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Grundeken M, Gustin K, Vahter M, Delaval M, Barman M, Sandin A, Sandberg AS, Wold AE, Broberg K, Kippler M. Toxic metals and essential trace elements in placenta and their relation to placental function. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 248:118355. [PMID: 38295973 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placental function is essential for fetal development, but it may be susceptible to malnutrition and environmental stressors. OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of toxic and essential trace elements in placenta on placental function. METHODS Toxic metals (cadmium, lead, mercury, cobalt) and essential elements (copper, manganese, zinc, selenium) were measured in placenta of 406 pregnant women in northern Sweden using ICP-MS. Placental weight and birth weight were obtained from hospital records and fetoplacental weight ratio was used to estimate placental efficiency. Placental relative telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) were determined by quantitative PCR (n = 285). Single exposure-outcome associations were evaluated using linear or spline regression, and joint associations and interactions with Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), all adjusted for sex, maternal smoking, and age or BMI. RESULTS Median cadmium, mercury, lead, cobalt, copper, manganese, zinc, and selenium concentrations in placenta were 3.2, 1.8, 4.3, 2.3, 1058, 66, 10626, and 166 μg/kg, respectively. In the adjusted regression, selenium (>147 μg/kg) was inversely associated with placental weight (B: -158; 95 % CI: -246, -71, per doubling), as was lead at low selenium (B: -23.6; 95 % CI: -43.2, -4.0, per doubling). Manganese was positively associated with placental weight (B: 41; 95 % CI: 5.9, 77, per doubling) and inversely associated with placental efficiency (B: -0.01; 95 % CI: -0.019, -0.004, per doubling). Cobalt was inversely associated with mtDNAcn (B: -11; 95 % CI: -20, -0.018, per doubling), whereas all essential elements were positively associated with mtDNAcn, individually and joint. CONCLUSION Among the toxic metals, lead appeared to negatively impact placental weight and cobalt decreased placental mtDNAcn. Joint essential element concentrations increased placental mtDNAcn. Manganese also appeared to increase placental weight, but not birth weight. The inverse association of selenium with placental weight may reflect increased transport of selenium to the fetus in late gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijke Grundeken
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Klara Gustin
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Marie Vahter
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mathilde Delaval
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Joint Mass Spectrometry Centre (JMSC), Cooperation Group Comprehensive Molecular Analytics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Malin Barman
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Sandin
- Department of Clinical Science, Pediatrics, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofie Sandberg
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Agnes E Wold
- Institute of Biomedicine, Dept, Of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karin Broberg
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Kippler
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Stråvik M, Hartvigsson O, Noerman S, Sandin A, Wold AE, Barman M, Sandberg AS. Biomarker Candidates of Habitual Food Intake in a Swedish Cohort of Pregnant and Lactating Women and Their Infants. Metabolites 2024; 14:256. [PMID: 38786733 PMCID: PMC11123206 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14050256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Circulating food metabolites could improve dietary assessments by complementing traditional methods. Here, biomarker candidates of food intake were identified in plasma samples from pregnancy (gestational week 29, N = 579), delivery (mothers, N = 532; infants, N = 348), and four months postpartum (mothers, N = 477; breastfed infants, N = 193) and associated to food intake assessed with semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires. Families from the Swedish birth cohort Nutritional impact on Immunological maturation during Childhood in relation to the Environment (NICE) were included. Samples were analyzed using untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics. Both exposure and outcome were standardized, and relationships were investigated using a linear regression analysis. The intake of fruits and berries and fruit juice were both positively related to proline betaine levels during pregnancy (fruits and berries, β = 0.23, FDR < 0.001; fruit juice, β = 0.27, FDR < 0.001), at delivery (fruit juice, infants: β = 0.19, FDR = 0.028), and postpartum (fruits and berries, mothers: β = 0.27, FDR < 0.001, infants: β = 0.29, FDR < 0.001; fruit juice, mothers: β = 0.37, FDR < 0.001). Lutein levels were positively related to vegetable intake during pregnancy (β = 0.23, FDR < 0.001) and delivery (mothers: β = 0.24, FDR < 0.001; newborns: β = 0.18, FDR = 0.014) and CMPF with fatty fish intake postpartum (mothers: β = 0.20, FDR < 0.001). No clear relationships were observed with the expected food sources of the remaining metabolites (acetylcarnitine, choline, indole-3-lactic acid, pipecolic acid). Our study suggests that plasma lutein could be useful as a more general food group intake biomarker for vegetables and fruits during pregnancy and delivery. Also, our results suggest the application of proline betaine as an intake biomarker of citrus fruit during gestation and lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Stråvik
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden (A.-S.S.)
| | - Olle Hartvigsson
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden (A.-S.S.)
| | - Stefania Noerman
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden (A.-S.S.)
| | - Anna Sandin
- Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Science, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Agnes E. Wold
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin Barman
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden (A.-S.S.)
| | - Ann-Sofie Sandberg
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden (A.-S.S.)
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Sheng N, Mårell L, Sitaram RT, Svensäter G, Westerlund A, Strömberg N. Human PRH1, PRH2 susceptibility and resistance and Streptococcus mutans virulence phenotypes specify different microbial profiles in caries. EBioMedicine 2024; 101:105001. [PMID: 38364699 PMCID: PMC10878843 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lifestyle- and sucrose-dependent polymicrobial ecological shifts are a primary cause of caries in populations with high caries prevalence. In populations with low prevalence, PRH1, PRH2 susceptibility and resistance phenotypes may interact with the Streptococcus mutans adhesin cariogenicity phenotype to affect caries progression, but studies are lacking on how these factors affect the microbial profile of caries. METHODS We analysed how the residency and infection profiles of S. mutans adhesin (SpaP A/B/C and Cnm/Cbm) phenotypes and commensal streptococci and lactobacilli influenced caries progression in a prospective case-referent sample of 452 Swedish adolescents with high (P4a), moderate (P6), and low (P1) caries PRH1, PRH2 phenotypes. Isolates of S. mutans from participants were analysed for adhesin expression and glycosylation and in vitro and in situ mechanisms related to caries activity. FINDINGS Among adolescents with the resistant (P1) phenotype, infection with S. mutans high-virulence phenotypes was required for caries progression. In contrast, with highly (P4a) or moderately (P6) susceptible phenotypes, caries developed from a broader polymicrobial flora that included moderately cariogenic oral commensal streptococci and lactobacilli and S. mutans phenotypes. High virulence involved unstable residency and fluctuating SpaP ABC, B-1, or Cnm expression/glycosylation phenotypes, whereas low/moderate virulence involved SpaP A phenotypes with stable residency. Adhesin phenotypes did not display changes in individual host residency but were paired within individuals and geographic regions. INTERPRETATION These results suggest that receptor PRH1, PRH2 susceptibility and resistance and S. mutans adhesin virulence phenotypes specify different microbial profiles in caries. FUNDING Swedish Research Council and funding bodies listed in the acknowledgement section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nongfei Sheng
- Department of Odontology/Cariology, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Lena Mårell
- Department of Odontology/Cariology, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | | | - Anna Westerlund
- Department of Orthodontics, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Nicklas Strömberg
- Department of Odontology/Cariology, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden.
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Barman M, Gio-Batta M, Andrieux L, Stråvik M, Saalman R, Fristedt R, Rabe H, Sandin A, Wold AE, Sandberg AS. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in infants' plasma and corresponding mother's milk and plasma in relation to subsequent sensitisation and atopic disease. EBioMedicine 2024; 101:104999. [PMID: 38340558 PMCID: PMC10869761 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.104999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in intestinal contents may influence immune function, while less is known about SCFAs in blood plasma. The aims were to investigate the relation between infants' and maternal plasma SCFAs, as well as SCFAs in mother's milk, and relate SCFA concentrations in infant plasma to subsequent sensitisation and atopic disease. METHODS Infant plasma (N = 148) and corresponding mother's milk and plasma were collected four months postpartum. Nine SCFA (formic, acetic, propionic, isobutyric, butyric, succinic, valeric, isovaleric, and caproic acid) were analysed by UPLC-MS. At 12 months of age, atopic disease was diagnosed by a pediatric allergologist, and sensitisation was measured by skin prick test. All families participated in the Swedish birth cohort NICE (Nutritional impact on Immunological maturation during Childhood in relation to the Environment). FINDINGS Infants with sensitisation, atopic eczema, or food allergy had significantly lower concentrations of five, three, and two SCFAs, respectively, in plasma at four months. Logistic regressions models showed significant negative associations between formic, succinic, and caproic acid and sensitisation [ORadj (95% CI) per SD: 0.41 (0.19-0.91); 0.19 (0.05-0.75); 0.25 (0.09-0.66)], and between acetic acid and atopic eczema [0.42 (0.18-0.95)], after adjusting for maternal allergy. Infants' and maternal plasma SCFA concentrations correlated strongly, while milk SCFA concentrations were unrelated to both. Butyric and caproic acid concentrations were enriched around 100-fold, and iso-butyric and valeric acid around 3-5-fold in mother's milk, while other SCFAs were less prevalent in milk than in plasma. INTERPRETATION Butyric and caproic acid might be actively transported into breast milk to meet the needs of the infant, although mechanistic studies are needed to confirm this. The negative associations between certain SCFAs on sensitisation and atopic disease adds to prior evidence regarding their immunoregulatory potential. FUNDING Swedish Research Council (Nr. 2013-3145, 2019-0137 and 2023-02217 to A-S.S.), Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare FORTE, Nr 2018-00485 to A.W.), The Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association's Research Fund (2020-0020 to A.S.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin Barman
- Department of Life Sciences, Food and Nutrition Science, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg 412 96, Sweden.
| | - Monica Gio-Batta
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 405 30, Sweden
| | - Léna Andrieux
- Department of Life Sciences, Food and Nutrition Science, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg 412 96, Sweden; Département de Biologie, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69342 Lyon Cedex 07, France
| | - Mia Stråvik
- Department of Life Sciences, Food and Nutrition Science, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg 412 96, Sweden
| | - Robert Saalman
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 405 30, Sweden
| | - Rikard Fristedt
- Department of Life Sciences, Food and Nutrition Science, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg 412 96, Sweden
| | - Hardis Rabe
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 405 30, Sweden
| | - Anna Sandin
- Department of Clinical Science, Pediatrics, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, Umeå 901 87, Sweden
| | - Agnes E Wold
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 405 30, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofie Sandberg
- Department of Life Sciences, Food and Nutrition Science, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg 412 96, Sweden
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Hartvigsson O, Barman M, Rabe H, Sandin A, Wold AE, Brunius C, Sandberg AS. Associations of the placental metabolome with immune maturation up to one year of age in the Swedish NICE-cohort. Metabolomics 2024; 20:28. [PMID: 38407648 PMCID: PMC10896773 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-024-02092-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Allergies and other immune-mediated diseases are thought to result from incomplete maturation of the immune system early in life. We previously showed that infants' metabolites at birth were associated with immune cell subtypes during infancy. The placenta supplies the fetus with nutrients, but may also provide immune maturation signals. OBJECTIVES To examine the relationship between metabolites in placental villous tissue and immune maturation during the first year of life and infant and maternal characteristics (gestational length, birth weight, sex, parity, maternal age, and BMI). METHODS Untargeted metabolomics was measured using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Subpopulations of T and B cells were measured using flow cytometry at birth, 48 h, one, four, and 12 months. Random forest analysis was used to link the metabolomics data with the T and B cell sub populations as well as infant and maternal characteristics. RESULTS Modest associations (Q2 = 0.2-0.3) were found between the placental metabolome and kappa-deleting recombination excision circles (KREC) at birth and naïve B cells and memory T cells at 12 months. Weak associations were observed between the placental metabolome and sex and parity. Still, most metabolite features of interest were of low intensity compared to associations previously found in cord blood, suggesting that underlying metabolites were not of placental origin. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that metabolomic measurements of the placenta may not effectively recognize metabolites important for immune maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olle Hartvigsson
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Malin Barman
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Hardis Rabe
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Sandin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Unit of Pediatrics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Agnes E Wold
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carl Brunius
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofie Sandberg
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
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Kampouri M, Gustin K, Stråvik M, Barman M, Sandin A, Sandberg AS, Wold AE, Vahter M, Kippler M. Associations of gestational and early-life exposure to toxic metals and fluoride with a diagnosis of food allergy or atopic eczema at 1 year of age. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108071. [PMID: 37422976 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Studies have indicated that early-life exposure to toxic metals and fluoride affects the immune system, but evidence regarding their role in allergic disease development is scarce. We aimed to evaluate the relations of exposure to such compounds in 482 pregnant women and their infants (4 months of age) with food allergy and atopic eczema diagnosed by a paediatric allergologist at 1 year of age within the Swedish birth-cohort NICE (Nutritional impact on Immunological maturation during Childhood in relation to the Environment). Urinary cadmium and erythrocyte cadmium, lead, and mercury concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), urinary inorganic arsenic metabolites by ICP-MS after separation by ion exchange chromatography, and urinary fluoride by an ion-selective electrode. The prevalence of food allergy and atopic eczema was 8 and 7%, respectively. Gestational urinary cadmium, reflecting chronic exposure, was associated with increased odds of infant food allergy (OR [95% CI]: 1.34 [1.09, 1.66] per IQR [0.08 μg/L]). Both gestational and infant urinary fluoride were associated, albeit at a statistically non-significant level, with increased atopic eczema odds (1.48 [0.98, 2.25], 1.36 [0.95, 1.95], per doubling, respectively). By contrast, gestational and infant erythrocyte lead was associated with decreased odds of atopic eczema (0.48 [0.26, 0.87] per IQR [6.6 μg/kg] and 0.38 [0.16, 0.91] per IQR [5.94 μg/kg], respectively), and infant lead with decreased odds of food allergy (0.39 [0.16, 0.93] per IQR [5.94 μg/kg]). Multivariable adjustment had marginal impact on the estimates above. After additional adjustment for fish intake biomarkers, the methylmercury associated atopic-eczema odds were considerably increased (1.29 [0.80, 2.06] per IQR [1.36 μg/kg]). In conclusion, our results indicate that gestational cadmium exposure might be associated with food allergy at 1 year of age and, possibly, early-life exposure to fluoride with atopic eczema. Further prospective and mechanistic studies are needed to establish causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariza Kampouri
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Klara Gustin
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mia Stråvik
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin Barman
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Sandin
- Department of Clinical Science, Pediatrics, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofie Sandberg
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Agnes E Wold
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie Vahter
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Kippler
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Stråvik M, Gustin K, Barman M, Levi M, Sandin A, Wold AE, Sandberg AS, Kippler M, Vahter M. Biomarkers of seafood intake during pregnancy - Pollutants versus fatty acids and micronutrients. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 225:115576. [PMID: 36878269 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Intake of fish and seafood during pregnancy may have certain beneficial effects on fetal development, but measurement of intake using questionnaires is unreliable. Here, we assessed several candidate biomarkers of seafood intake, including long-chain omega 3 fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA), selenium, iodine, methylmercury, and different arsenic compounds, in 549 pregnant women (gestational week 29) in the prospective birth cohort NICE (Nutritional impact on Immunological maturation during Childhood in relation to the Environment). Proportions of the fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in erythrocytes were measured using gas chromatography with flame ionization detector. Selenium was measured in blood plasma and erythrocytes, mercury and arsenic in erythrocytes, and iodine and several arsenic compounds in urine, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, arsenic compounds after first being separated by ion exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Each biomarker was related to intake of total seafood and to intake of fatty and lean fish, and shellfish in third trimester, estimated from a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire filled out in gestational week 34. The pregnant women reported a median total seafood intake of 184 g/week (5th-95th percentiles: 34-465 g/week). This intake correlated most strongly with erythrocyte mercury concentrations (rho = 0.49, p < 0.001), consisting essentially of methylmercury, followed by total arsenic in erythrocytes (rho = 0.34, p < 0.001), and arsenobetaine in urine (rho = 0.33, p < 0.001), the main form of urinary arsenic. These biomarkers correlated well with intake of both fatty fish, lean fish, and shellfish. Erythrocyte DHA and plasma selenium correlated, although weakly, mainly with fatty fish (rho = 0.25 and 0.22, respectively, both p < 0.001). In conclusion, elevated concentrations of erythrocyte mercury and urinary arsenobetaine can be useful indicators of seafood intake, more so than the n-3 LCPUFAs. However, the relative importance of the biomarkers may differ depending on the type and amount of seafood consumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Stråvik
- Department of Life Sciences, Food and Nutrition Science, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Klara Gustin
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Metals and Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Barman
- Department of Life Sciences, Food and Nutrition Science, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Metals and Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Levi
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Metals and Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Sandin
- Department of Clinical Science, Pediatrics, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Agnes E Wold
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 90, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofie Sandberg
- Department of Life Sciences, Food and Nutrition Science, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria Kippler
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Metals and Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Vahter
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Metals and Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
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Kampouri M, Gustin K, Stråvik M, Barman M, Levi M, Daraki V, Jacobsson B, Sandin A, Sandberg AS, Wold AE, Vahter M, Kippler M. Association of maternal urinary fluoride concentrations during pregnancy with size at birth and the potential mediation effect by maternal thyroid hormones: The Swedish NICE birth cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:114129. [PMID: 35998692 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational studies have indicated that elevated maternal fluoride exposure during pregnancy may impair child neurodevelopment but a potential impact on birth outcomes is understudied. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the impact of gestational fluoride exposure on birth outcomes (birth size and gestational age at birth) and to assess the potential mediating role of maternal thyroid hormones. METHODS We studied 583 mother-child dyads in the NICE cohort in northern Sweden. Maternal fluoride exposure was assessed by measuring urinary concentrations at late pregnancy (median: 29th gestational week) using an ion selective electrode. Plasma levels of free and total thyroxine (fT4, tT4) and triiodothyronine (fT3, tT3), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured with electrochemiluminescence immunoassays. The infant's weight, length, head circumference, and gestational age at birth were extracted from hospital records. RESULTS Median urinary fluoride concentration was 0.71 mg/L (5th-95th percentile 0.31-1.9 mg/L; specific gravity adjusted). In multivariable-adjusted regression models, every 1 mg/L increase of maternal urinary fluoride was associated with a mean increase in birth weight by 84 g (95%CI: 30, 138), length by 0.41 cm (95%CI: 0.18, 0.65), head circumference by 0.3 cm (95%CI: 0.1, 0.4), and with increased odds of being born large for gestational age (OR = 1.39, 95%CI: 1.03, 1.89). Every 1 mg/L increase of maternal urinary fluoride was also associated with a mean increase of the plasma fT3:fT4 ratio (B = 0.007, 95%CI: 0.000, 0.014), but not with the hormones or TSH. In mediation analyses, the maternal fT3:fT4 ratio did not explain the urinary fluoride-birth size relationships. DISCUSSION Gestational urinary fluoride concentrations were associated with increased size at birth and even with increased odds of being born large for gestational age. The fluoride-related associations with increased size at birth were not explained by changes in maternal thyroid hormone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariza Kampouri
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Klara Gustin
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mia Stråvik
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin Barman
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michael Levi
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vasiliki Daraki
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Sandin
- Department of Clinical Science, Pediatrics, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofie Sandberg
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Agnes E Wold
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie Vahter
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Kippler
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Human Milk Extracellular Vesicles: A Biological System with Clinical Implications. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152345. [PMID: 35954189 PMCID: PMC9367292 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The consumption of human milk by a breastfeeding infant is associated with positive health outcomes, including lower risk of diarrheal disease, respiratory disease, otitis media, and in later life, less risk of chronic disease. These benefits may be mediated by antibodies, glycoproteins, glycolipids, oligosaccharides, and leukocytes. More recently, human milk extracellular vesicles (hMEVs) have been identified. HMEVs contain functional cargos, i.e., miRNAs and proteins, that may transmit information from the mother to promote infant growth and development. Maternal health conditions can influence hMEV composition. This review summarizes hMEV biogenesis and functional contents, reviews the functional evidence of hMEVs in the maternal–infant health relationship, and discusses challenges and opportunities in hMEV research.
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10
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Gustin K, Vahter M, Barman M, Jacobsson B, Skröder H, Filipsson Nyström H, Sandin A, Sandberg AS, Wold AE, Kippler M. Assessment of Joint Impact of Iodine, Selenium, and Zinc Status on Women's Third-Trimester Plasma Thyroid Hormone Concentrations. J Nutr 2022; 152:1737-1746. [PMID: 35383840 PMCID: PMC9258587 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxac081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iodine is essential for synthesizing thyroid hormones, but other micronutrients are also required for optimal thyroid function. However, there is a lack of data on combined micronutrient status in relation to thyroid hormones in pregnancy. OBJECTIVES We aimed to assess the joint associations of iodine, selenium, and zinc status with plasma concentrations of thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in pregnancy. METHODS We included 531 pregnant women (aged 22-40 y) participating in a Swedish birth cohort who provided blood and spot urine samples in gestational weeks 27-33 (mean: 29). Associations of urinary iodine concentration (UIC), plasma selenium concentration, and plasma zinc concentration (measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) with plasma hormone concentrations [total and free thyroxine (tT4, fT4), total and free triiodothyronine (tT3, fT3), and TSH] were explored with Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR; n = 516; outliers excluded) and multivariable-adjusted linear regression (n = 531; splined for nonlinear associations). RESULTS Median (IQR) micronutrient concentrations were 112 μg/L (80-156 μg/L) for UIC, 67 μg/L (58-76 μg/L) for plasma selenium, and 973 μg/L (842-1127 μg/L) for plasma zinc; the former 2 median values were below recommended concentrations (150 μg/L and 70 μg/L, respectively). Mean ± SD TSH concentration was 1.7 ± 0.87 mIU/L, with 98% < 4 mIU/L. BKMR showed a positive trend of joint micronutrient concentrations in relation to TSH. Plasma zinc was most influential for all hormones but tT3, for which plasma selenium was most influential. In adjusted linear regression models, zinc was positively associated with tT4, tT3, and TSH, and <1200 μg/L also with fT4 and fT3. Selenium was inversely associated with fT3, and <85 μg/L with tT3. CONCLUSIONS Pregnant women's plasma TSH concentrations in the early third trimester increased with increasing joint status of iodine, selenium, and zinc. Zinc and selenium were more influential than iodine for the hormone concentrations. Multiple micronutrients need consideration in future studies of thyroid hormone status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Gustin
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Vahter
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Barman
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden,Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helena Skröder
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helena Filipsson Nyström
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Endocrinology, Specialized Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden,Wallenberg's Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hopsital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Sandin
- Department of Clinical Science, Pediatrics, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofie Sandberg
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Agnes E Wold
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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11
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Hartvigsson O, Barman M, Savolainen O, Ross AB, Sandin A, Jacobsson B, Wold AE, Sandberg AS, Brunius C. Differences between Arterial and Venous Umbilical Cord Plasma Metabolome and Association with Parity. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12020175. [PMID: 35208249 PMCID: PMC8877791 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12020175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Umbilical cord blood is frequently used in health monitoring of the neonate. Results may be affected by the proportion of arterial and venous cord blood, the venous blood coming from the mother to supply oxygen and nutrients to the infant, and the arterial carrying waste products from the fetus. Here, we sampled arterial and venous umbilical cords separately from 48 newly delivered infants and examined plasma metabolomes using GC-MS/MS metabolomics. We investigated differences in metabolomes between arterial and venous blood and their associations with gestational length, birth weight, sex, and whether the baby was the first born or not, as well as maternal age and BMI. Using multilevel random forest analysis, a classification rate of 79% was achieved for arteriovenous differences (p = 0.004). Several monosaccharides had higher concentrations in the arterial cord plasma while amino acids were higher in venous plasma, suggesting that the main differences in the measured arterial and venous plasma metabolomes are related to amino acid and energy metabolism. Venous cord plasma metabolites related to energy metabolism were positively associated with parity (77% classification rate, p = 0.004) while arterial cord plasma metabolites were not. This underlines the importance of defining cord blood type for metabolomic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olle Hartvigsson
- Division of Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Göteborg, Sweden; (M.B.); (A.-S.S.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Malin Barman
- Division of Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Göteborg, Sweden; (M.B.); (A.-S.S.); (C.B.)
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Otto Savolainen
- Chalmers Mass Spectrometry Infrastructure, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Göteborg, Sweden;
| | - Alastair B. Ross
- AgResearch, Proteins and Metabolites, Lincoln 7674, New Zealand;
| | - Anna Sandin
- Department of Clinical Science, Pediatrics, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, 901 897 Umeå, Sweden;
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Agnes E. Wold
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden;
| | - Ann-Sofie Sandberg
- Division of Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Göteborg, Sweden; (M.B.); (A.-S.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Carl Brunius
- Division of Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Göteborg, Sweden; (M.B.); (A.-S.S.); (C.B.)
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12
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Ögge LE, Murray F, Modzelewska D, Lundqvist R, Nilsson S, Carré H, Kippler M, Wold AE, Sandberg AS, Sandin A, Jacobsson B, Barman M. Maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes in the NICE birth cohort: an assessment of self-selection bias. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2022; 35:9014-9022. [PMID: 34979877 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.2011854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prospective birth cohorts are essential for identifying associations between exposures and outcomes. However, voluntary participation introduces a potential bias due to self selection since the persons that chose to participate may differ in background characteristics and behaviors. OBJECTIVES To investigate potential bias due to self-selection in the Nutritional impact on Immunological maturation during Childhood in relation to the Environment (NICE) birth cohort in northern Sweden. METHODS Women in the NICE birth cohort (N = 621) were compared to nonparticipating pregnant women in Norrbotten County in northern Sweden who were eligible for participation (N = 4976) regarding maternal characteristics and lifestyle. Maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were compared between the groups and associations between exposures (smoking, folic acid, BMI, parity, education) and pregnancy outcomes (birth weight and gestational age) were analyzed by linear regression analyses, examining any interaction with the group. RESULTS NICE participants were more highly educated, older and more likely to cohabit than the non-participants. They more often took folic acid and multivitamin supplements and less often smoked during early pregnancy. Pregnancy outcomes (mode of delivery, gestational age at delivery, birth weight and APGAR score) did, however, not differ significantly between participants and non-participants. Smoking, BMI, education and parity affected gestational age and birth weight, but the associations were of similar magnitude in participants and non-participants, with no significant effect on the group. CONCLUSION Self-selection to the NICE study was evident in some factors related to lifestyle and socioeconomic characteristics but did not appear to skew pregnancy outcomes or alter well-known effects of certain lifestyle parameters on pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Englund Ögge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fiona Murray
- Department of Odontology, Norrbotten County Council, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Dominika Modzelewska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Robert Lundqvist
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Norrbotten County Council, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Staffan Nilsson
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helena Carré
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, Sweden
| | - Maria Kippler
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agnes E Wold
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofie Sandberg
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Food and Nutrition Science, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Sandin
- Department of Clinical Science, Pediatrics, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin Barman
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Food and Nutrition Science, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
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13
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Stråvik M, Gustin K, Barman M, Skröder H, Sandin A, Wold AE, Sandberg AS, Kippler M, Vahter M. Infant Iodine and Selenium Status in Relation to Maternal Status and Diet During Pregnancy and Lactation. Front Nutr 2021; 8:733602. [PMID: 34988107 PMCID: PMC8721874 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.733602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Iodine and selenium are essential trace elements. Recent studies indicate that pregnant and lactating women often have insufficient intake of iodine and selenium, but the impact on fetal and infant status is unclear. Here, we assessed iodine and selenium status of infants in relation to maternal intake and status of these trace elements in the birth cohort NICE, conducted in northern Sweden (n = 604). Iodine was measured in urine (UIC) in gestational week 29, and in breast milk and infant urine 4 months postpartum, while selenium was measured in maternal plasma and erythrocytes in gestational week 29, and in breast milk and infant erythrocytes 4 months postpartum, in both cases using ICP-MS. Maternal intake was assessed with semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires in gestational week 34 and at 4 months postpartum. The median intake of iodine and selenium during pregnancy (98 and 40 μg/d, respectively) and lactation (108 and 39 μg/d, respectively) was below recommended intakes, reflected in insufficient status (median UIC of 113 μg/L, median plasma selenium of 65 μg/L). Also, breast milk concentrations (median iodine 77 μg/L, median selenium 9 μg/L) were unlikely to meet infant requirements. Median UIC of the infants was 114 μg/L and median erythrocyte selenium 96 μg/kg, both similar to the maternal concentrations. Infant UIC correlated strongly with breast milk levels (rho = 0.64, p < 0.001). Their erythrocyte selenium correlated with maternal erythrocyte selenium in pregnancy (rho = 0.38, p < 0.001), but not with breast milk selenium, suggesting formation of prenatal reserves. Our results indicate that the transport of iodine and selenium to the fetus and infant is prioritized. Still, it is uncertain whether most infants had sufficient intakes. Further, the results might indicate an involvement of iodine in asthma development during the first year of life, which is essential to follow up. The low maternal and infant dietary intake of both iodine and selenium, especially when the mothers did not use supplements or iodized table salt, suggest a need for a general screening of women and young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Stråvik
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Food and Nutrition Science, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Klara Gustin
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Barman
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Food and Nutrition Science, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helena Skröder
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Sandin
- Department of Clinical Science, Pediatrics, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Agnes E. Wold
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofie Sandberg
- Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Food and Nutrition Science, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria Kippler
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Vahter
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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14
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Gustin K, Barman M, Skröder H, Jacobsson B, Sandin A, Sandberg AS, Wold AE, Vahter M, Kippler M. Thyroid hormones in relation to toxic metal exposure in pregnancy, and potential interactions with iodine and selenium. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 157:106869. [PMID: 34530290 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several endocrine-disrupting metals may affect thyroid function, but the few available studies of exposure during pregnancy and thyroid hormones are inconclusive. OBJECTIVE To explore if environmental exposure to cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and methylmercury (MeHg) impacts thyroid function in pregnancy, and interacts with iodine and selenium status. METHODS Women in a Swedish birth cohort provided blood and urine samples in early third trimester. Concentrations of erythrocyte Cd, Pb, and Hg (n = 544), urinary Cd and iodine (n = 542) and plasma selenium (n = 548) were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.Free and total thyroxine (fT4, tT4) and triiodothyronine (fT3, tT3), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), were measured in plasma (n = 548) with electrochemiluminescence immunoassays. Metal-hormone associations were assessed in regression models, and metal mixture effects and metal-nutrient interactions were explored in Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). RESULTS In multivariable-adjusted regression models, a doubling of urinary Cd was associated with a mean increase in tT4 of 2.7 nmol/L (95% CI: 0.78, 4.6), and in fT3 and tT3 of 0.06 pmol/L (0.02, 0.10) and 0.09 nmol/L (0.05, 0.13), respectively. A doubling of urinary Cd was associated with a -0.002 (-0.003, -0.001) and -0.03 (-0.05, -0.02) decrease in the fT4:tT4 and fT3:tT3 ratio, respectively. A doubling of erythrocyte Hg (>1 µg/kg) was associated with a decrease in fT3 and tT3 by -0.11 pmol/L (-0.16, -0.05) and -0.11 nmol/L (-0.16, -0.06), respectively, and a -0.013 (-0.02, -0.01) decrease in the fT3:fT4 ratio. BKMR did not indicate any mixture effect of toxic metals or interactions between metals and iodine or selenium in relation to the hormones. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that exposure to Cd and Hg, at levels globally prevalent through the diet, may affect thyroid function during pregnancy, independently of iodine and selenium levels. Further studies on potential implications for maternal and child health are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Gustin
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Barman
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helena Skröder
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Domain of Health Data and Digitalisation, Institute of Public Health Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Sandin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Unit of Pediatrics, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofie Sandberg
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Agnes E Wold
- Institute of Biomedicine, Dept, of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie Vahter
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Kippler
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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15
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Proportions of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Umbilical Cord Blood at Birth Are Related to Atopic Eczema Development in the First Year of Life. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13113779. [PMID: 34836034 PMCID: PMC8624970 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Atopic eczema, the most common atopic disease in infants, may pave the way for sensitization and allergy later in childhood. Fatty acids have immune-regulating properties and may regulate skin permeability. Here we examine whether the proportions of fatty acids among the infant and maternal plasma phospholipids at birth were associated with maternal dietary intake during pregnancy and development of atopic eczema during the first year of age in the Nutritional impact on Immunological maturation during Childhood in relation to the Environment (NICE) birth cohort. Dietary data were collected with a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, fatty acids were measured with GC-MS and atopic eczema was diagnosed by a pediatric allergologist at 12 months of age. We found that higher proportions of n-6 PUFAs (including arachidonic acid) but lower proportions of n-3 PUFAs (including DPA) in the infant’s phospholipids at birth were associated with an increased risk of atopic eczema at 12 months of age. The n-6 and n-3 PUFAs were related to maternal intake of meat and fish, respectively. Our results suggest that prenatal exposure to unsaturated fatty acids is associated with eczema development in the infant. Maternal diet during pregnancy may partly explain the fatty acid profiles in utero.
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16
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Hartvigsson O, Barman M, Rabe H, Sandin A, Wold AE, Brunius C, Sandberg AS. Associations of maternal and infant metabolomes with immune maturation and allergy development at 12 months in the Swedish NICE-cohort. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12706. [PMID: 34135462 PMCID: PMC8209090 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92239-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Allergic diseases are the most common chronic diseases in childrenin the Western world, but little is know about what factors influence immune maturation and allergy development. We therefore aimed to associate infant and maternal metabolomes to T- and B-cell subpopulations and allergy diagnosis. We performed liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry based untargeted metabolomics on blood plasma from mothers (third trimester, n = 605; delivery, n = 558) and from the umbilical cord (n = 366). The measured metabolomes were associated to T- and B-cell subpopulations up to 4 months after delivery and to doctor´s diagnosed eczema, food allergy and asthma at one year of age using random forest analysis. Maternal and cord plasma at delivery could predict the number of CD24+CD38low memory B-cells (p = 0.033, n = 26 and p = 0.009, n = 22), but future allergy status could not be distinguished from any of the three measured metabolomes. Replication of previous literature findings showed hypoxanthine to be upregulated in the umbilical cord of children with subsequent asthma. This exploratory study suggests foetal immune programming occuring during pregnancy as the metabolomic profiles of mothers and infants at delivery related to infants' B-cell maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olle Hartvigsson
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Malin Barman
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hardis Rabe
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Sandin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Unit of Pediatrics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Agnes E Wold
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carl Brunius
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofie Sandberg
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
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17
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Umbilical cord blood metabolome differs in relation to delivery mode, birth order and sex, maternal diet and possibly future allergy development in rural children. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0242978. [PMID: 33493154 PMCID: PMC7833224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergy is one of the most common diseases among young children yet all factors that affect development of allergy remain unclear. In a small cohort of 65 children living in the same rural area of south-west Sweden, we have previously found that maternal factors, including prenatal diet, affect childhood allergy risk, suggesting that in utero conditions may be important for allergy development. Here, we studied if metabolites in the umbilical cord blood of newborns may be related to development of childhood allergy, accounting for key perinatal factors such as mode of delivery, birth order and sex. Available umbilical cord blood plasma samples from 44 of the participants were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry metabolomics; allergy was diagnosed by specialised paediatricians at ages 18 months, 3 years and 8 years and included eczema, asthma, food allergy and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Nineteen cord blood metabolites were related to future allergy diagnosis though there was no clear pattern of up- or downregulation of metabolic pathways. In contrast, perinatal factors birth order, sex and mode of delivery affected several energy and biosynthetic pathways, including glutamate and aspartic acid—histidine metabolism (p = 0.004) and the tricarboxylic acid cycle (p = 0.006) for birth order; branched chain amino acid metabolism (p = 0.0009) and vitamin B6 metabolism (p = 0.01) for sex; and glyoxylate and dicarboxylic acid metabolism (p = 0.005) for mode of delivery. Maternal diet was also related to some of the metabolites associated with allergy. In conclusion, the cord blood metabolome includes individual metabolites that reflect lifestyle, microbial and other factors that may be associated with future allergy diagnosis, and also reflects temporally close events/factors. Larger studies are required to confirm these associations, and perinatal factors such as birth order or siblings must be considered in future cord-blood metabolome studies.
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18
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Maternal Intake of Cow's Milk during Lactation Is Associated with Lower Prevalence of Food Allergy in Offspring. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12123680. [PMID: 33260602 PMCID: PMC7761074 DOI: 10.3390/nu12123680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation may affect the propensity of the child to develop an allergy. The aim was to assess and compare the dietary intake of pregnant and lactating women, validate it with biomarkers, and to relate these data to physician-diagnosed allergy in the offspring at 12 months of age. Maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation was assessed by repeated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires in a prospective Swedish birth cohort (n = 508). Fatty acid proportions were measured in maternal breast milk and erythrocytes. Allergy was diagnosed at 12 months of age by a pediatrician specialized in allergy. An increased maternal intake of cow's milk during lactation, confirmed with biomarkers (fatty acids C15:0 and C17:0) in the maternal blood and breast milk, was associated with a lower prevalence of physician-diagnosed food allergy by 12 months of age. Intake of fruit and berries during lactation was associated with a higher prevalence of atopic eczema at 12 months of age. Our results suggest that maternal diet modulates the infant's immune system, thereby influencing subsequent allergy development.
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19
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Gustin K, Barman M, Stråvik M, Levi M, Englund-Ögge L, Murray F, Jacobsson B, Sandberg AS, Sandin A, Wold AE, Vahter M, Kippler M. Low-level maternal exposure to cadmium, lead, and mercury and birth outcomes in a Swedish prospective birth-cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:114986. [PMID: 32585550 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Observational studies have indicated that low-to-moderate exposure to cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) adversely affects birth anthropometry, but results are inconclusive. The aim of this study was to elucidate potential impact on birth anthropometry of exposure to Cd, Pb, and Hg in pregnant women, and to identify the main dietary sources. In the NICE (Nutritional impact on Immunological maturation during Childhood in relation to the Environment) birth-cohort in northern Sweden, blood and urine were collected from pregnant women in early third trimester. Cd, Pb and Hg were measured in erythrocytes (n = 584), and Cd also in urine (n = 581), by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Dietary data were collected through a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire administered in mid-third trimester. Birth anthropometry data were extracted from hospital records. In multivariable-adjusted spline regression models, a doubling of maternal erythrocyte Cd (median: 0.29 μg/kg) above the spline knot of 0.50 μg/kg was associated with reduced birth weight (B: -191 g; 95% CI: -315, -68) and length (-0.67 cm; -1.2, -0.14). The association with birth weight remained when the analysis was restricted to never-smokers. Likewise, a doubling of erythrocyte Hg (median 1.5 μg/kg, mainly MeHg) above 1.0 μg/kg, was associated with decreased birth weight (-59 g; -115, -3.0), and length (-0.29 cm; -0.54, -0.047). Maternal Pb (median 11 μg/kg) was unrelated to birth weight and length. Erythrocyte Cd was primarily associated with intake of plant derived foods, Pb with game meat, tea and coffee, and Hg with fish. The results indicated that low-level maternal Cd and Hg exposure were associated with poorer birth anthropometry. Further prospective studies in low-level exposed populations are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Gustin
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Barman
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mia Stråvik
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michael Levi
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linda Englund-Ögge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fiona Murray
- Odontology/Cariology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Sunderby Research Unit, Region Norrbotten, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Domain of Health Data and Digitalisation, Institute of Public Health Oslo, Norway
| | - Ann-Sofie Sandberg
- Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Sandin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Unit of Pediatrics, Sunderby Research Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Agnes E Wold
- Institute of Biomedicine, Dept, of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie Vahter
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Kippler
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Kreikemeier-Bower C, Polepole P, Pinkerton K, Zhang L. A simple method for short-term maintenance of neonatal mice without foster mothers. J Biol Methods 2020; 7:e126. [PMID: 32201708 PMCID: PMC7081055 DOI: 10.14440/jbm.2020.315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mice are typically weaned from their mother between 21 and 28 days of age, or at 10 grams of body weight. However, some biochemical experiments need to be done before the weaning days, and the mother might cannibalize or ignore those manipulated pups. Here, we provide a detailed protocol for maintenance of neonatal mice without the presence of their mothers for biomedical research. The basic instinct of neonate mice to hide under covers is harnessed for their survival in a mother-free environment. When covers are soaked with milk and the only targets for hiding, the neonates would acquire their nutrients at least in an involuntary fashion. The protocol is simple and can be used for neonatal rodent studies for short periods of times, and assures the accuracy of the biomedical experiments if survival rate of neonates is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pascal Polepole
- Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Katherine Pinkerton
- Institution of Animal Care Program, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Luwen Zhang
- Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
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21
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Food and Nutrient Intake during Pregnancy in Relation to Maternal Characteristics: Results from the NICE Birth Cohort in Northern Sweden. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11071680. [PMID: 31336625 PMCID: PMC6682885 DOI: 10.3390/nu11071680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Linkages between diet and other lifestyle factors may confound observational studies. We used cluster analysis to analyze how the intake of food and nutrients during pregnancy co-varies with lifestyle, clinical and demographic factors in 567 women who participated in the NICE (nutritional impact on immunological maturation during childhood in relation to the environment) birth-cohort in northern Sweden. A food frequency questionnaire, Meal-Q, was administered in pregnancy Week 34, and the reported food and nutrient intakes were related to maternal characteristics such as age, education, rural/town residence, parity, pre-pregnancy smoking, first-trimester BMI, allergy and hyperemesis. Two lifestyle-diet clusters were identified: (1) High level of education and higher age were related to one another, and associated with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish, and (2) smoking before pregnancy and higher BMI in early pregnancy were related to one another and associated with a diet that contained white bread, French fries, pizza, meat, soft drinks, candy and snacks. More than half of the women had lower-than-recommended daily intake levels of vitamin D, folate, selenium, and iodine. Complex lifestyle-diet interactions should be considered in observational studies that link diet and pregnancy outcome.
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