1
|
Brown ER, Gettler LT, Rosenbaum S. Effects of social environments on male primate HPG and HPA axis developmental programming. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22491. [PMID: 38698633 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Developmental plasticity is particularly important for humans and other primates because of our extended period of growth and maturation, during which our phenotypes adaptively respond to environmental cues. The hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes are likely to be principal targets of developmental "programming" given their roles in coordinating fitness-relevant aspects of the phenotype, including sexual development, adult reproductive and social strategies, and internal responses to the external environment. In social animals, including humans, the social environment is believed to be an important source of cues to which these axes may adaptively respond. The effects of early social environments on the HPA axis have been widely studied in humans, and to some extent, in other primates, but there are still major gaps in knowledge specifically relating to males. There has also been relatively little research examining the role that social environments play in developmental programming of the HPG axis or the HPA/HPG interface, and what does exist disproportionately focuses on females. These topics are likely understudied in males in part due to the difficulty of identifying developmental milestones in males relative to females and the general quiescence of the HPG axis prior to maturation. However, there are clear indicators that early life social environments matter for both sexes. In this review, we examine what is known about the impact of social environments on HPG and HPA axis programming during male development in humans and nonhuman primates, including the role that epigenetic mechanisms may play in this programming. We conclude by highlighting important next steps in this research area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ella R Brown
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lee T Gettler
- Department of Anthropology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Stacy Rosenbaum
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Stenhouse C, Bazer FW, Ashworth CJ. Sexual dimorphism in placental development and function: Comparative physiology with an emphasis on the pig. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:684-696. [PMID: 35466463 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Across mammalian species, it has been demonstrated that sex influences birth weight, with males being heavier than females; a characteristic that can be observed from early gestation. Male piglets are more likely to be stillborn and have greater preweaning mortality than their female littermates, despite the additional maternal investment into male fetal growth. Given the conserved nature of the genome between the sexes, it is hypothesized that these developmental differences between males and females are most likely orchestrated by differential placental adaptation. This review summarizes the current understanding of fetal sex-specific differences in placental and endometrial structure and function, with an emphasis on pathways found to be differentially regulated in the pig including angiogenesis, apoptosis, and proliferation. Given the importance of piglet sex in agricultural enterprises, and the potential for skewed litter sex ratios, it is imperative to improve understanding of the relationship between fetal sex and molecular signaling in both the placenta and endometria across gestation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Stenhouse
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Functional Genetics and Development Division, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Cheryl J Ashworth
- Functional Genetics and Development Division, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Stenhouse C, Hurst E, Mellanby RJ, Ashworth CJ. Associations between maternal vitamin D status and porcine litter characteristics throughout gestation. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:106. [PMID: 36123748 PMCID: PMC9487113 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00760-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests an important role of vitamin D in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy, and the regulation of foetal growth across mammalian species. However, the temporal changes in maternal vitamin D status throughout gestation in the pig and the relationship between maternal vitamin D status and litter characteristics of interest across gestation remain poorly understood and under-investigated. The abundance of 25(OH)D in maternal plasma was quantified by HPLC–MS/MS at gestational days (GD) 18, 30, 45, 60 and 90 (n = 5–11 gilts/GD). Maternal plasma 25(OH)D concentrations significantly increased between GD18 and GD30 (P < 0.05). The relationship between maternal vitamin D metabolite concentrations and litter characteristics of interest including gilt weight, ovulation rate, mean litter weight, number of live foetuses, percentage prenatal survival, and sex ratio of the litter was assessed. Maternal 25(OH)D (P = 0.059) concentrations tended to be positively associated with percentage prenatal survival on GD60. On GD90, maternal 25(OH)D (P < 0.05) concentrations were inversely associated with gilt weight. Maternal plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were inversely associated with the percentage of male foetuses in the litter on GD90 (P < 0.05). This study has provided novel insights into temporal changes in maternal vitamin D status throughout gestation and the relationship between maternal vitamin D status and the economically important litter characteristics of gilt weight, percentage prenatal survival and percentage of male foetuses in the litter. Improving the understanding of the role of vitamin D across important developmental timepoints in relation to foetal growth is essential to improve reproductive success in livestock species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Stenhouse
- Functional Genetics and Development Division, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK. .,Current Affiliation, Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843-2471, USA.
| | - Emma Hurst
- Clinical Sciences Division, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Richard J Mellanby
- Clinical Sciences Division, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Cheryl J Ashworth
- Functional Genetics and Development Division, The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lansdorp PM. Sex differences in telomere length, lifespan, and embryonic dyskerin levels. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13614. [PMID: 35441417 PMCID: PMC9124296 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase levels in most human cells are insufficient to prevent loss of telomeric DNA with each replication cycle. The resulting “Hayflick” limit may have allowed lifespan to increase by suppressing the development of tumors early in life be it at the expense of compromised cellular responses late in life. At any given age, the average telomere length in leukocytes shows considerably variation between individuals with females having, on average, longer telomeres than males. Sex differences in average telomere length are already present at birth and correspond to reported differences in the average life expectancy between the sexes. Levels of telomerase RNA and dyskerin, encoded by DKC1, are known to limit telomerase activity in embryonic stem cells. X‐linked DKC1 is expressed from both alleles in female embryo cells and higher levels of dyskerin and telomerase could elongate telomeres prior to embryo implantation. The hypothesis that embryonic telomerase levels set the stage for the sex differences in telomere length and lifespan deserves further study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter M. Lansdorp
- Terry Fox Laboratory BC Cancer Agency Vancouver BC Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics University of British Columbia Vancouver BC Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Associations of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Excessive Gestational Weight Gain with Offspring Obesity Risk. Curr Med Sci 2022; 42:520-529. [PMID: 35486298 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-022-2547-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and gestational weight gain (GWG) are important risk factors that are known to affect offspring growth, but these outcomes are inconsistent and it remains unknown if both risk factors have a synergetic effect on early childhood growth. The present study aimed to conduct offspring body mass index-for-age Z-scores (BMIZ) trajectories and to evaluate the independent and interactive effect of the status of GDM and excessive GWG on the risks of overweight/obesity from birth to 24 months of age. METHODS A total of 7949 mother-child pairs were enrolled in this study. The weight and length of children were measured at birth, 6, 12, and 24 months of age to calculate BMIZ. RESULTS The status of GDM was positively associated with offspring BMIZ and risk of macrosomia at birth but was not associated with offspring BMIZ or the risks of overweight/obesity at 6, 12, and 24 months of age. In contrast, excessive GWG was positively linked to offspring BMIZ, the stable high BMIZ trajectory pattern, and risks of overweight/obesity in the first 24 months of age. These two risk factors also had a significant synergistic effect on macrosomia at birth, but the interactive effect was only significant in boys during the follow-up years in the sex-stratified analyses. CONCLUSION The maternal GWG was a more pronounced predictor than GDM with relation to BMIZ and risk of overweight/obesity in early childhood. The interactive effect between these risk factors on offspring overweight/obesity may vary by sex.
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhou WL, Zhang S, Yang HL, Gu YW, Yao YD, Wu YY, Zhang SQ. Impact of fertility on the longevity of older rural Chinese women: an analysis of a longitudinal survey. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:682. [PMID: 35392851 PMCID: PMC8991657 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13039-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study evaluates the impact of fertility during the childbearing period on the longevity of older rural Chinese women and verifies whether any trade-off exists between women’s longevity and their number of children to provide empirical evidence for improving health intervention policies and formulating active fertility policies in low-fertility countries. Methods Based on the data of the deaths of 1623 older adults aged 65 and above during 2014–2018 in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, this study explores the relationship between the number of children born and older rural women’s longevity using the ordinary least squares method. Furthermore, the impact of fertility on the longevity of men and women in rural and urban areas, along with other reproductive behaviours on older rural women’s longevity, were analysed. Results There was a significant negative correlation between the number of children born and women’s longevity (β = − 0.555, p < 0.05). Additionally, their longevity exhibited a decreasing trend with having birthed more sons and an increasing trend with more daughters. Age at first and last births had a significant positive relationship with rural women’s longevity; however, the effect of fertility on the longevity of older rural and urban men and older urban women was not significant. Conclusions It is confirmed that there is a trade-off between fertility and longevity for rural women in China. Future research should focus on compensating for the decline in female longevity caused by the number of children born and promote the concept of a healthy pregnancy, scientific nurture, and gender equality in fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Li Zhou
- School of Finance and Public Administration, Hubei University of Economics, 8 Yangqiaohu Avenue, Canglong Island Development Zone, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, 182 Nanhu Avenue, Donghu New Technology Development Zone, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua-Lei Yang
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, 182 Nanhu Avenue, Donghu New Technology Development Zone, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying-Wen Gu
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, 182 Nanhu Avenue, Donghu New Technology Development Zone, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yi-Dan Yao
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, 182 Nanhu Avenue, Donghu New Technology Development Zone, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan-Yang Wu
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, 182 Nanhu Avenue, Donghu New Technology Development Zone, Wuhan, China
| | - Si-Qing Zhang
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, 182 Nanhu Avenue, Donghu New Technology Development Zone, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Thompson AL. Greater male vulnerability to stunting? Evaluating sex differences in growth, pathways and biocultural mechanisms. Ann Hum Biol 2022; 48:466-473. [PMID: 35105202 DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2021.1998622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Child stunting has increasingly become the focus of large-scale global health efforts with the inclusion of stunting eradication as one of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Child sex has been identified as a biological risk factor for stunting, and sex-specific approaches to stunting prevention have been proposed. OBJECTIVE This paper examines four pathways, developmental sensitivity, energetics, caretaking and measurement, proposed to contribute to sex differences in linear growth faltering and stunting risk. METHODS Anthropological, public health and clinical literature on sex differences in stunting and the mechanisms contributing to variability across contexts are reviewed. RESULTS The direction of sex differences in stunting prevalence varies across countries and between households. Sex differences in growth trajectories and immune function beginning prenatally place boys at greater risk of infection and undernutrition, but these biological differences are interpreted by parents and within household contexts that are shaped by social and cultural norms which, in turn, influence care and feeding practices. CONCLUSION A perspective that incorporates an examination of the social and environmental factors shaping child growth in specific contexts is needed to understand sex-based vulnerability to stunting and to develop context-appropriate interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Thompson
- Department of Anthropology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
van Duijn L, Rousian M, Laven JSE, Steegers-Theunissen RPM. Periconceptional maternal body mass index and the impact on post-implantation (sex-specific) embryonic growth and morphological development. Int J Obes (Lond) 2021; 45:2369-2376. [PMID: 34290384 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-021-00901-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Women with obesity have an increased risk of pregnancy complications. Although complications generally present in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, most of them develop in the periconception period. Moreover, fetal sex also impacts pregnancy course and outcome. Therefore, our aim is to study (sex-specific) associations between periconceptional maternal body mass index (BMI) and embryonic growth and morphological development. METHODS A total of 884 women with singleton pregnancies were selected from the Rotterdam Periconception Cohort, comprising 15 women with underweight, 483 with normal weight, 231 with overweight and 155 with obesity. Longitudinal three-dimensional ultrasound examinations were performed at 7, 9, and 11 weeks of gestation for offline measurements of crown-rump length (CRL), embryonic volume (EV), and Carnegie stages. Analyses were adjusted for maternal age, parity, ethnicity, education, and periconceptional lifestyle. RESULTS A negative trend was observed for embryos of women with obesity (βEV -0.03, p = 0.086), whereas embryonic growth and developmental trajectories in women with overweight were comparable to those with normal weight. Maternal underweight was associated with faster morphological development (βCarnegie 0.78, p = 0.004). After stratification for fetal sex, it was demonstrated that female embryos of underweight women grow and morphologically develop faster than those of normal weight women (βEV 0.13, p = 0.008; βCarnegie 1.39, p < 0.001), whereas female embryos of women with obesity grow slower (βEV -0.05, p = 0.027). CONCLUSION We found that periconceptional maternal underweight is associated with faster embryonic growth, especially in females. In contrast, female embryos of women with obesity grow slower than female embryos of women with normal weight. This may be the result of altered female adaptation to the postnatal environment. Future research should focus on strategies for optimizing preconceptional maternal weight, to reduce BMI-related pregnancy complications and improve the health of future generations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linette van Duijn
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Melek Rousian
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joop S E Laven
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Huang G, Aroner SA, Bay CP, Gilman SE, Ghassabian A, Loucks EB, Buka SL, Handa RJ, Lasley BL, Bhasin S, Goldstein JM. Sex-dependent associations of maternal androgen levels with offspring BMI and weight trajectory from birth to early childhood. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:851-863. [PMID: 32776198 PMCID: PMC7873156 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01385-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT In preclinical studies, high androgen levels during pregnancy are associated with low birth weight and rapid postnatal weight gain in the offspring. However, human data linking prenatal androgens with birth weight and early life weight gain in the offspring are scarce. DESIGN We evaluated 516 mother-child pairs enrolled in the New England birth cohorts of the Collaborative Perinatal Project (1959-1966). We assayed androgen bioactivity in maternal sera during third-trimester using a receptor-mediated luciferase expression bioassay. Age and sex-specific BMI Z-scores (BMIz), defined using established standards, were assessed at birth, 4 months, 1 year, 4 years, and 7 years. We used linear mixed models to evaluate the relation of maternal androgens with childhood BMIz overall and by sex. We examined the association of maternal androgens with fetal growth restriction. The association of weight trajectories with maternal androgens was examined using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS Higher maternal androgen levels associated with lower BMIz at birth (β = - 0.39, 95% CI: - 0.73, - 0.06); this relation was sex-dependent, such that maternal androgens significantly associated with BMIz at birth in girls alone (β = - 0.72, 95% CI: - 1.40, - 0.04). The relation of maternal androgens with fetal growth restriction revealed dose threshold effects that differed by sex. There was no significant association between maternal androgens and weight trajectory overall. However, we found a significant sex interaction (p = 0.01); higher maternal androgen levels associated with accelerated catch-up growth in boys (aOR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.14, 4.03). CONCLUSION Our findings provide evidence that maternal androgens may have differential effects on the programming of intrauterine growth and postnatal weight gain depending on fetal sex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Huang
- Section of Men's Health, Aging and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - S A Aroner
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C P Bay
- Center for Clinical Investigation, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S E Gilman
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - A Ghassabian
- Departments of Pediatrics, Environmental Medicine, and Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - E B Loucks
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - S L Buka
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - R J Handa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - B L Lasley
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Center for Health and the Environment, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Center for Health and the Environment, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - S Bhasin
- Section of Men's Health, Aging and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J M Goldstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Singh RS, Singh KK, Singh SM. Origin of Sex-Biased Mental Disorders: An Evolutionary Perspective. J Mol Evol 2021; 89:195-213. [PMID: 33630117 PMCID: PMC8116267 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-021-09999-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism or sex bias in diseases and mental disorders have two biological causes: sexual selection and sex hormones. We review the role of sexual selection theory and bring together decades of molecular studies on the variation and evolution of sex-biased genes and provide a theoretical basis for the causes of sex bias in disease and health. We present a Sexual Selection-Sex Hormone theory and show that male-driven evolution, including sexual selection, leads to: (1) increased male vulnerability due to negative pleiotropic effects associated with male-driven sexual selection and evolution; (2) increased rates of male-driven mutations and epimutations in response to early fitness gains and at the cost of late fitness; and (3) enhanced female immunity due to antagonistic responses to mutations that are beneficial to males but harmful to females, reducing female vulnerability to diseases and increasing the thresholds for disorders such as autism. Female-driven evolution, such as reproduction-related fluctuation in female sex hormones in association with stress and social condition, has been shown to be associated with increased risk of certain mental disorders such as major depression disorder in women. Bodies have history, cells have memories. An evolutionary framework, such as the Sexual Selection–Sex Hormone theory, provides a historical perspective for understanding how the differences in the sex-biased diseases and mental disorders have evolved over time. It has the potential to direct the development of novel preventive and treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rama S Singh
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
| | - Karun K Singh
- Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.,Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Shiva M Singh
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Vrijkotte TGM, Oostvogels AJJM, Stronks K, Roseboom TJ, Hof MHP. Growth patterns from birth to overweight at age 5-6 years of children with various backgrounds in socioeconomic status and country of origin: the ABCD study. Pediatr Obes 2020; 15:e12635. [PMID: 32237216 PMCID: PMC7507194 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Children from minority groups are at increased risk of overweight. This study compared BMI growth patterns from birth onwards of boys and girls with overweight at 5-6 years, according to socioeconomic status (SES) and country of origin, in order to gain more insight into the critical periods of growth to overweight. METHODS A total of 3714 singletons of the multi-ethnic ABCD study were included. Within children with overweight at age 5-6 years (N = 487, prevalence boys: 11.6%, girls: 14.6%), BMI growth patterns from birth onwards (12.8 serial measurements; SD = 3.1) were compared between children from European (69.4%) and non-European mothers (30.6%), and between children from low (20.8%), mid (37.0%) or high SES (42.2%), based on maternal educational level. RESULTS BMI growth to overweight did not differ between children of European or non-European mothers, but it did differ according to maternal SES. Children with overweight in the low and mid SES group had a lower BMI in the first 2 years of life, an earlier adiposity rebound and increased in BMI more rapidly after age 2, resulting in a higher BMI at age 7 years compared to children with overweight in the high SES group [∆BMI (kg/m2 ) between high and low SES: boys 1.43(95%CI:0.16;3.01) and girls 1.91(0.55;3.27)]. CONCLUSION Children with overweight from low SES have an early adiposity rebound and accelerated growth to a higher BMI at age 5-6 years compared to children with overweight from the high SES group. These results imply that timing of critical periods for overweight development is earlier in children with a low socioeconomic background as compared to other children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanja G. M. Vrijkotte
- Department of Public HealthAmsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Adriëtte J. J. M. Oostvogels
- Department of Public HealthAmsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Karien Stronks
- Department of Public HealthAmsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Tessa J. Roseboom
- Department of Clinical EpidemiologyBioinformatics & Biostatistics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of Gynaecology and ObstetricsAmsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Michel H. P. Hof
- Department of Clinical EpidemiologyBioinformatics & Biostatistics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Perng W, Hockett CW, Sauder KA, Dabelea D. In utero exposure to gestational diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular risk factors in youth: A longitudinal analysis in the EPOCH cohort. Pediatr Obes 2020; 15:e12611. [PMID: 31920001 PMCID: PMC8311655 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine associations of maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) with offspring cardiovascular biomarkers from late childhood through adolescence. METHODS We used mixed effects linear regression models to examine associations of maternal GDM (n = 92 cases of 597) with average offspring levels of serum lipids (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein [HDL], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], and triglycerides) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) across two research visits spanning approximately 10.6 and 16.9 years of age. In sex-stratified analysis, we evaluated the impact of adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, pubertal status, physical activity and total energy intake, maternal body mass index (BMI), GDM treatment, and child's BMI. RESULTS After adjusting for child's age, pubertal status, race/ethnicity, and maternal education and smoking, GDM exposure was associated with higher total (0.38 [95% CI, 0.16-0.61] mmol/L) and LDL cholesterol (0.34 [95% CI, 0.14-0.53] mmol/L) in girls. These estimates were robust to adjustment for lifestyle characteristics and maternal BMI but were attenuated after accounting for GDM treatment with no appreciable change following further adjustment for current BMI. In boys, maternal GDM corresponded with 4.50 (1.90-7.10) mmHg higher SBP. This association persisted after accounting for sociodemographic/lifestyle characteristics, maternal BMI, and GDM treatment but was attenuated after adjusting for current BMI. CONCLUSIONS Maternal GDM is related to offspring lipid profile and SBP in a sex-specific manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Perng
- Lifcourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado,Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado,Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Christine W. Hockett
- Lifcourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Katherine A. Sauder
- Lifcourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado,Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Dana Dabelea
- Lifcourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado,Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado,Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kumar N, Yadav A. Does Fetal Gender Really Affects Neonatal Birth Weight and Gestational Age at Birth? A Prospective Cohort Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHILDBIRTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1891/ijcbirth-d-19-00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study was to understand the impact of fetal gender on neonatal birth weight for the gestational age at the time of birth. Only neonates with a gestational age of 28 weeks or more than 28 weeks were included in the study.METHODSThis prospective study was conducted within the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of a rural tertiary center in Northern India. The study was conducted after ethical clearance and informed consent from participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data collection included neonatal gender, birth weight, Apgar scores, and gestational age. Neonates were delivered vaginally or by cesarean section at 28 or more weeks of gestation. Statistical analysis was done using version SPSS-22 software.RESULTSOf 2,997 live fetuses, 1,574 (52.5%) were male, 1,421 (47.4%) were female, and 2 (0.07%) had ambiguous genitalia. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) for male neonate's birth weight was 2.79 ± 0.503 kg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.76–2.81), for females 2.67 ± 0.485 kg (95% CI: 2.64–2.69) respectively (p = .000). Males had lower Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes of age compared to females (7.06 ± 0.859, 8.83 ± 0.838 vs. 7.12 ± 0.645, 8.88 ± 0.612). There were no significant difference between fetal gender and gestational age at birth (18% females were preterm vs. 15.4% males, 81.8% females were term vs. 84.2% males, 0.1% females post-term vs. 0.4% males; p = .079).CONCLUSIONFetal gender was related to birth weight. Male neonates had a higher birth weight, but lower Apgar scores than female neonates. Fetal gender was not correlated with gestational age at the time of birth.
Collapse
|
14
|
Demographic surveillance over 12 years helps elicit determinants of low birth weights in India. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218587. [PMID: 31291266 PMCID: PMC6619655 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Low birth weight is an important predictor of maternal and child health. Birth weight is likely to be affected by maternal health, socioeconomic status and quality of health care facilities. Objective To assess trends in the birth weight, the proportion of low birth weight, maternal factors and health care facilities for delivery in villages of Western Maharashtra from the year 2004 to 2016 and to analyze factors associated with low birth weight for total birth data of 2004–2016. Methods Data collected for 19244 births from 22 villages in Vadu Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS), Pune, Maharashtra, India from the year 2004 to 2016 were used for this analysis. Results There was an overall increase in the annual mean birth weight from 2640.12 gram [95% CI 2602.21–2686.84] in the year 2004 to 2781.19 gram [95% CI 2749.49–2797.95] in the year 2016. There was no secular trend to show increase or decrease in the proportion of low weight at birth. Increasing maternal age (>18 years) compounded with better education, reduced parity and increasing number of institutional deliveries were significant trends observed during the past decade. Low birth weight was found to be associated with female gender, first birth order, poor maternal education and occupation as cultivation. Conclusion Changes in maternal age, education, occupation, and increased institutionalized deliveries contributed in to increasing birth weights in rural Maharashtra. Female gender, first birth order, poor maternal education and occupation of cultivation are associated with increased risk of low birth weight.
Collapse
|
15
|
Zavala JH, Ecklund-Flores L, Myers MM, Fifer WP. Assessment of autonomic function in the late term fetus: The effects of sex and state. Dev Psychobiol 2019; 62:224-231. [PMID: 31127614 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Researchers have reported associations between fetal sex and heart rate (FHR) and heart rate variability (FHRV) but rarely in the context of fetal behavioral sleep state. We examined differences in measures of fetal autonomic function by sex and sleep state. Fetal abdominal ECG monitoring technology was used to measure FHR and two measures of FHRV-standard deviation of FHR (SD) and beat-to-beat variability (RMSSD). FHR and movement patterns were also recorded with standard Doppler ultrasound monitor technology employed to code sleep states. Data were collected from 82 healthy fetuses ranging from 36 to 39 weeks gestation. A one-way MANOVA showed that FHR was significantly lower and SD was significantly higher for males than females. Independent samples t tests found that these sex differences were only in the active sleep state. There were no significant differences in RMSSD by sex. Repeated measures MANOVA for a subset that exhibited more than one state (N = 22) showed that SD was significantly different by state. RMSSD showed a marginally significant sleep state difference. In conclusion, fetal sex differences in HR and HRV may indicate more mature autonomic functioning in near-term males than females and fetal sleep state can influence abdominal fECG derived measures of FHR and FHRV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia H Zavala
- Department of Psychology, Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, New York.,Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
| | - Lisa Ecklund-Flores
- Department of Psychology, Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, New York.,Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
| | - Michael M Myers
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York.,Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - William P Fifer
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York.,Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Birth size and gestational age in opposite-sex twins as compared to same-sex twins: An individual-based pooled analysis of 21 cohorts. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6300. [PMID: 29674730 PMCID: PMC5908858 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24634-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that boys are born heavier and longer than girls, but it remains unclear whether birth size in twins is affected by the sex of their co-twin. We conducted an individual-based pooled analysis of 21 twin cohorts in 15 countries derived from the COllaborative project of Development of Anthropometrical measures in Twins (CODATwins), including 67,850 dizygotic twin individuals. Linear regression analyses showed that boys having a co-twin sister were, on average, 31 g (95% CI 18 to 45) heavier and 0.16 cm (95% CI 0.045 to 0.274) longer than those with a co-twin brother. In girls, birth size was not associated (5 g birth weight; 95% CI −8 to −18 and −0.089 cm birth length; 95% CI −0.202 to 0.025) with the sex of the co-twin. Gestational age was slightly shorter in boy-boy pairs than in boy-girl and girl-girl pairs. When birth size was standardized by gestational age, the magnitude of the associations was attenuated in boys, particularly for birth weight. In conclusion, boys with a co-twin sister are heavier and longer at birth than those with a co-twin brother. However, these differences are modest and partly explained by a longer gestation in the presence of a co-twin sister.
Collapse
|
17
|
Metrustry SJ, Karhunen V, Edwards MH, Menni C, Geisendorfer T, Huber A, Reichel C, Dennison EM, Cooper C, Spector T, Jarvelin MR, Valdes AM. Metabolomic signatures of low birthweight: Pathways to insulin resistance and oxidative stress. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194316. [PMID: 29566009 PMCID: PMC5863971 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies suggest that low birthweight resulting from restricted intrauterine growth can leave a metabolic footprint which may persist into adulthood. To investigate this, we performed metabolomic profiling on 5036 female twins, aged 18-80, with weight at birth information available from the TwinsUK cohort and performed independent replication in two additional cohorts. Out of 422 compounds tested, 25 metabolites associated with birthweight in these twins, replicated in 1951 men and women from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study (HCS, aged 66) and in 2391 men and women from the North Finland Birth 1986 cohort (NFBC, aged 16). We found distinct heterogeneity between sexes and, after adjusting for multiple tests and heterogeneity, two metabolites were reproducible overall (propionylcarnitine and 3-4-hydroxyphenyllactate). Testing women only, we found other metabolites associated with lower birthweight from the meta-analysis of the three cohorts (2-hydroxy-butyric acid and γ-glutamylleucine). Higher levels of all these metabolites can be linked to insulin resistance, oxidative stress or a dysfunction of energy metabolism, suggesting that low birthweight in both twins and singletons are having an impact on these pathways in adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jane Metrustry
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, Kings College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ville Karhunen
- Center for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Oulu University Hospital, Unit of Primary Care, Oulu, Finland
| | - Mark H Edwards
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Menni
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, Kings College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anja Huber
- Seibersdorf Labor GmbH, Seibersdorf, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Elaine M Dennison
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom.,Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Cyrus Cooper
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom.,NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,NIHR Nutrition Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Spector
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, Kings College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marjo-Riitta Jarvelin
- Center for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Oulu University Hospital, Unit of Primary Care, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment & Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Ana M Valdes
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, Kings College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hayward CE, Renshall LJ, Sibley CP, Greenwood SL, Dilworth MR. Adaptations in Maternofetal Calcium Transport in Relation to Placental Size and Fetal Sex in Mice. Front Physiol 2017; 8:1050. [PMID: 29311979 PMCID: PMC5732954 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.01050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Appropriate placental transport of calcium is essential for normal fetal skeletal mineralization. In fetal growth restriction (FGR), the failure of a fetus to achieve its growth potential, a number of placental nutrient transport systems show reduced activity but, in the case of calcium, placental transport is increased. In a genetic mouse model of FGR this increase, or adaptation, maintains appropriate fetal calcium content, relative to the size of the fetus, despite a small, dysfunctional placenta. It is unknown whether such an adaptation is also apparent in small, but normally functioning placentas. We tested the hypothesis that calcium transfer would be up-regulated in the lightest vs. heaviest placentas in the same C57Bl/6J wild-type (WT) mouse litter. Since lightest placentas are often from females, we also assessed whether fetal sex influenced placental calcium transfer. Placentas and fetuses were collected at embryonic day (E)16.5 and 18.5; the lightest and heaviest placentas, and female and male fetuses, were identified. Unidirectional maternofetal calcium clearance (CaKmf) was assessed following 45Ca administration to the dam and subsequent radiolabel counts within the fetuses. Placental expression of calcium pathway components was measured by Western blot. Data (median) are lightest placenta expressed as percentage of the heaviest within a litter and analyzed by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. In WT mice having normally grown fetuses, CaKmf, per gram placenta near term, in the lightest placentas was increased (126%; P < 0.05) in association with reduced fetal calcium accretion earlier in gestation (92%; P < 0.05), that was subsequently normalized near term. Increased placental expression of calbindin-D9K, an important calcium binding protein, was observed in the lightest placentas near term (122%; P < 0.01). There was no difference in fetal calcium accretion between male and female littermates but a trend toward higher CaKmf in females (P = 0.055). These data suggest a small, normal placenta adapts calcium transfer according to its size, as previously demonstrated in a mouse model of FGR. Fetal sex had limited influence on this adaptive increase. These adaptations are potentially driven by fetal nutrient demand, as evidenced by the normalization of fetal calcium content. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms involved may provide novel avenues for treating placental dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina E Hayward
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Lewis J Renshall
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Colin P Sibley
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Susan L Greenwood
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mark R Dilworth
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Luke B, Brown MB, Wantman E, Stern JE, Toner JP, Coddington CC. Increased risk of large-for-gestational age birthweight in singleton siblings conceived with in vitro fertilization in frozen versus fresh cycles. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 34:191-200. [PMID: 27909843 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0850-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children born from fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles are at greater risk of being born smaller and earlier, even when limited to singletons; those born from frozen cycles have an increased risk of large-for-gestational age (LGA) birthweight (z-score ≥1.28). This analysis sought to overcome limitations in other studies by using pairs of siblings, and accounting for prior cycle outcomes, maternal characteristics, and embryo state and stage. METHODS Pairs of singleton births conceived with IVF and born between 2004 and 2013 were identified from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System database, matched for embryo stage (blastocyst versus non-blastocyst) and infant gender, categorized by embryo state (fresh versus frozen) in 1st and 2nd births (four groups). RESULTS The data included 7795 singleton pairs. Birthweight z-scores were 0.00-0.04 and 0.24-0.26 in 1st and 2nd births in fresh cycles, and 0.25-0.34 and 0.50-0.55 in frozen cycles, respectively. LGA was 9.2-9.8 and 14.2-15.4% in 1st and 2nd births in fresh cycles, and 13.1-15.8 and 20.8-21.0% in 1st and 2nd births in frozen cycles. The risk of LGA was increased in frozen cycles (1st births, adjusted odds ratios (AOR) 1.74, 95% CI 1.45, 2.08; and in 2nd births when the 1st birth was not LGA, AOR 1.70, 95% CI 1.46, 1.98 for fresh/frozen and 1.40, 1.11, 1.78 for frozen/frozen). CONCLUSIONS Our results with siblings indicate that frozen embryo state is associated with an increased risk for LGA. The implications of these findings for childhood health and risk of obesity are unclear, and warrant further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Luke
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, 965 Fee Road, East Fee Hall, Room 628, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Morton B Brown
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Judy E Stern
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - James P Toner
- Atlanta Center for Reproductive Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Charles C Coddington
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Association between single nucleotide polymorphism in ovine Calpain gene and growth performance in three Egyptian sheep breeds. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2016; 14:233-240. [PMID: 30647620 PMCID: PMC6299862 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 09/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Calpain (CAPN) gene with birth weight (BW), final weight (FW) and average daily gain (ADG) in three Egyptian sheep breeds: Barki, Rahmani and Ossimi. Blood samples were collected from 108 animals representing the three breeds. DNA was isolated using salting out procedure and then the quality and quantity of DNA extracted were measured. A 190 bp of CAPN was amplified by PCR using specific primers. The allele and genotype frequencies for all the identified SNPs were calculated. The PCR products corresponding to each genotype were sequenced to identify SNPs associated with the traits in question. Two SNPs (C→T) were detected in the nucleotides 44 and 154. For each SNP, the two mentioned alleles were named C and T, respectively. The sequenced CAPN segments were subjected to nucleotide blast at NCBI, which revealed 99% identity with that reported for sheep in Genbank. The TT was the least common genotype, whereas frequencies of CT and CC genotypes were fluctuated in the three sheep breeds under study. Animal carrier TT genotype had higher BW, FW and ADG than those with CT genotype, while the lowest values were associated with CC genotype. For the three traits under study, Rahmani had the highest estimates followed by Ossimi and Barki. Males exhibited heavier BW and FW as well as higher ADG compared with females. The results generated provide preliminary indication of the functional diversity present in Barki, Rahmani and Ossimi sheep and the possibility of using this polymorphism in Egyptian sheep genetic improvement.
Collapse
|
21
|
More AS, Mishra JS, Hankins GD, Kumar S. Prenatal Testosterone Exposure Decreases Aldosterone Production but Maintains Normal Plasma Volume and Increases Blood Pressure in Adult Female Rats. Biol Reprod 2016; 95:42. [PMID: 27385784 PMCID: PMC5029475 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.141705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasma testosterone levels are elevated in pregnant women with preeclampsia and polycystic ovaries; their offspring are at increased risk for hypertension during adult life. We tested the hypothesis that prenatal testosterone exposure induces dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which is known to play an important role in water and electrolyte balance and blood pressure regulation. Female rats (6 mo old) prenatally exposed to testosterone were examined for adrenal expression of steroidogenic genes, telemetric blood pressure, blood volume and Na+ and K+ levels, plasma aldosterone, angiotensin II and vasopressin levels, and vascular responses to angiotensin II and arg8-vasopressin. The levels of Cyp11b2 (aldosterone synthase), but not the other adrenal steroidogenic genes, were decreased in testosterone females. Accordingly, plasma aldosterone levels were lower in testosterone females. Plasma volume and serum and urine Na+ and K+ levels were not significantly different between control and testosterone females; however, prenatal testosterone exposure significantly increased plasma vasopressin and angiotensin II levels and arterial pressure in adult females. In testosterone females, mesenteric artery contractile responses to angiotensin II were significantly greater, while contractile responses to vasopressin were unaffected. Angiotensin II type-1 receptor expression was increased, while angiotensin II type-2 receptor was decreased in testosterone arteries. These results suggest that prenatal testosterone exposure downregulates adrenal Cyp11b2 expression, leading to decreased plasma aldosterone levels. Elevated angiotensin II and vasopressin levels along with enhanced vascular responsiveness to angiotensin II may serve as an underlying mechanism to maintain plasma volume and Na+ and K+ levels and mediate hypertension in adult testosterone females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amar S More
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas
| | - Jay S Mishra
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas
| | - Gary D Hankins
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Suzuki K, Yamagata Z, Kawado M, Hashimoto S. Effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake on Secondary Sex Ratio and Perinatal Outcomes. J Epidemiol 2015; 26:76-83. [PMID: 26639751 PMCID: PMC4728118 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20150055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of natural disasters on secondary sex ratio (SSR) and perinatal outcomes has been suggested. This study aimed to examine effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake on perinatal outcomes using vital statistics of Japan. METHODS Birth registration data from vital statistics of Japan between March 2010 and March 2012 were used. Pregnant women who experienced the earthquake were categorized according to their gestational period as of March 11, 2011, as follows: gestational weeks 4-11, 12-19, 20-27, and 28-36 (2011 group). Similarly, pregnant women who did not experience the earthquake were categorized according to their gestational period as of March 11, 2010 and used as controls (2010 group). We also categorized prefectures as "extremely affected", "moderately affected", and "slightly or unaffected" regions. SSR, birth weight, and gestational period were compared between both groups. RESULTS The number of singleton births was 688,479 in the 2010 group and 679,131 in the 2011 group. In the extremely affected region, the SSR among women at 4-11 weeks of gestation was significantly lower in the 2011 group compared with the 2010 group (49.8% vs 52.1%, P = 0.009). In the extremely affected region, children born to women who experienced the earthquake at 28-36 weeks of gestation had significantly lower birth weights. CONCLUSIONS The SSR declined among women who experienced the earthquake during early pregnancy, particularly in the extremely affected region. However, no apparent negative effect of the earthquake on perinatal outcomes was observed, although birth weight of infants who were born to women who experienced the earthquake at 28-36 weeks of gestation were lower.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kohta Suzuki
- Department of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
More AS, Mishra JS, Gopalakrishnan K, Blesson CS, Hankins GD, Sathishkumar K. Prenatal Testosterone Exposure Leads to Gonadal Hormone-Dependent Hyperinsulinemia and Gonadal Hormone-Independent Glucose Intolerance in Adult Male Rat Offspring. Biol Reprod 2015; 94:5. [PMID: 26586841 PMCID: PMC4809560 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.133157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated testosterone levels during prenatal life lead to hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance in adult females. This study evaluated whether prenatal testosterone exposure leads to the development of insulin resistance in adult male rats in order to assess the influence of gonadal hormones on glucose homeostasis in these animals. Male offspring of pregnant rats treated with testosterone propionate or its vehicle (control) were examined. A subset of male offspring was orchiectomized at 7 wk of age and reared to adulthood. At 24 wk of age, fat weights, plasma testosterone, glucose homeostasis, pancreas morphology, and gastrocnemius insulin receptor (IR) beta levels were examined. The pups born to testosterone-treated mothers were smaller at birth and remained smaller through adult life, with levels of fat deposition relatively similar to those in controls. Testosterone exposure during prenatal life induced hyperinsulinemia paralleled by an increased HOMA-IR index in a fasting state and glucose intolerance and exaggerated insulin responses following a glucose tolerance test. Prenatal androgen-exposed males had more circulating testosterone during adult life. Gonadectomy prevented hyperandrogenism, reversed hyperinsulinemia, and attenuated glucose-induced insulin responses but did not alter glucose intolerance in these rats. Prenatal androgen-exposed males had decreased pancreatic islet numbers, size, and beta-cell area along with decreased expression of IR in gastrocnemius muscles. Gonadectomy restored pancreatic islet numbers, size, and beta-cell area but did not normalize IRbeta expression. This study shows that prenatal testosterone exposure leads to a defective pancreas and skeletal muscle function in male offspring. Hyperinsulinemia during adult life is gonad-dependent, but glucose intolerance appears to be independent of postnatal testosterone levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amar S More
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Jay S Mishra
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Kathirvel Gopalakrishnan
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Chellakkan S Blesson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Gary D Hankins
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Kunju Sathishkumar
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Puskarczyk K, Galbarczyk A, Klimek M, Nenko I, Odrzywołek L, Jasienska G. Being born after your brother is not a disadvantage: Reproductive success does not depend on the sex of the preceding sibling. Am J Hum Biol 2015; 27:731-3. [DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.22710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Puskarczyk
- Department of Environmental Health; Faculty of Health Sciences; Jagiellonian University Medical College; 31-531 Krakow Poland
| | - Andrzej Galbarczyk
- Department of Environmental Health; Faculty of Health Sciences; Jagiellonian University Medical College; 31-531 Krakow Poland
| | - Magdalena Klimek
- Department of Environmental Health; Faculty of Health Sciences; Jagiellonian University Medical College; 31-531 Krakow Poland
| | - Ilona Nenko
- Department of Environmental Health; Faculty of Health Sciences; Jagiellonian University Medical College; 31-531 Krakow Poland
| | - Ludwik Odrzywołek
- Department of Environmental Health; Faculty of Health Sciences; Jagiellonian University Medical College; 31-531 Krakow Poland
| | - Grazyna Jasienska
- Department of Environmental Health; Faculty of Health Sciences; Jagiellonian University Medical College; 31-531 Krakow Poland
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Navara KJ. Low Gestational Weight Gain Skews Human Sex Ratios towards Females. PLoS One 2014; 9:e114304. [PMID: 25493647 PMCID: PMC4262407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 11/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human males are more vulnerable to adverse conditions than females starting early in gestation and continuing throughout life, and previous studies show that severe food restriction can influence the sex ratios of human births. It remains unclear, however, whether subtle differences in caloric intake during gestation alter survival of fetuses in a sex-specific way. I hypothesized that the ratio of male to female babies born should vary with the amount of weight gained during gestation. I predicted that women who gain low amounts of weight during gestation should produce significantly more females, and that, if gestational weight gain directly influences sex ratios, fetal losses would be more likely to be male when women gain inadequate amounts of weight during pregnancy. METHODS I analyzed data collected from over 68 million births over 23 years to test for a relationship between gestational weight gain and natal sex ratios, as well as between gestational weight gain and sex ratios of fetal deaths at five gestational ages. RESULTS Gestational weight gain and the proportion of male births were positively correlated; a lower proportion of males was produced by women who gained less weight and this strong pattern was exhibited in four human races. Further, sex ratios of fetal losses at 6 months of gestation were significantly male-biased when mothers had gained low amounts of weight during pregnancy, suggesting that low caloric intake during early fetal development can stimulate the loss of male fetuses. CONCLUSION My data indicate that human sex ratios change in response to resource availability via sex-specific fetal loss, and that a pivotal time for influences on male survival is early in fetal development, at 6 months of gestation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen J. Navara
- Department of Poultry Science, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Perkins M, Wright RO, Amarasiriwardena CJ, Jayawardene I, Rifas-Shiman SL, Oken E. Very low maternal lead level in pregnancy and birth outcomes in an eastern Massachusetts population. Ann Epidemiol 2014; 24:915-9. [PMID: 25444892 PMCID: PMC4254591 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2014.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 08/30/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Maternal lead exposure is associated with poor birth outcomes in populations with moderate to high blood levels. However, no studies have looked at exposure levels commonly experienced by US women. METHODS We evaluated the relationship between maternal red blood cell (RBC) lead levels in midpregnancy and birth outcomes in 949 mother-child pairs in a prebirth cohort. We used multiple linear regression and logistic regression, adjusted for potential confounders including maternal age, race, prepregnancy body mass index, and smoking to relate maternal lead to infant birth size and risk for preterm birth (<37 weeks). RESULTS Mean RBC lead level was 1.2 μg/dL (range, 0.0-5.0). Mean (standard deviation) birthweight was 3505 (520) g, birthweight for gestational age z-score 0.22 (0.93), and length of gestation 39.5 (1.7) weeks. Mothers in the highest versus lowest lead quartile did not have higher odds (OR, 1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-4.34) of preterm delivery; after stratifying by child sex, there was an association among males (OR, 5.51; 95% CI, 1.21-25.15) but not females (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.24-2.85). Maternal RBC lead was not associated with any continuous outcomes in combined or sex-stratified analyses. CONCLUSIONS Maternal lead exposure, even at very low levels, may adversely affect some childbirth outcomes, particularly preterm birth among males.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Perkins
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Robert O Wright
- Departments of Preventive Medicine and Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY
| | | | - Innocent Jayawardene
- Channing Laboratory, Brigham and Women׳s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Sheryl L Rifas-Shiman
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Emily Oken
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Suzuki K. Longitudinal analyses of childhood growth: evidence from Project Koshu. J Epidemiol 2014; 25:2-7. [PMID: 25283310 PMCID: PMC4275431 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20140130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, it has been suggested that fetal and infant environments are associated with childhood and adulthood health status, specifically regarding presence of obesity and chronic diseases. This concept is known as the "Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis." Thus, it is necessary to collect information about the fetal and infancy periods in order to examine the association between fetal and infancy exposures and later growth. Based on the DOHaD hypothesis, childhood growth trajectories, which were described by multilevel analysis, might be important in examining the effects of early-life environment on later-life health. The author and colleagues examined the association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and fetal/childhood growth, specifically risk of childhood obesity, by using the dataset from an ongoing prospective cohort study called "Project Koshu," which enrolled pregnant women and their children from a rural area of Japan. Children born to smoking mothers were likely to have lower birth weights and, thereafter, to show an increase in body mass index compared to children of non-smoking mothers. Differences in pubertal growth patterns by gender and childhood weight status were then examined. Growth rate and height gain trajectories were similar between genders, although pubertal growth spurts were observed earlier in girls than in boys. The overweight/obese children grew faster than did the non-overweight children in the early pubertal stages, and the non-overweight children caught up and showed greater height gains at older ages. Because Project Koshu is ongoing, further studies examining new research questions will be conducted with larger sample sizes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kohta Suzuki
- Department of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Technology, University of Yamanashi
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kliper Y, Ben-Ami M, Perlitz Y. Effect of Mild Pressure Applied by the Ultrasound Transducer on Fetal Cephalic Measurements at 20-24 Weeks' Gestation. Fetal Diagn Ther 2014; 36:69-73. [DOI: 10.1159/000357705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
29
|
Suzuki K, Sato M, Zheng W, Shinohara R, Yokomichi H, Yamagata Z. Effect of maternal smoking cessation before and during early pregnancy on fetal and childhood growth. J Epidemiol 2013; 24:60-6. [PMID: 24335086 PMCID: PMC3872526 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20130083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal smoking during pregnancy is a major cause of intrauterine growth restriction and childhood obesity, but only a few studies have examined the association of smoking cessation before and during pregnancy with fetal and childhood growth. We examined this association in a prospective cohort study in Japan. Methods Our study included children born between 1991 and 2006 and their mothers. Using a questionnaire, maternal smoking status was recorded at pregnancy. The anthropometric data of the children were collected during a medical check-up at age 3 years. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used for data analysis stratified by sex. Results In total, 2663 mothers reported their smoking status during early pregnancy, and data were collected from 2230 (83.7%) children at age 3 years. Maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with a significant reduction in birth weight (approximately 120–150 g). Body mass index at age 3 years was significantly higher among boys born to smoking mothers than among boys born to nonsmoking mothers. Maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with overweight at age 3 years among boys (adjusted odds ratio, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.03–5.4). However, among women who stopped smoking in early pregnancy, there was no increase in the risks of a small for gestational age birth or childhood overweight at age 3 years. Conclusions Children born to mothers who stopped smoking before or during early pregnancy had appropriate fetal and childhood growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kohta Suzuki
- Department of Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Regnault N, Gillman MW, Rifas-Shiman SL, Eggleston E, Oken E. Sex-specific associations of gestational glucose tolerance with childhood body composition. Diabetes Care 2013; 36:3045-53. [PMID: 23877978 PMCID: PMC3781569 DOI: 10.2337/dc13-0333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the associations of maternal gestational glucose tolerance with offspring body composition in late childhood. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Among 958 women in the prebirth cohort Project Viva, glucose tolerance was assessed in the second trimester by nonfasting 50-g 1-h glucose challenge test (GCT), followed if abnormal by fasting 100-g 3-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). We categorized women as normoglycemic (83.3%) if GCT was ≤140 mg/dL, isolated hyperglycemia (9.1%) if GCT was abnormal but OGTT normal, intermediate glucose intolerance (IGI) (3.3%) if there was one abnormal value on OGTT, or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (4.5%) if there were two or more abnormal OGTT values. Using multivariable linear regression, we examined adjusted associations of glucose tolerance with offspring overall (N=958) and central (N=760) adiposity and body composition using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured at the school-age visit (95±10 months). RESULTS Compared with that in the male offspring of normoglycemic mothers, DXA fat mass was higher in male offspring of GDM mothers (1.89 kg [95% CI 0.33-3.45]) but not in male offspring of mothers with IGI (0.06 kg [-1.45 to 1.57]). DXA trunk-to-peripheral fat mass, a measure of central adiposity, was also somewhat higher in male offspring of GDM mothers (0.04 [-0.01 to 0.09]). In girls, DXA fat mass was higher in offspring of mothers with IGI (2.23 kg [0.12-4.34]) but not GDM (-1.25 kg [-3.13 to 0.63]). We showed no association of gestational glucose tolerance with DXA lean mass. CONCLUSIONS In this study, only male offspring of GDM mothers manifested increased adiposity, whereas only female offspring of mothers with IGI did so. Sex differences in glycemic sensitivity may explain these findings.
Collapse
|
31
|
Vaktskjold A, Talykova LV, Nieboer E. Low birth weight in newborns to women employed in jobs with frequent exposure to organic solvents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2013; 24:44-55. [PMID: 23548113 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2013.782602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The effects of occupational exposure to organic solvents in pregnancy on foetal growth are still unclear. Our aim was to study whether live newborns to women employed in paid jobs with frequent exposure had a different risk of being born with low birth weight (LBW), compared to those of women in jobs without such exposure. The study population was all singleton newborns delivered in the industrial township of Mončegorsk (N = 26,415). Information about occupation and characteristics of the mothers and babies was obtained from the local population-based birth register, and registered job function was used to classify exposure. We observed an elevated risk of LBW among live, singleton newborns in the exposed group (adjusted odds ratio: 1.68 [95% CI: 1.18-2.41]), which predominantly consisted of painters. The adjusted odds of LBW in the exposed group were also higher among term-born neonates. In addition, a lower mean birth weight was observed among the exposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arild Vaktskjold
- a Seksjon for folkehelsevitenskap, Universitetet for miljø- og biovitenskap , Ås , Norway
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Gielen M, Derom C, Derom R, Vlietinck R, Zeegers MP. Can Birthweight Discordancy Within Monozygotic Twin Pairs Be Used as an Indicator of Chorionicity? Twin Res Hum Genet 2012; 12:169-74. [DOI: 10.1375/twin.12.2.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBoth zygosity and chorionicity provide important information in twin research. The East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey (EFPTS) determines zygosity and chorionicity at birth and therefore provides a gold standard for the testing of diagnostic parameters that can be used to determine chorionicity. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether birthweight discordancy can be used as an indicator of chorionicity. The study sample consisted of 4,060 live-born twin pairs from the EFPTS. We studied MZ twins, using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of being MC in relation to discordancy level. Diagnostic parameters, including sensitivity and specificity, were calculated. A two-fold cross-validation was carried out and a bootstrap distribution with 10,000 samples was created to estimate the standard deviations. For discordancy levels of below 10%, 10–15%, 15–20%, 20–25% and above 25%, the ORs (95% CI) were 1.16 (0.91–1.47), 1.38 (1.05–1.80), 2.13 (1.51–3.01), 2.73 (1.73–4.29) and 2.81 (2.81–4.35) respectively. There were no gender differences. Sensitivity was 42.2% (SD 5.6%), specificity was 72.8% (SD 6.3%), positive predictive value was 72.8% (1.5%) and the negative predictive value was 39.2% (0.7%). In conclusion, although a higher discordancy level resulted in higher ORs of being an MC twin, birthweight discordancy level can only be used to some weak extent as a proxy for chorionicity, highlighting the need to assess and record chorionicity data in obstetrical units.
Collapse
|
33
|
Sathishkumar K, Elkins R, Yallampalli U, Balakrishnan M, Yallampalli C. Fetal programming of adult hypertension in female rat offspring exposed to androgens in utero. Early Hum Dev 2011; 87:407-14. [PMID: 21450421 PMCID: PMC3093104 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2011.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2010] [Revised: 02/09/2011] [Accepted: 03/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The influence of prenatal factors on the development of arterial hypertension has gained considerable interest in recent years. We examined the effects of prenatal testosterone treatment on blood pressure in adult female rats. Further, to define the mechanisms whereby blood pressure may be raised, we examined vascular endothelial function and nitric oxide synthesis. METHODS AND RESULTS Testosterone propionate (0.5 mg/kg/day; SC) or vehicle was administered to pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats from gestational day 15-19. Maternal feed intake and plasma levels of steroid hormones were measured in the dams. In the female offspring, birth weight, growth rate, blood pressure, vascular reactivity, eNOS expression, and nitric oxide production were examined. In the pregnant rats, testosterone-treatment increased plasma testosterone levels by 2-fold without any significant changes in 17β-estradiol, progesterone and corticosterone levels. Testosterone-treatment did not affect maternal feed intake. The pups born to testosterone mothers were smaller in size but exhibited catch-up growth. The blood pressure in the testosterone offspring at 6 months of age was significantly higher compared to controls. Endothelium-intact mesenteric arteries from testosterone group exhibited increased contractile responses to phenylephrine, decreased vasodilation to acetylcholine and unaltered responses to sodium nitroprusside in comparison to control rats. Testosterone rats demonstrated decreased expression for eNOS, and reduced nitric oxide production. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that elevated plasma maternal testosterone levels: (1) causes low birth weight followed by catch-up growth and hypertension in female offspring and (2) alters endothelium-dependent vascular responses. The endothelial dysfunction is associated with decreased activity/expression of eNOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K. Sathishkumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Texas, USA,Corresponding author and reprint requests: Kunju Sathishkumar, DVM, PhD, Assistant Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., MRB, 11.128, Rt. 1062, Galveston, TX 77555-1062, Phone: (409) 772-7592, Fax: (409) 772-2261,
| | - Rebekah Elkins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Uma Yallampalli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Meena Balakrishnan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Texas, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
|
35
|
Ball ER, Caniglia MK, Wilcox JL, Overton KA, Burr MJ, Wolfe BD, Sanders BJ, Wisniewski AB, Wrenn CC. Effects of genistein in the maternal diet on reproductive development and spatial learning in male rats. Horm Behav 2010; 57:313-22. [PMID: 20053350 PMCID: PMC2834867 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2009.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2009] [Revised: 12/27/2009] [Accepted: 12/29/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine disruptors, chemicals that disturb the actions of endogenous hormones, have been implicated in birth defects associated with hormone-dependent development. Phytoestrogens are a class of endocrine disruptors found in plants. In the current study we examined the effects of exposure at various perinatal time periods to genistein, a soy phytoestrogen, on reproductive development and learning in male rats. Dams were fed genistein-containing (5 mg/kg feed) food during both gestation and lactation, during gestation only, during lactation only, or during neither period. Measures of reproductive development and body mass were taken in the male offspring during postnatal development, and learning and memory performance was assessed in adulthood. Genistein exposure via the maternal diet decreased body mass in the male offspring of dams fed genistein during both gestation and lactation, during lactation only, but not during gestation only. Genistein decreased anogenital distance when exposure was during both gestation and lactation, but there was no effect when exposure was limited to one of these time periods. Similarly, spatial learning in the Morris water maze was impaired in male rats exposed to genistein during both gestation and lactation, but not in rats exposed during only one of these time periods. There was no effect of genistein on cued or contextual fear conditioning. In summary, the data indicate that exposure to genistein through the maternal diet significantly impacts growth in male offspring if exposure is during lactation. The effects of genistein on reproductive development and spatial learning required exposure throughout the pre- and postnatal periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan R. Ball
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical & Administrative Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Drake University, Des Moines, IA, 50311 USA
| | | | - Jenna L. Wilcox
- Neuroscience Program, Drake University, Des Moines, IA, 50311 USA
| | - Karla A. Overton
- Neuroscience Program, Drake University, Des Moines, IA, 50311 USA
| | - Marra J. Burr
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical & Administrative Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Drake University, Des Moines, IA, 50311 USA
- Neuroscience Program, Drake University, Des Moines, IA, 50311 USA
| | - Brady D. Wolfe
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical & Administrative Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Drake University, Des Moines, IA, 50311 USA
| | - Brian J. Sanders
- Neuroscience Program, Drake University, Des Moines, IA, 50311 USA
- Department of Psychology, Drake University, Des Moines, IA 50311 USA
| | - Amy B. Wisniewski
- Section of Pediatric Diabetes/Endocrinology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73117 USA
| | - Craige C. Wrenn
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical & Administrative Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Drake University, Des Moines, IA, 50311 USA
- Neuroscience Program, Drake University, Des Moines, IA, 50311 USA
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: Craige C. Wrenn, Ph.D., 109 Fitch Hall, 2507 University Avenue, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Drake University, Des Moines, IA 50311, Voice: 515-271-3326, Fax: 515-271-1867,
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Resting heart rate does not predict growth in preterm infants. Early Hum Dev 2010; 86:23-7. [PMID: 20089373 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2009.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2009] [Revised: 11/18/2009] [Accepted: 12/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous reports indicate that preterm infants with higher baseline heart rate (HR) have greater weight gain than preterm infants with lower baseline HR. To verify this correlation and the potential utility of resting HR as a bench mark for risk of extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR), we studied preterm infants born between 32 and 36weeks gestation. Earlier gestation infants (27 to 31weeks) were included. METHODS In retrospective chart review we collected heart rate (HR) and growth data on 156 infants between 27.0 and 34.0weeks gestation from birth to hospital discharge. RESULTS There was a significant increase in weight gain from day 10 of life in infants with higher resting HR compared to infants with lower resting HR. However, upon controlling for birth weight and gestational age, there was no significant relationship between HR and weight gain for any gestational age group of premature infants. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to previous reports, there was no significant relationship between HR and growth at any gestational age after controlling for birth weight and gestational age. It is important to continue to search for a clinical marker of risk for poor growth in preterm infants and to give an opportunity for nutritional interventions which may support better growth and developmental outcomes.
Collapse
|
37
|
Smith A, Lightfoot T, Simpson J, Roman E. Birth weight, sex and childhood cancer: A report from the United Kingdom Childhood Cancer Study. Cancer Epidemiol 2009; 33:363-7. [PMID: 19932649 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2009.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2009] [Revised: 10/14/2009] [Accepted: 10/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Birth weight has been linked to the risk of developing childhood cancer, in particular childhood leukaemia. However, despite many childhood cancers having a male predominance and boys generally weighing more than girls at birth few studies have reported sex-specific associations. The relationship between birth weight and childhood cancer risk was examined using information from a national case-control study. Children (0-14 years) newly diagnosed with cancer in GB were ascertained between 1991 and 1996 (n=3651) and for comparison, controls matched on sex, month and year of birth were identified from primary care population registers (n=6337). Birth weights were obtained from the Office of National Statistics for all targeted subjects born in England and Wales. Overall, cases were, on average, 30 g heavier at birth than controls (p=0.003) with differences seen by cancer type; those diagnosed with hepatic tumours weighing around 500 g less than controls at birth (p<0.0001) and those with leukaemia being, on average, 50 g heavier than those without (p=0.001). An interaction between birth weight and sex was found for acute leukaemia (chi(2)=11.2, p=0.04) and when data were stratified by sex, an association between high birth weight and risk of ALL was seen with girls (>4000 g, OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.38-2.50, chi(2) for trend 20.2, p<0.0001). Our results support the hypothesis that birth weight is an important determinant for childhood cancer. In addition, the data are consistent with the notion that childhood leukaemia has a prenatal origin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Smith
- Epidemiology & Genetics Unit, Department of Health Sciences and Hull & York Medical School, University of York, York, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Cesarini D, Lindqvist E, Wallace B. Is there an adverse effect of sons on maternal longevity? Proc Biol Sci 2009; 276:2081-4. [PMID: 19324755 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2009.0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed the emergence of a literature examining the effects of giving birth to sons on postmenopausal longevity in pre-industrial mothers. The original paper in this lineage used a sample (n=375) of Sami mothers from northern Finland and found that, relative to daughters, giving birth to sons substantially reduced maternal longevity. We examine this hypothesis using a similar and a much larger sample (n=930) of pre-industrial Sami women from northern Sweden, who in terms of their demographic, sociocultural and biological conditions, closely resemble the original study population. In contrast to the previously reported results for the Sami, we find no evidence of a negative effect of sons on maternal longevity. Thus, we provide the most compelling evidence to date that the leading result in the literature must be approached with scepticism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Cesarini
- Department of Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 50 Memorial Drive, E52-391, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Cesarini D, Lindqvist E, Wallace B. Maternal longevity and the sex of offspring in pre-industrial Sweden. Ann Hum Biol 2008; 34:535-46. [PMID: 17786589 DOI: 10.1080/03014460701517215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helle et al. (2000. Sons reduced maternal longevity in preindustrial humans. Science, 296, 1085) argued that giving birth to sons reduced maternal longevity in pre-industrial societies due to higher physiological costs of bearing sons and the elevated testosterone levels observed in mothers carrying male foetuses. AIM The present study examined this hypothesis using a more comprehensive dataset and evaluated the merits of the statistical approach used in previous studies to identify the cost of giving birth to sons in terms of maternal old-age longevity. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The analysis in Helle et al. (2002. Sons reduced maternal longevity in preindustrial humans. Science 296, 1085) was extended by using a considerably larger dataset of pre-industrial Swedish women, and with careful consideration paid to methodological problems of sample selection and omitted variable bias. We argue that the previous literature has underestimated the difficulties in quantifying the trade-off between parity and longevity due to unobserved heterogeneity in health. However, under less restrictive assumptions, one can estimate the marginal impact of a son for a fixed family size. RESULTS No evidence was found of a negative relative impact of sons. Neither was any evidence found in favour of the male-biased intra-household resource competition hypothesis proposed elsewhere in the literature, despite the poverty of the study population. These results are robust to a wide range of specifications tested. CONCLUSION The failure to reproduce earlier findings and the fact that studies in this area of research seem to continue to yield conflicting results warrant much caution in discussing and evaluating results. It is likely that the negative effect of sons, if it existed, only manifested itself under conditions that are not yet fully understood. We also argue that the previous literature on this topic has not fully acknowledged the inference problems associated with omitted variable bias and sample selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Cesarini
- Department of Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Loos RJF, Derom C, Eeckels R, Derom R, Vlietinck R. Gestation and Birthweight in Dizygotic Twins: Girls Call the Tune. Twin Res Hum Genet 2007. [DOI: 10.1375/twin.10.supp.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractUnlike-sex twins provide a unique natural experiment to investigate the influence of sex on gestation. Our data showed that length of gestation of unlike-sex pairs is similar to that of female same-sex pairs, and significantly (0.4 wks,p= .02) longer than that of male same-sex pairs. Birthweight of female unlike-sex twins was similar to female same-sex twins, but male unlike-sex twins weighed 78 g more than male same-sex twins (p= .001). These data show that in unlikesex pairs it is the girl that prolongs gestation for her brother, resulting in a higher birthweight than that of same-sex boys.
Collapse
|
41
|
Gardner DS, Buttery PJ, Daniel Z, Symonds ME. Factors affecting birth weight in sheep: maternal environment. Reproduction 2007; 133:297-307. [PMID: 17244755 PMCID: PMC1994721 DOI: 10.1530/rep-06-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of factors affecting variation in birth weight is especially important given the relationship of birth weight to neonatal and adult health. The present study utilises two large contemporary datasets in sheep of differing breeds to explore factors that influence weight at term. For dataset one (Study 1; n=154 Blue-faced Leicester x Swaledale (Mule) and 87 Welsh Mountain ewes, 315 separate cases of birth weight), lamb birth weight as the outcome measure was related to maternal characteristics and individual energy intake of the ewe during specified periods of gestation, i.e. early (1-30 days; term ~147 days gestation), mid (31-80 days) or late (110-147 days) pregnancy. For dataset two (Study 2; n=856 Mule ewes and 5821 cases of birth weight), we investigated using multilevel modelling the influence of ewe weight, parity, barrenness, lamb sex, litter size, lamb mortality and year of birth on lamb birth weight. For a subset of these ewes (n=283), the effect of the ewes' own birth weight was also examined. Interactions between combinations of variables were selectively investigated. Litter size, as expected, had the single greatest influence on birth weight with other significant effects being year of birth, maternal birth weight, maternal nutrition, sex of the lamb, ewe barrenness and maternal body composition at mating. The results of the present study have practical implications not only for sheep husbandry but also for the increased knowledge of factors that significantly influence variation in birth weight; as birth weight itself has become a significant predictor of later health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D S Gardner
- Centre for Reproduction and Early Life, Schools of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Valera M, Blesa F, Dos Santos R, Molina A. Genetic study of gestation length in Andalusian and Arabian mares. Anim Reprod Sci 2005; 95:75-96. [PMID: 16271285 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2005.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2004] [Revised: 04/04/2005] [Accepted: 09/15/2005] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The length of gestation in Andalusian, or Spanish Purebred (SPB) and Arabian (AB) mares reared in Spain was analysed, based on 766 spontaneous full-term deliveries appertaining to 141 mares of SPB breed and 72 mares of AB breed in 31 breeding seasons. The data were obtained from the Yeguada Militar de Jerez de la Frontera stud farm in Cádiz, Spain. The mean length of gestation was of 336.8+/-0.48 days in the SPB mares and 340.3+/-0.63 days in AB mares. To assess the accurate prediction of time of birth the potential effect of a number of factors was investigated. The influences of the breed, mare, month and year of mating, age of the mother, number of births and sex of the foal were statistically significant. The factor have the greatest influence over the gestation length was the mare itself, with a correlation among consecutive births of around 0.4. The effect of inbreeding, both of the mare and foal, was negligible. Gestation length shortened as the breeding season progressed: in both breeds, a delay of 1 month in mating corresponded to a decrease of 3 days in the gestation length. According to our results, gestation length decrease as the mare gets older, with the shortest gestation periods when the mare is 10-12 years old, and from this point on, it slowly increases. The gestation period shortens as the 4th or 5th birth approaches, and then gets progressively longer. The range of variation in gestation length due to the number of births to the mare is of 2.9 days for the AB mares, and 2.2 days for SPB mares. The heritability for the gestation length for AB and the SPB breeds was 0.2, with a repeatability of 0.36 and 0.37, for SPB and AB breeds, respectively. With the data from both breeds, and using a classical approach, the response to selection was estimated if mares with extreme gestation lengths were culled, i.e. lengths which are under 310 days, or over 360 days. According to our results, in the case of SPB, a decrease of 14-45% would occur in the number of extreme gestation lengths, while in the AB breed, this value would decrease from 2 to 39%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Valera
- Departamento di Ciencias Agroforestales, Escuela Universitaria de Ingeniería Técnica Agrícola, Universidad de Sevilla, Ctra. De Utrera, km. 1, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Karna P, Brooks K, Muttineni J, Karmaus W. Anthropometric measurements for neonates, 23 to 29 weeks gestation, in the 1990s. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2005; 19:215-26. [PMID: 15860080 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3016.2005.00641.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Reference data describing weight, length, and head circumference (anthropometric measurements) at birth were published by Lubchenco and Usher before 1970. Few attempts have been made to investigate whether these data are appropriate for today's cohort of preterm neonates. We analysed anthropometric data for neonates born between 23 and 29 weeks' gestation. Reference charts were developed from the measurements obtained from neonatal records, and gestational age, obtained from maternal charts, on 975 neonates delivered at four neonatal centres in Michigan during 1992 and 1997. The analysis was confined to children with gestational age that was consistent or within 7 days by last menstrual period, obstetric examination, ultrasound and neonatal determinations. At 23 to 29 weeks' gestation, ethnicity and multiple births did not have any significant impact on birthweight but girls were lighter. We compared our anthropometric charts with those presently being used at many neonatal centres. In our study, physical measurements at birth of preterm neonates born between 1992 and 1997 were significantly different from those currently used to assess growth status. Furthermore data derived from published studies that utilised birth certificates with gestational age based on last menstrual period seem to overestimate birthweight. For preterm infants, our findings are concordant with recently published values from 18 states of the US. Because of improved survival, gestational age assessment and perinatal care of preterm neonates, development of new reference anthropometric measurements for neonates is overdue. Our Michigan data of 23-29 weeks preterm provides new national reference values, which we recommend for use in US neonatal centres for extremely preterm neonates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Padmani Karna
- Division of Neonatology, Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Luke B, Hediger M, Min SJ, Brown MB, Misiunas RB, Gonzalez-Quintero VH, Nugent C, Witter FR, Newman RB, Hankins GDV, Grainger DA, Macones GA. Gender mix in twins and fetal growth, length of gestation and adult cancer risk. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2005; 19 Suppl 1:41-7. [PMID: 15670121 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3016.2005.00616.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of gender mix (the gender combinations of twin pairs) on fetal growth and length of gestation, and reviewed the literature on the long-term effects of this altered fetal milieu on cancer risk. In singletons, it is well established that females weigh less than males at all gestations, averaging 125-135 g less at full term. This gender difference is generally believed to be the result of the effect of androgens on fetal growth. The gender difference in fetal growth is greater before the third trimester and less towards term, with males growing not only more, but also earlier than females. Plurality is a known risk factor for reduced fetal growth and birthweight. Compared with singletons, the mean birthweight percentiles of twins fall substantially (by 10% or more) below the singleton 10th percentile by 28 weeks, below the singleton 50th percentile by 30 weeks, and below the singleton 90th percentile by 34 weeks. In unlike-gender twin pairs, it has been reported that the female prolongs gestation for her brother, resulting in a higher birthweight for the male twin than that of like-gender male twins. Other researchers have demonstrated that females in unlike-gender pairs had higher birthweights than females in like-gender pairs. Analyses from our consortium on 2491 twin pregnancies with known chorionicity showed longer gestations and faster rates of fetal growth in both males and females in unlike-gender pairs compared with like-gender male or female pairs, although these differences were not statistically significant. The post-natal effects for females growing in an androgenic-anabolic environment include increased sensation-seeking behaviour and aggression, lowered visual acuity, more masculine attitudes and masculinising effects of the auditory system and craniofacial growth. In contrast, there is no evidence to suggest that there might be a similar feminising effect on males from unlike-gender pairs. This hormonal exposure in utero may influence adult body size and susceptability to breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Luke
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Derom R, Derom C, Loos RJF, Thiery E, Vlietinck R, Fryns JP. Gender mix: does it modify birthweight--outcome association? Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2005; 19 Suppl 1:37-40. [PMID: 15670120 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3016.2005.00613.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Gender mix, especially the supposed hormone transfer in utero of the male fetus to his female co-twin, is a highly debated controversial subject. It occurs in animals (free-martin syndrome in the cow) but its existence in man has not been convincingly demonstrated. Two aspects of gender mix effects in man, birthweight and cognitive development, were studied in the Belgian East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey, a large population-based registry of multiple maternities, characterised by accurate data on pregnancy, placental structure and zygosity. The birthweight of the female member of the pair is not influenced by the male co-twin but, unexpectedly, the female twin enhances to a slight degree the birthweight of her male co-twin by prolonging the gestation for a few days. Also unexpectedly, in an opposite direction, the cognitive development, as measured by the IQ (WISC-R) of the female twin rises as compared with controls if her birthweight exceeds that of her male co-twin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Derom
- Association for Scientific Research in Multiple Births, Destelbergen, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Elsmén E, Steen M, Hellström-Westas L. Sex and gender differences in newborn infants: why are boys at increased risk? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmhg.2004.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
47
|
Dannemiller JL. Variations in birth weight within the normal range are related to visual orienting in infancy for boys but not for girls. Infant Behav Dev 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2003.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
48
|
Vik T, Bakketeig LS, Trygg KU, Lund-Larsen K, Jacobsen G. High caffeine consumption in the third trimester of pregnancy: gender-specific effects on fetal growth. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2003; 17:324-31. [PMID: 14629313 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-3016.2003.00507.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
It has been suggested that a high caffeine intake in pregnancy may be a risk factor for fetal growth retardation. We have tested this hypothesis in a population-based case-control study. Caffeine intake among 111 mothers of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants (56 boys, 55 girls) was compared with the intake among 747 mothers of non-SGA infants (368 boys, 379 girls). Food records for 3 days were collected in the second (week 17-20) and in the third (week 33) trimester, and caffeine intake from coffee, tea, soft drinks and chocolate was calculated and dichotomised as low or high, based upon the median value. Mothers of SGA infants had higher mean intake of caffeine [281 +/- 210 (SD) mg/day] in the third trimester than mothers of non-SGA infants (212 +/- 150 mg/day; P < 0.001). The risk of SGA birth was nearly doubled if the mother had a high rather than a low caffeine intake in the third trimester [odds ratio (OR) 1.8; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.2, 2.5]. The increased risk was mainly found in boys (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.5, 5.2), and not in girls (OR 1.2; 95% CI 0.7, 2.1). The increased risk for boys persisted after adjustment for cigarette smoking alone, or for smoking and various other SGA risk factors together. Our results suggest that a high caffeine intake in the third trimester may be a risk factor for fetal growth retardation, in particular if the fetus is a boy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Torstein Vik
- Department of Community Medicine and General Practice, Medical Faculty, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
|
50
|
Hindmarsh PC, Geary MPP, Rodeck CH, Kingdom JCP, Cole TJ. Intrauterine growth and its relationship to size and shape at birth. Pediatr Res 2002; 52:263-8. [PMID: 12149505 DOI: 10.1203/00006450-200208000-00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Birth size and shape are commonly used as indicators of fetal growth. Epidemiologic studies have suggested a relationship between birth size and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in later life. Certain "growth phenotypes" have been linked to the development of certain components of cardiovascular disease, particularly babies who display disproportional growth in utero. These observations are based on retrospective analysis of historical data sets. If the "Fetal Origins of Adult Disease" hypothesis is to be generalisable to the present day, then it is essential to establish whether these "growth phenotypes" exist within the normal distribution of birth size. The UCL Fetal Growth Study is a prospective study of antenatal fetal growth assessed by ultrasound at 20 and 30 wk gestation in 1650 low risk, singleton, white pregnancies. Measures of birth size were obtained and analyzed by principal components to explain shape at birth. Birth measures were also related to antenatal growth measurements to determine the strength of ultrasound evaluation in determining subsequent growth. There was significant sexual dimorphism in all measures at birth, with males heavier, longer, and leaner than females. From 20 wk of gestation onwards, males had a significantly larger head size than females. Parity, maternal height, and body mass index were important determinants of birth weight (p < 0.001). Cigarette smoking influenced birth weight, length, and head circumference (p < 0.001) but had no effect on placental size. Principal component analysis revealed that proportionality was the predominant size/shape at birth (55% of variance explained). A further 18% of variance was explained by a contrast between weight, head circumference, and length versus three skinfolds. Anthropometric measures as assessed by ultrasound at 20 and 30 wk gestation were poor predictors of birth length, weight, and head circumference (adjusted R(2) 18, 40, and 28% at 30 wk gestation scan, respectively). These predictions were not improved by including growth patterns between 20 and 30 wk. There is sexual dimorphism in a number of anthropometric measures at birth and in utero. These sex differences are important determinants of body size and shape. In a low risk population delivering at term, body shape was largely determined by proportionality between anthropometric measures. The low correlations between antenatal measures and birth size suggest that it is unwise to ascribe birth shape phenotypes to adverse events at any particular stage of gestation. The weak relationship also suggests that routine antenatal scans around 30 wk of gestation to predict growth problems are unlikely to be of benefit in the majority of cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter C Hindmarsh
- London Centre for Paediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute of Child Health, University College, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|