Kucharska-Newton AM, Pike JR, Chen J, Coresh J, Sharret AR, Mosley T, Palta P. Association of Childhood and Midlife Neighborhood Socioeconomic Position With Cognitive Decline. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2327421. [PMID: 37540511 PMCID: PMC10403777 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.27421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Early-life socioeconomic adversity may be associated with poor cognitive health over the life course. Objective To examine the association of childhood and midlife neighborhood socioeconomic position (nSEP) with cognitive decline. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study included 5711 men and women enrolled in the community-based Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study with repeated cognitive data measured over a median 27.0 years (IQR, 26.0-27.9 years) (1990-2019). Statistical analysis was performed from December 2022 through March 2023. Exposure Residence addresses for ARIC Study cohort participants were obtained at midlife (1990-1993) and as recalled addresses at 10 years of age (childhood). A composite nSEP z score was created as a sum of z scores for US Census-based measures of median household income; median value of owner-occupied housing units; percentage of households receiving interest, dividend, or net rental income; percentage of adults with a high school degree; percentage of adults with a college degree; and percentage of adults in professional, managerial, or executive occupations. Childhood nSEP and midlife nSEP were modeled as continuous measures and discretized into tertiles. Main Outcomes and Measures A factor score for global cognition was derived from a battery of cognitive tests administered at 5 in-person visits from baseline to 2019. The rate of cognitive decline from 50 to 90 years of age was calculated by fitting mixed-effects linear regression models with age as the time scale and adjusted for race, sex, birth decade, educational level, and presence of the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele. Results Among 5711 ARIC Study participants (mean [SD] baseline age, 55.1 [4.7] years; 3372 women [59.0%]; and 1313 Black participants [23.0%]), the median rate of cognitive decline was -0.33 SDs (IQR, -0.49 to -0.20 SDs) per decade. In adjusted analyses, each 1-SD-higher childhood nSEP score was associated with a slower (β, -9.2%; 95% CI, -12.1% to -6.4%) rate of cognitive decline relative to the sample median. A comparable association was observed when comparing the highest tertile with the lowest tertile of childhood nSEP (β, -17.7%; 95% CI, -24.1% to -11.3%). Midlife nSEP was not associated with the rate of cognitive decline. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of contextual factors associated with cognitive decline, childhood nSEP was inversely associated with trajectories of cognitive function throughout adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M. Kucharska-Newton
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - James Russell Pike
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jinyu Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Josef Coresh
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - A. Richey Sharret
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Thomas Mosley
- Department of Neurology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
- Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
| | - Priya Palta
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Xia Y, Rebello V, Bodison SC, Jonker D, Steigelmann B, Donald KA, Charles W, Stein DJ, Ipser J, Ahmadi H, Kan E, Sowell ER, Narr KL, Joshi SH, Odendaal HJ, Uban KA. Contextualizing the impact of prenatal alcohol and tobacco exposure on neurodevelopment in a South African birth cohort: an analysis from the socioecological perspective. Front Integr Neurosci 2023; 17:1104788. [PMID: 37534335 PMCID: PMC10390790 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2023.1104788] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Alcohol and tobacco are known teratogens. Historically, more severe prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and prenatal tobacco exposure (PTE) have been examined as the principal predictor of neurodevelopmental alterations, with little incorporation of lower doses or ecological contextual factors that can also impact neurodevelopment, such as socioeconomic resources (SER) or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Here, a novel analytical approach informed by a socio-ecological perspective was used to examine the associations between SER, PAE and/or PTE, and ACEs, and their effects on neurodevelopment. Methods N = 313 mother-child dyads were recruited from a prospective birth cohort with maternal report of PAE and PTE, and cross-sectional structural brain neuroimaging of child acquired via 3T scanner at ages 8-11 years. In utero SER was measured by maternal education, household income, and home utility availability. The child's ACEs were measured by self-report assisted by the researcher. PAE was grouped into early exposure (<12 weeks), continued exposure (>=12 weeks), and no exposure controls. PTE was grouped into exposed and non-exposed controls. Results Greater access to SER during pregnancy was associated with fewer ACEs (maternal education: β = -0.293,p = 0.01; phone access: β = -0.968,p = 0.05). PTE partially mediated the association between SER and ACEs, where greater SER reduced the likelihood of PTE, which was positively associated with ACEs (β = 1.110,p = 0.01). SER was associated with alterations in superior frontal (β = -1336.036, q = 0.046), lateral orbitofrontal (β = -513.865, q = 0.046), caudal anterior cingulate volumes (β = -222.982, q = 0.046), with access to phone negatively associated with all three brain volumes. Access to water was positively associated with superior frontal volume (β=1569.527, q = 0.013). PTE was associated with smaller volumes of lateral orbitofrontal (β = -331.000, q = 0.033) and nucleus accumbens regions (β = -34.800, q = 0.033). Conclusion Research on neurodevelopment following community-levels of PAE and PTE should more regularly consider the ecological context to accelerate understanding of teratogenic outcomes. Further research is needed to replicate this novel conceptual approach with varying PAE and PTE patterns, to disentangle the interplay between dose, community-level and individual-level risk factors on neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjing Xia
- Public Health, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Vida Rebello
- Public Health, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Stefanie C. Bodison
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Deborah Jonker
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Kirsten A. Donald
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Weslin Charles
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dan J. Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jonathan Ipser
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hedyeh Ahmadi
- University Statistical Consulting, LLC, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Eric Kan
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth R. Sowell
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Katherine L. Narr
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, Department of Neurology, Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Shantanu H. Joshi
- Ahmanson-Lovelace Brain Mapping Center, Department of Neurology, Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Hein J. Odendaal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kristina A. Uban
- Public Health, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Boots A, Wiegersma AM, Vali Y, van den Hof M, Langendam MW, Limpens J, Backhouse EV, Shenkin SD, Wardlaw JM, Roseboom TJ, de Rooij SR. Shaping the risk for late-life neurodegenerative disease: A systematic review on prenatal risk factors for Alzheimer's disease-related volumetric brain biomarkers. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 146:105019. [PMID: 36608918 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.105019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Environmental exposures including toxins and nutrition may hamper the developing brain in utero, limiting the brain's reserve capacity and increasing the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize all currently available evidence for the association between prenatal exposures and AD-related volumetric brain biomarkers. We systematically searched MEDLINE and Embase for studies in humans reporting on associations between prenatal exposure(s) and AD-related volumetric brain biomarkers, including whole brain volume (WBV), hippocampal volume (HV) and/or temporal lobe volume (TLV) measured with structural magnetic resonance imaging (PROSPERO; CRD42020169317). Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. We identified 79 eligible studies (search date: August 30th, 2020; Ntotal=24,784; median age 10.7 years) reporting on WBV (N = 38), HV (N = 63) and/or TLV (N = 5) in exposure categories alcohol (N = 30), smoking (N = 7), illicit drugs (N = 14), mental health problems (N = 7), diet (N = 8), disease, treatment and physiology (N = 10), infections (N = 6) and environmental exposures (N = 3). Overall risk of bias was low. Prenatal exposure to alcohol, opioids, cocaine, nutrient shortage, placental dysfunction and maternal anemia was associated with smaller brain volumes. We conclude that the prenatal environment is important in shaping the risk for late-life neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Boots
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Aging and later life, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - A M Wiegersma
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Aging and later life, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Y Vali
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Methodology, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M van den Hof
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M W Langendam
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Methodology, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J Limpens
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Medical Library, Meibergdreef 9, the Netherlands
| | - E V Backhouse
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - S D Shenkin
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Ageing and Health Research Group and Advanced Care Research Centre, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UX, UK
| | - J M Wardlaw
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute Centre at the University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - T J Roseboom
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Aging and later life, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - S R de Rooij
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Aging and later life, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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8
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Genetic Specificity of Hippocampal Subfield Volumes, Relative to Hippocampal Formation, Identified in 2148 Young Adult Twins and Siblings. Twin Res Hum Genet 2022; 25:129-139. [PMID: 35791873 DOI: 10.1017/thg.2022.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus is a complex brain structure with key roles in cognitive and emotional processing and with subregion abnormalities associated with a range of disorders and psychopathologies. Here we combine data from two large independent young adult twin/sibling cohorts to obtain the most accurate estimates to date of genetic covariation between hippocampal subfield volumes and the hippocampus as a single volume. The combined sample included 2148 individuals, comprising 1073 individuals from 627 families (mean age = 22.3 years) from the Queensland Twin IMaging (QTIM) Study, and 1075 individuals from 454 families (mean age = 28.8 years) from the Human Connectome Project (HCP). Hippocampal subfields were segmented using FreeSurfer version 6.0 (CA4 and dentate gyrus were phenotypically and genetically indistinguishable and were summed to a single volume). Multivariate twin modeling was conducted in OpenMx to decompose variance into genetic and environmental sources. Bivariate analyses of hippocampal formation and each subfield volume showed that 10%-72% of subfield genetic variance was independent of the hippocampal formation, with greatest specificity found for the smaller volumes; for example, CA2/3 with 42% of genetic variance being independent of the hippocampus; fissure (63%); fimbria (72%); hippocampus-amygdala transition area (41%); parasubiculum (62%). In terms of genetic influence, whole hippocampal volume is a good proxy for the largest hippocampal subfields, but a poor substitute for the smaller subfields. Additive genetic sources accounted for 49%-77% of total variance for each of the subfields in the combined sample multivariate analysis. In addition, the multivariate analyses were sufficiently powered to identify common environmental influences (replicated in QTIM and HCP for the molecular layer and CA4/dentate gyrus, and accounting for 7%-16% of total variance for 8 of 10 subfields in the combined sample). This provides the clearest indication yet from a twin study that factors such as home environment may influence hippocampal volumes (albeit, with caveats).
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Solar KG, Treit S, Beaulieu C. High-resolution diffusion tensor imaging identifies hippocampal volume loss without diffusion changes in individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:1204-1219. [PMID: 35567310 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) commonly report reduced hippocampal volumes, which animal models suggest may result from microstructural changes that include cell loss and altered myelination. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is sensitive to microstructural changes but has not yet been used to study the hippocampus in PAE. METHODS Thirty-six healthy controls (19 females; 8 to 24 years) and 19 participants with PAE (8 females; 8 to 23 years) underwent high-resolution (1 mm isotropic) DTI, anatomical T1-weighted imaging, and cognitive testing. Whole-hippocampus, head, body, and tail subregions were manually segmented to yield DTI metrics (mean, axial, and radial diffusivities-MD, AD, and RD; fractional anisotropy-FA), volumes, and qualitative assessments of hippocampal morphology and digitations. Automated segmentation of T1-weighted images was used to corroborate manual whole-hippocampus volumes. RESULTS Gross morphology and digitation counts were similar in both groups. Whole-hippocampus volumes were 18% smaller in the PAE than the control group on manually traced diffusion images, but automated T1-weighted image segmentations were not significantly different. Subregion segmentation on DTI revealed reduced volumes of the body and tail, but not the head. There were no significant differences in diffusion metrics between groups for any hippocampal region. Correlations between age and volume were not significant in either group, whereas negative correlations between age and whole-hippocampus MD/AD/RD, and head/body (but not tail) MD/AD/RD were significant in both groups. There were no significant effects of sex, group by age, or group by sex for any hippocampal metric. In controls, seven positive linear correlations were found between hippocampal volume and cognition; five of these were left lateralized and included episodic and working memory, and two were right lateralized and included working memory and processing speed. In PAE, left tail MD positively correlated with executive functioning, and right head MD negatively correlated with episodic memory. CONCLUSIONS Reductions of hippocampal volumes and altered relationships with memory suggest disrupted hippocampal development in PAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Grant Solar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sarah Treit
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Christian Beaulieu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE High levels of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) are associated with widespread behavioral and cognitive problems as well as structural alterations of the brain. However, it remains unclear whether low levels of PAE affect brain structure and function, and prior studies generally have not had well-matched control populations (eg, for sociodemographic variables). OBJECTIVE To compare structural brain alterations and behavioral changes in children with lower levels of PAE with those of well-matched controls with no PAE. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this cross-sectional study, participants were selected from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study. Children with PAE were compared with controls matched for age, sex, family income, maternal educational level, and caregiver status. Neither group had prenatal exposure to other adverse substances (eg, tobacco, cannabis, illicit drugs). Data were collected from September 1, 2016, to November 15, 2018, and analyzed from October 14, 2020, to February 14, 2022. EXPOSURES Diffusion tensor imaging, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) administration. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Fractional anisotropy (FA); mean, axial, and radial diffusivity from diffusion tensor imaging; brain functional signal variations from functional MRI; and several scores, including internalizing and externalizing behavior problems, from the CBCL. Spearman correlation coefficients between diffusion tensor imaging and functional MRI measures and the CBCL scores were calculated. RESULTS A total of 270 children were included in the analysis (mean [SD] age, 9.86 [0.46] years; 141 female [52.2%] and 129 male [47.8%]), consisting of 135 children with PAE (mean [SD] age, 9.85 [0.65] years; 73 female [54.1%] and 62 male [45.9%]) (mean exposure, 1 drink/wk) and 135 unexposed controls (mean [SD] age, 9.87 [0.04] years; 68 female [50.4%] and 67 male [49.6%]). Children with PAE had lower mean (SD) FA in white matter of the left postcentral (0.35 [0.05] vs 0.36 [0.04]; mean difference, -0.02 [95% CI, -0.03 to -0.01]), left inferior parietal (0.31 [0.07] vs 0.33 [0.06]; mean difference, -0.03 [95% CI, -0.04 to -0.01]), left planum temporale (0.26 [0.04] vs 0.28 [0.03]; mean difference, -0.02 [95% CI, -0.03 to -0.01]), left inferior occipital (0.30 [0.07] vs 0.32 [0.05]; mean difference, -0.03 [95% CI, -0.04 to -0.01]), and right middle occipital (0.30 [0.04] vs 0.31 [0.04]; mean difference, -0.01 [95% CI, -0.02 to -0.01]) areas compared with controls, and higher FA in the gray matter of the putamen (0.22 [0.03] vs 0.21 [0.02]; mean difference, 0.01 [95% CI, 0.005-0.02]). Externalizing behavior scores were higher (worse) in children with PAE than in controls (mean [SD], 45.2 [9.0] vs 42.8 [9.0]; mean difference, 2.39 [95% CI, 0.30-4.47]). Several of these regions had significant group-behavior interactions, such that the higher FA was associated with less problematic behaviors in controls (ρ range, -0.24 to -0.08) but no associations were present in the PAE group (ρ range, 0.02-0.16). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cross-sectional study, children with low levels of PAE had lower FA and more behavioral problems compared with a well-matched control group. These results suggest that PAE, even in small amounts, has a measurable effect on brain structure in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Long
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Catherine Lebel
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Moore EM, Xia Y. Neurodevelopmental Trajectories Following Prenatal Alcohol Exposure. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 15:695855. [PMID: 35058760 PMCID: PMC8763806 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.695855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) interferes with neurodevelopment. The brain is particularly susceptible to the adverse consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure, and numerous studies have documented changes to brain anatomy and function, as well as consequences for cognition, behavior, and mental health. Studies in typically developing individuals have shown that the brain undergoes dynamic developmental processes over an individual’s lifespan. Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders have shown that their developmental trajectories differ from the typical pattern. Therefore, to understand long-term clinical outcomes of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), it is necessary to investigate changes in neurodevelopmental trajectories in this population. Here we review studies that have used MRI to evaluate changes in brain structure and function over time via cross-sectional or longitudinal methods in individuals with PAE. Research demonstrates that individuals with PAE have atypical cortical and white matter microstructural developmental trajectories through childhood and adolescence. More research is needed to understand how factors such as sex and postnatal experiences may further mediate these trajectories. Furthermore, nothing is known about the trajectories beyond young adulthood.
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Lebel CA, Gibbard WB, Tortorelli C, Pei J, Beaulieu C, Bagshawe M, McMorris CA. Prenatal Exposure And Child brain and mental Health (PEACH) study: protocol for a cohort study of children and youth with prenatal alcohol exposure. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e051660. [PMID: 33980537 PMCID: PMC8118071 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), which is caused by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), affects an estimated 4% of North Americans, and is the most common preventable cause of intellectual disability. Mental health problems, including anxiety and depression, are experienced by nearly all individuals with FASD. However, there is very limited knowledge about effective mental health treatments for individuals with FASD; effective treatments are hindered in part due to a lack of understanding of the basic neurobiology underlying internalising disorders in youth with FASD. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The Prenatal Exposure And Child brain and mental Health (PEACH) study includes children aged 7-18 years. We will use longitudinal neuroimaging (anatomical T1-weighted, diffusion and passive viewing function MRI) and mental health assessments (Behaviour Assessment Scale for Children, Multi-dimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, Children's Depression Inventory (CDI-2), Kiddie Scale of Affective Disorders) to: (1) characterise brain development trajectories in youth with FASD, (2) determine whether brain alterations mediate increased anxiety and depression in youth with FASD and (3) identify baseline brain features that predict changes of anxiety and depression symptoms over the next 2 years. All of this will be done while considering sex and adverse postnatal experiences, which can significantly impact mental health and brain outcomes. This project will forge new understanding of FASD and mental health from a neurobiological perspective, highlighting key time periods (ie, sensitive windows) and brain regions (ie, that may be susceptible to neurostimulation), while identifying factors that predict individual trajectories of anxiety and depression symptoms. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board and the University of Alberta Health Research Ethics Board. Study results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, at relevant conferences and in conjunction with our knowledge mobilisation partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Lebel
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - W Ben Gibbard
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Jacqueline Pei
- Faculty of Education, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Christian Beaulieu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mercedes Bagshawe
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carly A McMorris
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Assari S. Socioeconomic Status Inequalities Partially Mediate Racial and Ethnic Differences in Children's Amygdala Volume. STUDIES IN SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH 2020; 1:62-79. [PMID: 33215166 DOI: 10.22158/sssr.v1n2p62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES) impact brain structures such as the amygdala, less is known on whether or not family SES partially explains why amygdala volume is smaller for racial and ethnic minority groups. PURPOSE This study tested the mediating effects of family SES on racial and ethnic differences in right and left amygdala volume. METHODS We borrowed the structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (sMRI) data of the Children Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, a brain imaging investigation of childhood brain development in the US. The total sample was 8977, 9-10-year-old children. The independent variables were race and ethnicity. The primary outcomes were right and left amygdala volume. Age, sex, household size, and marital status were the covariates. Multiple SES indicators such as family income, subjective family SES, parental employment, parental education, and neighborhood income were the mediators. To analyze the data, we used regression models without and with our mediators. Sobel test was used to test if these mediational paths are statistically significant. RESULTS Black and Latino children had smaller amygdala sizes than non-Latino White children. The effects of race and ethnicity on amygdala volume were partially mediated by SES indicators, suggesting that one of the many reasons Black and Latino children have smaller volumes of right and left amygdala is their lower SES. CONCLUSIONS For American children, lower family and neighborhood SES indicators partially, but not fully, explain smaller amygdala sizes of Black and Latino children compared to non- Latino White children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Assari
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
- Department of Urban Public Health, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
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