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Buczyńska A, Sidorkiewicz I, Niemira M, Krętowski AJ, Węgrzyn P, Kosiński P, Zbucka-Krętowska M. Identification of MicroRNA Profiles in Fetal Spina Bifida: The Role in Pathomechanism and Diagnostic Significance. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2896. [PMID: 38474143 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052896] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Distinct miRNA expression patterns may reflect anomalies related to fetal congenital malformations such as spinal bifida (SB). The aim of this preliminary study was to determine the maternal miRNA expression profile of women carrying fetuses with SB. Therefore, six women carrying fetuses with SB and twenty women with euploid healthy fetuses were enrolled in this study. Using NanoString technology, we evaluated the expression level of 798 miRNAs in both plasma and amniotic fluid samples. A downregulation of miR-1253, miR-1290, miR-194-5p, miR-302d-3p, miR-3144-3p, miR-4536-5p, miR-548aa + miR-548t-3p, miR-548ar-5p, miR-548n, miR-590-5p, miR-612, miR-627-5p, miR-644a, and miR-122-5p, and an upregulation of miR-320e, let-7b-5p, miR-23a-3p, miR-873-3p, and miR-30d-5p were identified in maternal amniotic fluid samples in SB when compared to the control group. The target genes of these miRNAs play a predominant role in regulating the synthesis of several biological compounds related to signaling pathways such as those regulating the pluripotency of stem cells. Moreover, the maternal plasma expression of miR-320e was increased in pregnancies with SB, and this marker could serve as a valuable non-invasive screening tool. Our results highlight the SB-specific miRNA signature and the differentially expressed miRNAs that may be involved in SB pathogenesis. Our findings emphasize the role of miRNA as a predictive factor that could potentially be useful in prenatal genetic screening for SB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Buczyńska
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Iwona Sidorkiewicz
- Clinical Research Support Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Magdalena Niemira
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Adam Jacek Krętowski
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Piotr Węgrzyn
- Department of Obstetrics, Perinatology and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, 63A Zwirki i Wigury, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Przemysław Kosiński
- Department of Obstetrics, Perinatology and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, 63A Zwirki i Wigury, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Zbucka-Krętowska
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Adolescent Gynecology, Medical University of Bialystok, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
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Bahati Y, Nyanza EC, Asori M, Mutayoba R, Thomas DSK. Influence of intermittent iron and folic acid supplementation on cognitive abilities among adolescent girls in northwestern Tanzania. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002079. [PMID: 37851636 PMCID: PMC10584093 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation to reduce anemia is key for improving substantial lost disability adjusted life years (DALYs) for adolescent girls. This study assessed the impact of weekly IFA supplementation (WIFAS) on cognitive ability among adolescent girls in the Simiyu Region in northernwestern Tanzania. This cross-sectional comparative evaluation study of 770 adolescent girls (396 -WIFAS supplemented; 374 -not supplemented) evaluated the association between WIFAS and cognitive ability through a face-to-face survey and cognitive ability assessment using standardized tests (Span-forward Test, Span-backward Test and Maze Test). Using a modified Poisson regression, we controlled for the geographic setting (urban vs rural), availability of potable water and feeding programs in schools, age and school level of adolescent girls, parental status, main parental economic activities, and the number of teachers. Participants were between the ages of 11 and 19 years, with more than half (57%) between 12-15 years of age. Those with WIFAS had higher cognitive ability (Span-forward scores, χ2 = 46.34% p <0.001; Span-forward, χ2 = 46.34% p <0.001; and Global Composite Cognitive Performance (GCCP), χ2 = 32.52% p<0.001). Among the IFA supplemented adolescent girls, secondary school level had a significantly higher score with respect to Span-backward (aPR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.06-1.62); Span-forward ability (aPR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.04-1.53) and Maze Test ability (aPR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.01-1.25) as compared to their counterpart in primary school level. Individual adolescent girls with WIFAS and living with both parents performed much better on the Span-backward Test (aPR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.07-1.68) as compared to those living with relatives and/or orphans. The presence of potable water program among the WIFAS schools resulted in a higher Span-backward ability (aPR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.03-1.89); and GCCP (aPR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.03-1.75). Adolescent girls from WIFAS schools with feeding program had higher Span-forward (aPR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.03-1.63) ability as well as a higher Maze Test (aPR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.07-1.26) score. The present study provides compelling evidence that WIFAS is positively associated with higher cognitive ability among adolescent girls. Nevertheless, IFA interventions are still rare in communities across Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasinta Bahati
- Department of Environmental, Occupational, and Department of Environmental, Occupational Health, and GIS, School of Public Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Amref Health Africa and Nutrition International, Regional Health Management Team-Simiyu Region, Simiyu Region, Tanzania
| | - Elias C. Nyanza
- Department of Environmental, Occupational, and Department of Environmental, Occupational Health, and GIS, School of Public Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Moses Asori
- Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Rita Mutayoba
- Amref Health Africa and Nutrition International, Regional Health Management Team-Simiyu Region, Simiyu Region, Tanzania
| | - Deborah S. K. Thomas
- Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
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The impact of amino acid metabolism on adult neurogenesis. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:233-244. [PMID: 36606681 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis is a multistage process during which newborn neurons are generated through the activation and proliferation of neural stem cells (NSCs) and integrated into existing neural networks. Impaired adult neurogenesis has been observed in various neurological and psychiatric disorders, suggesting its critical role in cognitive function, brain homeostasis, and neural repair. Over the past decades, mounting evidence has identified a strong association between metabolic status and adult neurogenesis. Here, we aim to summarize how amino acids and their neuroactive metabolites affect adult neurogenesis. Furthermore, we discuss the causal link between amino acid metabolism, adult neurogenesis, and neurological diseases. Finally, we propose that systematic elucidation of how amino acid metabolism regulates adult neurogenesis has profound implications not only for understanding the biological underpinnings of brain development and neurological diseases, but also for providing potential therapeutic strategies to intervene in disease progression.
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Marengo L, Fabio MC, Bernal IS, Salguero A, Molina JC, Morón I, Cendán CM, D'Addario C, Pautassi RM. Folate administration ameliorates neurobehavioral effects of prenatal ethanol exposure. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2023; 49:63-75. [PMID: 36722686 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2022.2159425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Background: Prenatal ethanol exposure (PEE) induces heightened ethanol intake at adolescence in preclinical studies. Ethanol intake alters the absorption of folate, a methyl-group donor critical for numerous cellular functions. The prenatal administration of folate is, therefore, a promising approach to reduce the effects of PEE.Objectives: Experiment 1 determined if prenatal folate modulated the effects of PEE on ethanol intake, anxiety-like response, and exploratory behaviors (Experiment 1) in Wistar rats. Experiment 2 assessed, in rats not given PEE, if postnatal folate reversed effects of ethanol exposure at postnatal days 28-42. Experiment 3 assessed if folate altered blood ethanol levels (BELs).Methods: Experiment 1 involved 242 (125 male) adolescent Wistar rats derived from dams given folate (20 mg/kg, gestational days - GD- 13-20) + ethanol (2.0 g/kg, GD 17-20), ethanol, or vehicle only at pregnancy. Experiment 2 involved 29 male adolescents administered vehicle or ethanol doses co-administered or not with folate. In Experiment 3 twelve adult females were tested for BELs after folate administration. These tests were applied: intake tests, light dark box (LDB), elevated plus maze, open field and concentric square field.Results: PEE heightened ethanol intake (η2 ps = 0.06-07) and induced hyperactivity and a reduced latency to exit the white area of the LDB (η2 ps = 0.12-17). These effects were partially inhibited by folate (p > .05). Rats exposed to ethanol exposure at adolescence exhibited reduced motor activity (η2 p = .17), regardless of folate treatment. Folate did not affect BELs.Conclusion: Folate administration should be considered as a preventive or acute treatment to attenuate the neurobehavioral effects of PEE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Marengo
- Department of Psychophysiology, Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC - CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María Carolina Fabio
- Department of Psychophysiology, Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC - CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, Argentina.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ivan Servín Bernal
- Department of Psychophysiology, Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC - CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Agustín Salguero
- Department of Psychophysiology, Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC - CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Juan Carlos Molina
- Department of Psychophysiology, Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC - CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, Argentina.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ignacio Morón
- Department of Psychobiology and Centre of Investigation of Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CIMCYC), Faculty of Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Cruz Miguel Cendán
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Center (CIBM) Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, and Biosanitary Research Institute ibs. GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Ricardo Marcos Pautassi
- Department of Psychophysiology, Instituto de Investigación Médica M. y M. Ferreyra (INIMEC - CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Córdoba, Argentina.,Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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Allison J, Kaliszewska A, Uceda S, Reiriz M, Arias N. Targeting DNA Methylation in the Adult Brain through Diet. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13113979. [PMID: 34836233 PMCID: PMC8618930 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolism and nutrition have a significant role in epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, which can influence gene expression. Recently, it has been suggested that bioactive nutrients and gut microbiota can alter DNA methylation in the central nervous system (CNS) through the gut-brain axis, playing a crucial role in modulating CNS functions and, finally, behavior. Here, we will focus on the effect of metabolic signals in shaping brain DNA methylation during adulthood. We will provide an overview of potential interactions among diet, gastrointestinal microbiome and epigenetic alterations on brain methylation and behavior. In addition, the impact of different diet challenges on cytosine methylation dynamics in the adult brain will be discussed. Finally, we will explore new ways to modulate DNA hydroxymethylation, which is particularly abundant in neural tissue, through diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Allison
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK; (J.A.); (A.K.)
| | - Aleksandra Kaliszewska
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK; (J.A.); (A.K.)
| | - Sara Uceda
- BRABE Group, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, University of Nebrija, C/del Hostal, 28248 Madrid, Spain; (S.U.); (M.R.)
| | - Manuel Reiriz
- BRABE Group, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, University of Nebrija, C/del Hostal, 28248 Madrid, Spain; (S.U.); (M.R.)
| | - Natalia Arias
- BRABE Group, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, University of Nebrija, C/del Hostal, 28248 Madrid, Spain; (S.U.); (M.R.)
- Institute of Neurosciences of the Principality of Asturias (INEUROPA), 33003 Oviedo, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias—ISPA, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-91-452-1101
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Rubini E, Baijens IMM, Horánszky A, Schoenmakers S, Sinclair KD, Zana M, Dinnyés A, Steegers-Theunissen RPM, Rousian M. Maternal One-Carbon Metabolism during the Periconceptional Period and Human Foetal Brain Growth: A Systematic Review. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1634. [PMID: 34681028 PMCID: PMC8535925 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The maternal environment during the periconceptional period influences foetal growth and development, in part, via epigenetic mechanisms moderated by one-carbon metabolic pathways. During embryonic development, one-carbon metabolism is involved in brain development and neural programming. Derangements in one-carbon metabolism increase (i) the short-term risk of embryonic neural tube-related defects and (ii) long-term childhood behaviour, cognition, and autism spectrum disorders. Here we investigate the association between maternal one-carbon metabolism and foetal and neonatal brain growth and development. Database searching resulted in 26 articles eligible for inclusion. Maternal vitamin B6, vitamin B12, homocysteine, and choline were not associated with foetal and/or neonatal head growth. First-trimester maternal plasma folate within the normal range (>17 nmol/L) associated with increased foetal head size and head growth, and high erythrocyte folate (1538-1813 nmol/L) with increased cerebellar growth, whereas folate deficiency (<7 nmol/L) associated with a reduced foetal brain volume. Preconceptional folic acid supplement use and specific dietary patterns (associated with increased B vitamins and low homocysteine) increased foetal head size. Although early pregnancy maternal folate appears to be the most independent predictor of foetal brain growth, there is insufficient data to confirm the link between maternal folate and offspring risks for neurodevelopmental diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Rubini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (E.R.); (I.M.M.B.); (S.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Inge M. M. Baijens
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (E.R.); (I.M.M.B.); (S.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Alex Horánszky
- Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Health, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (A.H.); (A.D.)
- BioTalentum Ltd., H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary;
| | - Sam Schoenmakers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (E.R.); (I.M.M.B.); (S.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Kevin D. Sinclair
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham LE12 5RD, UK;
| | | | - András Dinnyés
- Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Health, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (A.H.); (A.D.)
- BioTalentum Ltd., H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary;
- HCEMM-USZ Stem Cell Research Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine, H-6723 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Régine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (E.R.); (I.M.M.B.); (S.S.); (M.R.)
| | - Melek Rousian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (E.R.); (I.M.M.B.); (S.S.); (M.R.)
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