1
|
Zhang X, Li Y, Pei Y, Yu C, Zhang X, Cao F. Association between maternal stress patterns and neonatal meconium microbiota: A prospective cohort study. J Affect Disord 2025; 383:59-68. [PMID: 40286937 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2025.04.120] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2025] [Accepted: 04/19/2025] [Indexed: 04/29/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to identify maternal stress patterns and investigate their associations with neonatal meconium microbiota. METHODS A total of 465 pregnant women reported their stress conditions, including depression, anxiety, pregnancy-related anxiety, perceived stress, sleep, fear of birth, life events, and adverse childhood experiences. Meconium samples were collected from 348 newborns. Latent class analysis was used to identify the patterns of maternal stress. RESULTS Three group profiles were identified: "high negative emotion," "high ACEs-low negative emotion," and "low stress." the high ACEs-low negative emotion group and low stress group had higher levels of Chao1 diversity than the high negative emotion group (B = 0.25, P < 0.001; B = 0.18, P < 0.001, respectively). The high ACEs-low negative emotion group had higher levels of Chao1 diversity than the low stress group (B = 0.08, P = 0.001). The variations were observed in the abundance of Bacteroidetes, unidentified_Muribaculaceae, unclassified_Lachnospiraceae, unclassified_Clostridiales, unidentified_Bacteroidales, Oscillospira, and Ruminococcus among different maternal stress patterns. LIMITATIONS We did not analyze maternal microbiome samples and assessed the gut microbiota at only one time point. CONCLUSIONS These findings emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to prenatal care that extends beyond traditional medical interventions. Addressing maternal stress through targeted support and interventions may help newborns benefit from a more favorable gut microbiota landscape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Yifei Pei
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Cheng Yu
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Fenglin Cao
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wylie AC, Murgueitio N, Carlson AL, Fry RC, Propper CB. The role of the gut microbiome in the associations between lead exposure and child neurodevelopment. Toxicol Lett 2025; 408:95-104. [PMID: 40250742 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2025.04.004] [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: 09/05/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2025] [Accepted: 04/14/2025] [Indexed: 04/20/2025]
Abstract
Lead is highly toxic to the developing brain. Given its persistence in the environment, new intervention strategies are needed to mitigate the impacts of lead on child neurodevelopment. The gut microbiome, referring to the bacteria and microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal system, may be a viable target for intervention. This short review summarizes recent evidence linking the gut-brain axis to child developmental outcomes. We explore how lead-induced effects to the gut microbiome could indirectly affect child neurodevelopment, such that disrupting or offsetting this mediating process could buffer the effects of lead on child developmental outcomes. Unexpected findings with respect to child microbiota diversity and child cognitive and behavioral outcomes as well as lead exposure and adult microbiota diversity are discussed. When possible, we draw connections between observed changes to relative bacterial abundance, proposed bacterial functions, and downstream effects to brain development. We also explore how the gut microbiome might modify the toxicity of lead by impeding the uptake of lead across the gastrointestinal tract or through indirect mechanisms in such ways that the gut microbiome does not fit within a mediating pathway. In this case, promoting the buffering capacity of the gut microbiome may reduce the impacts of lead on child neurodevelopment. The goal of this short review is to bring attention to the potential role of the gut microbiome in the associations between lead exposure and child neurodevelopment with an eye towards intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C Wylie
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States.
| | - Nicolas Murgueitio
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
| | | | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States; Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Cathi B Propper
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States; Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Graf MD, Murgueitio N, Vogel SC, Hicks L, Carlson AL, Propper CB, Kimmel M. Maternal Prenatal Stress and the Offspring Gut Microbiome: A Cross-Species Systematic Review. Dev Psychobiol 2025; 67:e70005. [PMID: 39636074 PMCID: PMC12010507 DOI: 10.1002/dev.70005] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 10/14/2024] [Accepted: 10/29/2024] [Indexed: 12/07/2024]
Abstract
The prenatal period is a critical developmental juncture with enduring effects on offspring health trajectories. An individual's gut microbiome is associated with health and developmental outcomes across the lifespan. Prenatal stress can disrupt an infant's microbiome, thereby increasing susceptibility to adverse outcomes. This cross-species systematic review investigates whether maternal prenatal stress affects the offspring's gut microbiome. The study analyzes 19 empirical, peer-reviewed research articles, including humans, rodents, and non-human primates, that included prenatal stress as a primary independent variable and offspring gut microbiome characteristics as an outcome variable. Prenatal stress appeared to correlate with differences in beta diversity and specific microbial taxa, but not alpha diversity. Prenatal stress is positively correlated with Proteobacteria, Bacteroidaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Prevotellaceae, Bacteroides, and Serratia. Negative correlations were observed for Actinobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcaceae, Bifidobacteria, Eggerthella, Parabacteroides, and Streptococcus. Evidence for the direction of association between prenatal stress and Lactobacillus was mixed. The synthesis of findings was limited by differences in study design, operationalization and timing of prenatal stress, timing of infant microbiome sampling, and microbiome analysis methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle D. Graf
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nicolas Murgueitio
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sarah C. Vogel
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauren Hicks
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alexander L. Carlson
- Pediatric Physician Scientist Training Program, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Cathi B. Propper
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mary Kimmel
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis., St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu Y, Zhang L, Wang J, Sui X, Li J, Gui Y, Wang H, Zhao Y, Xu Y, Cao W, Wang P, Zhang Y. Prenatal PM 2.5 Exposure Associated with Neonatal Gut Bacterial Colonization and Early Children's Cognitive Development. ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2024; 2:802-815. [PMID: 39568692 PMCID: PMC11574624 DOI: 10.1021/envhealth.4c00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 11/22/2024]
Abstract
Previous research indicated that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure affected both offspring neurodevelopment and the colonization of gut microbiota (GM), while the underlying mechanism remained unclear. Our study aimed to evaluate the impacts of prenatal PM2.5 exposure on child cognitive development and investigate the role of neonatal GM colonization in the association. Based on the Shanghai Maternal-Child Pairs Cohort, 361 maternal-child pairs were recruited. Prenatal PM2.5 exposure concentrations were estimated using a high-spatial-resolution prediction model, and child neurodevelopment was assessed by the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression models, logistic regression models, linear discriminant analysis effect size, and random forest model were applied to explore the associations among PM2.5 exposure, GM colonization, and children's neurodevelopment. The present study revealed a negative correlation between PM2.5 exposure throughout pregnancy and child neurodevelopment. Prenatal PM2.5 exposure was associated with an increased risk of suspected developmental delay (SDD) (OR = 1.683, 95% CI: 1.138, 2.489) in infants aged 2 months. Additionally, potential operational taxonomic unit markers were identified for PM2.5-related neurotoxicity, demonstrating promising classification potential for early SDD screening (AUC = 71.27%). Prenatal PM2.5 exposure might disrupt the composition, richness, and evenness of meconium GM, thereby influencing cognitive development and the occurrence of SDD in offspring. Seven PM2.5-related genera, Ruminococcus gnavus group, Romboutsia, Burkholderiaceae Caballeronia Paraburkholderia, Blautia, Alistipes, Parabacteroides, and Bacteroides, were validated as correlated with prenatal PM2.5 exposure and the occurrence of SDD. Moreover, alterations of GM related to PM2.5 exposure and SDD might be accompanied by changes in functional pathways of amino acid, lipid, and vitamin metabolism as indicated by differentially enriched species in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), Shanghai 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Liyi Zhang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), Shanghai 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jieming Wang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), Shanghai 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xinyao Sui
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), Shanghai 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiufeng Li
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), Shanghai 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuyan Gui
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), Shanghai 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hang Wang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), Shanghai 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), Shanghai 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yaqi Xu
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), Shanghai 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Weizhao Cao
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), Shanghai 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Pengpeng Wang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Henan 450001, China
| | - Yunhui Zhang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (Fudan University), Shanghai 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
van Dijk MT, Talati A, Barrios PG, Crandall AJ, Lugo-Candelas C. Prenatal depression outcomes in the next generation: A critical review of recent DOHaD studies and recommendations for future research. Semin Perinatol 2024; 48:151948. [PMID: 39043475 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2024.151948] [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] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal depression, a common pregnancy-related risk with a prevalence of 10-20 %, may affect in utero development and socioemotional and neurodevelopmental outcomes in the next generation. Although there is a growing body of work that suggests prenatal depression has an independent and long-lasting effect on offspring outcomes, important questions remain, and findings often do not converge. The present review examines work carried out in the last decade, with an emphasis on studies focusing on mechanisms and leveraging innovative technologies and study designs to fill in gaps in research. Overall, the past decade of research continues to suggest that prenatal depression increases risk for offspring socioemotional problems and may alter early brain development by affecting maternal-fetal physiology during pregnancy. However, important limitations remain; lack of diversity in study samples, inconsistent consideration of potential confounders (e.g., genetics, postnatal depression, parenting), and restriction of examination to narrow time windows and single exposures. On the other hand, exciting work has begun uncovering potential mechanisms underlying transmission, including alterations in mitochondria functioning, epigenetics, and the prenatal microbiome. We review the evidence to date, identify limitations, and suggest strategies for the next decade of research to detect mechanisms as well as sources of plasticity and resilience to ensure this work translates into meaningful, actionable science that improves the lives of families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M T van Dijk
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, United States; New York State Psychiatric Institute, United States
| | - A Talati
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, United States; New York State Psychiatric Institute, United States
| | | | - A J Crandall
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, United States; New York State Psychiatric Institute, United States
| | - C Lugo-Candelas
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, United States; New York State Psychiatric Institute, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fan X, Zang T, Wu N, Liu J, Sun Y, Slack J, Bai J, Liu Y. The mediating effect of maternal gut microbiota between prenatal psychological distress and neurodevelopment of infants. J Affect Disord 2024; 362:893-902. [PMID: 39013520 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.07.045] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal psychological distress and maternal inflammation can increase the risk of neurodevelopmental delay in offspring; recently, the gut microbiota has been shown to may be a potential mechanism behind this association and not fully elucidated in population study. METHODS Seventy-two maternal-infant pairs who completed the assessments of prenatal psychological distress during the third trimester and neurodevelopment of infants at age 6-8 months of age were included in this study. The gut microbiota and its short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) of maternal-infant were determined by 16S rRNA sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Inflammatory cytokines in the blood of pregnant women during the third trimester were detected by luminex liquid suspension microarrays. RESULTS This study found that infants in the prenatal psychological distress group had poorer fine motor skills (β = -4.396, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = -8.546, -0.246, p = 0.038), problem-solving skills (β = -5.198, 95 % CI = -10.358, -0.038, p = 0.048) and total development (β = -22.303, 95%CI = -41.453, -3.153, p = 0.022) compared to the control group. The study also indicated that the higher level of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (β = -1.951, 95%CI = -3.321, -0.581, p = 0.005) and interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) (β = -0.019, 95%CI = -0.034, -0.004, p = 0.015) during the third trimester, the poorer fine motor skills in infants. Also, the higher level of IL-10 (β = -0.498, 95%CI = -0.862, -0.133, p = 0.007), IL-12p70 (β = -0.113, 95%CI = -0.178, -0.048, p = 0.001), IL-17 A (β = -0.817, 95%CI = -1.517, -0.118, p = 0.022), interferon-γ (β = -0.863, 95%CI = -1.304, -0.422, p < 0.001), IP-10 (β = -0.020, 95%CI = -0.038, -0.001, p = 0.035), and regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (β = -0.002, 95%CI = -0.003, -0.001, p = 0.005) during the third trimester, the poorer problem-solving skills in infants. After controlling for relevant covariates, this study found that maternal gut microbiota Roseburia mediates the relationship between prenatal psychological distress and total neurodevelopment of infants (a = 0.433, 95%CI = 0.079, 0.787, p = 0.017; b = -19.835, 95%CI = -33.877, -5.792, p = 0.006; c = 22.407, 95%CI = -43.207,-1.608, p = 0.035; indirect effect = -8.584, 95%CI = -21.227, -0.587). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to emphasize the role of the maternal-infant gut microbiota in prenatal psychological distress and infant neurodevelopment. Further studies are needed to explore the biological mechanisms underlying the relationship between prenatal psychological distress, maternal-infant gut microbiota, and infant neurodevelopment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Fan
- Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Tianzi Zang
- Wuhan University School of Nursing, Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Ni Wu
- Wuhan University School of Nursing, Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Wuhan University School of Nursing, Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Wuhan University School of Nursing, Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, China
| | - Julia Slack
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jinbing Bai
- Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, 1520 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Yanqun Liu
- Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, China; Wuhan University School of Nursing, Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Garnacho-Garnacho VE, Rodríguez-López ES, Oliva-Pascual-Vaca Á, Goenaga-Echave L, Otero-Campos Á. Maternal Psychological Well-Being as a Protector in Infantile Colic. Nutrients 2024; 16:2342. [PMID: 39064784 PMCID: PMC11279735 DOI: 10.3390/nu16142342] [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: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Infantile colic (IC) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects around 20% of infants, and postpartum (PPD) depression is a common disorder that affects between 15 and 22% of mothers. In this study, our objective was to evaluate the relationship between the maternal psychological state in the first postpartum year and IC, with the aim of assessing the importance of feeding type in infants and maternal well-being. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in women in their first year postpartum. Demographic, medical, and obstetric data of the mothers and infants were collected, and the type of feeding was identified. The emotional status of the mother was evaluated using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Infant Colic Severity Questionnaire (ICSQ) was used for IC diagnosis. (3) Results: A total of 528 women were analyzed, of which 170 (32%) were diagnosed with possible PPD. Two-thirds of the women without depression breastfed their babies on demand; therefore, we report that exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) appears to reduce the risk of possible PPD (p < 0.001; OR = 2.353). IC was present in 39% of babies, and around 70% of babies without colic were breastfed on demand. Infants who were not exclusively breastfed showed almost double the risk of developing colic (p = 0.016; OR = 1.577). There was a significant association between the EPDS and ICSQ scores (p < 0.001). More than half of the women with PPD had babies with colic. However, our results show that 75% of babies without colic had mothers who reported optimal postpartum emotional well-being (p < 0.001; OR = 2.105). (4) Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that postpartum maternal psychological well-being reduces the risk of IC. Therefore, we report that EBF on demand, together with a healthy emotional state in new mothers, may be a protective factor against colic in infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Eugenia Garnacho-Garnacho
- Physiotherapy and Health Research Group (FYSA), Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences—HM Hospitals, University Camilo José Cela, 28014 Madrid, Spain; (V.E.G.-G.); (Á.O.-C.)
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences—HM Hospitals, University Camilo José Cela, 28014 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Elena Sonsoles Rodríguez-López
- Physiotherapy and Health Research Group (FYSA), Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences—HM Hospitals, University Camilo José Cela, 28014 Madrid, Spain; (V.E.G.-G.); (Á.O.-C.)
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences—HM Hospitals, University Camilo José Cela, 28014 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Ángel Oliva-Pascual-Vaca
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Departmento de Fisioterapia, Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Leire Goenaga-Echave
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences—HM Hospitals, University Camilo José Cela, 28014 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Álvaro Otero-Campos
- Physiotherapy and Health Research Group (FYSA), Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences—HM Hospitals, University Camilo José Cela, 28014 Madrid, Spain; (V.E.G.-G.); (Á.O.-C.)
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences—HM Hospitals, University Camilo José Cela, 28014 Madrid, Spain;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhou Y, Zhang L, Li Q, Wang P, Wang H, Shi H, Lu W, Zhang Y. Prenatal PFAS exposure, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and neurobehavioral development in childhood. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133920. [PMID: 38457972 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Studies on the role of the gut microbiota in the associations between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure and adverse neurodevelopment are limited. Umbilical cord serum and faeces samples were collected from children, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was conducted. Generalized linear models, linear mixed-effects models, multivariate analysis by linear models and microbiome regression-based kernel association tests were used to evaluate the associations among PFAS exposure, the gut microbiota, and neurobehavioural development. Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) exposure was associated with increased scores for conduct problems and externalizing problems, as well as altered gut microbiota alpha and beta diversity. PFHxS concentrations were associated with higher relative abundances of Enterococcus spp. but lower relative abundances of several short-chain fatty acid-producing genera (e.g., Ruminococcus gauvreauii group spp.). PFHxS exposure was also associated with increased oxidative phosphorylation. Alpha and beta diversity were found significantly associated with conduct problems and externalizing problems. Ruminococcus gauvreauii group spp. abundance was positively correlated with prosocial behavior scores. Increased alpha diversity played a mediating role in the associations of PFHxS exposure with conduct problems. Our results suggest that the gut microbiota might play an important role in PFAS neurotoxicity, which may have implications for PFAS control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Zhou
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Liyi Zhang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Putuo District Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Shanghai 200333, China
| | - Pengpeng Wang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hang Wang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Huijing Shi
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenwei Lu
- School of Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Yunhui Zhang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kimmel MC, Verosky B, Chen HJ, Davis O, Gur TL. The Maternal Microbiome as a Map to Understanding the Impact of Prenatal Stress on Offspring Psychiatric Health. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 95:300-309. [PMID: 38042328 PMCID: PMC10884954 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Stress and psychiatric disorders have been independently associated with disruption of the maternal and offspring microbiome and with increased risk of the offspring developing psychiatric disorders, both in clinical studies and in preclinical studies. However, the role of the microbiome in mediating the effect of prenatal stress on offspring behavior is unclear. While preclinical studies have identified several key mechanisms, clinical studies focusing on mechanisms are limited. In this review, we discuss 3 specific mechanisms by which the microbiome could mediate the effects of prenatal stress: 1) altered production of short-chain fatty acids; 2) disruptions in TH17 (T helper 17) cell differentiation, leading to maternal and fetal immune activation; and 3) perturbation of intestinal and microbial tryptophan metabolism and serotonergic signaling. Finally, we review the existing clinical literature focusing on these mechanisms and highlight the need for additional mechanistic clinical research to better understand the role of the microbiome in the context of prenatal stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Kimmel
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
| | - Branden Verosky
- Ohio State University College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Helen J Chen
- Ohio State University College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Olivia Davis
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Tamar L Gur
- Ohio State University College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Deflorin N, Ehlert U, Amiel Castro RT. Associations of maternal prenatal psychological symptoms and saliva cortisol with neonatal meconium microbiota: A cross-sectional study. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 129:110895. [PMID: 37951341 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110895] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in the diversity and relative abundances of the gut microbiome have been associated with a broad spectrum of medical conditions. Maternal psychological symptoms during pregnancy may impact on offspring development by altering the maternal and the foetal gut microbiome. We aimed to investigate whether self-reported maternal anxiety, depressive symptoms, and distress as well as saliva cortisol levels in late pregnancy alter the bacterial composition of the infant's meconium. METHODS A total of N = 100 mother-infant pairs were included. Maternal psychological symptoms were measured using psychological questionnaires (EPDS, PSS-10, STAI) at 34-36 weeks gestation and salivary cortisol was measured at 34-36 and 38 weeks gestation. Infant meconium samples were collected in the first five days postpartum and analysed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. RESULTS Correlations showed that lower alpha diversity of the meconium microbiome was significantly associated with increased maternal prenatal depressive symptoms in late gestation (τ = -0.15, p = .04). Increased saliva cortisol AUCg at T2 was significantly related to higher beta diversity of the meconium samples (Pr(>F) = 0.003*). Pseudomonas was the most abundant phylum and was associated with maternal saliva cortisol total decline. No other associations were found. CONCLUSIONS Maternal prenatal depressive symptoms are associated with infant faecal microbiome alpha diversity, whereas maternal saliva cortisol AUCg is linked to increased beta diversity and total decline related to increased Psuedomonas. Future studies are warranted to understand how these microbiota community alterations are linked to child health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Deflorin
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Ehlert
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rita T Amiel Castro
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gui Y, Zhao Y, Tao XG, Xu W, Yang Q, Wang Y, Zhu Q, Wang P, Wei Q, Shi H, Zhang Y. Cohort Profile: The Shanghai Maternal-Child Pairs Cohort (MCPC). Int J Epidemiol 2024; 53:dyad185. [PMID: 38154024 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyad185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yuyan Gui
- Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingya Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Xuguang Grant Tao
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Weiqing Xu
- Maternal and Child Healthcare Institute, Pudong District, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, Songjiang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, Songjiang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingqing Zhu
- Maternal and Child Healthcare Institute, Songjiang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengpeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Wei
- Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijing Shi
- Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunhui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Turunen J, Tejesvi MV, Paalanne N, Pokka T, Amatya SB, Mishra S, Kaisanlahti A, Reunanen J, Tapiainen T. Investigating prenatal and perinatal factors on meconium microbiota: a systematic review and cohort study. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:135-145. [PMID: 37591927 PMCID: PMC10798900 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02783-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first-pass meconium has been suggested as a proxy for the fetal gut microbiota because it is formed in utero. This systematic review and cohort study investigated how pre- and perinatal factors influence the composition of the meconium microbiota. METHODS We performed the systematic review using Covidence by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases with the search terms "meconium microbiome" and "meconium microbiota". In the cohort study, we performed 16 S rRNA gene sequencing on 393 meconium samples and analyzed the sequencing data using QIIME2. RESULTS Our systematic review identified 69 studies exploring prenatal factors, immediate perinatal factors, and microbial composition in relation to subsequent health of infants but gave only limited comparative evidence regarding factors related to the composition of the meconium microbiota. The cohort study pointed to a low-biomass microbiota consisting of the phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota and the genera Staphylococcus, Escherichia-Shigella and Lactobacillus, and indicated that immediate perinatal factors affected the composition of the meconium microbiota more than did prenatal factors. CONCLUSIONS This finding supports the idea that the meconium microbiota mostly starts developing during delivery. IMPACT It is unclear when the first-pass meconium microbiota develops, and what are the sources of the colonization. In this systematic review, we found 69 studies exploring prenatal factors, immediate perinatal factors, and microbial composition relative to subsequent health of infants, but there was no consensus on the factors affecting the meconium microbiota development. In this cohort study, immediate perinatal factors markedly affected the meconium microbiota development while prenatal factors had little effect on it. As the meconium microbiota composition was influenced by immediate perinatal factors, the present study supports the idea that the initial gut microbiota develops mainly during delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Turunen
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Mysore V Tejesvi
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Ecology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Niko Paalanne
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tytti Pokka
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Research Service Unit, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Sajeen Bahadur Amatya
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Translational Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Surbhi Mishra
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Translational Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Anna Kaisanlahti
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Translational Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Justus Reunanen
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Translational Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Terhi Tapiainen
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhang X, Huang Y, Lu Y, Mao F, Cao F. Associations of maternal antenatal bonding with neonatal meconium microbiota and the behavior temperament of infants: A prospective longitudinal study. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 163:159-165. [PMID: 37210834 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to a poor intrauterine environment, such as maternal prenatal stress, has been linked to gut microbiota health in infants. Understanding the link between maternal prenatal bonding, early gut microbiota, and neuropsychological development may promote healthy development in early life. This study included 306 mother-child pairs. Women were assessed for maternal antenatal bonding using the Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale in all three trimesters of pregnancy. Neonatal meconium samples were collected after birth. The behavioral temperament of infants was measured using the Very Short Form of the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised at 6 months postpartum. Maternal prenatal bonding was negatively associated with the infants' relative abundance of Burkholderia and was positively associated with the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium, infant surgency and effortful control. The infant's relative abundance of Burkholderia mediates the association between maternal prenatal bonding and effortful control of the infant. This study provides new evidence about the long-term behavioral implications of a prenatally positive intrauterine environment in offspring microbiomes. The integration of maternal bonding assessment and intervention into prenatal healthcare and wellness models may modulate the establishment of gut microbiota in early life and long-term neuropsychological development in infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Yongqi Huang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Yane Lu
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Fangxiang Mao
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Fenglin Cao
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhang X, Huang Y, Lu Y, Mao F, Cao F. Associations of maternal antenatal bonding with neonatal meconium microbiota and the behavior temperament of infants: A prospective longitudinal study. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 163:159-165. [DOI: 2.doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2025]
|
15
|
Maternal Pre-Pregnancy BMI and Gestational Weight Gain Modified the Association between Prenatal Depressive Symptoms and Toddler's Emotional and Behavioral Problems: A Prospective Cohort Study. Nutrients 2022; 15:nu15010181. [PMID: 36615838 PMCID: PMC9824574 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010181] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Maternal prenatal depressive symptoms and abnormal pre-pregnancy BMI have been scarcely reported to play interactive effects on child health. In this prospective cohort, we aimed to examine the interactive effects of maternal prenatal depressive symptoms and pre-pregnancy BMI as well as gestational weight gain (GWG) on offspring emotional and behavioral problems (EPBs). Methods: The study samples comprised 1216 mother−child pairs from Shanghai Maternal−Child Pairs Cohort recruited from 2016 to 2018. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG were obtained from medical records, and maternal depressive symptoms were assessed via the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) at 32−36 gestational weeks. The child completed the behavioral measurement via the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at 24 months postpartum. Results: There were 12.01% and 38.65% women with prenatal depressive symptoms and sub-threshold depressive symptoms during late pregnancy. Both maternal depressive symptoms and prenatal sub-threshold depressive symptoms were associated with higher internalizing (OR = 1.69, 95% CI, 1.05−2.72; OR = 1.48, 95% CI, 1.06−2.07) and externalizing (OR = 2.06, 95% CI, 1.30−3.25; OR = 1.42, 95% CI, 1.02−1.99) problems in children. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG modified the association between prenatal depressive symptoms and child externalizing or total difficulties problems (p < 0.10 for interaction). Among the overweight/obese pregnant women, maternal prenatal depressive symptoms were associated with a higher risk of externalizing problems (OR = 2.75, 95% CI, 1.06−7.11) in children. Among the women who gained inadequate GWG, maternal prenatal sub-threshold depressive symptoms were associated with 2.85-fold (95% CI 1.48−5.48) risks for child externalizing problems, and maternal depressive symptoms were associated with higher externalizing and total difficulties problems (OR = 4.87, 95% CI, 2.03−11.70 and OR = 2.94, 95% CI, 1.28−6.74, respectively), but these associations were not significant in the appropriate or excessive GWG group. Conclusions: Both maternal prenatal sub-threshold depressive symptoms and depressive symptoms increased the risks of child internalizing and externalizing problems at 24 months of age, while the effects on child externalizing problems were stronger among overweight/obese or inadequate GWG pregnant women. Our study highlights the importance of simultaneously controlling the weight of pregnant women before and throughout pregnancy and prompting mental health in pregnant women, which might benefit their offspring’s EBPs.
Collapse
|