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Harghandiwal B. Impact of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza on children's health: Evidence and recommendations for mitigation. Glob Public Health 2025; 20:2495326. [PMID: 40260702 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2025.2495326] [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: 11/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2025] [Indexed: 04/24/2025]
Abstract
On 7th October 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, killing over 1100 Israeli civilians. This was followed by a war in Gaza and Israeli forces continuously bombed and launched military attacks on the Gaza Strip. Over 13,000 children have been killed and thousands more injured, many of whom are suffering from disabling traumatic injuries. Given the recency of events and the unprecedented scale of the impact, this narrative review addresses the urgent need to synthesise the impact of the crisis on children's health in Gaza. The review focuses on the impact of the war on healthcare, food insecurity, infectious diseases, children with disabilities and the psychological impact. Findings reveal that children in Gaza are facing life-threatening challenges affecting all aspects of their health. There are catastrophic levels of food insecurity with high rates of malnutrition. About 60% of WASH facilities have been destroyed and infectious diseases are widespread. Children with chronic medical conditions and a disability are especially vulnerable to the hostilities. The challenges of data collection during the war introduce uncertainty, making it difficult to fully understand the extent of harm. However, without urgent interventions, an entire generation of children are endangered and condemned to a future of ill health and suffering.
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2
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Webster AK, Phillips PC. Epigenetics and individuality: from concepts to causality across timescales. Nat Rev Genet 2025; 26:406-423. [PMID: 39789149 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-024-00804-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2025]
Abstract
Traditionally, differences among individuals have been divided into genetic and environmental causes. However, both types of variation can underlie regulatory changes in gene expression - that is, epigenetic changes - that persist across cell divisions (developmental differentiation) and even across generations (transgenerational inheritance). Increasingly, epigenetic variation among individuals is recognized as an important factor in human diseases and ageing. Moreover, non-genetic inheritance can lead to evolutionary changes within populations that differ from those expected by genetic inheritance alone. Despite its importance, causally linking epigenetic variation to phenotypic differences across individuals has proven difficult, particularly when epigenetic variation operates independently of genetic variation. New genomic approaches are providing unprecedented opportunity to measure and perturb epigenetic variation, helping to elucidate the role of epigenetic variation in mediating the genotype-phenotype map. Here, we review studies that have advanced our understanding of how epigenetic variation contributes to phenotypic differences between individuals within and across generations, and provide a unifying framework that allows historical and mechanistic perspectives to more fully inform one another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy K Webster
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Patrick C Phillips
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA.
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3
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Stocker L, Kermack A, Godfrey K. Nutrition for Preconception Health and Fertility. ANNALS OF NUTRITION & METABOLISM 2025:1-10. [PMID: 40228488 DOI: 10.1159/000543616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 12/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The importance of preconception care is now widely recognised. Optimisation of the lifestyle, nutrition, and the health of a couple not only affects the chances of conception and a successful pregnancy but also the health of the resulting offspring. Currently, limited data reinforce the importance of further research examining the role of individual nutrients. The complex interactions that these nutrients have with each other and the resultant effect on fertility should also be a focus for future investigation. Modifiable risk factors such as alcohol, caffeine, and body mass index should be optimised prior to attempting to conceive. New research is examining the role of personalised preconception advice. SUMMARY This review examines the roles of macronutrients, micronutrients, and lifestyle in fertility and reproductive health. Raising awareness of the importance of the effect of preconception nutrition and lifestyle on hormone balance, gamete development, implantation, and pregnancy should be paramount. This applies to all healthcare professionals who come into contact with people of child-bearing age, as well as the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linden Stocker
- Department of Obstetrics, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- School of Human Development and Health, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Alexandra Kermack
- Department of Obstetrics, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Keith Godfrey
- School of Human Development and Health, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton, and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
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4
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Pullinen P, Parkkari J, Kaprio J, Vähä-Ypyä H, Sievänen H, Kujala U, Waller K. Association Between Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Mobility Limitations in Twins. J Aging Phys Act 2025; 33:192-200. [PMID: 39379020 DOI: 10.1123/japa.2023-0445] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The associations between mobility limitations and device-measured physical activity are sparsely studied. In this study, these associations are studied among community-dwelling older twins. METHODS This cross-sectional study utilized data gathered in 2014-2016 for the MOBILETWIN study. Participants were twins born in Finland between 1940 and 1944 (774 participants, mean age 73 years). Physical activity was measured with a hip-worn accelerometer. Mobility limitations were assessed with a questionnaire. RESULTS Individual-level analyses revealed that physical activity was associated with mobility limitations. Participants with severe mobility limitations took 2,637 (SD = 1,747) steps per day, those with some mobility limitations 4,437 (SD = 2,637) steps, and those without mobility limitations 7,074 (SD = 2,931) steps (p < .05). The within-twin pair analyses revealed the same pattern for the 144 dizygotic twin pairs, but no associations were seen for the 117 monozygotic twin pairs. CONCLUSIONS Accelerometer-measured physical activity and mobility limitations were associated in community-dwelling older adults. Genetic factors may explain some of the variations in physical activity. SIGNIFICANCE A personalized exercise program to promote increased physical activity should be provided for older adults who report mobility difficulties. Future research is needed to examine causality between physical activity and mobility limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Pullinen
- Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jari Parkkari
- Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jaakko Kaprio
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Henri Vähä-Ypyä
- UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, Tampere, Finland
| | - Harri Sievänen
- UKK Institute for Health Promotion Research, Tampere, Finland
| | - Urho Kujala
- Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Katja Waller
- Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
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5
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Jensen PM, Sørensen M. In Search of Environmental Factors Associated With Global Differences in Birth Weight and BMI. Am J Hum Biol 2025; 37:e70038. [PMID: 40190075 PMCID: PMC11973537 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.70038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2025] [Accepted: 03/18/2025] [Indexed: 04/09/2025] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The "fetal origin of adult diseases hypothesis" encompasses the notion that intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) alters fetal development trajectories. Various neonatal metrics inform IUGR, but not all contributors to IUGR have an impact on development trajectories. Chronic IUGR (twins) and slowly varying IUGR (seasonal) have little to no effect on later life trajectories. Perhaps development trajectories may evolve through other mechanisms, as for example, multiple short-lived periods of IUGR and repeated stimulation of metabolic pathways. METHODS Daily temperature variation could deliver a frequent IUGR as pregnant women would experience some degree of placental vasoconstriction during maximum/midday temperatures. We assessed the association with daily temperature amplitudes for globally distributed records of crude fetal growth rates (CFGR) and BMI. Paired birthweight (BW) and gestational age (GA) data permitted analyses of CFGR in 70 countries and subsequent analysis of CFGR for association with daily temperature amplitude, seasonal temperature amplitude, mean annual temperature, calorie intake per day per-1 person-1, BMI, height, and socioeconomic conditions. Analog analyses were performed for gestational age, calorie intake, BMI, and height. RESULTS CFGR and BMI showed a clear association with daily temperature amplitudes, which was not the case for gestational age, calorie intake, and height. CONCLUSION We show that daily temperature amplitudes are associated with both CFGR and BMI. These results permit a wider ecological appreciation of the hypothesis because daily temperature amplitudes inform environmental aridity and food scarcity. We discuss how scarcity, affluence, and the epidemiological environment influence the prevalence of afflictions associated with the fetal origin of adult disease hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per M. Jensen
- Department of Plant and Environmental SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenFrederiksbergDenmark
| | - Marten Sørensen
- Department of Plant and Environmental SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenFrederiksbergDenmark
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6
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Lucassen PJ, Korosi A, de Rooij SR, Smit AB, Van Dam AM, Daskalakis NP, Van Kesteren RE, Verheijen MHG, Lesuis SL, Kessels HW, Krugers HJ. How Can Early Stress Influence Later Alzheimer's Disease Risk? Possible Mediators and Underlying Mechanisms. Biol Psychiatry 2025; 97:372-381. [PMID: 39577793 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2024] [Revised: 11/12/2024] [Accepted: 11/14/2024] [Indexed: 11/24/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, age-related neurodegenerative disorder to which genetic mutations and risk factors contribute. Evidence is increasing that environmental and lifestyle-related factors, such as exercise, nutrition, education, and exposure to (early-life) stress modify the onset, incidence, and progression of AD. Here, we discuss recent preclinical findings on putative substrates that can explain or contribute to the effects of stress early in life on the risk of developing AD. We focus in particular on stress hormones, neural networks, synapses, mitochondria, nutrient and lipid metabolism, adult neurogenesis, engram cell ensembles, and neuroinflammation. We discuss the idea that stress exposure early in life can alter these processes, either combined or in isolation, thereby reducing the capacity of the brain to resist deleterious consequences of, for example, amyloid-β accumulation, thereby accelerating cognitive decline and progression of Alzheimer-related changes in model systems of the disease. A better understanding of whether experiences early in life also modify trajectories of cognitive decline and pathology in AD and how the substrates discussed translate to humans may help develop novel preventive and/or therapeutic strategies to mitigate the consequences of stressors early in life and increase resilience to developing dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Aniko Korosi
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Susanne R de Rooij
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - August B Smit
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Department of Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anne-Marie Van Dam
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nikolaos P Daskalakis
- Neurogenomics and Translational Bioinformatics Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ronald E Van Kesteren
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Department of Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mark H G Verheijen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Department of Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sylvie L Lesuis
- Department of Cellular & Computational Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Helmut W Kessels
- Department of Cellular & Computational Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Margolis ET, Gabard‐Durnam LJ. Prenatal influences on postnatal neuroplasticity: Integrating DOHaD and sensitive/critical period frameworks to understand biological embedding in early development. INFANCY 2025; 30:e12588. [PMID: 38449347 PMCID: PMC11647198 DOI: 10.1111/infa.12588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Early environments can have significant and lasting effects on brain, body, and behavior across the lifecourse. Here, we address current research efforts to understand how experiences impact neurodevelopment with a new perspective integrating two well-known conceptual frameworks - the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) and sensitive/critical period frameworks. Specifically, we consider how prenatal experiences characterized in the DOHaD model impact two key neurobiological mechanisms of sensitive/critical periods for adapting to and learning from the postnatal environment. We draw from both animal and human research to summarize the current state of knowledge on how particular prenatal substance exposures (psychoactive substances and heavy metals) and nutritional profiles (protein-energy malnutrition and iron deficiency) each differentially impact brain circuits' excitation/GABAergic inhibition balance and myelination. Finally, we highlight new research directions that emerge from this integrated framework, including testing how prenatal environments alter sensitive/critical period timing and learning and identifying potential promotional/buffering prenatal exposures to impact postnatal sensitive/critical periods. We hope this integrative framework considering prenatal influences on postnatal neuroplasticity will stimulate new research to understand how early environments have lasting consequences on our brains, behavior, and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma T. Margolis
- Department of PsychologyNortheastern UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
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8
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Pradella F, Witte P, van Ewijk R. Ramadan during pregnancy and offspring health outcomes over the life course: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:789-812. [PMID: 39178355 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae026] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermittent fasting, such as during Ramadan, is prevalent among pregnant women. However, the association between Ramadan during pregnancy and offspring health along the life course has not been fully established. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Fetal programming research indicates that prenatal exposures, particularly during early pregnancy, can cause long-term structural and physiological changes that adversely affect offspring health. Our objective was to systematically identify and assess the evidence regarding Ramadan during pregnancy. SEARCH METHODS A total of 31 studies were sourced from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and EconLit. Included studies evaluated outcomes in individuals with prenatal Ramadan exposure, compared to unexposed Muslim controls. Main outcomes were birth weight, gestational length, and sex ratio in newborns; height, mortality, and cognition in children; and disabilities, chronic diseases, and human capital accumulation in adults. Each study was evaluated for risk of bias. The overall quality of evidence was appraised using the GRADE system. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for outcomes analyzed in at least three primary studies. OUTCOMES The initial search identified 2933 articles, 1208 duplicates were deleted. There were 31 publications fulfilled the eligibility criteria for the qualitative synthesis; 22 studies were included in meta-analyses. The overall quality of the evidence was low to moderate and differed by study design and outcome. Among newborns, prenatal Ramadan exposure was not associated with birth weight (mean difference (MD) -3 g (95% CI -18 to 11; I2 = 70%) or the likelihood of prematurity (percentage point difference (PPD) 0.19 (95% CI -0.11 to 0.49; I2 = 0%)). The probability that the newborn is male was reduced (PPD -0.14 (95% CI -0.28 to -0.00; I2 = 0%)). This potentially reflects sex-specific mortality rates resulting from adverse in utero circumstances. In childhood, the exposed performed slightly poorer on cognitive tests (MD -3.10% of a standard deviation (95% CI -4.61 to -1.58; I2 = 51%)). Height among the exposed was reduced, and this pattern was already visible at ages below 5 years (height-for-age z-score MD -0.03 (95% CI -0.06 to -0.00; I2 = 76%)). A qualitative literature synthesis revealed that childhood mortality rates were increased in low-income contexts. In adulthood, the prenatally exposed had an increased likelihood of hearing disabilities (odds ratio 1.26 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.45; I2 = 32%)), while sight was not affected. Other impaired outcomes included chronic diseases or their symptoms, and indicators of human capital accumulation such as home ownership (qualitative literature synthesis). The first trimester emerged as a sensitive period for long-term impacts. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Despite the need for more high-quality studies to improve the certainty of the evidence, the synthesis of existing research demonstrates that Ramadan during pregnancy is associated with adverse offspring health effects in childhood and especially adulthood, despite an absence of observable effects at birth. Not all health effects may apply to all Muslim communities, which are diverse in backgrounds and behaviors. Notably, moderating factors like daytime activity levels and dietary habits outside fasting hours have hardly been considered. It is imperative for future research to address these aspects. REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO (CRD42022325770).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Pradella
- Chair of Statistics and Econometrics, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Paul Witte
- Chair of Statistics and Econometrics, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Reyn van Ewijk
- Chair of Statistics and Econometrics, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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Woo J, Parmar D, Millinga V, Kirkland T. Implementing Food Security Screening in all Pregnant Women: Call to Action. J Midwifery Womens Health 2024; 69:826-831. [PMID: 39588568 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 10/07/2024] [Indexed: 11/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Woo
- College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas Arlington, Arlington, Texas
| | - Divya Parmar
- College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas Arlington, Arlington, Texas
| | - Valeria Millinga
- College of Arts and Sciences, Texas Woman's University, Denton, Texas
| | - Tracie Kirkland
- Department of Nursing, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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10
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Saputra R, Suhardita K, Suarta IM, Aminah S, Ferdiansyah M, Ramadhani E. Prenatal nutrition and mental health: Long-term effects of hunger in Gaza and health policy implications. Asian J Psychiatr 2024; 101:104208. [PMID: 39236527 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2024.104208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Rikas Saputra
- Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Fatah Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia.
| | | | | | - Siti Aminah
- Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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11
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Li C, Ó Gráda C, Lumey LH. Famine mortality and contributions to later-life type 2 diabetes at the population level: a synthesis of findings from Ukrainian, Dutch and Chinese famines. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e015355. [PMID: 39209764 PMCID: PMC11367352 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2024-015355] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the 1970s, influential literature has been using famines as natural experiments to examine the long-term health impact of prenatal famine exposure at the individual level. Although studies based on various famines have consistently shown that prenatal famine exposure is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), no studies have yet quantified the contribution of famines to later-life T2D at the population level. We, therefore, synthesised findings from the famines in Ukraine 1932-1933, the Western Netherlands 1944-1945 and China 1959-1961 to make preliminary estimates of T2D cases attributable to prenatal famine exposure. These famines were selected because they provide the most extensive and reliable data from an epidemiological perspective. We observed a consistent increase in T2D risk among prenatally exposed individuals in these famines, which translated into about 21 000, 400 and 0.9 million additional T2D cases due to prenatal famine exposure in Ukraine, Western Netherlands and China, respectively. The T2D increase related to famine exposure represented only around 1% of prevalent T2D cases in these countries. Our observations highlight the significant increase in later-life T2D risk among individuals with prenatal famine exposure but also the limited contribution of prenatal famine exposure to T2D epidemics at the population level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihua Li
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, Macau SAR
| | | | - L H Lumey
- Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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12
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Singhaarachchi PH, Antal P, Calon F, Culmsee C, Delpech JC, Feldotto M, Geertsema J, Hoeksema EE, Korosi A, Layé S, McQualter J, de Rooij SR, Rummel C, Slayo M, Sominsky L, Spencer SJ. Aging, sex, metabolic and life experience factors: Contributions to neuro-inflammaging in Alzheimer's disease research. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105724. [PMID: 38762130 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is prevalent around the world, yet our understanding of the disease is still very limited. Recent work suggests that the cornerstone of AD may include the inflammation that accompanies it. Failure of a normal pro-inflammatory immune response to resolve may lead to persistent central inflammation that contributes to unsuccessful clearance of amyloid-beta plaques as they form, neuronal death, and ultimately cognitive decline. Individual metabolic, and dietary (lipid) profiles can differentially regulate this inflammatory process with aging, obesity, poor diet, early life stress and other inflammatory factors contributing to a greater risk of developing AD. Here, we integrate evidence for the interface between these factors, and how they contribute to a pro-inflammatory brain milieu. In particular, we discuss the importance of appropriate polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the diet for the metabolism of specialised pro-resolving mediators (SPMs); raising the possibility for dietary strategies to improve AD outlook.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Antal
- Department of Measurement and Information Systems, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, 1111, Hungary
| | - Frédéric Calon
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Laval University, Quebec G1V0A6, Canada; International Associated Laboratory OptiNutriBrain-NutriNeuro, Bordeaux F-33000, France; INAF, Quebec G1V0A6, Canada
| | - Carsten Culmsee
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg D-35032, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior-CMBB, Giessen, D-35392, Marburg D-35032, Germany
| | - Jean-Christophe Delpech
- International Associated Laboratory OptiNutriBrain-NutriNeuro, Bordeaux F-33000, France; Université de Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeurO, UMR 1286, Bordeaux F-33000, France; INAF, Quebec G1V0A6, Canada
| | - Martin Feldotto
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen D-35392, Germany
| | - Jorine Geertsema
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1018, the Netherlands
| | - Emmy E Hoeksema
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1018, the Netherlands
| | - Aniko Korosi
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1018, the Netherlands
| | - Sophie Layé
- International Associated Laboratory OptiNutriBrain-NutriNeuro, Bordeaux F-33000, France; Université de Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeurO, UMR 1286, Bordeaux F-33000, France; INAF, Quebec G1V0A6, Canada
| | - Jonathan McQualter
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Susanne R de Rooij
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, 1018, the Netherlands
| | - Christoph Rummel
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior-CMBB, Giessen, D-35392, Marburg D-35032, Germany; Institute of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen D-35392, Germany
| | - Mary Slayo
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia; Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior-CMBB, Giessen, D-35392, Marburg D-35032, Germany; Institute of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen D-35392, Germany
| | - Luba Sominsky
- Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia; IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia
| | - Sarah J Spencer
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia.
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Paltiel O, Manor O, Calderon Margalit R, Baron Epel O, Bar Zeev Y, Berry E, Clarfield AM, Dann EJ, Davidovitch N, Donchin M, Green M, Hochner H, Neumark Y, Nitzan D, Paltiel A, Razum O, Rosen B, Rudolf M. Children on the Gaza-Israel Border: Victims of War. Public Health Rev 2024; 45:1607192. [PMID: 38720818 PMCID: PMC11076671 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2024.1607192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ora Paltiel
- Hadassah-Hebrew University Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Orly Manor
- Hadassah-Hebrew University Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ronit Calderon Margalit
- Hadassah-Hebrew University Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Orna Baron Epel
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Israel
| | - Yael Bar Zeev
- Hadassah-Hebrew University Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Elliot Berry
- Hadassah-Hebrew University Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - A. Mark Clarfield
- Centre of Global Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Eldad J. Dann
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Nadav Davidovitch
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Milka Donchin
- Hadassah-Hebrew University Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Manfred Green
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Israel
| | - Hagit Hochner
- Hadassah-Hebrew University Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yehuda Neumark
- Hadassah-Hebrew University Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dorit Nitzan
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Center for the Study of Preparedness and Response to Emergencies and Disaster, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ari Paltiel
- Hadassah-Hebrew University Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Oliver Razum
- Department of Epidemiology and International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Bruce Rosen
- Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mary Rudolf
- Population Health, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
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Miles TK, Allensworth-James ML, Odle AK, Silva Moreira AR, Haney AC, LaGasse AN, Gies AJ, Byrum SD, Riojas AM, MacNicol MC, MacNicol AM, Childs GV. Maternal undernutrition results in transcript changes in male offspring that may promote resistance to high fat diet induced weight gain. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1332959. [PMID: 38720938 PMCID: PMC11077627 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1332959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal nutrition during embryonic development and lactation influences multiple aspects of offspring health. Using mice, this study investigates the effects of maternal caloric restriction (CR) during mid-gestation and lactation on offspring neonatal development and on adult metabolic function when challenged by a high fat diet (HFD). The CR maternal model produced male and female offspring that were significantly smaller, in terms of weight and length, and females had delayed puberty. Adult offspring born to CR dams had a sexually dimorphic response to the high fat diet. Compared to offspring of maternal control dams, adult female, but not male, CR offspring gained more weight in response to high fat diet at 10 weeks. In adipose tissue of male HFD offspring, maternal undernutrition resulted in blunted expression of genes associated with weight gain and increased expression of genes that protect against weight gain. Regardless of maternal nutrition status, HFD male offspring showed increased expression of genes associated with progression toward nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Furthermore, we observed significant, sexually dimorphic differences in serum TSH. These data reveal tissue- and sex-specific changes in gene and hormone regulation following mild maternal undernutrition, which may offer protection against diet induced weight gain in adult male offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany K. Miles
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Melody L. Allensworth-James
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Angela K. Odle
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Ana Rita Silva Moreira
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Anessa C. Haney
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Alex N. LaGasse
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Allen J. Gies
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Stephanie D. Byrum
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Angelica M. Riojas
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Melanie C. MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Angus M. MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Gwen V. Childs
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
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15
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Backhouse EV, Boardman JP, Wardlaw JM. Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: Early-Life Antecedents and Long-Term Implications for the Brain, Aging, Stroke, and Dementia. Hypertension 2024; 81:54-74. [PMID: 37732415 PMCID: PMC10734792 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.122.19940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral small vessel disease is common in older adults and increases the risk of stroke, cognitive impairment, and dementia. While often attributed to midlife vascular risk factors such as hypertension, factors from earlier in life may contribute to later small vessel disease risk. In this review, we summarize current evidence for early-life effects on small vessel disease, stroke and dementia focusing on prenatal nutrition, and cognitive ability, education, and socioeconomic status in childhood. We discuss possible reasons for these associations, including differences in brain resilience and reserve, access to cognitive, social, and economic resources, and health behaviors, and we consider the extent to which these associations are independent of vascular risk factors. Although early-life factors, particularly education, are major risk factors for Alzheimer disease, they are less established in small vessel disease or vascular cognitive impairment. We discuss current knowledge, gaps in knowledge, targets for future research, clinical practice, and policy change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen V. Backhouse
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences (E.V.B., J.P.B., J.M.W.), University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
- MRC UK Dementia Research Institute (E.V.B., J.M.W.), University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - James P. Boardman
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences (E.V.B., J.P.B., J.M.W.), University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (J.P.B.), University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna M. Wardlaw
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences (E.V.B., J.P.B., J.M.W.), University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
- MRC UK Dementia Research Institute (E.V.B., J.M.W.), University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh Imaging (J.M.W.), University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
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16
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Wiegersma AM, Boots A, van Bussel EF, Lissenberg-Witte BI, Nielen MMJ, Roseboom TJ, de Rooij SR. Prenatal Exposure to the 1944-45 Dutch Famine and Risk for Dementia up to Age 75: An Analysis of Primary Care Data. Curr Alzheimer Res 2024; 21:101-108. [PMID: 38706355 DOI: 10.2174/0115672050290699240422050036] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A poor prenatal environment adversely affects brain development. Studies investigating long-term consequences of prenatal exposure to the 1944-45 Dutch famine have shown that those exposed to famine in early gestation had poorer selective attention, smaller brain volumes, poorer brain perfusion, older appearing brains, and increased reporting of cognitive problems, all indicative of increased dementia risk. OBJECTIVE In the current population-based study, we investigated whether dementia incidence up to age 75 was higher among individuals who had been prenatally exposed to famine. METHODS We included men (n=6,714) and women (n=7,051) from the Nivel Primary Care Database who had been born in seven cities affected by the Dutch famine. We used Cox regression to compare dementia incidence among individuals exposed to famine during late (1,231), mid (1,083), or early gestation (601) with those unexposed (born before or conceived after the famine). RESULTS We did not observe differences in dementia incidence for those exposed to famine in mid or early gestation compared to those unexposed. Men and women exposed to famine in late gestation had significantly lower dementia rates compared to unexposed individuals (HR 0.52 (95%CI 0.30-0.89)). Sex-specific analyses showed a lower dementia rate in women exposed to famine in late gestation (HR 0.39 (95%CI 0.17-0.86)) but not in men (HR 0.68 (95%CI 0.33-1.41)). CONCLUSION Although prenatal exposure to the Dutch famine has previously been associated with measures of accelerated brain aging, the present population-based study did not show increased dementia incidence up to age 75 in those exposed to famine during gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Marileen Wiegersma
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Aging & Later life, Health Behaviors & Chronic Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amber Boots
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Aging & Later life, Health Behaviors & Chronic Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emma F van Bussel
- Department of Eerstelijnsgeneeskunde, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit I Lissenberg-Witte
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Tessa J Roseboom
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Aging & Later life, Health Behaviors & Chronic Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne R de Rooij
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Aging & Later life, Health Behaviors & Chronic Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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17
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Jetton TL, Galbraith OT, Peshavaria M, Bonney EA, Holmén BA, Fukagawa NK. Sex-specific metabolic adaptations from in utero exposure to particulate matter derived from combustion of petrodiesel and biodiesel fuels. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 346:140480. [PMID: 37879369 PMCID: PMC10841900 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Maternal exposure to particulate matter derived from diesel exhaust has been shown to cause metabolic dysregulation, neurological problems, and increased susceptibility to diabetes in the offspring. Diesel exhaust is a major source of air pollution and the use of biodiesel (BD) and its blends have been progressively increasing throughout the world; however, studies on the health impact of BD vs. petrodiesel combustion-generated exhaust have been controversial in part, due to differences in the chemical and physical nature of the associated particulate matter (PM). To explore the long-term impact of prenatal exposure, pregnant mice were exposed to PM generated by combustion of petrodiesel (B0) and a 20% soy BD blend (B20) by intratracheal instillation during embryonic days 9-17 and allowed to deliver. Offspring were then followed for 52 weeks. We found that mother's exposure to B0 and B20 PM manifested in striking sex-specific phenotypes with respect to metabolic adaptation, maintenance of glucose homeostasis, and medial hypothalamic glial cell makeup in the offspring. The data suggest PM exposure limited to a narrower critical developmental window may be compensated for by the mother and/or the fetus by altered metabolic programming in a marked sex-specific and fuel-derived PM-specific manner, leading to sex-specific risk for diseases related to environmental exposure later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L Jetton
- From the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, USA.
| | - Oban T Galbraith
- From the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, USA
| | - Mina Peshavaria
- From the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, USA
| | | | - Britt A Holmén
- Larner College of Medicine, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, USA
| | - Naomi K Fukagawa
- From the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, USA; University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; USDA-ARS, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
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18
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Bertin B, Foligne B, Ley D, Lesage J, Beghin L, Morcel J, Gottrand F, Hermann E. An Overview of the Influence of Breastfeeding on the Development of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Nutrients 2023; 15:5103. [PMID: 38140362 PMCID: PMC10745409 DOI: 10.3390/nu15245103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The first 1000 days of life is a critical period that contributes significantly to the programming of an individual's future health. Among the many changes that occur during this period early in life, there is growing evidence that the establishment of healthy gut microbiota plays an important role in the prevention of both short- and long-term health problems. Numerous publications suggest that the quality of the gut microbiota colonisation depends on several dietary factors, including breastfeeding. In this respect, a relationship between breastfeeding and the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been suggested. IBDs are chronic intestinal diseases, and perinatal factors may be partly responsible for their onset. We review the existence of links between breastfeeding and IBD based on experimental and clinical studies. Overall, despite encouraging experimental data in rodents, the association between breastfeeding and the development of IBD remains controversial in humans, partly due to the considerable heterogeneity between clinical studies. The duration of exclusive breastfeeding is probably decisive for its lasting effect on IBD. Thus, specific improvements in our knowledge could support dietary interventions targeting the gut microbiome, such as the early use of prebiotics, probiotics or postbiotics, in order to prevent the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Bertin
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, F-59000 Lille, France; (B.B.); (B.F.); (D.L.); (J.L.); (L.B.); (J.M.); (F.G.)
| | - Benoit Foligne
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, F-59000 Lille, France; (B.B.); (B.F.); (D.L.); (J.L.); (L.B.); (J.M.); (F.G.)
| | - Delphine Ley
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, F-59000 Lille, France; (B.B.); (B.F.); (D.L.); (J.L.); (L.B.); (J.M.); (F.G.)
| | - Jean Lesage
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, F-59000 Lille, France; (B.B.); (B.F.); (D.L.); (J.L.); (L.B.); (J.M.); (F.G.)
| | - Laurent Beghin
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, F-59000 Lille, France; (B.B.); (B.F.); (D.L.); (J.L.); (L.B.); (J.M.); (F.G.)
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, CIC-1403 Inserm-CHU, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Jules Morcel
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, F-59000 Lille, France; (B.B.); (B.F.); (D.L.); (J.L.); (L.B.); (J.M.); (F.G.)
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, CIC-1403 Inserm-CHU, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Frédéric Gottrand
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, F-59000 Lille, France; (B.B.); (B.F.); (D.L.); (J.L.); (L.B.); (J.M.); (F.G.)
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, CIC-1403 Inserm-CHU, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Emmanuel Hermann
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286-INFINITE-Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, F-59000 Lille, France; (B.B.); (B.F.); (D.L.); (J.L.); (L.B.); (J.M.); (F.G.)
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19
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Tesfaye A, Wondimagegne YA, Tamiru D, Belachew T. Exploring dietary perception, beliefs and practices among pregnant adolescents, their husbands and healthcare providers in West Arsi, Central Ethiopia: a phenomenological study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e077488. [PMID: 38070937 PMCID: PMC10729068 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The two most physically active stages of life, pregnancy and adolescence, put the pregnant adolescent under a lot of stress. Adolescence is a crucial era in women's nutrition that is frequently overlooked. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore dietary perceptions, beliefs and practices among pregnant Adolescents in West Arsi, Central Ethiopia. DESIGN A qualitative method, specifically, a phenomenological research design, was carried out from February to March 2023. SETTINGS This study was conducted in the West Arsi zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, in four randomly selected districts. PARTICIPANTS Thirty participants, 12 pregnant adolescents, 8 husbands of pregnant adolescents and 10 healthcare providers were purposefully selected and participated. METHODS In-depth and key informant interviews were conducted. To create relevant codes, subthemes and themes, ATLAS.ti V.7.1 software was used. An inductive qualitative data analysis approach was used. The results were presented using respondents' clear verbatim and thematic analysis. RESULTS The findings were organised into four major themes: (1) low nutritional awareness, (2) poor dietary practice, (3) barriers to good dietary practice and (4) facilitators for good dietary practice. A low perceived severity (one's belief of the seriousness) of undernutrition and low perceived benefits (one's belief of the benefits) of balanced nutrition have been reported. A monotonous diet (one type food usually cereal based), no change in dietary practices during pregnancy, and low intake of animal food sources (meat, egg and milk) were found under dietary practices. One of the most striking findings to emerge from this study is the Alliance for Development (AFD), the former Women Development Army, which can be a great facilitator of good dietary practice. Husbands' involvement in nutrition education and specific nutrition training for healthcare providers are the other facilitators identified in this study. The lack of nutrition education, misconceptions and economic problems are barriers to dietary practices. CONCLUSION This study found a low nutritional awareness and poor dietary practices. Further experimental studies are recommended to assess whether AFD is capable of delivering effective nutrition interventions that improve dietary practice of pregnant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adane Tesfaye
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Public Health, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Yohanness Addisu Wondimagegne
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Dessalegn Tamiru
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Public Health, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Tefera Belachew
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Public Health, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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20
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Klotz LO, Carlberg C. Nutrigenomics and redox regulation: Concepts relating to the Special Issue on nutrigenomics. Redox Biol 2023; 68:102920. [PMID: 37839954 PMCID: PMC10624588 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
During our whole lifespan, from conception to death, the epigenomes of all tissues and cell types of our body integrate signals from the environment. This includes signals derived from our diet and the uptake of macro- and micronutrients. In most cases, this leads only to transient changes, but some effects of this epigenome programming process are persistent and can even be transferred to the next generation. Both epigenetic programming and redox processes are affected by the individual choice of diet and other lifestyle decisions like physical activity. The nutrient-gene communication pathways have adapted during human evolution and are essential for maintaining health. However, when they are maladaptive, such as in long-term obesity, they significantly contribute to diseases like type 2 diabetes and cancer. The field of nutrigenomics investigates nutrition-related signal transduction pathways and their effect on gene expression involving interactions both with the genome and the epigenomes. Several of these diet-(epi)genome interactions and the involved signal transduction cascades are redox-regulated. Examples include the effects of the NAD+/NADH ratio, vitamin C levels and secondary metabolites of dietary molecules from plants on the acetylation and methylation state of the epigenome as well as on gene expression through redox-sensitive pathways via the transcription factors NFE2L2 and FOXO. In this review, we summarize and extend on these topics as well as those discussed in the articles of this Special Issue and take them into the context of redox biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars-Oliver Klotz
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Nutrigenomics Section, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Carsten Carlberg
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-10-748, Olsztyn, Poland; School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
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21
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Gershoni M. Transgenerational transmission of environmental effects in livestock in the age of global warming. Cell Stress Chaperones 2023; 28:445-454. [PMID: 36715961 PMCID: PMC10468476 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-023-01325-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent decades provide mounting evidence for the continual increase in global temperatures, now termed "global warming," to the point of drastic worldwide change in the climate. Climatic change is a long-term shift in temperatures and weather patterns, including increased frequency and intensity of extreme environmental events such as heat waves accompanied by extreme temperatures and high humidity. Climate change and global warming put several challenges to the livestock industry by directly affecting the animal's production, reproduction, health, and welfare. The broad impact of global warming, and in particular heat stress, on-farm animals' performance has been comprehensively studied. It has been estimated that the US livestock industry's loss caused by heat stress is up to $2.4 billion annually. However, the long-term intergenerational and transgenerational effects of climatic change and global warming on farm animals are sparse. Transgenerational effects, which are mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, can affect the animal's performance regardless of its immediate environment by altering its phenotypic expression to fit its ancestors' environment. In many animal species, environmental effects are epigenetically encoded within a narrow time interval during the organism's gametogenesis, and these epigenetic modifications can then be intergenerationally transmitted. Several epigenetic mechanisms mediate intergenerational transmission of environmental effects, typically in a parent-dependent manner. Therefore, exposure of the animal to an extreme climatic event and other environmental stressors during gametogenesis can undergo epigenetic stabilization in the germline and be passed to the offspring. As a result, the offspring might express a phenotype adjusted to fit the stressors experienced by their ancestors, regardless of their direct environment. The purpose of this perspective is to review current evidence for intergenerational and transgenerational transmission of environmental stress effects, specifically in the context of global warming and climate change, and to offer viewpoints on the possible impacts on the livestock industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moran Gershoni
- Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, 7505101, Rishon LeZion, Israel.
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22
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Davis DD, Diaz-Castillo C, Chamorro-Garcia R. Multigenerational metabolic disruption: Developmental origins and mechanisms of propagation across generations. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:902201. [PMID: 36060120 PMCID: PMC9437310 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.902201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been long known that the environment plays a critical role in the etiology of disease. However, it is still unclear how the large variety of environmental factors humans are exposed to interact with each other to lead to disease. Metabolic disorders are just one example of human disorders that have been associated with environmental exposures. Obesity and type 2 diabetes have become a health and economic burden worldwide as the number of affected people has tripled in the last 40 years. Animal and human studies have shown a strong association between exposure to environmental chemicals during critical windows of susceptibility such as periconception, prenatal, and early life, whose effect can persist through development and across generations. However, little is known about the mechanisms driving this persistence. Here, we review historical and current knowledge on the effect of exposure to environmental factors during in utero development and discuss mechanisms for these disorders to be propagated across generations.
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23
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de Rooij SR. Are Brain and Cognitive Reserve Shaped by Early Life Circumstances? Front Neurosci 2022; 16:825811. [PMID: 35784851 PMCID: PMC9243389 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.825811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
When growing older, many people are faced with cognitive deterioration, which may even amount to a form of dementia at some point in time. Although neuropathological signs of dementia disorders can often be demonstrated in brains of patients, the degree to which clinical symptoms are present does mostly not accurately reflect the amount of neuropathology that is present. Sometimes existent pathology even goes without any obvious clinical presentation. An explanation for this phenomenon may be found in the concept of reserve capacity. Reserve capacity refers to the ability of the brain to effectively buffer changes that are associated with normal aging processes and to cope with pathological damage. A larger reserve capacity has been suggested to increase resilience against age-associated cognitive deterioration and dementia disorders. Traditionally, a division has been made between brain reserve, which is based on morphological characteristics of the brain, and cognitive reserve, which is based on functional characteristics of the brain. The present review discusses the premises that brain and cognitive reserve capacity are shaped by prenatal and early postnatal factors. Evidence is accumulating that circumstances during the first 1,000 days of life are of the utmost importance for the lifelong health of an individual. Cognitive deterioration and dementia disorders may also have their origin in early life and a potentially important pathway by which the early environment affects the risk for neurodegenerative diseases is by developmental programming of the reserve capacity of the brain. The basic idea behind developmental programming of brain and cognitive reserve is explained and an overview of studies that support this idea is presented. The review is concluded by a discussion of potential mechanisms, synthesis of the evidence and relevance and future directions in the field of developmental origins of reserve capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne R. de Rooij
- Epidemiology and Data Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Aging and Later Life, Health Behaviors and Chronic Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Feskens EJM, Bailey R, Bhutta Z, Biesalski HK, Eicher-Miller H, Krämer K, Pan WH, Griffiths JC. Women's health: optimal nutrition throughout the lifecycle. Eur J Nutr 2022; 61:1-23. [PMID: 35612668 PMCID: PMC9134728 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-022-02915-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences are an important consideration when researching and establishing policies for nutrition and optimal health. For women's health, there are important physiologic, neurologic, and hormonal distinctions throughout the lifecycle that impact nutritional needs. Distinct from those for men, these nutritional needs must be translated into appropriate nutrition policy that aims to not only avoid overt nutritional deficiency, but also to promote health and minimize risk for chronic disease. Through a series of webinars, scientific experts discussed the advances in the understanding of the unique nutritional needs, challenges and opportunities of the various life stages for women across the life course and identified emerging nutritional interventions that may be beneficial for women. Nevertheless, there is concern that existing nutrition policy intended for women's health is falling short with examples of programs that are focused more on delivering calories than achieving optimal nutrition. To be locally effective, targeted nutrition needs to offer different proposals for different cultural, socio-economic, and geographic communities, and needs to be applicable at all stages of growth and development. There must be adequate access to nutritious foods, and the information to understand and implement proven nutritional opportunities. Experts provided recommendations for improvement of current entitlement programs that will address accessibility and other social and environmental issues to support women properly throughout the lifecycle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Regan Bailey
- Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture, Texas A&M University System, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Zulfiqar Bhutta
- Centre for Global Child Health, Toronto, Canada
- Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Klaus Krämer
- Sight & Life, Basel, Switzerland
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - James C Griffiths
- Council for Responsible Nutrition-International, Washington, DC, USA.
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Utility of preclinical models of altered maternal nutrition to support the developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:711-714. [PMID: 35575180 PMCID: PMC9112759 DOI: 10.1042/cs20211175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A clear link has been established between alterations in the early life environment and the risk for developing a range of cardiometabolic diseases in later life, a process preferentially termed developmental programming. In particular, alterations in the maternal nutritional environment have been associated with a range of adverse health outcomes in offspring across the lifecourse; effects that can be passed on to future generations. Following from the early epidemiological observations that provided the basis for the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, a range of animal models were developed to examine the impact of early life programming and provide empirical data to support the emerging framework. These models became key tools to aid in our understanding of developmental programming as allowed investigation of potential mechanisms, strategies for intervention and transgenerational effects. The study published by Langley and Evans (Clin. Sci. 1994;86(2):217–222; DOI:10.1042/CS0860217), using a rat model of maternal low protein exposure, was one of the first to highlight the impact of an altered maternal nutritional environment on programming of elevated blood pressure in offspring. This work became a hallmark study in the DOHaD field by demonstrating key proof of principle to support the early epidemiological associations and characterizing a key preclinical model that has contributed greatly to our understanding of mechanisms underpinning developmental programming—particularly in the area of cardiovascular and renal function.
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Wiegersma AM, Boots A, Roseboom TJ, de Rooij SR. Prenatal exposure to the Dutch famine is associated with more self-perceived cognitive problems at 72 years of age. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:176. [PMID: 35236291 PMCID: PMC8892724 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-02820-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Undernutrition during critical periods of neurodevelopment can hinder the developing brain with lasting negative consequences for brain size, structure and function. In this study, we describe self-perceived cognitive problems of men and women who were born around the time of the Dutch famine of 1944–45. Methods We compared self-perceived cognitive problems between men and women who had been exposed to the 1944–45 Dutch famine in late, mid or early gestation and those who were born before or conceived after the famine (and had thus not been exposed prenatally). We included 595 participants aged 71–74 years. Results Women who had been exposed to famine in late gestation more often reported cognitive problems compared to those who had not been exposed (OR 2.2 [95% CI 1.1–4.4]), whereas for men, this was the case for those exposed in early gestation (OR 2.3 [0.9–5.5]). Furthermore, men and women exposed in early gestation more often reported consulting a healthcare practitioner for cognitive problems in the past 12 months (OR 3.2 [1.3–8.1]). Especially men exposed in early gestation reported having consulted a healthcare practitioner more often than unexposed men (OR 4.4 [1.2–16.0]). Conclusions These findings suggest that prenatal undernutrition does not only have lasting effects on brain size, but also on its function, with more self-perceived cognitive problems at older age, which also require more medical attention. Also, the effects of undernutrition depend on sex and its timing during gestation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-02820-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Marileen Wiegersma
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Amber Boots
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tessa J Roseboom
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne R de Rooij
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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