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Irvine N, Bell RC, Subhan FB, Field CJ, Liu J, MacDonald AM, Kinniburgh DW, Martin JW, Dewey D, England-Mason G. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI influences the associations between bisphenol and phthalate exposures and maternal weight changes and fat accumulation. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 257:119276. [PMID: 38830392 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bisphenols and phthalates are two classes of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) thought to influence weight and adiposity. Limited research has investigated their influence on maternal weight changes, and no prior work has examined maternal fat mass. We examined the associations between exposure to these chemicals during pregnancy and multiple maternal weight and fat mass outcomes. METHODS This study included a sample of 318 women enrolled in a Canadian prospective pregnancy cohort. Second trimester urinary concentrations of 2 bisphenols and 12 phthalate metabolites were quantified. Self-reported and measured maternal weights and measured skinfold thicknesses were used to calculate gestational weight gain, 3-months and 3- to 5-years postpartum weight retention, late pregnancy fat mass gain, total postpartum fat mass loss, and late postpartum fat mass retention. Adjusted robust regressions examined associations between chemicals and outcomes in the entire study population and sub-groups stratified by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). Bayesian kernel machine regression examined chemical mixture effects. RESULTS Among women with underweight or normal pre-pregnancy BMIs, MBzP was negatively associated with weight retention at 3- to 5-years postpartum (B = -0.04, 95%CI: -0.07, -0.01). Among women with overweight or obese pre-pregnancy BMIs, MEHP and MMP were positively associated with weight retention at 3-months and 3- to 5-years postpartum, respectively (B's = 0.12 to 0.63, 95%CIs: 0.02, 1.07). DEHP metabolites and MCNP were positively associated with late pregnancy fat mass gain and late postpartum fat mass retention (B's = 0.04 to 0.18, 95%CIs: 0.001, 0.32). Further, the mixture of EDCs was positively associated with late pregnancy fat mass gain. CONCLUSION In this cohort, pre-pregnancy BMI was a key determinant of the associations between second trimester exposure to bisphenols and phthalates and maternal weight changes and fat accumulation. Investigations of underlying physiological mechanisms, windows of susceptibility, and impacts on maternal and infant health are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Irvine
- Bachelor of Health Sciences Program, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rhonda C Bell
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Fatheema B Subhan
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Nutrition and Food Science, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, California, United States
| | - Catherine J Field
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jiaying Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amy M MacDonald
- Alberta Centre for Toxicology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - David W Kinniburgh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Centre for Toxicology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department Environmental Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary. Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gillian England-Mason
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary. Alberta, Canada.
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Manning KY, Jaffer A, Lebel C. Windows of opportunity: how age and sex shape the influence of prenatal depression on the child brain. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01490-2. [PMID: 39117167 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Maternal prenatal depression can affect child brain and behavioural development. Specifically, altered limbic network structure and function is a likely mechanism through which prenatal depression impacts the life-long mental health of exposed children. While developmental trajectories are influenced by many factors that exacerbate risk or promote resiliency, the role of child age and sex in the relationship between prenatal depression and the child brain remains unclear. Here, we review studies of associations between prenatal depression and brain structure and function, with a focus on the role of age and sex in these relationships. After exposure to prenatal depression, altered amygdala, hippocampal and frontal cortical structure, as well as changes in functional and structural connectivity within the limbic network are evident during the fetal, infant, preschool, childhood, and adolescent stages of development. Sex appears to play a key role in this relationship, with evidence of differential findings particularly in infants, with males showing smaller and females larger hippocampal and amygdala volumes following prenatal depression. Longitudinal studies in this area have only begun to emerge within the last five years and will be key to understanding critical windows of opportunity. Future research focused on the role of age and sex in this relationship is essential to further inform screening, policy, and interventions for children exposed to prenatal depression, interrupt the intergenerational transmission of depression, and ultimately support healthy brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Y Manning
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Aliza Jaffer
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Catherine Lebel
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Marefi A, Husein N, Dunbar M, Dewey D, Letourneau N, Oskoui M, Kirton A, Shevell M. Risk Factors for Term-Born Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Case-Control Study. Pediatr Neurol 2024; 155:26-32. [PMID: 38581726 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2024.03.012] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To identify if a predetermined set of potential risk factors are associated with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (SDCP) in term-born children. METHODS This is a case-control study with cases (n = 134) extracted from the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Registry (CCPR) and controls (n = 1950) from the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study. Our primary variable was the SDCP phenotype in term-born children. Possible risk factors were selected a priori and include extreme maternal age (<19 or >35 years), pregnancy complications, maternal disease, substance use, perinatal infection, mode of delivery, perinatal adversity (i.e., neonatal encephalopathy presumably on the basis of intrapartum hypoxia-ischemia), sex, and birth weight. Multivariable analyses were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Multivariable analysis revealed associations between term-born SDCP and pregnancy complications (OR = 4.73; 95% CI = 1.91 to 10.56), maternal disease (OR = 2.52; 95% CI = 1.57 to 3.93), substance use (OR = 3.11; 95% CI = 2.10 to 4.55), perinatal infection (OR = 2.72; 95% CI 1.32 to 5.10), Caesarean section (OR = 2.35; 95% CI = 1.62 to 3.40), and perinatal adversity (OR = 2.91; 95% CI = 1.94 to 4.50). Multiple regression analysis revealed associations between SDCP and pregnancy complications (OR = 3.28; 95% CI 1.20 to 8.15), maternal disease (OR = 2.52; 95% CI 1.50 to 4.12), substance use (OR = 3.59; 95% CI 2.37 to 5.40), perinatal infection (OR = 3.78, 95% CI 1.71 to 7.72), Caesarean section (OR = 2.72; 95% CI 1.82 to 4.03), and perinatal adversity (OR = 4.16; 95% CI 2.67 to 6.70). INTERPRETATION Antenatal (pregnancy complications, maternal disease, substance use) and perinatal (infections, Caesarean section, and perinatal adversity) risk factors are associated with an increased risk of SDCP in term-born children, suggesting variable interactions between risk factors to provide a clinicopathologic framework that is different from SDCP observed in preterm-born children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaar Marefi
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital-McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nafisa Husein
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital-McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mary Dunbar
- Departments of Pediatrics and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Departments of Pediatrics and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Departments of Pediatrics and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta; Faculty of Nursing and Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Maryam Oskoui
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital-McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Adam Kirton
- Departments of Pediatrics and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael Shevell
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital-McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Vaghef-Mehrabani E, Bell RC, Field CJ, Jarman M, Evanchuk JL, Letourneau N, Giesbrecht GF. Maternal pre-pregnancy diet and prenatal depression: the mediating role of pre-pregnancy weight status and prenatal inflammation. Br J Nutr 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38800987 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114524001028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Depression is a common prenatal psychological complication. We aimed to investigate if maternal pre-pregnancy diet can impact prenatal depressive symptoms and the mediating role of pre-pregnancy BMI and inflammation. We used data (N 1141) from the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition cohort study. We calculated Mediterranean diet adherence (MED) and dietary inflammatory index (DII) scores using data from pre-pregnancy FFQ. In the third-trimester, we assessed depressive symptoms using Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and inflammation through serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. BMI was calculated from self-reported pre-pregnancy weight. Race-stratified analyses (white and people of colour) were run. We observed no association between MED or DII tertiles and depressive symptoms. However, white participants in the MED tertile-3 had lower risk of depression (EPDS < 10) compared with tertile-1 (OR = 0·56, 95 % CI, 0·33, 0·95). White individuals in MED tertile-3 had lower BMI (MD = -1·08; 95 % CI, -1·77, -0·39) and CRP (MD = -0·53; 95 % CI, -0·95, -0·11) than tertile-1, and those in DII tertile-2 (MD = 0·44; 95 % CI, 0·03, 0·84) and tertile-3 (MD = 0·42; 95 % CI, 0·01, 0·83) had higher CRP than tertile-1. Among people of colour, neither MED nor DII was associated with BMI or CRP, but BMI was negatively associated with depressive symptoms (β = -0·25, 95 % CI, -0·43, -0·06). We found no association between diet and depressive symptoms through BMI or CRP, in either race. Pre-pregnancy diet might affect the risk of prenatal depression in a race-specific way. Further research is required to explore the racial differences in the association between maternal diet and prenatal depressive symptoms/depression risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Vaghef-Mehrabani
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Rhonda C Bell
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Catherine J Field
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Megan Jarman
- School of Psychology, College of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jenna L Evanchuk
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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5
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Cho NA, Giesbrecht GF, Dewey D, Reimer RA. Intrapartum antibiotic use is associated with higher child body mass index (BMI) z-score at 4 years of age. Obes Res Clin Pract 2024; 18:222-225. [PMID: 38796384 DOI: 10.1016/j.orcp.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Early life antibiotic exposure may increase obesity risk. We investigated if prenatal, intrapartum, or childhood antibiotic use is associated with child zBMI score at 4 yrs of age. We included data from the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study, a prospective cohort study, on maternal and child antibiotic exposure and clinic measures of height and weight at age 4 (n = 408). Prenatal and childhood antibiotic exposure was not associated with zBMI score. Maternal intrapartum antibiotic exposure was associated with a zBMI score increase of 0.12 (95 % CI; 0.04, 0.46) in children at 4 years of age compared to non-exposure intrapartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Cho
- Facuty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Raylene A Reimer
- Facuty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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6
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Long M, Kar P, Forkert ND, Landman BA, Gibbard WB, Tortorelli C, McMorris CA, Huo Y, Lebel CA. Sex and age effects on gray matter volume trajectories in young children with prenatal alcohol exposure. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1379959. [PMID: 38660010 PMCID: PMC11039858 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1379959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) occurs in ~11% of North American pregnancies and is the most common known cause of neurodevelopmental disabilities such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD; ~2-5% prevalence). PAE has been consistently associated with smaller gray matter volumes in children, adolescents, and adults. A small number of longitudinal studies show altered gray matter development trajectories in late childhood/early adolescence, but patterns in early childhood and potential sex differences have not been characterized in young children. Using longitudinal T1-weighted MRI, the present study characterized gray matter volume development in young children with PAE (N = 42, 84 scans, ages 3-8 years) compared to unexposed children (N = 127, 450 scans, ages 2-8.5 years). Overall, we observed altered global and regional gray matter development trajectories in the PAE group, wherein they had attenuated age-related increases and more volume decreases relative to unexposed children. Moreover, we found more pronounced sex differences in children with PAE; females with PAE having the smallest gray matter volumes and the least age-related changes of all groups. This pattern of altered development may indicate reduced brain plasticity and/or accelerated maturation and may underlie the cognitive/behavioral difficulties often experienced by children with PAE. In conjunction with previous research on older children, adolescents, and adults with PAE, our results suggest that gray matter volume differences associated with PAE vary by age and may become more apparent in older children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Long
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Preeti Kar
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Nils D. Forkert
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Bennett A. Landman
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Computer Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - W. Ben Gibbard
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Christina Tortorelli
- Department of Child Studies and Social Work, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Carly A. McMorris
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Yuankai Huo
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Computer Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Catherine A. Lebel
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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7
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van de Wouw M, Wang Y, Workentine ML, Vaghef-Mehrabani E, Barth D, Mercer EM, Dewey D, Arrieta MC, Reimer RA, Tomfohr-Madsen L, Giesbrecht GF. Cluster-specific associations between the gut microbiota and behavioral outcomes in preschool-aged children. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:60. [PMID: 38515179 PMCID: PMC10956200 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01773-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gut microbiota is recognized as a regulator of brain development and behavioral outcomes during childhood. Nonetheless, associations between the gut microbiota and behavior are often inconsistent among studies in humans, perhaps because many host-microbe relationships vary widely between individuals. This study aims to stratify children based on their gut microbiota composition (i.e., clusters) and to identify novel gut microbiome cluster-specific associations between the stool metabolomic pathways and child behavioral outcomes. METHODS Stool samples were collected from a community sample of 248 typically developing children (3-5 years). The gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S sequencing while LC-MS/MS was used for untargeted metabolomics. Parent-reported behavioral outcomes (i.e., Adaptive Skills, Internalizing, Externalizing, Behavioral Symptoms, Developmental Social Disorders) were assessed using the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-2). Children were grouped based on their gut microbiota composition using the Dirichlet multinomial method, after which differences in the metabolome and behavioral outcomes were investigated. RESULTS Four different gut microbiota clusters were identified, where the cluster enriched in both Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium (Ba2) had the most distinct stool metabolome. The cluster characterized by high Bifidobacterium abundance (Bif), as well as cluster Ba2, were associated with lower Adaptive Skill scores and its subcomponent Social Skills. Cluster Ba2 also had significantly lower stool histidine to urocanate turnover, which in turn was associated with lower Social Skill scores in a cluster-dependent manner. Finally, cluster Ba2 had increased levels of compounds involved in Galactose metabolism (i.e., stachyose, raffinose, alpha-D-glucose), where alpha-D-glucose was associated with the Adaptive Skill subcomponent Daily Living scores (i.e., ability to perform basic everyday tasks) in a cluster-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS These data show novel associations between the gut microbiota, its metabolites, and behavioral outcomes in typically developing preschool-aged children. Our results support the concept that cluster-based groupings could be used to develop more personalized interventions to support child behavioral outcomes. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel van de Wouw
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yanan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Microbiomes for One Systems Health, Health & Biosecurity, CSIRO, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Matthew L Workentine
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UCVM Bioinformatics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elnaz Vaghef-Mehrabani
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Delaney Barth
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Emily M Mercer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- International Microbiome Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marie-Claire Arrieta
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- International Microbiome Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Raylene A Reimer
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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8
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Campbell SA, Bradley HA, Mulder RT, Henderson JMT, Dixon L, Haslett LC, Rucklidge JJ. Effect of antenatal micronutrient or antidepressant exposure on Brazelton neonatal behavioral assessment scale (NBAS) performance within one-month of birth. Early Hum Dev 2024; 190:105948. [PMID: 38367590 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2024.105948] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal depression is a risk factor for poor infant outcomes. Broad-spectrum-micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) have shown efficacy in treating psychiatric symptoms in non-pregnant populations and are associated with reduced incidence of adverse birth outcomes, and improvements in neonatal development. We investigated the effects of treatment of antenatal depression with micronutrients above the Recommended Dietary Allowance on infant development compared to treatment with antidepressant medications and controls. METHOD One-hundred-and-three infants were assessed using the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) within 28 days of birth: 37 exposed to micronutrients in-utero (50-182 days exposure), 18 to antidepressants in-utero (exposure for full gestation), and 48 controls whose mothers received neither treatment nor experienced depressive symptoms. RESULTS Controlling for gestational age and parity, there were significant group differences on habituation, orientation, motor, state regulation, autonomic stability and reflexes (p < .05). Micronutrient-exposed performed better than antidepressant-exposed and controls on habituation, motor and autonomic stability (p < .05), effect sizes ranged 1.0-1.7 and 0.5-1.0, respectively. Antidepressant-exposed performed significantly worse on orientation and reflexes compared to micronutrient-exposed and controls. Micronutrient-exposed had significantly better state regulation compared to antidepressant-exposed. There was an association between micronutrient exposure length and better habituation (r = 0.41, p = .028). Micronutrient exposure was generally identified as a stronger predictor of neonatal performance over maternal depression, social adversity, gestational age and infant sex. CONCLUSION In-utero micronutrient exposure appears to mitigate risks of depression on infant outcomes showing positive effects on infant behavior, on par with or better than typical pregnancies and superior to antidepressants. Limitations include differential exposure to micronutrients/antidepressants and lack of group blinding.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Campbell
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - H A Bradley
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - R T Mulder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, New Zealand
| | - J M T Henderson
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - L Dixon
- New Zealand College of Midwives, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - L C Haslett
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - J J Rucklidge
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, New Zealand.
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9
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Vaghef-Mehrabani E, Bell RC, Field CJ, Jarman M, Evanchuk JL, Letourneau N, Dewey D, Giesbrecht GF. Maternal pre-pregnancy weight status and gestational weight gain in association with child behavior: The mediating role of prenatal systemic inflammation. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2024; 59:249-256. [PMID: 38220383 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.12.006] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity and excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) may predispose children to behavioral problems through increased prenatal inflammation. We investigated the association between maternal body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG), and child behavioral problems (primary aim), and the mediating role of prenatal inflammation (secondary aim). METHODS We used self-reported pre-pregnancy BMI and estimated-GWG data (N = 1137) from a longitudinal cohort study. Maternal serum C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured in the 3rd-trimester. Parent-reported Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was used to assess child internalizing and externalizing behaviors at 3-years-of-age. We used analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), multiple linear regression, and mediation analyses for data analysis. RESULTS Maternal obesity (F = 21.98, df 3836), EGWG (F = 6.53, df 2764), and their combination (F = 18.51, df 3764) were associated with the 3rd trimester CRP, but not child behavior in the whole sample. Maternal underweight was associated with withdrawal problems in all children (β = 0.56, 95%CI, 0.11,1.00) and aggressive behaviors in female children (β = 2.59, 95%CI, 0.28,4.91). Obesity had a significant association with externalizing behaviors in female children after controlling for maternal CRP (β = 3.72, 95%CI, 0.12,7.32). Both inadequate and EGWG were associated with somatic complaints in male children (β = 0.50, 95%CI, 0.05,0.95; β = 0.36, 95%CI, 0.01,0.71, respectively). Combined obesity/EGWG was associated with externalizing (β = 6.12, 95%CI, 0.53,11.70) and aggressive (β = 4.23, 95%CI, 0.90,7.56) behaviors in female children. We found no significant effects through CRP. CONCLUSIONS Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG showed sex-specific associations with child behavioral problems. Prenatal CRP, although increased in obesity and EGWG, did not mediate these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Vaghef-Mehrabani
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Rhonda C Bell
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Catherine J Field
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Megan Jarman
- School of Psychology, College of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jenna L Evanchuk
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Deborah Dewey
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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10
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Merrill SM, Letourneau N, Giesbrecht GF, Edwards K, MacIsaac JL, Martin JW, MacDonald AM, Kinniburgh DW, Kobor MS, Dewey D, England-Mason G, The APrON Study Team. Sex-Specific Associations between Prenatal Exposure to Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate, Epigenetic Age Acceleration, and Susceptibility to Early Childhood Upper Respiratory Infections. EPIGENOMES 2024; 8:3. [PMID: 38390895 PMCID: PMC10885049 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes8010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a common plasticizer that can affect immune system development and susceptibility to infection. Aging processes (measured as epigenetic age acceleration (EAA)) may mediate the immune-related effects of prenatal exposure to DEHP. This study's objective was to examine associations between prenatal DEHP exposure, EAA at three months of age, and the number of upper respiratory infections (URIs) from 12 to 18 months of age using a sample of 69 maternal-child pairs from a Canadian pregnancy cohort. Blood DNA methylation data were generated using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip; EAA was estimated using Horvath's pan-tissue clock. Robust regressions examined overall and sex-specific associations. Higher prenatal DEHP exposure (B = 6.52, 95% CI = 1.22, 11.81) and increased EAA (B = 2.98, 95% CI = 1.64, 4.32) independently predicted more URIs. In sex-specific analyses, some similar effects were noted for boys, and EAA mediated the association between prenatal DEHP exposure and URIs. In girls, higher prenatal DEHP exposure was associated with decreased EAA, and no mediation was noted. Higher prenatal DEHP exposure may be associated with increased susceptibility to early childhood URIs, particularly in boys, and aging biomarkers such as EAA may be a biological mechanism. Larger cohort studies examining the potential developmental immunotoxicity of phthalates are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Merrill
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
- Department of Medical Genetics, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC V6H 0B3, Canada
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Karlie Edwards
- Department of Medical Genetics, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC V6H 0B3, Canada
| | - Julia L MacIsaac
- Department of Medical Genetics, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC V6H 0B3, Canada
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amy M MacDonald
- Alberta Centre for Toxicology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - David W Kinniburgh
- Alberta Centre for Toxicology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Michael S Kobor
- Department of Medical Genetics, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC V6H 0B3, Canada
- Program in Child and Brain Development, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Gillian England-Mason
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - The APrON Study Team
- University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
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11
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Grisbrook MA, Dewey D, Cuthbert C, McDonald S, Ntanda H, Letourneau N. The Association between Cesarean Section Delivery and Child Behavior: Is It Mediated by Maternal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Maternal Postpartum Depression? Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:61. [PMID: 38247713 PMCID: PMC10813011 DOI: 10.3390/bs14010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cesarean sections (C-sections) account for up to 21% of births worldwide. Studies have linked delivery via C-section with an increased risk of child behavior problems, such as internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Maternal postpartum depression (PPD) is also linked to child behavioral problems and may play a mediating role in the association between the mode of delivery and child behavior. Mixed findings between mode of delivery and PPD may be due to a failure to distinguish between C-section types, as unplanned/emergency C-sections are linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which has been linked to PPD. The objectives of this study were to determine whether, (1) compared with spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) and planned C-section, unplanned/emergency C-sections are associated with increased child behavior problems at two to three years of age and (2) maternal PTSD and PPD mediate the association between delivery type and child behavior problems. A secondary data analysis was conducted on 938 mother-child dyads enrolled in the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study. Conditional process modeling was employed. Child behavior was assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) 1.5-5 years, and maternal PPD and PTSD were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire (PDSQ), respectively. No associations were found between delivery type and child behaviors; however, the indirect effect of emergency C-section on child behaviors was significant via the mediating pathway of maternal PTSD on PPD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Andrée Grisbrook
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (M.-A.G.); (C.C.)
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Owerko Centre, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (D.D.); (H.N.)
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Colleen Cuthbert
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (M.-A.G.); (C.C.)
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Sheila McDonald
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Henry Ntanda
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Owerko Centre, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (D.D.); (H.N.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; (M.-A.G.); (C.C.)
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Owerko Centre, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (D.D.); (H.N.)
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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12
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Nichols ES, Grace M, Correa S, de Vrijer B, Eagleson R, McKenzie CA, de Ribaupierre S, Duerden EG. Sex- and age-based differences in fetal and early childhood hippocampus maturation: a cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhad421. [PMID: 37950876 PMCID: PMC10793584 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad421] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus, essential for cognitive and affective processes, develops exponentially with differential trajectories seen in girls and boys, yet less is known about its development during early fetal life until early childhood. In a cross-sectional and longitudinal study, we examined the sex-, age-, and laterality-related developmental trajectories of hippocampal volumes in fetuses, infants, and toddlers associated with age. Third trimester fetuses (27-38 weeks' gestational age), newborns (0-4 weeks' postnatal age), infants (5-50 weeks' postnatal age), and toddlers (2-3 years postnatal age) were scanned with magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 133 datasets (62 female, postmenstrual age [weeks] M = 69.38, SD = 51.39, range = 27.6-195.3) were processed using semiautomatic segmentation methods. Hippocampal volumes increased exponentially during the third trimester and the first year of life, beginning to slow at approximately 2 years. Overall, boys had larger hippocampal volumes than girls. Lateralization differences were evident, with left hippocampal growth beginning to plateau sooner than the right. This period of rapid growth from the third trimester, continuing through the first year of life, may support the development of cognitive and affective function during this period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily S Nichols
- Department of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Education, Western University, 1137 Western Road, London, Ontario, Canada
- Western Institute for Neuroscience, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Michael Grace
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Susana Correa
- Western Institute for Neuroscience, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Barbra de Vrijer
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London Health Sciences Centre-Victoria Hospital, B2-401, London, Ontario N6H 5W9, Canada
- Division of Maternal, Fetal and Newborn Health, Children's Health Research Institute, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, Ontario N6C 2V5, Canada
| | - Roy Eagleson
- Western Institute for Neuroscience, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Western University, Canada
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Charles A McKenzie
- Division of Maternal, Fetal and Newborn Health, Children's Health Research Institute, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, Ontario N6C 2V5, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Canada
| | - Sandrine de Ribaupierre
- Western Institute for Neuroscience, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
- Division of Maternal, Fetal and Newborn Health, Children's Health Research Institute, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, Ontario N6C 2V5, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Western University, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Canada
| | - Emma G Duerden
- Department of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Education, Western University, 1137 Western Road, London, Ontario, Canada
- Western Institute for Neuroscience, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario N6A 3K7, Canada
- Division of Maternal, Fetal and Newborn Health, Children's Health Research Institute, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, Ontario N6C 2V5, Canada
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13
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Evanchuk JL, Kozyrskyj A, Vaghef-Mehrabani E, Lamers Y, Giesbrecht GF, Letourneau N, Aghajafari F, Dewey D, Leung B, Bell RC, Field CJ. Maternal Iron and Vitamin D Status during the Second Trimester Is Associated with Third Trimester Depression Symptoms among Pregnant Participants in the APrON Cohort. J Nutr 2024; 154:174-184. [PMID: 37984742 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.10.029] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The maternal status of multiple micronutrients during pregnancy and postpartum and their potential associations with maternal health outcomes are largely undescribed. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine associations between maternal iron and vitamin D status, individually and in combination, on depression symptoms in pregnant individuals. METHODS The Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition cohort study included pregnant participants and their children from Calgary and Edmonton, Canada. Iron biomarkers (serum ferritin [SF], soluble transferrin receptor, and hepcidin) were measured via immunoassays and vitamin D [25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) and 3-epi-25-hydoxyvitamin D3 (3-epi-25(OH)D3)] metabolites were quantifed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectroscopy. Four categories of maternal iron and vitamin D status during the second trimester were conceptualized using concentrations of SF and total 25-hydoxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], respectively. Maternal Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores during the third trimester (n = 1920) and 3 mo postpartum (n = 1822) were obtained. RESULTS Concentrations of maternal 25(OH)D3, 3-epi-25(OH)D3, and the ratio of both metabolites were significantly higher during the second trimester compared with their status at 3 mo postpartum. Higher second trimester maternal concentrations of SF (β: -0.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.5, -0.01), hepcidin (β: -0.5; 95% CI: -0.9, -0.2), and 25(OH)D3 (β: -0.01; 95% CI: -0.02, -0.004) predicted lower maternal EPDS scores during the third trimester. Pregnant individuals with a low iron (SF <15 μg/L) and replete vitamin D (25(OH)D ≥75 nmol/L) (β: 1.1; 95% CI: 0.03, 2.1) or low iron (SF <15 μg/L) and vitamin D (25(OH)D <75 nmol/L) (β: 2.2; 95% CI: 0.3, 4.2) status during midpregnancy had higher third trimester EPDS scores compared with those that were replete in both micronutrients. CONCLUSIONS A higher midpregnancy maternal iron and vitamin D status, independently or in combination, predicted fewer maternal depression symptoms in the third trimester. Concentrations of maternal 25(OH)D3 and 3-epi-25(OH)D3 may be lower in the postpartum period compared with midpregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna L Evanchuk
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Anita Kozyrskyj
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Yvonne Lamers
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; British Columbia's Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Fariba Aghajafari
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Brenda Leung
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Rhonda C Bell
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Catherine J Field
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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14
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Rojas L, van de Wouw M, Wang Y, Vaghef-Mehrabani E, Dewey D, Reimer RA, Letourneau N, Campbell T, Arrieta MC, Giesbrecht GF. Long-term and trimester-specific effects of prenatal stress on the child gut microbiota. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 158:106380. [PMID: 37696229 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106380] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Stress is common among pregnant individuals and is associated with an altered gut microbiota composition in infants. It is unknown if these compositional changes persist into the preschool years when the gut microbiota reaches an adult-like composition. This study aimed to investigate if indicators of prenatal stress (i.e., psychological distress and stress-related physiology) are associated with children's gut microbiota composition and metabolites at 3-4 years of age. METHODS Maternal-child pairs (n = 131) were from the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) cohort. Each trimester, psychological distress was measured as symptoms of anxiety (Symptom Checklist-90-R) and depressed mood (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), whereas salivary cortisol was quantified as a measure of stress-related physiology. Child stool samples were collected at 3-4 years to evaluate gut microbiota composition using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and fecal metabolome using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Associations between prenatal distress and cortisol with the gut microbiota were determined using Pearson and Spearman correlations and corrected for multiple testing. Associations between prenatal distress and cortisol with the fecal metabolome were assessed using Metaboanalyst. RESULTS Symptoms of depressed mood during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters and anxiety during the 2nd trimester of pregnancy were associated with increased alpha diversity of the child's gut microbiota. Cortisol levels during the 1st trimester were also associated with increased Faith PD diversity (r = 0.32), whereas cortisol levels during the 2nd trimester were associated with reduced Shannon diversity (r = -0.27). Depression scores during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters were associated with reductions in the relative abundances of Eggerthella, Parasutterella, and increases in Ruminococcaceae (rs = -0.28, rs = -0.32, rs = 0.32, respectively), as well as the fecal metabolome (e.g., branched-chain amino acid metabolism). Cortisol levels during the 2nd trimester correlated with 7 bacterial taxa, whereas 1st-trimester cortisol levels were associated with the child's fecal metabolome. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal distress and cortisol were associated with both child gut microbiota composition and fecal metabolome at preschool age. Understanding these associations may allow for the identification of microbiota-targeted interventions to support child developmental outcomes affected by prenatal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rojas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marcel van de Wouw
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yanan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Microbiomes for One Systems Health, Health & Biosecurity, CSIRO, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Raylene A Reimer
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
| | - Tavis Campbell
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marie-Claire Arrieta
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; International Microbiome Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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15
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England-Mason G, Anderson A, Bell RC, Subhan FB, Field CJ, Letourneau N, Giesbrecht GF, Dewey D. Maternal Pre-Pregnancy BMI and Gestational Weight Gain Are Associated with Preschool Children's Neuropsychological Outcomes in the APrON Cohort. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1849. [PMID: 38136051 PMCID: PMC10742277 DOI: 10.3390/children10121849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the associations between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain (GWG) and children's neuropsychological outcomes at 3 to 5 years of age. A total of 379 women and their children from the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study participated. Covariate-adjusted robust regressions examined associations between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, GWG class, interaction terms, and child outcomes. Each unit increase in maternal BMI was linked to a 0.48-point decrement (95% CI: -0.75 to -0.21) in children's Full Scale IQ. Higher pre-pregnancy BMI was related to poorer performance on the other intelligence indexes (B = -0.35 to -0.47, 95% CIs: -0.75, -0.02) and lower performance on measures of language (B = -0.08 to -0.09, 95% CIs: -0.16, -0.02), motor skills (B = -0.08 to -0.11, 95% CIs: -0.18, -0.01), and executive function (B = -0.09 to -0.16, 95% CIs: -0.26, -0.01). GWG below the recommended range was associated with a 4.04-point decrement (95% CI: 7.89, -0.11) in Full Scale IQ, but better performance on a spatial working memory test (B = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.52). GWG above the recommended range was associated with lower language (B = -0.79, 95% CI: -1.52, -0.06) and memory scores (B = -0.93, 95% CI: -1.64, -0.22). Interactions were found between pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG on measures of intelligence and executive function. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG are related to children's performance in various neuropsychological domains and may interact to predict outcomes. Optimizing maternal health and weight prior to conception and during pregnancy may enhance children's neuropsychological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian England-Mason
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada (N.L.); (G.F.G.)
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Alida Anderson
- O’Brien Centre for the Bachelor of Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | - Rhonda C. Bell
- Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (R.C.B.); (C.J.F.)
| | - Fatheema B. Subhan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA 91768, USA;
| | - Catherine J. Field
- Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (R.C.B.); (C.J.F.)
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada (N.L.); (G.F.G.)
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Gerald F. Giesbrecht
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada (N.L.); (G.F.G.)
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada (N.L.); (G.F.G.)
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - The APrON Study Team
- University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
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16
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Soomro MH, England-Mason G, Liu J, Reardon AJF, MacDonald AM, Kinniburgh DW, Martin JW, Dewey D. Associations between the chemical exposome and pregnancy induced hypertension. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 237:116838. [PMID: 37544468 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental chemicals has been linked to an increased risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). This prospective cohort study examined the associations between PIH and maternal chemical exposure to four classes of chemicals (i.e., phthalates, bisphenols, perfluoroalkyl acids, non-essential metals and trace minerals). Participants included 420 pregnant women from the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) cohort who had data available on diagnosed PIH and environmental chemical exposure. Twelve phthalate metabolites, two bisphenols, eight perfluoroalkyl acids and eleven non-essential metals or trace minerals were quantified in maternal urine or blood samples collected in the second trimester of pregnancy. Associations between the urinary and blood concentrations of these chemicals and PIH were assessed using multiple logistic and LASSO regression analyses in single- and multi-chemical exposure models, respectively. Thirty-five (8.3%) participants were diagnosed with PIH. In single chemical exposure models, two phthalate metabolites, mono-methyl phthalate (MMP) and monoethyl phthalate (MEP), three perfluoroalkyl acids, perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and one metal, manganese, were associated with increased odds of PIH. The metabolites of di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and the molar sum of these metabolites, as well as antimony, displayed trend associations (p < 0.10). In multi-chemical exposure models using LASSO penalized regressions and double-LASSO regressions, MEP (AOR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.09-1.88, p = 0.009) and PFNA (AOR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.01-4.07, p = 0.04) were selected as the chemicals most highly associated with PIH. These findings suggest that maternal levels of phthalates and perfluoroalkyl acids may be associated with the diagnosis on PIH. Future research should consider both individual and multi-chemical exposures when examining predictors of PIH and other maternal cardiometabolic health disorders, such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and gestational diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munawar Hussain Soomro
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Gillian England-Mason
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Jiaying Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anthony J F Reardon
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amy M MacDonald
- Alberta Centre for Toxicology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - David W Kinniburgh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Centre for Toxicology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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17
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Pauline ML, Huynh C, Wizzard PR, Nation PN, Field CJ, Wales PW, Turner JM. In parenteral nutrition-fed piglets, fatty acids vary by lipid emulsion and tissue sampled. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 2023; 47:1038-1046. [PMID: 37416983 DOI: 10.1002/jpen.2547] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with intestinal failure without liver disease may be given soy-based lipid emulsion (SLE) or mixed lipid emulsion (MLE; containing soy, medium-chain triglyceride, olive, and/or fish oils). Both differ in essential fatty acid content: MLE has added arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The aim of this study, in neonatal piglets, was to compare serum and tissue fatty acid composition when the emulsions were given at unrestricted doses. METHODS We compared SLE (n = 15) and MLE (n = 15) at doses of 10-15 g/kg/day in parenteral nutrition (PN). On day 14 we collected serum and tissues. Using gas-liquid chromatography, percentage fatty acids were measured in serum, brain, and liver phospholipid. Comparisons were made to reference values from litter-matched controls (n = 8). RESULTS Comparing median values, linoleic acid (LA) was lower for MLE vs SLE in serum (-27%), liver (-45%), and brain (-33%) (P < 0.001). AA was lower for MLE in serum (-25%), liver (-40%), and brain (-10%). DHA was higher for MLE in serum (+50%), liver (+200%), and brain (+10%). AA levels were lower for MLE vs control piglets in serum (-81%), liver (-63%), and brain (-9%). DHA levels were higher in serum (+41%), liver (+38%), and brain (+19%). CONCLUSION This study in piglets has shown that, at unrestricted doses, MLE treatment is associated with low serum and tissue AA compared with SLE and healthy litter-matched controls. Although not yet proven, low tissue AA levels may have functional consequences, and these data support current practice avoiding MLE dose restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirielle L Pauline
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Caitlin Huynh
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Pamela R Wizzard
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Patrick N Nation
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Catherine J Field
- Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Paul W Wales
- Department of Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Justine M Turner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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18
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Dewey D, Martin JW, MacDonald AM, Kinniburgh DW, Letourneau N, Giesbrecht GF, Field CJ, Bell RC, England-Mason G. Sex-specific associations between maternal phthalate exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children at 2 years of age in the APrON cohort. Neurotoxicology 2023; 98:48-60. [PMID: 37517784 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.07.005] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is inconsistent evidence regarding the sex-specific associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and children's neurodevelopment. This could be due to differences in the phthalate exposures investigated and the neurodevelopmental domains assessed. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and sex-specific outcomes on measures of cognition, language, motor, executive function, and behaviour in children 2 years of age in the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) cohort. METHODS We evaluated the associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and sex-specific neurodevelopmental outcomes in children at 2 years of age using data from 448 mothers and their children (222 girls, 226 boys). Nine phthalate metabolites were measured in maternal urine collected in the second trimester of pregnancy. Children's cognitive, language, and motor outcomes were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development - Third Edition (Bayley-III). Parents completed questionnaires on children's executive function and behavior, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function- Preschool Version (BRIEF-P) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), respectively. Sex-stratified robust multivariate regressions were performed. RESULTS Higher maternal concentrations of ΣDEHP and its metabolites were associated with lower scores on the Bayley-III Cognitive (β's from -11.8 to -0.07 95% CI's from -21.3 to -0.01), Language (β's from -11.7 to -0. 09, 95% CI's from -22.3 to -0.02) and Motor (β's from -10.9 to -0.07, 95% CI from -20.4 to -0.01) composites in boys. The patterns of association in girls were in the opposite direction on the Cognitive and Language composites; on the Motor composite they were in the same direction as boys, but of reduced strength. Higher concentrations of ΣDEHP and its metabolites were associated with higher scores (i.e., more difficulties) on all measures of executive function in girls: inhibitory self-control (B's from 0.05 to 0.11, 95% CI s from -0.01 to 0.15), flexibility (B's from 0.04 to 0.11, 95% CI s from 0.01 to 0.21) and emergent metacognition (B's from -0.01 to 0.06, 95% CIs from -0.01 to 0.20). Similar patterns of attenuated associations were seen in boys. Higher concentrations of ΣDEHP and its metabolites were associated with more Externalizing Problems in girls and boys (B's from 0.03 to 6.82, 95% CIs from -0.08 to 12.0). Two phthalates, MMP and MBP, had sex-specific adverse associations on measures of executive function and behaviour, respectively, while MEP was positively associated with boys' cognitive, language, and motor performance. Limited associations were observed between mixtures of maternal phthalates and sex-specific neurodevelopmental outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Maternal prenatal concentrations of DEHP phthalates were associated with sex specific difference on measures of cognition and language at 2 years of age, specifically, poorer outcomes in boys. Higher exposure to DEHP was associated with poorer motor, executive function, and behavioural outcomes in girls and boys but the strength of these associations differed by sex. Limited associations were noted between phthalate mixtures and child neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Dewey
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Department of Environmental Science, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amy M MacDonald
- Alberta Centre for Toxicology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - David W Kinniburgh
- Alberta Centre for Toxicology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Faculty of Nursing, Univerity of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Catherine J Field
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutrition Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rhonda C Bell
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutrition Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gillian England-Mason
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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19
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Evanchuk JL, Kozyrskyj A, Hanas N, Goruk S, Vaghef-Mehrabani E, Archundia-Herrera CM, O'Brien KO, Letourneau NL, Giesbrecht GF, Bell RC, Field CJ. Maternal Iron Status Is Dynamic Throughout Pregnancy and Might Predict Birth Outcomes in a Sex Dependent Manner: Results from the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) Cohort Study. J Nutr 2023; 153:2585-2597. [PMID: 37393033 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.06.042] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developmental responses to nutrient deprivation may differ by fetal sex. Despite this, relationships between maternal prenatal iron biomarkers and birth outcomes when stratifying by offspring sex are poorly described, especially in healthy cohorts. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine associations between maternal iron biomarkers and birth weights (BWs) and birth head circumferences (BHCs) among female and male newborns to assess whether the potential predictive ability of iron biomarkers on birth outcomes differs by offspring sex. METHODS The Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) cohort study recruited 2189 pregnant individuals from Calgary and Edmonton, Canada. Maternal blood was drawn at each trimester and 3 mo postpartum. Maternal serum ferritin (SF) concentrations were measured using chemiluminescent immunoassays and erythropoietin (EPO), hepcidin, and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Ratios of sTfR:SF and hepcidin:EPO were calculated and birth outcomes accessed through delivery records. Directed acyclic graphs informed multivariate regression models. RESULTS The risk of maternal iron deficiency increased throughout pregnancy because ∼61% showed depleted iron stores (SF < 15 μg/L) by the third trimester. Maternal hepcidin, SF, sTfR, and sTfR:SF concentrations changed across time (P < 0.01), and participants carrying female fetuses consistently (across 6 biomarkers) showed a lower iron status during the third trimester compared with those with male fetuses (P < 0.05). Higher maternal SF and hepcidin:EPO during the third trimester was associated with lower BWs in males (P = 0.006 for SF; P = 0.03 for hepcidin:EPO) and females (P = 0.02 for SF; P = 0.02 for hepcidin:EPO). There were additional inverse associations between BWs and third trimester maternal hepcidin (P = 0.03) and hemoglobin (P = 0.004) and between BHCs and maternal SF (second trimester; P < 0.05) and Hb (third trimester P = 0.02) but only in males. CONCLUSIONS Relationships between maternal iron biomarkers and BWs and BHCs may depend on the timing of pregnancy and offpsring sex. There was a high risk of third trimester iron storage depletion among generally healthy pregnant individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna L Evanchuk
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anita Kozyrskyj
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Natalie Hanas
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Susan Goruk
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Kimberly O O'Brien
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Nicole L Letourneau
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rhonda C Bell
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Catherine J Field
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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20
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Reardon AJF, Hajihosseini M, Dinu I, Field CJ, Kinniburgh DW, MacDonald AM, Dewey D, England-Mason G, Martin JW. Maternal co-exposure to mercury and perfluoroalkyl acid isomers and their associations with child neurodevelopment in a Canadian birth cohort. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108087. [PMID: 37454627 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) within the broader class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are present in human serum as isomer mixtures, but epidemiological studies have yet to address isomer-specific associations with child development and behavior. OBJECTIVES To examine associations between prenatal exposure to 25 PFAAs, including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) isomers, and child neurodevelopment among 490 mother-child pairs in a prospective Canadian birth cohort, the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study. To consider the influence of a classic neurotoxicant, total mercury (THg), based on its likelihood of co-exposure with PFAAs from common dietary sources. METHODS Maternal blood samples were collected in the second trimester and child neurodevelopment was assessed at 2 years of age using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd Edition (Bayley-III). Linear or curvilinear multiple regression models were used to examine associations between exposures and neurodevelopment outcomes. RESULTS Select PFAAs were associated with lower Cognitive composite scores, including perfluoroheptanoate (PFHpA) (β = -0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.7, -0.06) and perfluorododecanoate (PFDoA) (β = -2.0, 95% CI: -3.9, -0.01). Non-linear relationships revealed associations of total PFOS (β = -4.4, 95% CI: -8.3, -0.43), and linear-PFOS (β = -4.0, 95% CI: -7.5, -0.57) and 1m-PFOS (β = -1.8, 95% CI: -3.3, -0.24) isomers with lower Language composite scores. Although there was no effect modification, including THg interaction terms in PFAA models revealed negative associations between perfluorononanoate (PFNA) and Motor (β = -3.3, 95% CI: -6.2, -0.33) and Social-Emotional (β = -3.0, 95% CI: -5.6, -0.40) composite scores. DISCUSSION These findings reinforce previous reports of adverse effects of maternal PFAA exposure during pregnancy on child neurodevelopment. The unique hazards posed from isomers of PFOS justify isomer-specific analysis in future studies. To control for possible confounding, mercury co-exposure may be considered in studies of PFAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J F Reardon
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Irina Dinu
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Catherine J Field
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - David W Kinniburgh
- Alberta Centre for Toxicology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amy M MacDonald
- Alberta Centre for Toxicology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gillian England-Mason
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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21
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van de Wouw M, Rojas L, Vaghef-Mehrabani E, Wang Y, Fichter C, Workentine ML, Dewey D, Arrieta MC, Reimer RA, Tomfohr-Madsen L, Giesbrecht GF. Exploring Associations Between the Gut Microbiota and Full-Scale Intelligence in Preschool Children. Neurosci Lett 2023:137357. [PMID: 37355156 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between the gut microbiota and neurocognitive outcomes is becoming increasingly recognized; however, findings in humans are inconsistent. In addition, few studies have investigated the gut microbial metabolites that may mediate this relationship. The objective of this study was to investigate associations between full-scale intelligence (FSIQ) and the composition of the gut microbiota and metabolome in preschool children. Stool samples were collected from a community sample of 245 typically developing children (3-5 years) from the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) cohort. The faecal microbiome was assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing and the metabolome using LC-MS/MS. FSIQ and scores on the Verbal Comprehension, Visual Spatial, Working Memory indices of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-IV were used to assess neurocognition. Associations between the gut microbiota and FSIQ were determined using Pearson and Spearman correlations, which were corrected for multiple testing and relevant covariates. Verbal Comprehension negatively correlated with both Shannon alpha diversity (r=-0.14, p=0.032) and the caffeine-derived metabolite paraxanthine (r=-0.22, p<0.001). No other significant correlations were observed. Overall, the weak to modest correlations between Verbal Comprehension with alpha diversity and paraxanthine provide limited evidence of an association between the gut microbiota and neurocognitive outcomes in typically developing preschool children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel van de Wouw
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Laura Rojas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | | | - Yanan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Microbiomes for One Systems Health, Health & Biosecurity, CSIRO, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Chloe Fichter
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Matthew L Workentine
- UCVM Bioinformatics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Marie-Claire Arrieta
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; International Microbiome Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Raylene A Reimer
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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22
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Ostertag C, Reynolds JE, Kar P, Dewey D, Gibbard WB, Tortorelli C, Lebel C. Arcuate fasciculus and pre-reading language development in children with prenatal alcohol exposure. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1174165. [PMID: 37332878 PMCID: PMC10272404 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1174165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) contributes to widespread neurodevelopmental challenges, including reading, and has been associated with altered white matter. Here, we aimed to investigate whether arcuate fasciculus (AF) development is associated with pre-reading language skills in young children with PAE. Methods A total of 51 children with confirmed PAE (25 males; 5.6 ± 1.1 years) and 116 unexposed controls (57 males; 4.6 ± 1.2 years) underwent longitudinal diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), for a total of 111 scans from participants with PAE and 381 scans in the unexposed control group. We delineated the left and right AF and extracted mean fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD). Pre-reading language ability was assessed using age-standardized phonological processing (PP) and speeded naming (SN) scores of the NEPSY-II. Linear mixed effects models were run to determine the relationship between diffusion metrics and age, group, sex, and age-by-group interactions, with subject modeled as a random factor. A secondary mixed effect model analysis assessed the influence of white matter microstructure and PAE on pre-reading language ability using diffusion metric-by-age-by-group interactions, with 51 age- and sex-matched unexposed controls. Results Phonological processing (PP) and SN scores were significantly lower in the PAE group (p < 0.001). In the right AF, there were significant age-by-group interactions for FA (p < 0.001) and MD (p = 0.0173). In the left AF, there was a nominally significant age-by-group interaction for MD that failed to survive correction (p = 0.0418). For the pre-reading analysis, a significant diffusion-by-age-by-group interaction was found for left FA (p = 0.0029) in predicting SN scores, and for the right FA (p = 0.00691) in predicting PP scores. Discussion Children with PAE showed altered developmental trajectories for the AF, compared with unexposed controls. Children with PAE, regardless of age, showed altered brain-language relationships that resembled those seen in younger typically developing children. Our findings support the contention that altered developmental trajectories in the AF may be associated with functional outcomes in young children with PAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis Ostertag
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jess E. Reynolds
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Preeti Kar
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - W. Ben Gibbard
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, 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, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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23
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Irvine N, England-Mason G, Field CJ, Letourneau N, Bell RC, Giesbrecht GF, Kinniburgh DW, MacDonald AM, Martin JW, Dewey D. Associations between maternal folate status and choline intake during pregnancy and neurodevelopment at 3-4 years of age in the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2023; 14:402-414. [PMID: 36939090 PMCID: PMC10202845 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174423000041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Folate and choline are methyl donor nutrients that may play a role in fetal brain development. Animal studies have reported that prenatal folate and choline supplementation are associated with better cognitive outcomes in offspring and that these nutrients may interact and affect brain development. Human studies that have investigated associations between maternal prenatal folate or choline levels and neurodevelopmental outcomes have reported contradictory findings and no human studies have examined the potential interactive effect of folate and choline on children's neurodevelopment. During the second trimester of pregnancy, maternal red blood cell folate was measured from blood samples and choline intake was estimated using a 24-h dietary recall in 309 women in the APrON cohort. At 3-5 years of age, their children's neurodevelopment was assessed using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scales of Intelligence - Fourth EditionCND, NEPSY-II language and memory subtests, four behavioral executive function tasks, and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - Second Edition. Adjusted regressions revealed no associations between maternal folate and choline levels during pregnancy and most of the child outcomes. On the Dimensional Change Card Sort, an executive function task, there was an interaction effect; at high levels of choline intake (i.e., 1 SD above the mean; 223.03 mg/day), higher maternal folate status was associated with decreased odds of receiving a passing score (β = -0.44; 95%CI -0.81, -0.06). In conclusion, maternal folate status and choline intake during the second trimester of pregnancy were not associated with children's intelligence, language, memory, or motor outcomes at 3-4 years of age; however, their interaction may have an influence children's executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Irvine
- Bachelor of Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gillian England-Mason
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Catherine J Field
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rhonda C Bell
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - David W Kinniburgh
- Alberta Centre for Toxicology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amy M MacDonald
- Alberta Centre for Toxicology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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24
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Caffrey A, Lamers Y, Murphy MM, Letourneau N, Irwin RE, Pentieva K, Ward M, Tan A, Rojas‐Gómez A, Santos‐Calderón LA, Canals‐Sans J, Leung BMY, Bell R, Giesbrecht GF, Dewey D, Field CJ, Kobor M, Walsh CP, McNulty H. Epigenetic effects of folate and related B vitamins on brain health throughout life: Scientific substantiation and translation of the evidence for health improvement strategies. NUTR BULL 2023; 48:267-277. [PMID: 36807740 PMCID: PMC10946506 DOI: 10.1111/nbu.12611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Suboptimal status of folate and/or interrelated B vitamins (B12 , B6 and riboflavin) can perturb one-carbon metabolism and adversely affect brain development in early life and brain function in later life. Human studies show that maternal folate status during pregnancy is associated with cognitive development in the child, whilst optimal B vitamin status may help to prevent cognitive dysfunction in later life. The biological mechanisms explaining these relationships are not clear but may involve folate-related DNA methylation of epigenetically controlled genes related to brain development and function. A better understanding of the mechanisms linking these B vitamins and the epigenome with brain health at critical stages of the lifecycle is necessary to support evidence-based health improvement strategies. The EpiBrain project, a transnational collaboration involving partners in the United Kingdom, Canada and Spain, is investigating the nutrition-epigenome-brain relationship, particularly focussing on folate-related epigenetic effects in relation to brain health outcomes. We are conducting new epigenetics analysis on bio-banked samples from existing well-characterised cohorts and randomised trials conducted in pregnancy and later life. Dietary, nutrient biomarker and epigenetic data will be linked with brain outcomes in children and older adults. In addition, we will investigate the nutrition-epigenome-brain relationship in B vitamin intervention trial participants using magnetoencephalography, a state-of-the-art neuroimaging modality to assess neuronal functioning. The project outcomes will provide an improved understanding of the role of folate and related B vitamins in brain health, and the epigenetic mechanisms involved. The results are expected to provide scientific substantiation to support nutritional strategies for better brain health across the lifecycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Caffrey
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical SciencesUlster UniversityColeraineUK
| | - Y. Lamers
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Food Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food SystemsThe University of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - M. M. Murphy
- Unit of Preventive Medicine & Public Health, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health SciencesUniversitat Rovira i Virgili, IISPVReusSpain
- CIBEROBN, ISCIIIMadridSpain
| | - N. Letourneau
- Faculty of Nursing and Cumming School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - R. E. Irwin
- Genomic Medicine Group, School of Biomedical SciencesUlster UniversityColeraineUK
| | - K. Pentieva
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical SciencesUlster UniversityColeraineUK
| | - M. Ward
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical SciencesUlster UniversityColeraineUK
| | - A. Tan
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Food Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food SystemsThe University of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - A. Rojas‐Gómez
- Unit of Preventive Medicine & Public Health, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health SciencesUniversitat Rovira i Virgili, IISPVReusSpain
| | - L. A. Santos‐Calderón
- Unit of Preventive Medicine & Public Health, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health SciencesUniversitat Rovira i Virgili, IISPVReusSpain
| | - J. Canals‐Sans
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and PsychologyUniversitat Rovira i VirgiliTarragonaSpain
| | - B. M. Y. Leung
- Faulty of Health SciencesUniversity of LethbridgeLethbridgeAlbertaCanada
| | - R. Bell
- Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environment ScienceUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - G. F. Giesbrecht
- Faculty of Nursing and Cumming School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - D. Dewey
- Faculty of Nursing and Cumming School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - C. J. Field
- Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environment ScienceUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - M. Kobor
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Food Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food SystemsThe University of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - C. P. Walsh
- Genomic Medicine Group, School of Biomedical SciencesUlster UniversityColeraineUK
| | - H. McNulty
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical SciencesUlster UniversityColeraineUK
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25
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Donnici C, Long X, Reynolds J, Giesbrecht GF, Dewey D, Letourneau N, Huo Y, Landman B, Lebel C. Prenatal depressive symptoms and childhood development of brain limbic and default mode network structure. Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:2380-2394. [PMID: 36691973 PMCID: PMC10028635 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal depressive symptoms are linked to negative child behavioral and cognitive outcomes and predict later psychopathology in adolescent children. Prior work links prenatal depressive symptoms to child brain structure in regions like the amygdala; however, the relationship between symptoms and the development of brain structure over time remains unclear. We measured maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy and acquired longitudinal T1-weighted and diffusion imaging data in children (n = 111; 60 females) between 2.6 and 8 years of age. Controlling for postnatal symptoms, we used linear mixed effects models to test relationships between prenatal depressive symptoms and age-related changes in (i) amygdala and hippocampal volume and (ii) structural properties of the limbic and default-mode networks using graph theory. Higher prenatal depressive symptoms in the second trimester were associated with more curvilinear trajectories of left amygdala volume changes. Higher prenatal depressive symptoms in the third trimester were associated with slower age-related changes in limbic global efficiency and average node degree across childhood. Our work provides evidence that moderate symptoms of prenatal depression in a low sociodemographic risk sample are associated with structural brain development in regions and networks implicated in emotion processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Donnici
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Xiangyu Long
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jess Reynolds
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yuankai Huo
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Bennett Landman
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Catherine Lebel
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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26
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Schmidt RA, Wey TW, Harding KD, Fortier I, Atkinson S, Tough S, Letourneau N, Knight JA, Fraser WD, Bocking A. A harmonized analysis of five Canadian pregnancy cohort studies: exploring the characteristics and pregnancy outcomes associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:128. [PMID: 36855094 PMCID: PMC9972615 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05447-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a teratogen, alcohol exposure during pregnancy can impact fetal development and result in adverse birth outcomes. Despite the clinical and social importance of prenatal alcohol use, limited routinely collected information or epidemiological data exists in Canada. The aim of this study was to pool data from multiple Canadian cohort studies to identify sociodemographic characteristics before and during pregnancy that were associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy and to assess the impact of different patterns of alcohol use on birth outcomes. METHODS We harmonized information collected (e.g., pregnant women's alcohol intake, infants' gestational age and birth weight) from five Canadian pregnancy cohort studies to consolidate a large sample (n = 11,448). Risk factors for any alcohol use during pregnancy, including any alcohol use prior to pregnancy recognition, and binge drinking, were estimated using binomial regressions including fixed effects of pregnancy cohort membership and multiple maternal risk factors. Impacts of alcohol use during pregnancy on birth outcomes (preterm birth and low birth weight for gestational) were also estimated using binomial regression models. RESULTS In analyses adjusting for multiple risk factors, women's alcohol use during pregnancy, both any use and any binge drinking, was associated with drinking prior to pregnancy, smoking during pregnancy, and white ethnicity. Higher income level was associated with any drinking during pregnancy. Neither drinking during pregnancy nor binge drinking during pregnancy was significantly associated with preterm delivery or low birth weight for gestational age in our sample. CONCLUSIONS Pooling data across pregnancy cohort studies allowed us to create a large sample of Canadian women and investigate the risk factors for alcohol consumption during pregnancy. We suggest that future pregnancy and birth cohorts should always include questions related to the frequency and amount of alcohol consumed before and during pregnancy that are prospectively harmonized to support data reusability and collaborative research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose A. Schmidt
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada ,grid.155956.b0000 0000 8793 5925Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Tina W. Wey
- grid.63984.300000 0000 9064 4811Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Kelly D. Harding
- Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network, Vancouver, BC Canada ,grid.258970.10000 0004 0469 5874Department of Psychology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON Canada
| | - Isabel Fortier
- grid.63984.300000 0000 9064 4811Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Stephanie Atkinson
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Suzanne Tough
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada ,grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Cumming School of Medecine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- grid.22072.350000 0004 1936 7697Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Julia A. Knight
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada ,grid.250674.20000 0004 0626 6184Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - William D. Fraser
- grid.86715.3d0000 0000 9064 6198Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC Canada
| | - Alan Bocking
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
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27
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Jarman M, Shen Y, Yuan Y, Madsen M, Robson PJ, Bell RC. Applying suggested new terminology and definitions for human milk feeding in the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) longitudinal pregnancy cohort. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2023; 48:17-26. [PMID: 36137297 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2021-0658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The complexity of human milk-feeding behaviours may not be captured using simpler definitions of "exclusive" and "non-exclusive" breastfeeding. New definitions have been suggested to describe variation in these behaviours more fully but have not been widely applied. We applied the new definitions to data derived from 3-day human milk-feeding diaries. Participants (n = 1091) recorded the number, beginning/end time, and modes of feeding of infants aged 3 months. Data were used to create six exclusive groups according to feeding mode(s): (1) human milk at-breast only; (2) human milk at-breast and human milk in a bottle; (3) human milk at-breast and infant formula in a bottle; (4) human milk at-breast and human milk and infant formula mixed in the same bottle; (5) human milk at-breast, human milk in a bottle, and infant formula in a bottle (not mixed); and (6) a bottle that sometimes contained human milk and sometimes infant formula (not mixed), never at-breast. Differences in maternal and infant characteristics were examined among groups. Fifty-seven percent fed at-breast only (Group 1). Those in Group 1 spent a similar amount of time feeding directly at-breast (median 132 (IQR 98-172) min/day) as those in Groups 2 (124 (95-158)), 3 (143 (100-190)), and 5 (114 (84-142)) (p > 0.05), indicating that adding bottle feeding did not always reduce the time infants were fed at-breast. Applying new suggested definitions to describe human milk-feeding behaviours from the mothers' perspective highlights the complexity of patterns used and warrants further application and research to explore impacts on health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Jarman
- Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,School of Psychology, College of Health and Life Science, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ye Shen
- Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Yan Yuan
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB, Canada
| | - Mette Madsen
- Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Paula J Robson
- Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB, Canada.,Cancer Research & Analytics, Cancer Care Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1, Canada
| | - Rhonda C Bell
- Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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28
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Komanchuk J, Dewey D, Giesbrecht GF, Hart M, Anis L, Ntanda H, Cameron JL, Letourneau N. Association between maternal reflective function and preschool children’s cognitive abilities. Front Psychol 2022; 13:995426. [DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.995426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Children’s cognitive abilities (e.g., working memory) are associated with mental health, adaptive behaviors, and academic achievement, and may be enhanced by parental reflective function (i.e., capacity to reflect on mental states, feelings, thoughts, and intentions in one’s child and oneself). We evaluated associations between maternal reflective function and children’s cognitive abilities alone and while controlling for parent-child attachment and interaction quality, and psychosocial (i.e., maternal depressive symptoms, adverse childhood experiences) and sociodemographic (e.g., socioeconomic status) factors. Our sample, recruited in Canada, was primarily white and included 73 mothers and their 4–5 year old preschool children. Maternal reflective function was measured with the Reflective Functioning Scale applied to the Parent Development Interview and the Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses revealed that maternal reflective function was associated with children’s cognitive abilities. The Parent Development Interview rated child-reflective function was associated with children’s higher verbal comprehension alone and while adjusting for covariates (e.g., parent-child interaction quality, socioeconomic status), and the Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire Interest and Curiosity with higher verbal comprehension while adjusting for parent-child interactions and attachment pattern. The Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire Certainty in Mental States was associated with higher working memory scores for children while adjusting for covariates. Full Scale IQ and Visual Spatial Index were not significantly associated with maternal reflective function. Associations were found between secure and disorganized attachment with higher verbal comprehension and lower working memory, respectively. These findings highlight the importance of high maternal reflective function to cognitive abilities in early childhood.
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29
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Zheng J, Reynolds JE, Long M, Ostertag C, Pollock T, Hamilton M, Dunn JF, Liu J, Martin J, Grohs M, Landman B, Huo Y, Dewey D, Kurrasch D, Lebel C. The effects of prenatal bisphenol A exposure on brain volume of children and young mice. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:114040. [PMID: 35952745 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical used for the manufacturing of plastics, epoxy resin, and many personal care products. This ubiquitous endocrine disruptor is detectable in the urine of over 80% of North Americans. Although adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes have been observed in children with high gestational exposure to BPA, the effects of prenatal BPA on brain structure remain unclear. Here, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we studied the associations of maternal BPA exposure with children's brain structure, as well as the impact of comparable BPA levels in a mouse model. Our human data showed that most maternal BPA exposure effects on brain volumes were small, with the largest effects observed in the opercular region of the inferior frontal gyrus (ρ = -0.2754), superior occipital gyrus (ρ = -0.2556), and postcentral gyrus (ρ = 0.2384). In mice, gestational exposure to an equivalent level of BPA (2.25 μg BPA/kg bw/day) induced structural alterations in brain regions including the superior olivary complex (SOC) and bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) with larger effect sizes (1.07≤ Cohens d ≤ 1.53). Human (n = 87) and rodent (n = 8 each group) sample sizes, while small, are considered adequate to perform the primary endpoint analysis. Combined, these human and mouse data suggest that gestational exposure to low levels of BPA may have some impacts on the developing brain at the resolution of MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, 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
| | - Jess E Reynolds
- Department of Radiology, 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; Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Madison Long
- Department of Radiology, 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
| | - Curtis Ostertag
- Department of Radiology, 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
| | - Tyler Pollock
- Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, 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
| | - Max Hamilton
- Department of Radiology, 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
| | - Jeff F Dunn
- Department of Radiology, 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
| | - Jiaying Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jonathan Martin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm, SE-106 91, Sweden
| | - Melody Grohs
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Bennett Landman
- Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Yuankai Huo
- Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Deborah Kurrasch
- Department of Medical Genetics, 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
| | - Catherine Lebel
- Department of Radiology, 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.
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30
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Srivastava R, Dunbar M, Shevell M, Oskoui M, Basu A, Rivkin MJ, Shany E, de Vries LS, Dewey D, Letourneau N, Hill MD, Kirton A. Development and Validation of a Prediction Model for Perinatal Arterial Ischemic Stroke in Term Neonates. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2219203. [PMID: 35767262 PMCID: PMC9244611 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.19203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Perinatal arterial ischemic stroke (PAIS) is a focal brain injury in term neonates that is identified postnatally but is presumed to occur near the time of birth. Many pregnancy, delivery, and fetal factors have been associated with PAIS, but early risk detection is lacking; thus, targeted treatment and prevention efforts are currently limited. OBJECTIVE To develop and validate a diagnostic risk prediction model that uses common clinical factors to predict the probability of PAIS in a term neonate. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this diagnostic study, a prediction model was developed using multivariable logistic regression with registry-based case data collected between January 2003, and March 2020, from the Alberta Perinatal Stroke Project, Canadian Cerebral Palsy Registry, International Pediatric Stroke Study, and Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition study. Criteria for inclusion were term birth and no underlying medical conditions associated with stroke diagnosis. Records with more than 20% missing data were excluded. Variable selection was based on peer-reviewed literature. Data were analyzed in September 2021. EXPOSURES Clinical pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal factors associated with PAIS as common data elements across the 4 registries. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was the discriminative accuracy of the model predicting PAIS, measured by the concordance statistic (C statistic). RESULTS Of 2571 term neonates in the initial analysis (527 [20%] case and 2044 [80%] control individuals; gestational age range, 37-42 weeks), 1389 (54%) were male, with a greater proportion of males among cases compared with controls (318 [60%] vs 1071 [52%]). The final model was developed using 1924 neonates, including 321 cases (17%) and 1603 controls (83%), and 9 clinical factors associated with risk of PAIS in term neonates: maternal age, tobacco exposure, recreational drug exposure, preeclampsia, chorioamnionitis, intrapartum maternal fever, emergency cesarean delivery, low 5-minute Apgar score, and male sex. The model demonstrated good discrimination between cases and controls (C statistic, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.69-0.76) and good model fit (Hosmer-Lemeshow P = .20). Internal validation techniques yielded similar C statistics (0.73 [95% CI, 0.69-0.77] with bootstrap resampling, 10-fold cross-validated area under the curve, 0.72 [bootstrap bias-corrected 95% CI, 0.69-0.76]), as did a sensitivity analysis using cases and controls from Alberta, Canada, only (C statistic, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.65-0.77). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings suggest that clinical variables can be used to develop and internally validate a model to predict the risk of PAIS in term neonates, with good predictive performance and strong internal validity. Identifying neonates with a high probability of PAIS who could then be screened for early diagnosis and treatment may be associated with reductions in lifelong morbidity for affected individuals and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratika Srivastava
- Department of Pediatrics and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mary Dunbar
- Department of Pediatrics and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael Shevell
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Neurology/Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maryam Oskoui
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Neurology/Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anna Basu
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals, National Health Service Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Michael John Rivkin
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eilon Shany
- Department of Neonatology, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Linda S. de Vries
- Department of Neonatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael D. Hill
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Adam Kirton
- Department of Pediatrics and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Kar P, Reynolds JE, Gibbard WB, McMorris C, Tortorelli C, Lebel C. Trajectories of brain white matter development in young children with prenatal alcohol exposure. Hum Brain Mapp 2022; 43:4145-4157. [PMID: 35596624 PMCID: PMC9374879 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is associated with alterations to brain white matter microstructure. Previous studies of PAE have demonstrated different findings in young children compared to older children and adolescents, suggesting altered developmental trajectories and highlighting the need for longitudinal research. 122 datasets in 54 children with PAE (27 males) and 196 datasets in 89 children without PAE (45 males) were included in this analysis. Children underwent diffusion tensor imaging between 2 and 8 years of age, returning approximately every 6 months. Mean fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were obtained for 10 major brain white matter tracts and examined for age-related changes using linear mixed effects models with age, sex, group (PAE vs. control) and an age-by-group interaction. Children with PAE had slower decreases of MD over time in the genu of the corpus callosum, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, and uncinate fasciculus. No significant age-by-group interactions were noted for FA. These findings show slower white matter development in young children with PAE than in unexposed controls. This connects previous cross-sectional findings of lower MD in young children with PAE to findings of higher MD in older children and adolescents with PAE, and further helps to understand brain development in children with PAE. This deviation from typical development trajectories may reflect altered brain plasticity, which has implications for cognitive and behavioral learning in children with PAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Kar
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jess E Reynolds
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - William Ben Gibbard
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carly McMorris
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, 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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England-Mason G, Merrill SM, Gladish N, Moore SR, Giesbrecht GF, Letourneau N, MacIsaac JL, MacDonald AM, Kinniburgh DW, Ponsonby AL, Saffery R, Martin JW, Kobor MS, Dewey D. Prenatal exposure to phthalates and peripheral blood and buccal epithelial DNA methylation in infants: An epigenome-wide association study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 163:107183. [PMID: 35325772 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to phthalates has been associated with adverse health and neurodevelopmental outcomes. DNA methylation (DNAm) alterations may be a mechanism underlying these effects, but prior investigations of prenatal exposure to phthalates and neonatal DNAm profiles are limited to placental tissue and umbilical cord blood. OBJECTIVE Conduct an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of the associations between prenatal exposure to phthalates and DNAm in two accessible infant tissues, venous buffy coat blood and buccal epithelial cells (BECs). METHODS Participants included 152 maternal-infant pairs from the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study. Maternal second trimester urine samples were analyzed for nine phthalate metabolites. Blood (n = 74) or BECs (n = 78) were collected from 3-month-old infants and profiled for DNAm using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 (450K) BeadChip. Robust linear regressions were used to investigate the associations between high (HMWPs) and low molecular weight phthalates (LMWPs) and change in methylation levels at variable Cytosine-phosphate-Guanine (CpG) sites in infant tissues, as well as the sensitivity of associations to potential confounders. RESULTS One candidate CpG in gene RNF39 reported by a previous study examining prenatal exposure to phthalates and cord blood DNAm was replicated. The EWAS identified 12 high-confidence CpGs in blood and another 12 in BECs associated with HMWPs and/or LMWPs. Prenatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) associated with two of the CpGs associated with HMWPs in BECs. DISCUSSION Prenatal exposure to phthalates was associated with DNAm variation at CpGs annotated to genes associated with endocrine hormone activity (i.e., SLCO4A1, TPO), immune pathways and DNA damage (i.e., RASGEF1B, KAZN, HLA-A, MYO18A, DIP2C, C1or109), and neurodevelopment (i.e., AMPH, NOTCH3, DNAJC5). Future studies that characterize the stability of these associations in larger samples, multiple cohorts, across tissues, and investigate the potential associations between these biomarkers and relevant health and neurodevelopmental outcomes are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian England-Mason
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sarah M Merrill
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicole Gladish
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sarah R Moore
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julia L MacIsaac
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amy M MacDonald
- Alberta Centre for Toxicology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - David W Kinniburgh
- Alberta Centre for Toxicology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anne-Louise Ponsonby
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Södermanland, Sweden
| | - Michael S Kobor
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Associations among Caesarean Section Birth, Post-Traumatic Stress, and Postpartum Depression Symptoms. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084900. [PMID: 35457767 PMCID: PMC9025262 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Caesarean section (C-section) deliveries account for nearly 30% of births annually with emergency C-sections accounting for 7-9% of all births. Studies have linked C-sections to postpartum depression (PPD). PPD is linked to reduced quality of parent-child interaction, and adverse effects on maternal and child health. New mothers' perceptions of more negative childbirth experiences, such as unplanned/emergency C-sections, are linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which in turn is related to PPD. Our objectives were to determine: (1) the association between C-section type (unplanned/emergency vs. planned) and PPD symptoms, and (2) if postnatal PTSD symptoms mediate this association. Employing secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from 354 mother-child dyads between 2009 and 2013 from the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study, conditional process modeling was employed. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire (PDSQ) were administered at three months postpartum, to assess for postpartum depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms. The direct effect of emergency C-section on PPD symptoms was non-significant in adjusted and non-adjusted models; however, the indirect effect of emergency C-section on PPD symptoms with PTSD symptoms as a mediator was significant after controlling for prenatal depression symptoms, social support, and SES (β = 0.17 (SE = 0.11), 95% CI [0.03, 0.42]). This suggests that mothers who experienced an emergency or unplanned C-section had increased PTSD scores of nearly half a point (0.47) compared to mothers who underwent a planned C-section, even after adjustment. Overall, emergency C-section was indirectly associated with PPD symptoms, through PTSD symptoms. Findings suggest that PTSD symptoms may be a mechanism through which emergency C-sections are associated with the development of PPD symptoms.
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Letourneau N, Aghajafari F, Bell RC, Deane AJ, Dewey D, Field C, Giesbrecht G, Kaplan B, Leung B, Ntanda H. The Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) longitudinal study: cohort profile and key findings from the first three years. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e047503. [PMID: 35131812 PMCID: PMC8823238 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The objectives of the ongoing Canadian longitudinal cohort called the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study are to: (1) determine the relationship between maternal nutrient intake and status before, during, after pregnancy, and (a) maternal mental health, (b) pregnancy and birth outcomes, and (c) infant/child neurodevelopment and behavior; (2) identify maternal mental health and nutrient predictors of child behaviour; and (3) establish a DNA biobank to explore genomic predictors of children's neurodevelopment and behavior. The purpose of this paper is to describe the participants, measures, and key findings on maternal and paternal mental health, maternal nutrition, and child outcomes to when children are 3 years of age. PARTICIPANTS Participants included mothers and their children (n=2189) and mothers' partners (usually fathers; n=1325) from whom data were collected during the period from pregnancy to when children were 3 years of age, in Alberta, Canada. More than 88% of families have been retained to take part in completed data collection at 8 years of age. FINDINGS TO DATE Data comprise: questionnaires completed by pregnant women/mothers and their partners on mothers', fathers' and children's health; dietary interviews; clinical assessments; linkage to hospital obstetrical records; and biological samples such as DNA. Key findings on mental health, nutrition and child outcomes are presented. APrON women who consumed more selenium and omega-3 were less likely to develop symptoms of perinatal depression. Higher prenatal consumption of choline rich foods such as eggs and milk were recommended as was vitamin D supplementation for both mothers and children to meet guidelines. Couples in which both mothers and fathers were affected by perinatal depression reported lower incomes and higher maternal prenatal depressive symptoms and lower support from fathers postnatally and their children presented with the most behavioural problems. Maternal experiences of early adversity predicted increased likelihood of perinatal depression and anxiety and children's behavioural problems. FUTURE PLANS The APrON cohort offers a unique opportunity to advance understanding of the developmental origins of health and disease. There is a planned follow-up to collect data at 12 years of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Letourneau
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Cumming School of Medicine (Departments of Paediatrics, Psychiatry & Community Health Sciences), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Fariba Aghajafari
- Cumming School of Medicine (Family Medicine & Community Health Sciences), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rhonda C Bell
- Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrea J Deane
- Cumming School of Medicine (Pediatrics), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Cumming School of Medicine (Pediatrics), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Catherine Field
- Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gerald Giesbrecht
- Cumming School of Medicine (Pediatrics & Community Health Sciences), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bonnie Kaplan
- Cumming School of Medicine (Pediatrics & Community Health Sciences), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brenda Leung
- Health Science - Public Health Program, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Henry Ntanda
- Cumming School of Medicine (Pediatrics), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Pietrosanu M, Kong L, Yuan Y, Bell RC, Letourneau N, Jiang B. Associations between Longitudinal Gestational Weight Gain and Scalar Infant Birth Weight: A Bayesian Joint Modeling Approach. ENTROPY 2022; 24:e24020232. [PMID: 35205525 PMCID: PMC8871134 DOI: 10.3390/e24020232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite the importance of maternal gestational weight gain, it is not yet conclusively understood how weight gain during different stages of pregnancy influences health outcomes for either mother or child. We partially attribute this to differences in and the validity of statistical methods for the analysis of longitudinal and scalar outcome data. In this paper, we propose a Bayesian joint regression model that estimates and uses trajectory parameters as predictors of a scalar response. Our model remedies notable issues with traditional linear regression approaches found in the clinical literature. In particular, our methodology accommodates nonprospective designs by correcting for bias in self-reported prestudy measures; truly accommodates sparse longitudinal observations and short-term variation without data aggregation or precomputation; and is more robust to the choice of model changepoints. We demonstrate these advantages through a real-world application to the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) dataset and a comparison to a linear regression approach from the clinical literature. Our methods extend naturally to other maternal and infant outcomes as well as to areas of research that employ similarly structured data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Pietrosanu
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G1, Canada; (M.P.); (L.K.)
| | - Linglong Kong
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G1, Canada; (M.P.); (L.K.)
| | - Yan Yuan
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada;
| | - Rhonda C. Bell
- Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada;
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Faculty of Nursing and Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | - Bei Jiang
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G1, Canada; (M.P.); (L.K.)
- Correspondence:
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36
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van de Wouw M, Wang Y, Workentine ML, Vaghef-Mehrabani E, Dewey D, Reimer RA, Tomfohr-Madsen L, Giesbrecht GF. Associations Between the Gut Microbiota and Internalizing Behaviors in Preschool Children. Psychosom Med 2022; 84:159-169. [PMID: 34654024 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Emerging evidence points toward a connection between mental health and the gut microbiota and its metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids). It is unknown whether the gut microbiota is associated with the development of mental health problems (e.g., internalizing or externalizing behaviors) in preschool children. The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between the gut microbiota and internalizing and externalizing behaviors in preschool-aged children. METHODS A community sample of 248 typically developing children (3-5 years of age) provided a stool sample for gut microbiota and SCFA analysis. Parents reported child internalizing and externalizing behaviors using the Child Behavior Checklist. Associations between child behaviors and gut microbiota measures were analyzed using Spearman correlations followed by an adjustment for multiple testing, with subanalysis conducted in children clinically "at risk" for behavioral problems compared with those who were not. RESULTS There was a correlation between Shannon alpha diversity with internalizing behaviors (rs = -0.134, p = .035) and its subscale somatic complaints (rs = -0.144, p = .023). In addition, children clinically "at risk" for internalizing problems had decreased alpha diversity (U = 551, p = .017). Internalizing behaviors correlated with valerate and isobutyrate (rs = -0.147, p = .021; rs = -0.140, p = .028, respectively). Furthermore the somatic complaints subscale additionally correlated with acetate and butyrate (rs = -0.219, p = .001; rs = -0.241, p < .001, respectively). These findings were also present in children "at risk" for internalizing problems (U = 569, p = .026; U = 571, p = .028) and somatic complaints (U = 164, p = .004; U = 145, p = .001). CONCLUSIONS These analyses reveal novel associations between internalizing behaviors and the gut microbiota in preschool children. Furthermore, a relationship between somatic complaints and acetate and butyrate was identified, indicating that interventions that increase SCFA production warrant future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel van de Wouw
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (van de Wouw, Wang, Vaghef-Mehrabani, Dewey, Tomfohr-Madsen, Giesbrecht) and Psychology (Tomfohr-Madsen, Giesbrecht), University of Calgary; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI) (Dewey, Reimer, Tomfohr-Madsen, Giesbrecht); and Department of Community Health Sciences (Dewey, Giesbrecht), UCVM Bioinformatics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Workentine), Faculty of Kinesiology (Reimer), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine (Reimer), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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37
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Wang Y, van de Wouw M, Drogos L, Vaghef-Mehrabani E, Reimer RA, Tomfohr-Madsen L, Giesbrecht GF. Sleep and the gut microbiota in preschool-aged children. Sleep 2022; 45:6509073. [PMID: 35037059 PMCID: PMC9189981 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsac020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep plays a significant role in the mental and physical development of children. Emerging evidence in animals and human adults indicates a relationship between sleep and the gut microbiota; however, it is unclear whether the sleep of preschoolers during a key developmental period, associates with features of their gut microbiota. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between sleep and gut microbiota in preschool-aged children (4.37 ± 0.48 years, n = 143). Sleep measures included total night-time sleep (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), and wake-time after sleep onset (WASO) assessed using actigraphy. Beta-diversity differences between children with low and high TST (p = .048) suggest gut microbiota community differences. Particularly, relative abundance of Bifidobacterium was higher in the high TST group and Bacteroides, was higher in children who had greater SE and less WASO (LDA score >2). In contrast, some Lachnospiraceae members including Blautia and Coprococcus 1 were associated with shorter night-time sleep duration and less efficiency, respectively. We also found a group of fecal metabolites, including specific neuroactive compounds and immunomodulating metabolites were associated with greater sleep efficiency and less time awake at night. Notably, tryptophan and its metabolizing products were higher in children who had higher SE or lower WASO (LDA score >2); concentration of propionate was higher in children with less WASO (p = .036). Overall, our results reveal a novel association between sleep and gut microbiota in preschool-aged children. Longer night-time sleep and greater sleep efficiency were associated with specific commensal bacteria that may regulate sleep through modulating neurotransmitter metabolism and the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Lauren Drogos
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Raylene A Reimer
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, AB, Canada,Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada,Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Corresponding author. Gerry Giesbrecht, Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
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Moore SR, Merrill SM, Sekhon B, MacIsaac JL, Kobor MS, Giesbrecht GF, Letourneau N. Infant DNA methylation: an early indicator of intergenerational trauma? Early Hum Dev 2022; 164:105519. [PMID: 34890904 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2021.105519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increases risk for mental and physical health problems. Intergenerationally, mothers' ACEs predict children's health problems including neurodevelopmental and behavioural problems and poorer physical health. Theories of intergenerational trauma suggest that ACEs experienced in one generation negatively affect the health and well-being of future generations, with DNA methylation (DNAm) being one of several potential biological explanations. To begin exploring this hypothesis, we tested whether infant DNA methylation associated with intergenerational trauma. Secondary analysis employed data from the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study. Subsample data were collected from mothers during pregnancy and postpartum on measures of distress, stress and ACEs and from infants at 3 months of age on DNAm from blood (n = 92) and buccal epithelial cells (BECs; n = 124; primarily nonoverlapping individuals between tissues). Blood and BECs were examined in separate analyses. Preliminary associations identified in blood and BECs suggest that infant DNAm patterns may relate to maternal ACEs. For the majority of ACE-related DNAm sites, neither maternal perinatal distress, nor maternal cortisol awakening response (CAR; a measure of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis function), substantially reduced associations between maternal ACEs and infant DNAm. However, accounting for maternal perinatal distress and cortisol substantially changed the effect of ACEs in a greater proportion of blood DNAm sites than BEC DNAm sites in the top ACEs-associated correlated methylated regions (CMRs), as well as across all CMRs and all remaining CpGs (that did not fall into CMRs). Possible DNAm patterns in infants, thus, might capture a signature of maternal intergenerational trauma, and this effect appears to be more dependent on maternal perinatal distress and CAR in blood relative to BECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Moore
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute and Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sarah M Merrill
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute and Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bikram Sekhon
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julia L MacIsaac
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute and Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael S Kobor
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute and Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Pediatrics & Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Pediatrics & Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Riis JL, Cook SH, Letourneau N, Campbell T, Granger DA, Giesbrecht GF. Characterizing and Evaluating Diurnal Salivary Uric Acid Across Pregnancy Among Healthy Women. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:813564. [PMID: 35370953 PMCID: PMC8971544 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.813564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Uric acid levels during pregnancy have been examined as a potential indicator of risk for gestational diabetes mellites, hypertension, and related adverse birth outcomes. However, evidence supporting the utility of serum uric acid levels in predicting poor maternal and fetal health has been mixed. The lack of consistent findings may be due to limitations inherent in serum-based biomeasure evaluations, such as minimal repeated assessments and variability in the timing of these assessments. To address these gaps, we examined repeated measurements of diurnal salivary uric acid (sUA) levels in a sample of 44 healthy women across early-mid and late pregnancy. We assessed potential covariates and confounds of sUA levels and diurnal trajectories, as well as associations between maternal weight gain and blood pressure during pregnancy and sUA concentrations. Using multilevel linear models, we found sUA increased across pregnancy and displayed a robust diurnal pattern with the highest concentrations at waking, a steep decline in the early morning, and decreasing levels across the day. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, age, prior-night sleep duration, and fetal sex were associated with sUA levels and/or diurnal slopes. Maternal blood pressure and gestational weight gain also showed significant associations with sUA levels across pregnancy. Our results expand upon those found with serum UA measurements. Further, they demonstrate the feasibility of using at-home, minimally-invasive saliva sampling procedures to track UA levels across pregnancy with potential applications for the long-term monitoring of maternal cardiometabolic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna L. Riis
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Psychological Science, School of Social Ecology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jenna L. Riis,
| | - Stephanie H. Cook
- Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- Biostatistics, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Tavis Campbell
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Douglas A. Granger
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Psychological Science, School of Social Ecology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Gerald F. Giesbrecht
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Adhikari K, Patten SB, Patel AB, Premji S, Tough S, Letourneau N, Giesbrecht G, Metcalfe A. Data harmonization and data pooling from cohort studies: a practical approach for data management. Int J Popul Data Sci 2021; 6:1680. [PMID: 34888420 PMCID: PMC8631396 DOI: 10.23889/ijpds.v6i1.1680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Data pooling from pre-existing datasets can be useful to increase study sample size and statistical power in order to answer a research question. However, individual datasets may contain variables that measure the same construct differently, posing challenges for data pooling. Variable harmonization, an approach that can generate comparable datasets from heterogeneous sources, can address this issue in some circumstances. As an illustrative example, this paper describes the data harmonization strategies that helped generate comparable datasets across two Canadian pregnancy cohort studies: All Our Families; and the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition. Variables were harmonized considering multiple features across the datasets: the construct measured; question asked/response options; the measurement scale used; the frequency of measurement; timing of measurement, and the data structure. Completely matching, partially matching, and completely un-matching variables across the datasets were determined based on these features. Variables that were an exact match were pooled as is. Partially matching variables were harmonized or processed under a common format across the datasets considering the frequency of measurement, the timing of measurement, the measurement scale used, and response options. Variables that were completely unmatching could not be harmonized into a single variable. The variable harmonization strategies that were used to generate comparable cohort datasets for data pooling are applicable to other data sources. Future studies may employ or evaluate these strategies, which permit researchers to answer novel research questions in a statistically efficient, timely, and cost-efficient manner that could not be achieved using a single data source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamala Adhikari
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Scott B Patten
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Alka B Patel
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Applied Research and Evaluation- Primary Health Care, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
| | - Shahirose Premji
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, York University, Calgary, Canada
| | - Suzanne Tough
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Deprtment of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Gerald Giesbrecht
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Amy Metcalfe
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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Misita D, Yamamoto JM, Yuan Y, Donovan LE, Bell RC, Jarman M. An exploration of differences in infant feeding practices among women with and without diabetes in pregnancy: A mixed-methods study. Diabet Med 2021; 38:e14635. [PMID: 34265117 DOI: 10.1111/dme.14635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS (1) To determine the likelihood of full breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum in women with and without diabetes in pregnancy (DiP); (2) to explore the associations between diabetes management practices and infant feeding practices in those who had DiP and (3) to examine women's experiences of feeding their infants after having DiP. METHODS The quantitative study used data from Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) cohort study. Participants who had DiP (n = 62) were matched 1:3 to participants without DiP for pre-pregnancy BMI, parity, mode of delivery and pre-term birth. Infant feeding questionnaires, prospective breastfeeding diaries and medical chart data were analysed to determine likelihood of fully breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum. For the qualitative study, interviews were conducted with postpartum women who had DiP to explore the experiences of infant feeding. Interviews were thematically analysed, and the results were compared between women who were categorized as 'full breast feeders' or 'mixed feeders'. RESULTS The odds of fully breastfeeding were 50% lower in women with DiP than women without DiP (OR: 0.50, 95% CI 0.25-0.99, p = 0.04). Qualitative interviews identified that although all women showed resilience in the face of infant feeding challenges, those who were fully breastfeeding reported seeking out external infant feeding supports, for example, classes or Doula's. Mixed Feeders perceived there was a lack of infant feeding information and support given to them prior to giving birth. CONCLUSION Women with DiP may require additional prenatal and postnatal infant feeding support to be better prepared to overcome feeding challenges they may face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragana Misita
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Sciences, Division of Human Nutrition, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jennifer M Yamamoto
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cummings School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Yan Yuan
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lois E Donovan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cummings School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Rhonda C Bell
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Sciences, Division of Human Nutrition, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Megan Jarman
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Sciences, Division of Human Nutrition, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Liu J, Martin LJ, Dinu I, Field CJ, Dewey D, Martin JW. Interaction of prenatal bisphenols, maternal nutrients, and toxic metal exposures on neurodevelopment of 2-year-olds in the APrON cohort. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 155:106601. [PMID: 33962233 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological studies suggest that Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a developmental neurotoxicant, but the modifying effects of maternal nutrient status or neurotoxicant metal co-exposures have not been reported. Bisphenol-S (BPS) is being used as a BPA-alternative, but few epidemiological studies have evaluated its effects. OBJECTIVES To examine if prenatal maternal BPA or BPS exposure are associated with children's neurodevelopment at two years of age while adjusting for effect-measure modification by sex, maternal nutrients, and co-exposure to neurotoxic metals. METHODS Total BPA and BPS concentrations were analyzed in spot maternal urine from the second trimester; metals and maternal nutrient status were analyzed in blood. Child neurodevelopment was evaluated with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III (Bayley-III) at age 2 (394 maternal-child pairs) and linear regression was used to investigate associations. RESULTS Among nutrients and neurotoxic metals, selenium (Se) and cadmium (Cd) were the most significant predictors of Bayley-III scale scores. Higher maternal Cd was significantly correlated with poorer motor performance (p < 0.01), and higher levels of maternal Se were significantly associated with poorer performance on the cognitive, motor, and adaptive behavior scales (p < 0.05). While maternal Cd did not modify relationships between bisphenol exposures and Bayley-III scores, both maternal Se and child sex were significant effect-measure modifiers. Associations between BPA exposure and social emotional scores were negative for boys (p = 0.056) but positive for girls (p = 0.046). Higher exposure to bisphenols was associated with lower motor scores among children with lower levels of maternal Se. CONCLUSION Higher maternal Cd was associated with poorer motor development, but it was not an effect-measure modifier of bisphenols' effects on motor development. Maternal Se may be protective against adverse effects of bisphenols, and additional nutrient-bisphenol interaction studies examining sex-specific effects of BPA and BPS on child development are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Canada; Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Irina Dinu
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Canada
| | - Catherine J Field
- Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Departments of Paediatrics and Community Health Sciences and the Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Canada; Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The primary objective was to identify the characteristics of parents and infants and parenting practices associated with delayed responsiveness to infant crying during the first year of infant life. A secondary objective was to evaluate, in a subsample of maternal-infant pairs, the associations between delayed responsiveness to infant crying and observational measures of maternal-infant interaction and infant-maternal attachment. METHOD This is a secondary analysis of the data from a community sample of pregnant women recruited to the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition study. Mothers completed questionnaires during the first year of infant life (n = 1826), and a convenience subsample of maternal-infant pairs (n = 137) participated in laboratory assessments of maternal-infant interaction at 6 months of age and infant-maternal attachment at 20 months. RESULTS Parental use of "cry out" as a strategy to deal with a crying infant was associated with parental characteristics (being white and having a relatively higher income), infant characteristics (higher problematic behavior at 3 months and reduced problematic behavior at 12 months), sleep ecology (infants sleeping alone), and parental soothing strategies (less frequently taking the infant into the parent's bed, cuddling, or carrying the crying infant). Cry out was not associated with observational measures of maternal sensitivity or infant-maternal attachment. CONCLUSION When used selectively and in response to the specific needs and characteristics of the infant, delayed responsiveness may reduce problematic behavior and does not harm the infant's socioemotional development.
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The longitudinal relationship between BOLD signal variability changes and white matter maturation during early childhood. Neuroimage 2021; 242:118448. [PMID: 34358659 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Intra-individual transient temporal fluctuations in brain signal, as measured by fMRI blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) variability, is increasingly considered an important signal rather than measurement noise. Evidence from computational and cognitive neuroscience suggests that signal variability is a good proxy-measure of brain functional integrity and information processing capacity. Here, we sought to explore across-participant and longitudinal relationships between BOLD variability, age, and white matter structure in early childhood. We measured standard deviation of BOLD signal, total white matter volume, global fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) during passive movie viewing in a sample of healthy children (aged 2-8 years; N = 83). We investigated how age and white matter development related to changes in BOLD variability both across- and within-participants. Our across-participant analyses using behavioural partial least squares (bPLS) revealed that the influence of age and white matter maturation on BOLD variability was highly interrelated. BOLD variability increased in widespread frontal, temporal and parietal regions, and decreased in the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus with age and white matter development. Our longitudinal analyses using linear mixed effects modelling revealed significant associations between BOLD variability, age and white matter microstructure. Analyses using artificial neural networks demonstrated that BOLD variability and white matter micro and macro-structure at earlier ages were strong predictors of BOLD variability at later ages. By characterizing the across-participant and longitudinal features of the association between BOLD variability and white matter micro- and macrostructure in early childhood, our results provide a novel perspective to understand structure-function relationships in the developing brain.
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Merrill SM, Moore SR, Gladish N, Giesbrecht GF, Dewey D, Konwar C, MacIssac JL, Kobor MS, Letourneau NL. Paternal adverse childhood experiences: Associations with infant DNA methylation. Dev Psychobiol 2021; 63:e22174. [PMID: 34333774 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), or cumulative childhood stress exposures, such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, predict later health problems in both the exposed individuals and their offspring. One potential explanation suggests exposure to early adversity predicts epigenetic modification, especially DNA methylation (DNAm), linked to later health. Stress experienced preconception by mothers may associate with DNAm in the next generation. We hypothesized that fathers' exposure to ACEs also associates with their offspring DNAm, which, to our knowledge, has not been previously explored. An epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of blood DNAm (n = 45) from 3-month-old infants was regressed onto fathers' retrospective ACEs at multiple Cytosine-phosphate-Guanosine (CpG) sites to discover associations. This accounted for infants' sex, age, ethnicity, cell type proportion, and genetic variability. Higher ACE scores associated with methylation values at eight CpGs. Post-hoc analysis found no contribution of paternal education, income, marital status, and parental postpartum depression, but did with paternal smoking and BMI along with infant sleep latency. These same CpGs also contributed to the association between paternal ACEs and offspring attention problems at 3 years. Collectively, these findings suggested there were biological associations with paternal early life adversity and offspring DNAm in infancy, potentially affecting offspring later childhood outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Merrill
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute Vancouver, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sarah R Moore
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute Vancouver, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicole Gladish
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute Vancouver, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Chaini Konwar
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute Vancouver, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Julia L MacIssac
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute Vancouver, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael S Kobor
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute Vancouver, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole L Letourneau
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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The role of maternal nutrition during pregnancy in the intergenerational transmission of childhood adversity. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 130:105283. [PMID: 34082275 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) of a woman can lead to dysregulated hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis during pregnancy, which can in turn adversely affect her offspring HPA axis function. Choline and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are dietary factors with the potential to favorably modify the stress response system. The current study aimed to investigate whether maternal choline intake and DHA status moderate the effects of maternal ACEs exposure on maternal and infant HPA axes function. Participants were a sub-sample of the prospective longitudinal Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study consisting of 340 mothers and 238 infants. We collected data on maternal ACEs, maternal choline intake (24-hour dietary recall) and serum phospholipid DHA concentrations (at each trimester). Women self-collected saliva samples on two consecutive days (at waking, +30 min, 1100 h, and 2100 h) in each trimester to calculate the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and total daytime cortisol. Infants' salivary cortisol was measured before and after (20, and 40 min) exposure to a blood draw stressor 3 months postpartum. During pregnancy, choline intake moderated (reduced) the association between maternal ACEs and CAR (β = -0.003; 95% CI -0.006, -0.003), but not total daytime cortisol. DHA status did not moderate the association between ACEs and CAR or total daytime cortisol. Choline intake also moderated (reduced) the association between maternal CAR and infant cortisol during a stress task (β = -0.0001; 95% CI -0.0002, -0.00003). Maternal DHA status revealed no modifying effects on these associations. Our findings suggest that maternal choline intake, but not DHA status, can buffer the associations between ACEs and maternal HPA axis, as well as maternal and infant HPA axes function.
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Potter-Dickey A, Letourneau N, Silveira PP, Ntanda H, Giesbrecht GF, Hart M, Dewell S, de Koning APJ. Associations Among Parental Caregiving Quality, Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Expression-Based Polygenic Scores, and Infant-Parent Attachment: Evidence for Differential Genetic Susceptibility? Front Neurosci 2021; 15:704392. [PMID: 34385904 PMCID: PMC8353245 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.704392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Attachment is a biological evolutionary system contributing to infant survival. When primary caregivers/parents are sensitive and responsive to their infants’ needs, infants develop a sense of security. Secure infant attachment has been linked to healthy brain and organ-system development. Belsky and colleagues proposed the term differential susceptibility to describe context-dependent associations between genetic variations and behavioral outcomes as a function of parenting environments. Variations in the Cannabinoid Receptor Gene 1 (CNR1) are associated with memory, mood, and reward and connote differential susceptibility to more and less optimal parental caregiving quality in predicting children’s behavioral problems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Owerko Centre, Child Development Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Patricia P Silveira
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Henry Ntanda
- Owerko Centre, Child Development Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Owerko Centre, Child Development Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Martha Hart
- Owerko Centre, Child Development Centre, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sarah Dewell
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,School of Nursing, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
| | - A P Jason de Koning
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Ostertag C, Reynolds JE, Dewey D, Landman B, Huo Y, Lebel C. Altered gray matter development in pre-reading children with a family history of reading disorder. Dev Sci 2021; 25:e13160. [PMID: 34278658 DOI: 10.1111/desc.13160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Reading disorders are common in children and can impact academic success, mental health, and career prospects. Reading is supported by network of interconnected left hemisphere brain regions, including temporo-parietal, occipito-temporal, and inferior-frontal circuits. Poor readers often show hypoactivation and reduced gray matter volumes in this reading network, with hyperactivation and increased volumes in the posterior right hemisphere. We assessed gray matter development longitudinally in pre-reading children aged 2-5 years using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (N = 32, 110 MRI scans; mean age: 4.40 ± 0.77 years), half of whom had a family history of reading disorder. The family history group showed slower proportional growth (relative to total brain volume) in the left supramarginal and inferior frontal gyri, and faster proportional growth in the right angular, right fusiform, and bilateral lingual gyri. This suggests delayed development of left hemisphere reading areas in children with a family history of dyslexia, along with faster growth in right homologues. This alternate development pattern may predispose the brain to later reading difficulties and may later manifest as the commonly noted compensatory mechanisms. The results of this study further shows our understanding of structural brain alterations that may form the neurological basis of reading difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis Ostertag
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Owerko Centre, Alberta Children Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jess E Reynolds
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Owerko Centre, Alberta Children Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Bennett Landman
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Yuankai Huo
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Catherine Lebel
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Owerko Centre, Alberta Children Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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49
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Letourneau N, McDonald S, MacKay LJ, Bell RC, Hetherington E, Deane AJ, Dewey D, Edwards S, Field CJ, Giesbrecht GF, Graham S, Lebel C, Leung B, Madigan S, McArthur BA, McMorris C, Racine N, Ross KM, Wu M, Tough SC. Cross-Sectional Study Protocol for the COVID-19 Impact Survey of Mothers and Their 7-11 Year Old Children in Alberta, Canada. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:597759. [PMID: 34239455 PMCID: PMC8260076 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.597759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Our aim is to understand the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on families who have been followed longitudinally in two cohorts studied in Alberta, Canada. We will examine household infections during the COVID-19 pandemic, financial impact, domestic violence, substance use, child school and daily life and relationships in the home. We will identify risk and protective factors for maternal mental health outcomes using longitudinal data that can inform policy and government resource allocation in future disasters. Methods: Mothers who are currently participating in two longitudinal studies, Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON; N = 1,800) and All Our Families (AOF: N = 2,534) were eligible to participate. Mothers were invited to complete the baseline COVID-19 Impact Survey (20-30 min) within 4 months of March 15, 2020, which was when the province of Alberta, Canada, implemented school closures and physical-distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Mothers were asked to report on their own, their child's and their family's functioning. Mothers were re-surveyed at 6 months after completion of the initial COVID-19 Impact Survey, and will be re-surveyed again at 12 months. Results: Responses from participants in both cohorts will be examined in harmonized analyses as well as separately. Descriptive, multivariable analysis will be undertaken to examine risk and resiliency over time and factors that predict mental health and well-being. Conclusions: This study will provide timely information on the impact of COVID-19 for Albertan families. It will identify risk and protective factors for mental health and well-being among contemporary urban families supported by a publicly funded health care system to inform allocation of resources to support those most vulnerable during a global pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Letourneau
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sheila McDonald
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Rhonda C. Bell
- Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Erin Hetherington
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Andrea J. Deane
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sarah Edwards
- Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Catherine J. Field
- Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Gerald F. Giesbrecht
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Susan Graham
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Catherine Lebel
- Department of Radiology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Brenda Leung
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Public Health Program, Faculty Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Sheri Madigan
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Brae Anne McArthur
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Carly McMorris
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Nicole Racine
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kharah M. Ross
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Psychology, Centre for Social Sciences, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB, Canada
| | - Muci Wu
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Suzanne C. Tough
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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50
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Adhikari K, Patten SB, Williamson T, Patel AB, Premji S, Tough S, Letourneau N, Giesbrecht G, Metcalfe A. Assessment of anxiety during pregnancy: are existing multiple anxiety scales suitable and comparable in measuring anxiety during pregnancy? J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2021; 42:140-146. [PMID: 32056477 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2020.1725462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined the performance of multiple anxiety scales in measuring anxiety during pregnancy, an important issue due to the possible effect of pregnancy-related symptoms on the measurement of anxiety. METHODS Secondary data on anxiety, measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (STAI-S) 20-item and six-item scales, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale-Anxiety Subscale (EPDS-3A) and the Symptoms Checklist-90-Anxiety Subscale (SCL-90), were obtained from two pregnancy cohort studies. Both cohorts completed the EPDS-3A, while 3341 women completed the STAI-S and 2187 women completed the SCL-90, with 231 women participating in both cohorts. Data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and Spearman correlation. RESULTS The STAI-6 had adequate model fit, while the STAI-20 and the SCL-90 had inadequate model fit. Model fitness for the EPDS-3A could not be assessed due to its low number of items. The correlation between the STAI-20 and STAI-6 was excellent (r = 0.93). The correlation of EPDS-3A with other anxiety scales was low to moderate (r (STAI-20) = 0.57, r (STAI-6) = 0.53 and r (SCL-90) = 0.44). The correlation of SCL-90 with both STAI-20 and STAI-6 was low (r < 0.50). CONCLUSION Findings indicate that these scales do not measure anxiety as a single dimension and that these scales are incomparable and may conceptualize anxiety differently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamala Adhikari
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Scott B Patten
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tyler Williamson
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alka B Patel
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Applied Research and Evaluation- Primary Health Care, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
| | - Shahirose Premji
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Suzanne Tough
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Gerald Giesbrecht
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amy Metcalfe
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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