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Koponen AM, Gissler M, Nissinen NM, Autti-Rämö I, Kahila H, Sarkola T. Cumulative risk factors for injuries and poisoning requiring hospital care in youth with prenatal substance exposure: A longitudinal controlled cohort study. NORDIC STUDIES ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS 2024; 41:156-174. [PMID: 38645973 PMCID: PMC11027846 DOI: 10.1177/14550725231202074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: To investigate whether the youth with prenatal substance exposure (PSE) (aged 15-24 years, n = 615) had been in hospital care more often due to injuries and poisoning in comparison with unexposed matched controls (n = 1787). Methods: Data from medical records (exposure) and national health and social welfare registers (outcome and confounders) were combined and youths were monitored from birth until either outpatient or inpatient hospital care for injury or poisoning, death or the end of the study period (December 2016). Cox regression models were used in the analyses accounting for associated child and maternal risk factors. Results: Half (50.4%) of the exposed group and 40.6% of controls had been in hospital care due to injury or poisoning during the follow-up (p < 0.001). The difference between groups was diminished after controlling for postnatal child and maternal risk factors (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72-1.07, p > 0.05). Cumulative adversity, especially out-of-home care in combination with a diagnosed attention or behavioural dysregulation problem, posed the highest risk in both groups (exposed: HR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.24-2.19, p < 0.001; controls: HR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.33-2.56, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Hospital care for injury and poisoning is more common in youth with PSE, but this is largely explained by the related postnatal child and maternal factors. Long-term support to families with maternal substance abuse problems could prevent injury and poisoning among youth with PSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M. Koponen
- Department of Public Health, and Social Psychology Unit, Folkhälsan Research Center, and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mika Gissler
- Information Services Department, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Research Centre for Child Psychiatry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Academic Primary Health Care Centre, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Ilona Autti-Rämö
- Department of Child Neurology, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Kahila
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taisto Sarkola
- Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
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2
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MacEachern SJ, Kar P, Nakhid D, Mitevska E, Tortorelli C, Forkert ND, Lebel C, McMorris CA, Gibbard WB. Factors predicting general health concerns and atypical behaviours in children with prenatal alcohol exposure and other adverse exposures. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1146149. [PMID: 37292380 PMCID: PMC10244621 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1146149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can have significant negative consequences on the health outcomes of children. Children with PAE often experience other prenatal and postnatal adverse exposures. Increased rates of general health concerns and atypical behaviours are seen in both children with PAE as well as with other patterns of adverse exposures, although these have not been systematically described. The association between multiple adverse exposures and adverse health concerns and atypical behaviours in children with PAE is unknown. Methods Demographic information, medical history, adverse exposures, health concerns, and atypical behaviours were collected from children with confirmed PAE (n = 22; 14 males, age range = 7.9-15.9 years) and their caregivers. Support vector machine learning classification models were used to predict the presence of health concerns and atypical behaviours based on adverse exposures. Associations between the sums of adverse exposures, health concerns, and atypical behaviours were examined using correlation analysis. Results All children experienced health concerns, the most common being sensitivity to sensory inputs (64%; 14/22). Similarly, all children engaged in atypical behaviours, with atypical sensory behaviour (50%; 11/22) being the most common. Prenatal alcohol exposure was most important factor for predicting some health concerns and atypical behaviours, and alone and in combination with other factors. Simple associations between adverse exposures could not be identified for many health concerns and atypical behaviours. Conclusion Children with PAE and other adverse exposures experience high rates of health concerns and atypical behaviours. This study demonstrates the complex effects of multiple adverse exposures on health and behaviour in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. MacEachern
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Preeti Kar
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Daphne Nakhid
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Elena Mitevska
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Nils D. Forkert
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Catherine Lebel
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Carly A. McMorris
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - W. Ben Gibbard
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Cox LV. The Eastern Door Center: re-balancing the wheel-a Two-Eyed Seeing approach to FASD and other disorders related to transgenerational adversity. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2023; 8:910153. [PMID: 37214599 PMCID: PMC10196138 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2023.910153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In 2015, the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) called for immediate action to address the lack of access to health services for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Indigenous communities. They called for the provision of culturally safe, community-based, FASD diagnostic, intervention and prevention services. FASD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect all aspects of functioning. The term refers to a spectrum of conditions occurring as a result of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and associated risk factors. PAE can affect both physical and mental health leading to problems with learning, memory, attention, language, social behavior, executive functioning, sleep, and affect regulation. According to Elders in Mi'kmaq First Nations (FN) communities, FASD is a condition that is rooted in transgenerational trauma and the loss of relationship to their land, their language and the traditional community culture. The Elsipogtog Eastern Door (ED) Center opened in 2006 to provide culturally informed diagnosis, intervention and prevention for FASD and related conditions. The ED was the first FASD diagnostic team in Atlantic Canada and it served as a demonstration model for the New Brunswick FASD Center of Excellence as well as for Indigenous communities regionally and nationally. In this article, we outline the history and evolution of the Eastern Door Center and its programs and describe some of the successes of this model as well as some of its limitations in practice.
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Koponen AM, Nissinen NM, Gissler M, Autti-Rämö I, Kahila H, Sarkola T. Adverse childhood experiences and neurodevelopmental disorders among youth with and without prenatal substance exposure: A longitudinal matched register-based cohort study. NORDIC STUDIES ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS 2022; 40:176-198. [PMID: 37063820 PMCID: PMC10101169 DOI: 10.1177/14550725221110190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Previous research has shown an association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and secondary mental health problems in youth with prenatal substance exposure (PSE), but the association between ACEs and neurodevelopmental disorders is less clear. Methods: This longitudinal register-based cohort study investigated relationships between health at birth, ACEs (out-of-home care (OHC) and maternal adversities), and neurodevelopmental disorders among youth with PSE (alcohol/drugs, n = 615) and matched unexposed controls ( n = 1787). Hospital medical records and register data were merged and analysed using Cox regression models. Results: Conduct and emotional disorders (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems ICD-10, F90–F94) were more common among the exposed than the controls but only when the exposed and controls with no OHC were compared. The difference appeared in hyperkinetic disorders (ADHD, F90), mixed disorders of conduct and emotions (F92) and emotional disorders with onset specific to childhood (F93). Among the exposed and controls with OHC, over 40% had received an F90–F94 diagnosis. Regarding specific developmental disorders (F80–F83, e.g., impairments in speech and language and scholastic skills) the moderate difference between the exposed and controls attenuated after adjustment for OHC. Again, the rates were highest among the exposed with OHC and the controls with OHC. OHC and maternal risks were interrelated and, together with male sex and low birth weight, were associated with neurodevelopmental disorders both among the exposed and controls and decreased the difference between them. Conclusions: A strong association between ACEs and neurodevelopmental disorders was found. Brain research is needed to examine whether ACEs worsen neurodevelopmental outcomes caused by PSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M. Koponen
- Folkhälsan Research Center; and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Mika Gissler
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Academic Primary Health Care Centre, Stockholm, Sweden; and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Hanna Kahila
- Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taisto Sarkola
- Children’s Hospital, University of Helsinki; Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; and Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in North America. It is a complex disability, associated with challenges in cognitive, behavioural and socialemotional functioning, as well as an increased risk of physical and mental health comorbidities, and difficulties in daily living across the lifespan. Previous attempts to characterise the profile of this population have been hampered by differences in data collected across studies, regional discrepancies in terminology and definitions, and a lack of tools to integrate comprehensive datasets. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The goals of this study are to use the Canadian National FASD Database, a national repository of FASD assessment-related information, to better understand the functional profile, comorbidities, intervention needs and difficulties in daily living experienced by individuals assessed for FASD across the lifespan. We will also examine what factors may be the most sensitive predictors of receiving an FASD diagnosis. Data will be analysed from over 3500 records collected between 2010 and 2021 (ongoing) from 26 FASD diagnostic clinics in seven provinces and territories. Data collection is ongoing, and analysis will be performed on a biannual basis to continue to hone our understanding of the profiles, needs and outcomes of individuals assessed for FASD in Canada. This research is critical for refining FASD assessment and diagnostic practice, enabling accurate and early identification of individuals with FASD, and connecting individuals with FASD and their families to comprehensive and effective services and resources to support healthy developmental trajectories. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval for the National FASD Database Project was obtained from the Ottawa Health Science Network Research Ethics Board. As new knowledge is gained from this project, findings will be disseminated through publications, presentations and feedback to participating clinics, with the ultimate goal of informing FASD research, practice and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelynn Cook
- Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kathy Unsworth
- The Canada FASD Research Network, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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6
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Alberry B, Laufer BI, Chater-Diehl E, Singh SM. Epigenetic Impacts of Early Life Stress in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Shape the Neurodevelopmental Continuum. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:671891. [PMID: 34149355 PMCID: PMC8209299 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.671891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopment in humans is a long, elaborate, and highly coordinated process involving three trimesters of prenatal development followed by decades of postnatal development and maturation. Throughout this period, the brain is highly sensitive and responsive to the external environment, which may provide a range of inputs leading to positive or negative outcomes. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) result from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Although the molecular mechanisms of FASD are not fully characterized, they involve alterations to the regulation of gene expression via epigenetic marks. As in the prenatal stages, the postnatal period of neurodevelopment is also sensitive to environmental inputs. Often this sensitivity is reflected in children facing adverse conditions, such as maternal separation. This exposure to early life stress (ELS) is implicated in the manifestation of various behavioral abnormalities. Most FASD research has focused exclusively on the effect of prenatal ethanol exposure in isolation. Here, we review the research into the effect of prenatal ethanol exposure and ELS, with a focus on the continuum of epigenomic and transcriptomic alterations. Interestingly, a select few experiments have assessed the cumulative effect of prenatal alcohol and postnatal maternal separation stress. Regulatory regions of different sets of genes are affected by both treatments independently, and a unique set of genes are affected by the combination of treatments. Notably, epigenetic and gene expression changes converge at the clustered protocadherin locus and oxidative stress pathway. Functional studies using epigenetic editing may elucidate individual contributions of regulatory regions for hub genes and further profiling efforts may lead to the development of non-invasive methods to identify children at risk. Taken together, the results favor the potential to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes by epigenetic management of children born with FASD using favorable postnatal conditions with or without therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie Alberry
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin I Laufer
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Eric Chater-Diehl
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shiva M Singh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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7
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Koponen AM, Nissinen NM, Gissler M, Sarkola T, Autti-Rämö I, Kahila H. Cohort profile: ADEF Helsinki - a longitudinal register-based study on exposure to alcohol and drugs during foetal life. NORDIC STUDIES ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS 2020; 37:32-42. [PMID: 32934591 PMCID: PMC7434186 DOI: 10.1177/1455072519885719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The need for longitudinal studies on prenatal substance exposure (PSE)
extending into adulthood is widely recognised. In particular, studies on the
dual effect of exposure to substances and adverse childhood experiences are
needed. This register-based matched cohort study investigates the effect of
this dual exposure on the health and development of youth with PSE. The
follow-up is from birth to young adulthood. Participants: The exposed youth were born in 1992–2001 to mothers with a significant
substance misuse problem during pregnancy. The mothers were identified in
primary care maternity clinics in the Helsinki metropolitan area and
referred for intensified pregnancy follow-up in a tertiary care setting
(HAL-clinics). Data from hospital medical records were collected for the
mothers during the pregnancy follow-up and linked with register data from
multiple national health and social welfare registers obtained for each
mother–child dyad from birth until the end of 2015–2018. Similar register
data were gathered for three matched mother–child dyads without any evidence
of the mother’s substance misuse in national health and social welfare
registers. The study consists of 615 exposed and 1787 unexposed youth aged
15–24 years. Findings to date: A majority of the exposed youth (64%) had been in out-of-home care at least
once compared with 8% among the unexposed. Outpatient and inpatient hospital
care due to mental or behavioural disorders were two to three times more
common among the exposed than among the unexposed. The exposed had less
often completed secondary school education and had more often needed social
assistance. Future plans: The data comprise a wide range of information on infant health, youth’s
mental and somatic health and development, out-of-home care history, and
mother’s life situation at the delivery and later health. Risk and
protective factors for different long-term developmental outcomes in
adolescence or in young adulthood will be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Koponen
- Folkhälsan Research Center, and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Mika Gissler
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland
| | - Taisto Sarkola
- Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, Finland
| | | | - Hanna Kahila
- Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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8
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Koponen AM, Nissinen NM, Gissler M, Autti-Rämö I, Sarkola T, Kahila H. Prenatal substance exposure, adverse childhood experiences and diagnosed mental and behavioral disorders - A longitudinal register-based matched cohort study in Finland. SSM Popul Health 2020; 11:100625. [PMID: 32685656 PMCID: PMC7358713 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2020.100625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Both prenatal substance exposure (PSE, alcohol/drugs) and experiences during the first years of life have powerful effects on brain development. However, only a few studies have investigated the combined effect of PSE and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on mental and behavioral disorders among exposed adolescents and adults. This longitudinal register-based cohort study 1) compared the nature and extent of diagnosed mental and behavioral disorders among youth with PSE and matched unexposed controls, and 2) investigated the influence of PSE, health in infancy and ACEs (maternal risk factors and out-of-home care, OHC) on diagnoses of mental and behavioral disorders. The data consisted of 615 exposed youth aged 15-24 years and 1787 matched unexposed controls. Data from hospital medical records and nine registers were merged for the analysis. Descriptive analysis methods and Cox regression were used. The results showed that the prevalence of mental and behavioral disorders was twice as high among exposed compared with controls. The highest levels of mental and behavioral disorders and ACEs were found among exposed with at least one OHC episode. The difference in the risk of mental and behavioral disorders between exposed and controls diminished after controlling for the effect of ACEs. Low birth weight, maternal risk factors, and OHC were the strongest predictors of mental and behavioral disorders. The results suggest that PSE alone does not explain poorer mental health among exposed youth. Risk factors accumulate, and low birth weight and ACEs are strongly associated with increased risk of mental and behavioral disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M. Koponen
- Folkhälsan Research Center, And University of Helsinki, Department of Public Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Niina-Maria Nissinen
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland and University of Tampere, Department of Health Sciences, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mika Gissler
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Information Services Department, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilona Autti-Rämö
- University of Helsinki, Children's Hospital, Department of Child Neurology, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taisto Sarkola
- Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, And Helsinki University Hospital, Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Finland
| | - Hanna Kahila
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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9
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Andre QR, McMorris CA, Kar P, Ritter C, Gibbard WB, Tortorelli C, Lebel C. Different brain profiles in children with prenatal alcohol exposure with or without early adverse exposures. Hum Brain Mapp 2020; 41:4375-4385. [PMID: 32659051 PMCID: PMC7502833 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can alter brain development and impact mental health outcomes, and often occurs in conjunction with postnatal adversity (e.g., maltreatment). However, it is unclear how postnatal adverse exposures may moderate mental health and brain outcomes in children with PAE. T1‐weighted and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging were obtained from 66 participants aged 7–16 years. Twenty‐one participants had PAE and adverse postnatal exposures (PAE+), 12 had PAE without adverse postnatal exposures (PAE−), and 33 were age‐ and gender‐matched controls unexposed to either prenatal alcohol or postnatal adversity. Internalizing and externalizing mental health symptoms were assessed using the Behavioral Assessment System for Children II, Parent‐Rating Scale. ANCOVAs were used to compare mental health symptoms, limbic and prefrontal cortical volumes, and diffusion parameters of cortico‐limbic white matter tracts between groups, and to assess brain‐mental health relationships. Both PAE groups had worse externalizing behavior (higher scores) than controls. The PAE− group had lower fractional anisotropy (FA) in the bilateral cingulum and left uncinate fasciculus, and smaller volumes in the left anterior cingulate cortex than controls and the PAE+ group. The PAE− group also had higher mean diffusivity (MD) in the left uncinate than the PAE+ group, and smaller right anterior cingulate and superior frontal gyrus volumes than controls. These findings show different brain structure and mental health symptom profiles in children with PAE with and without postnatal adversity, highlighting the need to consider adverse postnatal exposures in individuals with PAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quinn R Andre
- Medical Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carly A McMorris
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,School & Applied Child Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Preeti Kar
- Medical Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Chantel Ritter
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,School & Applied Child Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - W Ben Gibbard
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Christina Tortorelli
- Department of Child Studies and Social Work, Mount Royal University, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Catherine Lebel
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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10
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Alberry BLJ, Castellani CA, Singh SM. Hippocampal transcriptome analysis following maternal separation implicates altered RNA processing in a mouse model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. J Neurodev Disord 2020; 12:15. [PMID: 32416732 PMCID: PMC7231420 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-020-09316-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are common, seen in 1–5% of the population in the USA and Canada. Children diagnosed with FASD are not likely to remain with their biological parents, facing early maternal separation and foster placements throughout childhood. Methods We model FASD in mice via prenatal alcohol exposure and further induce early life stress through maternal separation. We use RNA-seq followed by clustering of expression profiles through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to analyze transcriptomic changes that result from the treatments. We use reverse transcription qPCR to validate these changes in the mouse hippocampus. Results We report an association between adult hippocampal gene expression and prenatal ethanol exposure followed by postnatal separation stress that is related to behavioral changes. Expression profile clustering using WGCNA identifies a set of transcripts, module 19, associated with anxiety-like behavior (r = 0.79, p = 0.002) as well as treatment group (r = 0.68, p = 0.015). Genes in this module are overrepresented by genes involved in transcriptional regulation and other pathways related to neurodevelopment. Interestingly, one member of this module, Polr2a, polymerase (RNA) II (DNA directed) polypeptide A, is downregulated by the combination of prenatal ethanol and postnatal stress in an RNA-Seq experiment and qPCR validation (q = 2e−12, p = 0.004, respectively). Conclusions Together, transcriptional control in the hippocampus is implicated as a potential underlying mechanism leading to anxiety-like behavior via environmental insults. Further research is required to elucidate the mechanism involved and use this insight towards early diagnosis and amelioration strategies involving children born with FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie L J Alberry
- Department of Biology, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Christina A Castellani
- McKusick-Nathans Institute, Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Shiva M Singh
- Department of Biology, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada.
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11
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Alberry BL, Singh SM. Hippocampal DNA Methylation in a Mouse Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder That Includes Maternal Separation Stress Only Partially Explains Changes in Gene Expression. Front Genet 2020; 11:70. [PMID: 32174962 PMCID: PMC7056727 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is characterized by developmental and behavioral deficits caused by maternal drinking during pregnancy. Children born with FASD often face additional stresses, including maternal separation, that add yet additional deficits. The mechanism associated with this interaction is not known. We have used a mouse model for prenatal ethanol exposure and maternal separation to demonstrate that the combination of the two treatments results in more than additive deficits. Furthermore, the behavioral deficits are associated with changes in hippocampal gene expression that persist into adulthood. What initiates and maintains these changes remains to be established and forms the focus of this report. Specifically, MeDIP-Seq was used to assess if changes in promoter DNA methylation are affected by exposure to prenatal ethanol and maternal separation including its relationship to gene expression. The novel results show that different sets of genes implicated by promoter DNA methylation are affected by both treatments independently, and a relatively unique set of genes are affected by the combination of the two treatments. Prenatal ethanol exposure leads to altered promoter DNA methylation at genes important for transcriptional regulation. Maternal separation leads to changes at genes important for histone methylation and immune response, and the combination of two treatments results in DNA methylation changes at genes important for neuronal migration and immune response. Our dual results from the same hippocampal samples suggest there is minimal complementarity between changes in promoter DNA methylation and gene expression, although genes involved tend to be critical for brain development and function. While remaining to be validated, such results argue that mechanisms beyond promoter DNA methylation must be involved in lasting gene expression alterations leading to behavioral deficits implicated in FASD. They may facilitate early and reliable diagnosis, as well as novel strategies for the amelioration of FASD-related deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shiva M. Singh
- Department of Biology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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12
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Prenatal alcohol exposure and traumatic childhood experiences: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 80:89-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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13
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Sandtorv LB, Haugland S, Elgen I. Care and supportive measures in school-aged children with prenatal substance exposure. Scand J Public Health 2017; 45:782-788. [PMID: 28686142 DOI: 10.1177/1403494817713544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Prenatal exposure to substances, including alcohol, opiates, and a number of illicit drugs, may have a negative impact on fetal development. Studies have shown that substance exposure can influence a child's neurodevelopment and the need for care and supportive measures. In this study, we aimed to investigate the care status and the level of supportive measures in school-aged children prenatally exposed to alcohol and other substances. METHODS This study included children aged between 6 and 14 years who were referred to Haukeland University Hospital in Norway with developmental impairment and a history of prenatal substance exposure. Participants were classified according to their main prenatal exposure to either alcohol or other substances. Information on care status and supportive measures was obtained from medical records and participants' caregivers. We also compared the use of supportive measures for children placed into foster care before and after 1 year of age. RESULTS A total of 111 (87% of 128 referrals) eligible children participated in the study. Of these 111 children, 96 (86%) were in foster care, of whom 29 (30%) were placed into foster care during their first year of life and 83 out of 90 (92%) had supportive measures, including reinforced foster care and school or social support. CONCLUSIONS A high proportion of the sample lived in foster care and received supportive measures. Findings may reflect an increased need of care and support in school-aged children with prenatal substance exposure, highlighting the importance of awareness among caregivers and public agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisbeth B Sandtorv
- 1 Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,2 Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Siren Haugland
- 3 Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, Uni Research Health, Norway
| | - Irene Elgen
- 1 Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,2 Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway
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Moore EM, Infante MA, Migliorini R, Mattson SN, Riley EP. Pituitary lacks sexual dimorphism and displays reduced signal intensity on T1-weighted MRI in adolescents with histories of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2016; 57:106-111. [PMID: 27616668 PMCID: PMC5086163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure can interfere with endocrine function and have sex-specific effects on behavior. Disrupted development of the pituitary gland, which has been observed in rodent studies, may account for some of these effects. To determine if gestational exposure to alcohol produces measureable changes in the pituitary in human adolescents, we manually traced the pituitary in T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance images (MRI) from adolescents with (15 males, 11 females) and without (16 males, 11 females) heavy prenatal alcohol exposure. Pituitary gland volume and maximum signal intensity were examined for group differences. Control female adolescents presented with significantly greater pituitary volume compared to males, as has been previously reported. However, this sexual dimorphism was absent in adolescents with histories of prenatal alcohol exposure. Alcohol-exposed adolescents, regardless of sex, demonstrated reduced pituitary maximum signal intensity compared to controls. The lack of a sex difference in pituitary volumes within the alcohol-exposed group suggests such exposure may interfere with adolescent typical sexual dimorphism of the pituitary. Signal intensity in the posterior pituitary may reflect vasopressin storage. Our findings suggest vasopressin activity should be evaluated in alcohol-exposed adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen M Moore
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, United States; Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, United States.
| | - M Alejandra Infante
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, United States; SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA 92120, United States
| | - Robyn Migliorini
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, United States; SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA 92120, United States
| | - Sarah N Mattson
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, United States; Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, United States
| | - Edward P Riley
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, United States; Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, United States
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