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Mustonen P, Kortesluoma S, Scheinin NM, Perasto L, Kataja EL, Tervahartiala K, Tuulari JJ, Coimbra B, Carter AS, Rodrigues AJ, Sousa N, Paavonen EJ, Korja R, Karlsson H, Karlsson L. Negative associations between maternal prenatal hair cortisol and child socioemotional problems. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 162:106955. [PMID: 38232530 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106955] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Maternal prenatal distress can participate in the programming of offspring development, in which exposure to altered maternal long-term cortisol levels as measured by hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) may contribute. Yet, studies investigating whether and how maternal prenatal HCC associates with problems in child socioemotional development are scarce. Furthermore, questions remain regarding the timing and potential sex-specificity of fetal exposure to altered cortisol levels and whether there are interactions with maternal prenatal distress, such as depressive symptoms. The subjects were drawn from those FinnBrain Birth Cohort families that had maternal reports of child socioemotional problems (the Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment [BITSEA] at 2 years and/or the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire [SDQ] at 5 years) as follows: HCC1 population: maternal mid-pregnancy HCC measured at gestational week 24 with 5 cm segments to depict cortisol levels from the previous five months (n = 321); and HCC2 population: end-of-pregnancy HCC measured 1-3 days after childbirth (5 cm segment; n = 121). Stepwise regression models were utilized in the main analyses and a sensitivity analysis was performed to detect potential biases. Negative associations were observed between maternal HCC2 and child BITSEA Total Problems at 2 years but not with SDQ Total difficulties at 5 years, and neither problem score was associated with HCC1. In descriptive analyses, HCC2 was negatively associated with Internalizing problems at 2 years and SDQ Emotional problems at 5 years. A negative association was observed among 5-year-old girls between maternal HCC1 and SDQ Total Difficulties and the subscales of Conduct and Hyperactivity/inattentive problems. When interactions were also considered, inverse associations between HCC2 and BITSEA Internalizing and Dysregulation Problems were observed in subjects with elevated prenatal depressive symptoms. It was somewhat surprising that only negative associations were observed between maternal HCC and child socioemotional problems. However, there are previous observations of elevated end-of-pregnancy cortisol levels associating with better developmental outcomes. The magnitudes of the observed associations were, as expected, mainly modest. Future studies with a focus on the individual changes of maternal cortisol levels throughout pregnancy as well as studies assessing both maternal and child HPA axis functioning together with child socioemotional development are indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Mustonen
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; Department of Child Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520 Turku, Finland.
| | - Susanna Kortesluoma
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Noora M Scheinin
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Satakunta Wellbeing Services County, Sairaalantie 3, 28500 Pori, Finland
| | - Laura Perasto
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Eeva-Leena Kataja
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; Department of Psychology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Assistentinkatu 7, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Katja Tervahartiala
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, University of Turku, Assistentinkatu 7, 20014 Turku, Finland; Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Seminaarinkatu 15, 40014 Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jetro J Tuulari
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520 Turku, Finland; Turku Collegium for Science, Medicine and Technology, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Bárbara Coimbra
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, R. da Universidade, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Alice S Carter
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125, USA
| | - Ana João Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, R. da Universidade, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Clinical Academic Center-Braga (2CA), Hospital de Braga, Lugar de Sete Fontes, S. Victor, 4710-243 Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, R. da Universidade, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - E Juulia Paavonen
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, 00271 Helsinki, Finland; Pediatric Research Center, Child Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 4, 00029 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riikka Korja
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; Department of Psychology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Assistentinkatu 7, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Hasse Karlsson
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Linnea Karlsson
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Medisiina A, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Savitehtaankatu 5, 20520 Turku, Finland; Department of Clinical Medicine, Unit of Public Health, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Savitehtaankatu 5, 20520 Turku, Finland
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Tyson HR, Harrison DJ, Higgs MJ, Isles AR, John RM. Deficiency of the paternally-expressed imprinted Peg3 gene in mice has sexually dimorphic consequences for offspring communication and social behaviour. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1374781. [PMID: 38595977 PMCID: PMC11002209 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1374781] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Imprinted genes are expressed from one parental allele as a consequence of epigenetic processes initiated in the germline. Consequently, their ability to influence phenotype depends on their parent-of-origin. Recent research suggests that the sex of the individual expressing the imprinted gene is also important. We have previously reported that genetically wildtype (WT) dams carrying and caring for pups mutant for PEG3 exhibit anxiety-like behaviours and their mutant pups show a reduction in ultrasonic vocalisation when separated from their mothers. Sex-specificity was not examined. Methods WT female mice were mated with WT, heterozygous Peg3-/+ or homozygous Peg3-/- studs to generate all WT (control), 50:50 mixed or 100% mutant litters, respectively, followed by behavioural assessment of both dams and their pups. Results We reproduced our original finding that WT dams carrying and caring for 100% mutant litters exhibit postpartum anxiety-like symptoms and delayed pup retrieval. Additionally, these WT dams were found to allocate less time to pup-directed care behaviours relative to controls. Male Peg3-deficient pups demonstrated significantly reduced vocalisation with a more subtle communication deficit in females. Postweaning, male mutants exhibited deficits across a number of key social behaviours as did WT males sharing their environment with mutants. Only modest variations in social behaviour were detected in experimental females. Discussion We have experimentally demonstrated that Peg3 deficiency confined to the offspring causes anxiety in mouse mothers and atypical behaviour including deficits in communication in their male offspring. A male-specific reduction in expression PEG3 in the fetally-derived placenta has previously been associated with maternal depression in human pregnancy. Maternal mood disorders such as depression and anxiety are associated with delays in language development and neuroatypical behaviour more common in sons. Peg3 deficiency could drive the association of maternal and offspring behavioural disorders reported in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R. Tyson
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Harrison
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Mathew J. Higgs
- Behavioural Genetics Group, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony R. Isles
- Behavioural Genetics Group, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Rosalind M. John
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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The Placentas of Women Who Suffer an Episode of Psychosis during Pregnancy Have Increased Lipid Peroxidation with Evidence of Ferroptosis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13010120. [PMID: 36671505 PMCID: PMC9855415 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychosis is a complex entity characterized by psychological, behavioral, and motor alterations resulting in a loss of contact with reality. Although it is not common, pregnancy can be a period in which a first episode of psychosis can manifest, entailing detrimental consequences for both the fetus and the mother. The pathophysiological basis and study of maternofetal wellbeing need to be further elucidated. Lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis are two phenomena that are tightly linked to the placental dysfunction commonly observed in different complications of pregnancy. In the present study, we aim to explore the histopathological and gene expression of different markers of lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis in the placentas of women who underwent a first episode of psychosis during their pregnancy (n = 22). The aim is to then compare them with healthy pregnant women (n = 20). In order to achieve this goal, iron deposits were studied using Prussian Blue staining. In addition, the protein/gene expression of a transferrin receptor (TFRC), as well as an acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL-4), arachidonate lipoxygenase-5 (ALOX-5), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were all analyzed through gene expression (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemical procedures. Our results demonstrate an increased presence of iron deposits that are accompanied by a further expression of TFRC, ACSL-4, ALOX-5, MDA, and GPX4-all of which are observed in the placenta tissue of women who have suffered from a first episode of psychosis. Therefore, in our study, a histopathological increase in lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis markers in the affected women is suggested. However, further studies are needed in order to validate our results and to establish possible consequences for the reported alterations.
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Dockx Y, Bijnens E, Saenen N, Aerts R, Aerts JM, Casas L, Delcloo A, Dendoncker N, Linard C, Plusquin M, Stas M, Van Nieuwenhuyse A, Van Orshoven J, Somers B, Nawrot T. Residential green space in association with the methylation status in a CpG site within the promoter region of the placental serotonin receptor HTR2A. Epigenetics 2022; 17:1863-1874. [PMID: 35723001 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2088464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Green space could influence adult cognition and childhood neurodevelopment , and is hypothesized to be partly driven by epigenetic modifications. However, it remains unknown whether some of these associations are already evident during foetal development. Similar biological signals shape the developmental processes in the foetal brain and placenta.Therefore, we hypothesize that green space can modify epigenetic processes of cognition-related pathways in placental tissue, such as DNA-methylation of the serotonin receptor HTR2A. HTR2A-methylation was determined within 327 placentas from the ENVIRONAGE (ENVIRonmental influence ON early AGEing) birth cohort using bisulphite-PCR-pyrosequencing. Total green space exposure was calculated using high-resolution land cover data derived from the Green Map of Flanders in seven buffers (50 m-3 km) and stratified into low (<3 m) and high (≥3 m) vegetation. Residential nature was calculated using the Land use Map of Flanders. We performed multivariate regression models adjusted for several a priori chosen covariables. For an IQR increment in total green space within a 1,000 m, 2,000 m and 3,000 m buffer the methylation of HTR2A increased with 1.47% (95%CI:0.17;2.78), 1.52% (95%CI:0.21;2.83) and 1.42% (95%CI:0.15;2.69), respectively. Additionally,, we found 3.00% (95%CI:1.09;4.91) and 1.98% (95%CI:0.28;3.68) higher HTR2A-methylation when comparing residences with and without the presence of nature in a 50 m and 100 m buffer, respectively. The methylation status of HTR2A in placental tissue is positively associated with maternal green space exposure. Future research is needed to understand better how these epigenetic changes are related to functional modifications in the placenta and the consequent implications for foetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinthe Dockx
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Esmée Bijnens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Nelly Saenen
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Raf Aerts
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Division Forest, Nature and Landscape, Department Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Risk and Health Impact Assessment, Sciensano (Belgian Institute of Health), Brussels, Belgium.,Division Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Mycology and Aerobiology, Sciensano (Belgian Institute of Health), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Marie Aerts
- Division Animal and Human Health Engineering, Department of Biosystems (BIOSYST), KU LeuvenMeasure, Model & Manage Bioresponses (M3-BIORES), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lidia Casas
- Center for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health, Leuven University (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.,Social Epidemiology and Health Policy, Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Institute for Environment and Sustainable Development (IMDO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Andy Delcloo
- Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Dendoncker
- Department of Geography, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium.,Institute for Life, Earth and Environment (ILEE), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Catherine Linard
- Department of Geography, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium.,Institute for Life, Earth and Environment (ILEE), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Michelle Plusquin
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Michiel Stas
- Division Forest, Nature and Landscape, Department Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Division Animal and Human Health Engineering, Department of Biosystems (BIOSYST), KU LeuvenMeasure, Model & Manage Bioresponses (M3-BIORES), Leuven, Belgium
| | - An Van Nieuwenhuyse
- Center for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health, Leuven University (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Health Protection, Laboratoire national de santé (LNS), Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - Jos Van Orshoven
- Division Forest, Nature and Landscape, Department Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ben Somers
- Division Forest, Nature and Landscape, Department Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tim Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Center for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health, Leuven University (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
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Women's experience of mild to moderate mental health problems during pregnancy, and barriers to receiving support. Midwifery 2022; 108:103276. [DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Mundorf A, Bölükbas I, Freund N. Maternal separation: Does it hold the potential to model consequences of postpartum depression? Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22219. [PMID: 35050513 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The postpartum period is a sensitive time where women are especially vulnerable to develop postpartum depression (PPD), with 10%-15% of women affected. This review investigates whether the maternal separation (MS) paradigm in rodents holds the potential to help to understand mothers suffering from PPD. MS is a well-established stress model to investigate effects on infants, whereas effects on the dam are often overlooked. The database PubMed was searched for studies investigating effects of daily MS within the first weeks after parturition on dams in rats and mice and compared to findings in PPD mothers. MS was categorized as brief MS (5-45 min) with or without handling of pups and long MS (3-4 h and longer). MS alters maternal care, depressive-like behavior, anxiety, and aggression; leads to alterations in neuronal gene expression; and affects hormone and neurotransmitter levels similar to observations in PPD patients. Even though there are disparities between human and rodent mothers, with some results differing in directionality, as well as the reason for separation (self-induced in PPD, externally induced in MS), the overall effects found on neurobiological, hormonal, and behavioral levels mostly coincide. Thus, the MS paradigm can add relevant knowledge to existing PPD animal models, further advancing the study of PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annakarina Mundorf
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,Institute for Systems Medicine and Department of Human Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ibrahim Bölükbas
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Nadja Freund
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Effects of high fat diet-induced obesity and pregnancy on prepartum and postpartum maternal mouse behavior. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 126:105147. [PMID: 33497916 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Obesity before and during pregnancy negatively affects the mental and physical health of the mother. A diet high in fat also increases the risk for anxiety, depression and cognitive dysfunction. We examined the effects of high fat diet (HFD) -induced obesity and pregnancy on maternal behavior, cognitive function and anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in mice. Four-week-old female CD-1 mice were placed on a HFD or regular chow diet (RCD) for 5 weeks. Mice were maintained on either diet as non-pregnant HFD and RCD groups, or allowed to breed, and then fed these diets throughout gestation, lactation and after weaning, as pregnant HFD and RCD groups. Mice on HFD but not on RCD for 5 weeks pre-pregnancy significantly gained weight and had impaired glucose clearance. Maternal behavior was assessed by nest building prepartum and pup-retrieval postpartum. Anxiety-like behavior was evaluated both prepartum and postpartum by elevated plus maze and cognitive function was assessed by the novel object recognition test postpartum. Anhedonia, a measure of impaired reward function, is an endophenotype of depression and was assessed by sucrose preference test pre- and post-weaning in dams. Mice on HFD in pregnancy exhibited both impaired maternal behavior and cognitive function in the postpartum period. We did not detect measurable differences between the HFD and RCD groups in anxiety-like behavior in the prepartum period. In contrast, HFD was also associated with anhedonia in pregnant mice pre-weaning, and anxiety-like behavior post-weaning. Thus, HFD has a negative effect on maternal behavior in the outbred CD-1 mouse, which provides a model to study associated outcomes and related mechanisms.
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Abstract
At least one in seven pregnant or recently postpartum women will experience a mental illness such as an anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, or substance use disorder. These mental illnesses have detrimental effects on the health of the mother, child, and family, but little is known about the hypothalamic and other neural correlates of maternal mental health concerns. The transition to parenthood alone is a time of remarkable neural plasticity, so it is perhaps not surprising that current research is showing that maternal mental illness has unique neural profiles. Furthermore, the neural systems affected by peripartum mental illness overlap and interact with the systems involved in maternal caregiving behaviors, and mother-infant interactions are, therefore, highly susceptible to disruption. This review discusses what we know about the unique neural changes occurring during peripartum mental illness and the role of the hypothalamus in these illnesses. With an improved understanding of the neural correlates of maternal mental health and disease, we will be better equipped to predict risk, develop effective treatments, and ultimately prevent suffering for millions of parents during this critical time in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi L Pawluski
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR S 1085, Rennes, France.
| | - James E Swain
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Joseph S Lonstein
- Neuroscience Program & Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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9
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Wakschlag LS, Tandon D, Krogh-Jespersen S, Petitclerc A, Nielsen A, Ghaffari R, Mithal L, Bass M, Ward E, Berken J, Fareedi E, Cummings P, Mestan K, Norton ES, Grobman W, Rogers J, Moskowitz J, Alshurafa N. Moving the dial on prenatal stress mechanisms of neurodevelopmental vulnerability to mental health problems: A personalized prevention proof of concept. Dev Psychobiol 2020; 63:622-640. [PMID: 33225463 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal stress exposure increases vulnerability to virtually all forms of psychopathology. Based on this robust evidence base, we propose a "Mental Health, Earlier" paradigm shift for prenatal stress research, which moves from the documentation of stress-related outcomes to their prevention, with a focus on infant neurodevelopmental indicators of vulnerability to subsequent mental health problems. Achieving this requires an expansive team science approach. As an exemplar, we introduce the Promoting Healthy Brain Project (PHBP), a randomized trial testing the impact of the Wellness-4-2 personalized prenatal stress-reduction intervention on stress-related alterations in infant neurodevelopmental trajectories in the first year of life. Wellness-4-2 utilizes bio-integrated stress monitoring for just-in-time adaptive intervention. We highlight unique challenges and opportunities this novel team science approach presents in synergizing expertise across predictive analytics, bioengineering, health information technology, prevention science, maternal-fetal medicine, neonatology, pediatrics, and neurodevelopmental science. We discuss how innovations across many areas of study facilitate this personalized preventive approach, using developmentally sensitive brain and behavioral methods to investigate whether altering children's adverse gestational exposures, i.e., maternal stress in the womb, can improve their mental health outlooks. In so doing, we seek to propel developmental SEED research towards preventive applications with the potential to reduce the pernicious effect of prenatal stress on neurodevelopment, mental health, and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren S Wakschlag
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Darius Tandon
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Institute for Public Health & Medicine Center for Community Health, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sheila Krogh-Jespersen
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amelie Petitclerc
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ashley Nielsen
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rhoozbeh Ghaffari
- Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Materials Science & Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Leena Mithal
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Pediatrics (Infectious Diseases), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael Bass
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Erin Ward
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Institute for Public Health & Medicine Center for Community Health, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jonathan Berken
- Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elveena Fareedi
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Peter Cummings
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Karen Mestan
- Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Pediatrics (Neonatology), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elizabeth S Norton
- Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, School of Communication, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - William Grobman
- Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology (Maternal-Fetal Medicine), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - John Rogers
- Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Materials Science & Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Judith Moskowitz
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nabil Alshurafa
- Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Computer Science, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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10
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Mareckova K, Miles A, Andryskova L, Brazdil M, Nikolova YS. Temporally and sex-specific effects of maternal perinatal stress on offspring cortical gyrification and mood in young adulthood. Hum Brain Mapp 2020; 41:4866-4875. [PMID: 33010202 PMCID: PMC7643354 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal stress during pregnancy and shortly thereafter is associated with altered offspring brain development that may increase risk of mood and anxiety disorders. Cortical gyrification is established during the prenatal period and the first 2 years of life and is altered in psychiatric disorders. Here, we sought to characterize the effects of perinatal stress exposure on offspring gyrification patterns and mood dysregulation in young adulthood. Participants included 85 young adults (56.5% women; 23–24 years) from the European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ELSPAC) with perinatal stress data across four distinct timepoints and structural MRI data from young adulthood. Perinatal stress exposure was measured as maternal stress during first and second half of pregnancy, first 6 months, and 6–18 months after birth. Cortical gyrification and mood dysregulation were quantified using local gyrification index (LGI), computed with Freesurfer, and the Profile of Mood States questionnaire, respectively. Perinatal stress predicted cortical gyrification in young adulthood, and its timing influenced location, direction, and sex‐specificity of effects. In particular, whereas early prenatal stress was associated with sex‐dependent medium‐to‐large effects in large temporal, parietal, and occipital regions (f2 = 0.19–0.38, p < .001), later perinatal stress was associated with sex‐independent small‐to‐medium effects in smaller, more anterior regions (f2 = 0.10–0.19, p < .003). Moreover, in females, early prenatal stress predicted higher LGI in a large temporal region, which was further associated with mood disturbance in adulthood (r = 0.399, p = .006). These findings point out the long‐term implications of perinatal stress exposure for cortical morphology and mood dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Mareckova
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.,Brain and Mind Research, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Amy Miles
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lenka Andryskova
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Brazdil
- Brain and Mind Research, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Yuliya S Nikolova
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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11
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Marecková K, Klasnja A, Bencurova P, Andrýsková L, Brázdil M, Paus T. Prenatal Stress, Mood, and Gray Matter Volume in Young Adulthood. Cereb Cortex 2020; 29:1244-1250. [PMID: 29425268 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhy030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine whether prenatal stress, measured by the number of stressful life events during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, might relate to mood dysregulation and altered brain structure in young adulthood. Participants included 93 young adults from a community-based birth cohort from the Czech Republic. Information on prenatal stress exposure was collected from their mothers in 1990-1992. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and mood-related data were collected from the young adults in 2015. MRI analyses focused on overall gray matter (GM) volume and GM volume of cortical regions previously associated with major depression. Higher prenatal stress predicted more mood dysregulation, lower overall GM volume, and lower GM volume in mid-dorsolateral frontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and precuneus in young adulthood. We observed no prenatal stress by sex interactions for any of the relations. We conclude that prenatal stress is an important risk factor that relates to worse mood states and altered brain structure in young adulthood irrespective of sex. Our results point to the importance and long-lasting effects of prenatal programming and suggest that offspring of mothers who went through substantial stress during pregnancy might benefit from early intervention that would reduce the odds of mental illness in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klára Marecková
- Brain and Mind Research Programme, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Anja Klasnja
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Petra Bencurova
- Brain and Mind Research Programme, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Andrýsková
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Faculty of Science, MU, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Brázdil
- Brain and Mind Research Programme, Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Neurology, St. Anne's University Hospital and Faculty of medicine, MU, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Paus
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Child Mind Institute, New York, NY, USA
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12
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Creeth HDJ, John RM. The placental programming hypothesis: Placental endocrine insufficiency and the co-occurrence of low birth weight and maternal mood disorders. Placenta 2020; 98:52-59. [PMID: 33039032 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Polypeptide hormones and steroid hormones, either expressed by the placenta or dependant on the placenta for their synthesis, are key to driving adaptations in the mother during pregnancy that support growth in utero. These adaptations include changes in maternal behaviour that take place in pregnancy and after the birth to ensure that offspring receive appropriate care and nutrition. Placentally-derived hormones implicated in the programming of maternal caregiving in rodents include prolactin-related hormones and steroid hormones. Neuromodulators produced by the placenta may act directly on the fetus to support brain development. A number of imprinted genes function antagonistically in the placenta to regulate the development of key placental endocrine lineages expressing these hormones. Gain-in-expression of the normally maternally expressed gene Phlda2 or loss-of-function of the normally paternally expressed gene Peg3 results in fewer endocrine cells in the placenta, and pups are born low birth weight. Importantly, wild type dams carrying these genetically altered pups display alterations in their behaviour with decreased focus on nurturing (Phlda2) or heightened anxiety (Peg3). These same genes may regulate placental hormones in human pregnancies, with the potential to influence birth weight and maternal mood. Consequently, the aberrant expression of imprinted genes in the placenta may underlie the reported co-occurrence of low birth weight with maternal prenatal depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- H D J Creeth
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - R M John
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.
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13
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Finik J, Buthmann J, Zhang W, Go K, Nomura Y. Placental Gene Expression and Offspring Temperament Trajectories: Predicting Negative Affect in Early Childhood. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2020; 48:783-795. [PMID: 32185610 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-020-00632-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to prenatal stress increases offspring risk for long-term neurobehavioral impairments and psychopathology, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Epigenetic regulation of glucocorticoid pathway genes may be a potential underlying mechanism by which maternal conditions 'program' the fetal brain for downstream vulnerabilities. The present study aims to investigate whether mRNA expression of glucocorticoid pathway genes in the placenta predict offspring negative affect during early childhood (between 6 and 24 months). Participants include 318 mother-child dyads participating in a longitudinal birth cohort study. Placental mRNA expression of glucocorticoid pathway genes (HSD11B1, HSD11B2, NR3C1, NCOR2) were profiled and negative affect traits of the offspring were measured at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. HSD11B1 mRNA expression significantly predicted negative affect (β = -.09, SE = .04; p = .036), and Distress to Limitations trajectories (β = -.13, SE = .06; p = .016). NCOR2 mRNA expression significantly predicted Distress to Limitations (β = .43, SE = .21; p = .047), and marginally predicted Sadness trajectories (β = .39, SE = .21; p = .068). HSD11B2 and NR3C1 did not predict trajectories of Negative Affect or subscale scores. Infant negative affect traits were assessed via maternal self-report, and deviated from linearity across follow-up. mRNA expression of glucocorticoid pathway genes in the placenta may be a potentially novel tool for early identification of infants at greater risk for elevated negative affect. Further study is needed to validate the utility of mRNA expression of glucocorticoid pathway genes in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Finik
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, 55 W 125th St., New York, NY, 10027, USA.
- CUNY Queens College, Department of Psychology, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY, 11367, USA.
| | - J Buthmann
- CUNY Queens College, Department of Psychology, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY, 11367, USA
- CUNY Graduate Center, Department of Psychology, 365 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - W Zhang
- CUNY Queens College, Department of Psychology, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY, 11367, USA
- New Jersey City University, Department of Psychology, 2039 John Fitzgerald Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ, 07305, USA
| | - K Go
- CUNY Queens College, Department of Psychology, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY, 11367, USA
- Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314, USA
| | - Y Nomura
- CUNY Queens College, Department of Psychology, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY, 11367, USA
- CUNY Graduate Center, Department of Psychology, 365 5th Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- CUNY Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate Center, 85 St Nicholas Terrace, New York, NY, 10031, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Psychiatry, 1 Gustave Levy Pl, New York, NY, 10029, USA
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14
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Zhang W, Ham J, Li Q, Deyssenroth MA, Lambertini L, Huang Y, Tsuchiya KJ, Chen J, Nomura Y. Moderate prenatal stress may buffer the impact of Superstorm Sandy on placental genes: Stress in Pregnancy (SIP) Study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0226605. [PMID: 31995614 PMCID: PMC6988921 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta plays a central role in the epigenetic programming of neurodevelopment by prenatal stress (PS), but this pathway is not fully understood. It difficult to study in humans because the conditions for intense, traumatic PS are almost impossible to create ethically. This study was able to capitalize on a 2012 disaster that hit New York, Superstorm Sandy, to examine the impact of traumatic stress on placental gene expression while also examining normative PS, and compare the two. Of the 303 expectant mothers participating in the Stress in Pregnancy Study, 95 women were pregnant when Superstorm Sandy struck. During their pregnancy, participants completed self-report measures of PS and distress that were combined, using latent profile analysis, into one global indicator of normative PS. Placental tissue was collected at delivery and frozen for storage. RNA expression was assessed for 40 placental genes known to associate with the stress response system and neurodevelopment in offspring. Results showed that normative PS increased expression of just MECP2, HSD11B2, and ZNF507, whereas Superstorm Sandy PS decreased expression of CDKL5, CFL1, DYRK1A, HSD11B2, MAOA, MAOB, NCOR1, and ZNF507. Interaction analyses indicated that Superstorm Sandy PS was associated with decreased gene expression for the low and high PS group for CFL1, DYRK1A, HSD11B2, MAOA, and NCOR1 and increased expression for the moderate PS group for FOXP1, NR3C1, and NR3C2. This study supports the idea that a moderate amount of normative PS may buffer the impact of traumatic PS, in this case caused by Superstorm Sandy, on placental gene expression, which suggests that the placenta itself mirrors the organism's ability to develop an epigenetic resilience to, and inoculation from, stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, CUNY, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, New Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ, United States of America
| | - Jacob Ham
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Maya A. Deyssenroth
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Luca Lambertini
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Bone Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Yonglin Huang
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, CUNY, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, The Graduate Center, CUNY, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Kenji J. Tsuchiya
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Yoko Nomura
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, CUNY, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, The Graduate Center, CUNY, New York, NY, United States of America
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
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15
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Arévalo L, Campbell P. Placental effects on the maternal brain revealed by disrupted placental gene expression in mouse hybrids. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20192563. [PMID: 31937228 PMCID: PMC7003458 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.2563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian placenta is both the physical interface between mother and fetus, and the source of endocrine signals that target the maternal hypothalamus, priming females for parturition, lactation and motherhood. Despite the importance of this connection, the effects of altered placental signalling on the maternal brain are insufficiently studied. Here, we show that placental dysfunction alters gene expression in the maternal brain, with the potential to affect maternal behaviour. Using a cross between the house mouse and the Algerian mouse, in which hybrid placental development is abnormal, we sequenced late-gestation placental and maternal medial preoptic area transcriptomes and quantified differential expression and placenta-maternal brain co-expression between normal and hybrid pregnancies. The expression of Fmn1 and Drd3 was significantly altered in the brains of females exposed to hybrid placentas. Most strikingly, expression patterns of placenta-specific gene families and Drd3 in the brains of house mouse females carrying hybrid litters matched those of female Algerian mice, the paternal species in the cross. Our results indicate that the paternally derived placental genome can influence the expression of maternal-fetal communication genes, including placental hormones, suggesting an effect of the offspring's father on the mother's brain.
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16
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Litzky JF, Marsit CJ. Epigenetically regulated imprinted gene expression associated with IVF and infertility: possible influence of prenatal stress and depression. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:1299-1313. [PMID: 31127477 PMCID: PMC6642239 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01483-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the growing body of research implying an impact of in vitro fertilization (IVF) on imprinted genes and epigenetics, few studies have examined the effects of underlying subfertility or prenatal stress on epigenetics, particularly in terms of their role in determining infant birthweights. Both subfertility and prenatal stressors have been found to impact epigenetics and may be confounding the effect of IVF on epigenetics and imprinted genes. Like IVF, both of these exposures-infertility and prenatal stressors-have been associated with lower infant birthweights. The placenta, and specifically epigenetically regulated placental imprinted genes, provides an ideal but understudied mechanism for evaluating the relationship between underlying genetics, environmental exposures, and birthweight. METHODS AND RESULTS In this review, we discuss the impacts of IVF and infertility on birthweight, epigenetic mechanisms and genomic imprinting, and the role of these mechanisms in the IVF population and discuss the role and importance of the placenta in infant development. We then highlight recent work on the relationships between infertility, IVF, and prenatal stressors in terms of placental imprinting. CONCLUSIONS In combination, the studies discussed, as well as two recent projects of our own on placental imprinted gene expression, suggest that lower birthweights in IVF infants are secondary to a combination of exposures including the infertility and prenatal stress that couples undergoing IVF are experiencing. The work highlighted herein emphasizes the need for appropriate control populations that take infertility into account and also for consideration of prenatal psychosocial stressors as confounders and causes of variation in IVF infant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia F Litzky
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, CNR 202, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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17
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Jairaj C, Fitzsimons CM, McAuliffe FM, O'Leary N, Joyce N, McCarthy A, Cassidy E, Donnelly J, Tully E, Imcha M, Austin J, Doolin K, Farrell C, O'Keane V. A population survey of prevalence rates of antenatal depression in the Irish obstetric services using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Arch Womens Ment Health 2019; 22:349-355. [PMID: 30069707 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-018-0893-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ireland has the second-highest birth rate in Europe and poorly developed perinatal psychiatry services. There are no screening services for antenatal depression and no data available on prevalence rates of depression among women attending the Irish obstetric services. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence rates of depression during pregnancy in a population sample in Ireland using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) as a screening tool. Pregnant women during all stages of pregnancy were recruited from five maternity hospitals throughout the Republic of Ireland. Approximately 5000 EPDS questionnaires were collected. Information on the participant's age, gestational week, gravidity, parity, and level of education attained was also collected. A score of > 12 was used as a measure of probable depression. Overall, 15.8% of pregnant women scored > 12 in the EPDS. There was a significant association between gestational week and rates of depression, with increasing rates occurring with advancing pregnancy (p < 0.001). Overall, higher socioeconomic groups were over-represented in the sample although we replicated the well-established findings of higher EPDS scores in women with lower educational attainment (p < 0.005). This study demonstrates that prevalence rates of probable antenatal depression are high among women attending the obstetric services in Ireland and highlight the importance of increasing awareness of antenatal depression. These high rates of antenatal depression may be related to certain conditions that are specific to an Irish setting: the absence of screening for depression in the context of grossly under-resourced perinatal psychiatry services. These findings provide indirect confirmatory evidence for the need for streamlined mental health services within reproductive health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaitra Jairaj
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Clara Mai Fitzsimons
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fionnuala M McAuliffe
- UCD Perinatal Research Centre, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh O'Leary
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Niamh Joyce
- Rotunda Hospital, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | | | - Eugene Cassidy
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Jennifer Donnelly
- Rotunda Hospital, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Elizabeth Tully
- Rotunda Hospital, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | | | - Jackie Austin
- Health Service Executive, Dublin South West, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kelly Doolin
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Chloe Farrell
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Veronica O'Keane
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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18
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Duan C, Hare M, Staring M, Deligiannidis KM. Examining the relationship between perinatal depression and neurodevelopment in infants and children through structural and functional neuroimaging research. Int Rev Psychiatry 2019; 31:264-279. [PMID: 30701993 PMCID: PMC6594877 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2018.1527759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Depression is the most common perinatal psychiatric disorder, but little is known about how it may impact offspring neurodevelopment, as well as the mechanisms by which it may confer transgenerational psychiatric risk. This review presents imaging studies conducted to evaluate the relationship between perinatal depression (PND) and infant and child neurodevelopment. Altered structural and functional connectivity is implicated in children exposed to PND and anxiety. Overall, there are changes in connectivity between amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. Studies suggest decreased hippocampal growth in the first 6 months after birth, decreased cortical thickness in children, and increased amygdala volumes, that are more pronounced in female offspring. Future research is needed to understand the impact of PND on development so that early interventions which promote mother-infant bonding and cognitive development may improve developmental outcomes in children exposed to PND, reducing later risk of psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy Duan
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY 11004, USA
| | - Megan Hare
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Morganne Staring
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Kristina M. Deligiannidis
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY 11004, USA,Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA,Departments of Psychiatry and Obstetrics & Gynecology, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA,Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
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19
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Bellido-González M, Robles-Ortega H, Castelar-Ríos MJ, Díaz-López MÁ, Gallo-Vallejo JL, Moreno-Galdó MF, de Los Santos-Roig M. Psychological distress and resilience of mothers and fathers with respect to the neurobehavioral performance of small-for-gestational-age newborns. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2019; 17:54. [PMID: 30922371 PMCID: PMC6437857 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-019-1119-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The existence of psychological distress (PD) during pregnancy is well established. Nevertheless, few studies have analyzed the PD and resilience of mothers and fathers during high-risk pregnancy. This study analyzes the differences between parents’ PD and resilience and the relation between them and the neurobehavioral performance of their SGA newborns. Methods This prospective study compares two groups of parents and newborns: case group (52 parents and 26 SGA fetuses) and comparison group (68 parents and 34 appropriate-for-gestational-age, AGA, fetuses). In each group, the parents were evaluated during the last trimester of pregnancy, to obtain standardized measures of depression, stress, anxiety, and resilience. At 40 ± 1 weeks corrected gestational age, psychologists evaluated the state of neonatal neuromaturity achieved. Results Multivariate analysis of variance showed, in gender comparisons, that mothers obtained higher scores than fathers for psychological distress but lower ones for resilience. Similar differences were obtained in the comparison of parents’ distress to intrauterine growth by SGA vs. AGA newborns. Mothers of SGA newborns were more distressed than the other groups. However, there were no differences between the fathers of SGA vs. AGA newborns. Regarding neurobehavioral performance, the profiles of SGA newborns reflected a lower degree of maturity than those of AGA newborns. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that high stress and low resilience among mothers partially predict low neurobehavioral performance in SGA newborns. Conclusions These findings indicate that mothers of SGA newborns may need psychological support to relieve stress and improve their resilience. Furthermore, attention should be paid to the neurobehavioral performance of their babies in case early attention is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Bellido-González
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Education, Faculty of Education Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain. .,Department of Developmental Psychology and Education, Faculty of Education Sciences, University of Granada, Campus de Cartuja, 18071, Granada, Spain.
| | - Humbelina Robles-Ortega
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - María José Castelar-Ríos
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Education, Faculty of Education Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Macarena de Los Santos-Roig
- Department of Methodology of Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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20
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McNamara GI, Creeth HDJ, Harrison DJ, Tansey KE, Andrews RM, Isles AR, John RM. Loss of offspring Peg3 reduces neonatal ultrasonic vocalizations and increases maternal anxiety in wild-type mothers. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:440-450. [PMID: 29186532 PMCID: PMC5886183 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health conditions during pregnancy and can impair the normal development of mother-infant interactions. These adversities are associated with low birth weight and increased risk of behavioural disorders in children. We recently reported reduced expression of the imprinted gene PATERNALLY EXPRESSED GENE 3 (PEG3) in placenta of human infants born to depressed mothers. Expression of Peg3 in the brain has previously been linked maternal behaviour in rodents, at least in some studies, with mutant dams neglecting their pups. However, in our human study decreased expression was in the placenta derived from the fetus. Here, we examined maternal behaviour in response to reduced expression of Peg3 in the feto-placental unit. Prenatally we found novelty reactivity was altered in wild-type females carrying litters with a null mutation in Peg3. This behavioural alteration was short-lived and there were no significant differences the transcriptomes of either the maternal hypothalamus or hippocampus at E16.5. In contrast, while maternal gross maternal care was intact postnatally, the exposed dams were significantly slower to retrieve their pups and displayed a marked increase in anxiety. We also observed a significant reduction in the isolation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) emitted by mutant pups separated from their mothers. USVs are a form of communication known to elicit maternal care suggesting Peg3 mutant pups drive the deficit in maternal behaviour. These data support the hypothesis that reduced placental PEG3 in human pregnancies occurs as a consequence of prenatal depression but leaves scope for feto-placental Peg3 dosage, during gestation, influencing aspects of maternal behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- G I McNamara
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - H D J Creeth
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - D J Harrison
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - K E Tansey
- Core Bioinformatics and Statistics Team, College of Biomedical & Life Sciences
| | - R M Andrews
- Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3XQ, UK
| | - A R Isles
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - R M John
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
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21
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John RM, Rougeulle C. Developmental Epigenetics: Phenotype and the Flexible Epigenome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:130. [PMID: 30364270 PMCID: PMC6193064 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind M. John
- Biomedicine Division, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Rougeulle
- Sorbonne Paris Cité, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, UMR 7216 CNRS, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
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22
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Maternal care boosted by paternal imprinting in mammals. PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e2006599. [PMID: 30063711 PMCID: PMC6067684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2006599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, mothers are the primary caregiver, programmed, in part, by hormones produced during pregnancy. High-quality maternal care is essential for the survival and lifelong health of offspring. We previously showed that the paternally silenced imprinted gene pleckstrin homology-like domain family A member 2 (Phlda2) functions to negatively regulate a single lineage in the mouse placenta called the spongiotrophoblast, a major source of hormones in pregnancy. Consequently, the offspring's Phlda2 gene dosage may influence the quality of care provided by the mother. Here, we show that wild-type (WT) female mice exposed to offspring with three different doses of the maternally expressed Phlda2 gene-two active alleles, one active allele (the extant state), and loss of function-show changes in the maternal hypothalamus and hippocampus during pregnancy, regions important for maternal-care behaviour. After birth, WT dams exposed in utero to offspring with the highest Phlda2 dose exhibit decreased nursing and grooming of pups and increased focus on nest building. Conversely, 'paternalised' dams, exposed to the lowest Phlda2 dose, showed increased nurturing of their pups, increased self-directed behaviour, and a decreased focus on nest building, behaviour that was robustly maintained in the absence of genetically modified pups. This work raises the intriguing possibility that imprinting of Phlda2 contributed to increased maternal care during the evolution of mammals.
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23
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Mustonen P, Karlsson L, Scheinin NM, Kortesluoma S, Coimbra B, Rodrigues AJ, Karlsson H. Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) as a measure for prenatal psychological distress - A systematic review. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 92:21-28. [PMID: 29609112 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal environment reportedly affects the programming of developmental trajectories in offspring and the modification of risks for later morbidity. Among the increasingly studied prenatal exposures are maternal psychological distress (PD) and altered maternal hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning. Both prenatal PD and maternal short-term cortisol concentrations as markers for HPA axis activity have been linked to adverse child outcomes and it has been assumed that maternal PD affects the offspring partially via altered cortisol secretion patterns. Yet, the existing literature on the interrelations between these two measures is conflicting. The assessment of cortisol levels by using hair cortisol concentration (HCC) has gained interest, as it offers a way to assess long-term cortisol levels with a single non-invasive sampling. According to our review, 6 studies assessing the associations between maternal HCC during pregnancy and various types of maternal PD have been published so far. Measures of prenatal PD range from maternal symptoms of depression or anxiety to stress related to person's life situation or pregnancy. The aim of this systematic review is to critically evaluate the potential of HCC as a biomarker for maternal PD during pregnancy. We conclude that HCC appears to be inconsistently associated with self-reported symptoms of prenatal PD, especially in the range of mild to moderate symptom levels. Self-reports on PD usually cover short time periods and they seem to depict partly different phenomena than HCC. Thus, methodological aspects are in a key role in future studies evaluating the interconnections across different types of prenatal PD and maternal HPA axis functioning. Further, studies including repetitive measurements of both HCC and PD during the prenatal period are needed, as timing of the assessments is one important source of variation among current studies. The significance of prenatal HCC in the context of offspring outcomes needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Mustonen
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Finland; Department of Child Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.
| | - Linnea Karlsson
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Finland; Department of Child Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Noora M Scheinin
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Susanna Kortesluoma
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Bárbara Coimbra
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana João Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Hasse Karlsson
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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24
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Litzky JF, Deyssenroth MA, Everson TM, Lester BM, Lambertini L, Chen J, Marsit CJ. Prenatal exposure to maternal depression and anxiety on imprinted gene expression in placenta and infant neurodevelopment and growth. Pediatr Res 2018; 83. [PMID: 29538358 PMCID: PMC5959758 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2018.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundDepression and/or anxiety during pregnancy have been associated with impaired fetal growth and neurodevelopment. Because placental imprinted genes play a central role in fetal development and respond to environmental stressors, we hypothesized that imprinted gene expression would be affected by prenatal depression and anxiety.MethodsPlacental gene expression was compared between mothers with prenatal depression and/or anxiety/obsessive compulsive disorder/panic and control mothers without psychiatric history (n=458) in the Rhode Island Child Health Study.ResultsTwenty-nine genes were identified as being significantly differentially expressed between placentae from infants of mothers with both depression and anxiety (n=54), with depression (n=89), or who took perinatal psychiatric medications (n=29) and control mother/infant pairs, with most genes having decreased expression in the stressed group. Among placentae from infants of mothers with depression, we found no differences in expression by medication use, indicating that our results are related to the stressor rather than the treatments. We did not find any relationship between the stress-associated gene expression and neonatal neurodevelopment, as measured using the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network Neurobehavioral Scale.ConclusionsThis variation in expression may be part of an adaptive mechanism by which the placenta buffers the infant from the effects of maternal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia F Litzky
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
| | - Maya A Deyssenroth
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY
| | - Todd M Everson
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Barry M. Lester
- Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Luca Lambertini
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York; NY
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY,Department of Pediatrics; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; New York, NY
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA,Corresponding Author: Carmen Marsit, 1518 Clifton Road, CNR 202, Atlanta, GA 30322, Phone: (404) 712-8912, Fax: (404) 727-8744,
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25
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Sosnowski DW, Booth C, York TP, Amstadter AB, Kliewer W. Maternal prenatal stress and infant DNA methylation: A systematic review. Dev Psychobiol 2018; 60:127-139. [PMID: 29344930 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Maternal prenatal stress has been linked to a variety of infant postnatal outcomes, partially through alterations in fetal HPA axis functioning; yet the underlying pathobiology remains elusive. Current literature posits DNA methylation as a candidate mechanism through which maternal prenatal stress can influence fetal HPA axis functioning. The goal of this systematic review was to summarize the literature examining the associations among maternal prenatal stress, DNA methylation of commonly studied HPA axis candidate genes, and infant HPA axis functioning. Results from the review provided evidence for a link between various maternal prenatal stressors, NR3C1 methylation, and infant stress reactivity, but findings among other genes were limited, with mixed results. An original study quality review tool revealed that a majority of studies in the review are adequate, and emphasizes the need for future research to consider study quality when interpreting research findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Sosnowski
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Carolyn Booth
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Timothy P York
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Ananda B Amstadter
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Wendy Kliewer
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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26
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Scheinost D, Sinha R, Cross SN, Kwon SH, Sze G, Constable RT, Ment LR. Does prenatal stress alter the developing connectome? Pediatr Res 2017; 81:214-226. [PMID: 27673421 PMCID: PMC5313513 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2016.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Human neurodevelopment requires the organization of neural elements into complex structural and functional networks called the connectome. Emerging data suggest that prenatal exposure to maternal stress plays a role in the wiring, or miswiring, of the developing connectome. Stress-related symptoms are common in women during pregnancy and are risk factors for neurobehavioral disorders ranging from autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and addiction, to major depression and schizophrenia. This review focuses on structural and functional connectivity imaging to assess the impact of changes in women's stress-based physiology on the dynamic development of the human connectome in the fetal brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin Scheinost
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Rajita Sinha
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut,Department of Child Study, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut,Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Sarah N. Cross
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Soo Hyun Kwon
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Gordon Sze
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - R. Todd Constable
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut,Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Laura R. Ment
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut,Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut,()
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27
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Floris I, Kraft JD, Altosaar I. Roles of MicroRNA across Prenatal and Postnatal Periods. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17121994. [PMID: 27916805 PMCID: PMC5187794 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17121994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Communication between mother and offspring in mammals starts at implantation via the maternal-placental-fetal axis, and continues postpartum via milk targeted to the intestinal mucosa. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), short, noncoding single-stranded RNAs, of about 22 nucleotides in length, are actively involved in many developmental and physiological processes. Here we highlight the role of miRNA in the dynamic signaling that guides infant development, starting from implantation of conceptus and persisting through the prenatal and postnatal periods. miRNAs in body fluids, particularly in amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood, and breast milk may offer new opportunities to investigate physiological and/or pathological molecular mechanisms that portend to open novel research avenues for the identification of noninvasive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Floris
- Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada.
| | - Jamie D Kraft
- Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada.
| | - Illimar Altosaar
- Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada.
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28
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Janssen AB, Capron LE, O'Donnell K, Tunster SJ, Ramchandani PG, Heazell AEP, Glover V, John RM. Maternal prenatal depression is associated with decreased placental expression of the imprinted gene PEG3. Psychol Med 2016; 46:2999-3011. [PMID: 27523184 PMCID: PMC5080674 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291716001598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal prenatal stress during pregnancy is associated with fetal growth restriction and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, which may be mediated by impaired placental function. Imprinted genes control fetal growth, placental development, adult behaviour (including maternal behaviour) and placental lactogen production. This study examined whether maternal prenatal depression was associated with aberrant placental expression of the imprinted genes paternally expressed gene 3 (PEG3), paternally expressed gene 10 (PEG10), pleckstrin homology-like domain family a member 2 (PHLDA2) and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1C (CDKN1C), and resulting impaired placental human placental lactogen (hPL) expression. METHOD A diagnosis of depression during pregnancy was recorded from Manchester cohort participants' medical notes (n = 75). Queen Charlotte's (n = 40) and My Baby and Me study (MBAM) (n = 81) cohort participants completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale self-rating psychometric questionnaire. Villous trophoblast tissue samples were analysed for gene expression. RESULTS In a pilot study, diagnosed depression during pregnancy was associated with a significant reduction in placental PEG3 expression (41%, p = 0.02). In two further independent cohorts, the Queen Charlotte's and MBAM cohorts, placental PEG3 expression was also inversely associated with maternal depression scores, an association that was significant in male but not female placentas. Finally, hPL expression was significantly decreased in women with clinically diagnosed depression (44%, p < 0.05) and in those with high depression scores (31% and 21%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first evidence that maternal prenatal depression is associated with changes in the placental expression of PEG3, co-incident with decreased expression of hPL. This aberrant placental gene expression could provide a possible mechanistic explanation for the co-occurrence of maternal depression, fetal growth restriction, impaired maternal behaviour and poorer offspring outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. B. Janssen
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - L. E. Capron
- Centre for Mental Health, Imperial College, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - K. O'Donnell
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, 6875 La Salle Boulevard, Verdun, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - S. J. Tunster
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - P. G. Ramchandani
- Centre for Mental Health, Imperial College, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - A. E. P. Heazell
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - V. Glover
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - R. M. John
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
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29
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Early developmental bisphenol-A exposure sex-independently impairs spatial memory by remodeling hippocampal dendritic architecture and synaptic transmission in rats. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32492. [PMID: 27578147 PMCID: PMC5006158 DOI: 10.1038/srep32492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol-A (BPA, 4, 4'-isopropylidene-2-diphenol), a synthetic xenoestrogen that widely used in the production of polycarbonate plastics, has been reported to impair hippocampal development and function. Our previous study has shown that BPA exposure impairs Sprague-Dawley (SD) male hippocampal dendritic spine outgrowth. In this study, the sex-effect of chronic BPA exposure on spatial memory in SD male and female rats and the related synaptic mechanism were further investigated. We found that chronic BPA exposure impaired spatial memory in both SD male and female rats, suggesting a dysfunction of hippocampus without gender-specific effect. Further investigation indicated that BPA exposure causes significant impairment of dendrite and spine structure, manifested as decreased dendritic complexity, dendritic spine density and percentage of mushroom shaped spines in hippocampal CA1 and dentate gyrus (DG) neurons. Furthermore, a significant reduction in Arc expression was detected upon BPA exposure. Strikingly, BPA exposure significantly increased the mIPSC amplitude without altering the mEPSC amplitude or frequency, accompanied by increased GABAARβ2/3 on postsynaptic membrane in cultured CA1 neurons. In summary, our study indicated that Arc, together with the increased surface GABAARβ2/3, contributed to BPA induced spatial memory deficits, providing a novel molecular basis for BPA achieved brain impairment.
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