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Kadam I, Dalloul M, Hausser J, Vaday D, Gilboa E, Wang L, Hittelman J, Hoepner L, Fordjour L, Chitamanni P, Saxena A, Jiang X. Role of one-carbon nutrient intake and diabetes during pregnancy in children's growth and neurodevelopment: A 2-year follow-up study of a prospective cohort. Clin Nutr 2024; 43:1216-1223. [PMID: 38636347 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.04.011] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Both maternal metabolic dysregulation, e.g., gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and maternal supply of nutrients that participate in one-carbon (1C) metabolism, e.g., folate, choline, betaine, and vitamin B12, have been demonstrated to influence epigenetic modification such as DNA methylation, thereby exerting long-lasting impacts on growth and development of offspring. This study aimed to determine how maternal 1C nutrient intake was associated with DNA methylation and further, development of children, as well as whether maternal GDM status modified the association in a prospective cohort. METHODS In this study, women with (n = 18) and without (n = 20) GDM were recruited at 25-33 weeks gestation. Detailed dietary intake data was collected by 3-day 24-h dietary recall and nutrient levels in maternal blood were also assessed at enrollment. The maternal-child dyads were invited to participate in a 2-year follow-up during which anthropometric measurement and the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development™ Screening Test (Third Edition) were conducted on children. The association between maternal 1C nutrients and children's developmental outcomes was analyzed with a generalized linear model controlling for maternal GDM status. RESULTS We found that children born to mothers with GDM had lower scores in the language domain of the Bayley test (p = 0.049). Higher maternal food folate and choline intakes were associated with better language scores in children (p = 0.01 and 0.025, respectively). Higher maternal food folate intakes were also associated with better cognitive scores in children (p = 0.002). Higher 1C nutrient intakes during pregnancy were associated with lower body weight of children at 2 years of age (p < 0.05). However, global DNA methylation of children's buccal cells was not associated with any maternal 1C nutrients. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, higher 1C nutrient intake during pregnancy was associated with lower body weight and better neurodevelopmental outcomes of children. This may help overcome the lower language scores seen in GDM-affected children in this cohort. Studies in larger cohorts and with a longer follow-up duration are needed to further delineate the relationship between prenatal 1C nutrient exposure, especially in GDM-affected pregnancies, and offspring health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isma'il Kadam
- Departments of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA; PhD Program in Biochemistry, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Mudar Dalloul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Jeanette Hausser
- Departments of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA
| | - Doron Vaday
- Departments of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA
| | - Ella Gilboa
- Departments of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Public Health, Robbins College of Human Health and Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76711, USA
| | - Joan Hittelman
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Lori Hoepner
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Lawrence Fordjour
- Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Pavani Chitamanni
- Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Anjana Saxena
- Department of Biology, Brooklyn College of City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA
| | - Xinyin Jiang
- Departments of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA; PhD Program in Biochemistry, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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Reis ÁEDM, Teixeira IS, Maia JM, Luciano LAA, Brandião LM, Silva MLS, Branco LGS, Soriano RN. Maternal nutrition and its effects on fetal neurodevelopment. Nutrition 2024; 125:112483. [PMID: 38823254 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2024.112483] [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: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Herein, we present a thorough examination of the impact of maternal nutrition on fetal and infant neurodevelopment, focusing on specific nutrients and their critical roles in perinatal and pediatric health. Through a comprehensive narrative review of the literature, this study highlights the importance of a balanced maternal diet rich in nutrients like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), folic acid, iron, and iodine in shaping children's neurological functions. Key findings underscore the influence of maternal nutrition during pregnancy and the peri-gestational period on children's cognitive, motor, speech, and socio-emotional development. Deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as DHA, are linked to adverse long-lasting outcomes such as premature birth and intrauterine growth restriction, where a suitable intake of iron and folic acid is vital to prevent neural tube defects and promote healthy brain development. We highlight areas requiring further investigation, particularly regarding iodine's impact and the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. In conclusion, this research sheds light on our current understanding of maternal nutrition and child neurodevelopment, offering valuable insights for health professionals and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ingrid Silva Teixeira
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, MG, Brazil
| | - Juliana Marino Maia
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Lucas Marques Brandião
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz G S Branco
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Physiology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Renato Nery Soriano
- Division of Physiology and Biophysics, Department of Basic Life Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, MG, Brazil.
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Kok DE, Saunders R, Nelson A, Smith D, Ford D, Mathers JC, McKay JA. Influence of maternal folate depletion on Art3 DNA methylation in the murine adult brain; potential consequences for brain and neurocognitive health. Mutagenesis 2024; 39:196-204. [PMID: 38417824 PMCID: PMC11040152 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/geae007] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis suggest early-life environment impacts health outcomes throughout the life course. In particular, epigenetic marks, including DNA methylation, are thought to be key mechanisms through which environmental exposures programme later-life health. Adequate maternal folate status before and during pregnancy is essential in the protection against neural tube defects, but data are emerging that suggest early-life folate exposures may also influence neurocognitive outcomes in childhood and, potentially, thereafter. Since folate is key to the supply of methyl donors for DNA methylation, we hypothesize that DNA methylation may be a mediating mechanism through which maternal folate influences neurocognitive outcomes. Using bisulphite sequencing, we measured DNA methylation of five genes (Art3, Rsp16, Tspo, Wnt16, and Pcdhb6) in the brain tissue of adult offspring of dams who were depleted of folate (n = 5, 0.4 mg folic acid/kg diet) during pregnancy (~19-21 days) and lactation (mean 22 days) compared with controls (n = 6, 2 mg folic acid/kg diet). Genes were selected as methylation of their promoters had previously been found to be altered by maternal folate intake in mice and humans across the life course, and because they have potential associations with neurocognitive outcomes. Maternal folate depletion was significantly associated with Art3 gene hypomethylation in subcortical brain tissue of adult mice at 28 weeks of age (mean decrease 6.2%, P = .03). For the other genes, no statistically significant differences were found between folate depleted and control groups. Given its association with neurocognitive outcomes, we suggest Art3 warrants further study in the context of lifecourse brain health. We have uncovered a potential biomarker that, once validated in accessible biospecimens and human context, may be useful to track the impact of early-life folate exposure on later-life neurocognitive health, and potentially be used to develop and monitor the effects of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieuwertje E Kok
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen Wageningen Campus l Building 124 (Helix), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rachael Saunders
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Northumberland Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Nelson
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Northumberland Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, United Kingdom
| | - Darren Smith
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Northumberland Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, United Kingdom
| | - Dianne Ford
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Northumberland Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, United Kingdom
| | - John C Mathers
- Human Nutrition & Exercise Research Centre, Centre for Healthier Lives, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Room M2.060, 2nd floor William Leech Building, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Jill A McKay
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Northumberland Building, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, United Kingdom
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Yu AC, Deng YH, Long C, Sheng XH, Wang XG, Xiao LF, Lv XZ, Chen XN, Chen L, Qi XL. High Dietary Folic Acid Supplementation Reduced the Composition of Fatty Acids and Amino Acids in Fortified Eggs. Foods 2024; 13:1048. [PMID: 38611353 PMCID: PMC11012142 DOI: 10.3390/foods13071048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS The study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary folic acid (FA) on the production performance of laying hens, egg quality, and the nutritional differences between eggs fortified with FA and ordinary eggs. METHODS A total of 288 26-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens (initial body weights 1.65 ± 0.10 kg) with a similar weight and genetic background were used. A completely randomized design divided the birds into a control group and three treatment groups. Each group consisted of six replicates, with twelve chickens per replicate. Initially, all birds were fed a basal diet for 1 week. Subsequently, they were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 5, 10, or 15 mg/kg FA in a premix for a duration of 6 weeks. RESULTS Supplementation of FA could significantly (p < 0.05) enhance the FA content in egg yolks, particularly when 10 mg/kg was used, as it had the most effective enrichment effect. Compared to the control group, the Glu content in the 10 and 15 mg/kg FA groups showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease. Additionally, the contents of Asp, Ile, Tyr, Phe, Cys, and Met in the 15 mg/kg FA group were significantly (p < 0.05) lower compared to the other groups. Adding FA did not have significant effects on the levels of vitamin A and vitamin E in egg yolk, but the vitamin D content in the 5 and 10 mg/kg FA groups showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase. Furthermore, the addition of FA did not have a significant effect on the levels of Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn in egg yolk. The dietary FA did not have a significant effect on the total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content in egg yolk. However, the total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content in the 5 and 10 mg/kg groups significantly (p < 0.05) increased. These changes in nutritional content might be attributed to the increased very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) protein content. The significant decrease in solute carrier family 1 Member 1 (SLC1A1), solute carrier family 1 Member 2 (SLC1A2), and solute carrier family 1 Member 3 (SLC1A3) gene expression compared to the control group appeared to be the reason for the decrease in amino acid content in egg yolk within the dietary FA group. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that the appropriate addition of FA can enhance the levels of MUFA and vitamin D in egg yolks, thereby improving their nutritional value. Excessive intake of FA can decrease the effectiveness of enriching FA in egg yolk and impact the enrichment of certain amino acids. The yolk of eggs produced by adding 10 mg/kg of FA to the feed contains the optimal amount of nutrients. This study informs consumers purchasing FA-fortified eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao-Chuan Yu
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China; (A.-C.Y.); (Y.-H.D.); (C.L.); (X.-H.S.); (X.-G.W.); (L.-F.X.)
| | - Yu-Han Deng
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China; (A.-C.Y.); (Y.-H.D.); (C.L.); (X.-H.S.); (X.-G.W.); (L.-F.X.)
| | - Cheng Long
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China; (A.-C.Y.); (Y.-H.D.); (C.L.); (X.-H.S.); (X.-G.W.); (L.-F.X.)
| | - Xi-Hui Sheng
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China; (A.-C.Y.); (Y.-H.D.); (C.L.); (X.-H.S.); (X.-G.W.); (L.-F.X.)
| | - Xiang-Guo Wang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China; (A.-C.Y.); (Y.-H.D.); (C.L.); (X.-H.S.); (X.-G.W.); (L.-F.X.)
| | - Long-Fei Xiao
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China; (A.-C.Y.); (Y.-H.D.); (C.L.); (X.-H.S.); (X.-G.W.); (L.-F.X.)
| | - Xue-Ze Lv
- Department of Livestock and Poultry Products Testing, Beijing General Station of Animal Husbandry, Beijing 100107, China;
| | - Xiang-Ning Chen
- Food Science and Engineering College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China;
| | - Li Chen
- Food Science and Engineering College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China;
| | - Xiao-Long Qi
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China; (A.-C.Y.); (Y.-H.D.); (C.L.); (X.-H.S.); (X.-G.W.); (L.-F.X.)
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Product Processing and Quality Control (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 102206, China
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Xu X, Zhang Z, Lin Y, Xie H. Risk of Excess Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation in Offspring. Nutrients 2024; 16:755. [PMID: 38474883 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Folate, also known as vitamin B9, facilitates the transfer of methyl groups among molecules, which is crucial for amino acid metabolism and nucleotide synthesis. Adequate maternal folate supplementation has been widely acknowledged for its pivotal role in promoting cell proliferation and preventing neural tube defects. However, in the post-fortification era, there has been a rising concern regarding an excess maternal intake of folic acid (FA), the synthetic form of folate. In this review, we focused on recent advancements in understanding the influence of excess maternal FA intake on offspring. For human studies, we summarized findings from clinical trials investigating the effects of periconceptional FA intake on neurodevelopment and molecular-level changes in offspring. For studies using mouse models, we compiled the impact of high maternal FA supplementation on gene expression and behavioral changes in offspring. In summary, excessive maternal folate intake could potentially have adverse effects on offspring. Overall, we highlighted concerns regarding elevated maternal folate status in the population, providing a comprehensive perspective on the potential adverse effects of excessive maternal FA supplementation on offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiguang Xu
- Epigenomics and Computational Biology Lab, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Ziyu Zhang
- Epigenomics and Computational Biology Lab, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Yu Lin
- Epigenomics and Computational Biology Lab, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Hehuang Xie
- Epigenomics and Computational Biology Lab, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Long J, Liang J, Liu T, Huang H, Chen J, Liao Q, Pang L, Yang K, Chen M, Chen Q, Huang X, Zhu Q, Zeng X, Huang D, Qiu X. Association between prenatal exposure to alkylphenols and intelligence quotient among preschool children: sex-specific effects. Environ Health 2024; 23:21. [PMID: 38365736 PMCID: PMC10870542 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-024-01047-5] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While prenatal exposure to alkylphenols (APs) has been demonstrated to be associated with neurodevelopmental impairments in animals, the evidence from epidemiological studies remains limited and inconclusive. This study aimed to explore the link between AP exposure during pregnancy and the intelligence quotient (IQ) of preschool children. METHODS A total of 221 mother-child pairs from the Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort were recruited. Nonylphenol (NP), 4-tert-octylphenol (4-T-OP), 4-n-nonylphenol (4-N-NP), and 4-n-octylphenol were measured in maternal serum in early pregnancy. Childhood IQ was evaluated by the Fourth Edition of Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of the Intelligence at 3 to 6 years of age. The impact of APs on childhood IQ were evaluated by generalized linear models (GLMs), restricted cubic spline (RCS), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). RESULTS In GLMs, prenatal exposure to NP and the second tertile of 4-T-OP exhibited an inverse association with full-scale IQ (FSIQ) (β = -2.38; 95% CI: -4.59, -0.16) and working memory index (WMI) (β = -5.24; 95% CI: -9.58, -0.89), respectively. Prenatal exposure to the third tertile of 4-N-NP showed a positive association with the fluid reasoning index (β = 4.95; 95% CI: 1.14, 8.77) in total children, as well as in girls when stratified by sex. A U-shaped relationship between maternal 4-T-OP and WMI was noted in total children and girls by RCS (all P nonlinear < 0.05). The combined effect primarily driven by NP, of maternal AP mixtures at concentrations above the 50th percentile exhibited an inverse trend on FSIQ in total children and girls in BKMR. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal exposure to various APs affects IQ in preschool children, and there may be nonmonotonic and sex-specific effects. Further investigation across the population is required to elucidate the potential neurotoxic effects of APs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Long
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jun Liang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Huaihua Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Huaihua, 418000, Hunan, China
| | - Huishen Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiehua Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Qian Liao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Lixiang Pang
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Kaiqi Yang
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Manlin Chen
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaorong Huang
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Qihua Zhu
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zeng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Dongping Huang
- Department of Sanitary Chemistry, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
| | - Xiaoqiang Qiu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
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Yabe M, Fukuyama T, Motoki N, Toubou H, Hasegawa K, Shibazaki T, Tsukahara T, Nomiyama T. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increase the incidence of febrile seizures in offspring. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03057-y. [PMID: 38310196 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03057-y] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine exposure to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) may increase the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders. This investigation examined for associations between maternal HDP and febrile seizures (FS) in offspring by the age of three years. METHODS The present cohort study analyzed data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study, a large national birth cohort. We included mother-child pairs recruited between January 2011 and March 2014. Information regarding maternal HDP, the presence of FS in offspring up to 3 years of age, and potential confounding factors were assessed using written questionnaires administered to mothers. RESULTS A total of 77,699 mother-child dyads were analyzed. The prevalence of FS was 8.4% in children without HDP exposure, 10.6% in those exposed to mild HDP, and 10.4% in those with severe HDP exposure. Among children with full-term birth, logistic regression analysis indicated that exposure to mild or severe HDP was significantly associated with a higher incidence of FS (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.27 [1.05-1.53] and 1.27 [0.90-1.78], respectively, P for trend = 0.008), compared with children without HDP exposure. CONCLUSION In children with full-term birth, intrauterine exposure to HDP was significantly associated with FS by the age of three years. IMPACT This study revealed a significant association between intrauterine exposure to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and the subsequent development of febrile seizures (FS) in offspring by three years. This increased incidence of FS by HDP was independent of preterm birth status. This is the first large nationwide birth cohort study showing the impact of intrauterine exposure to HDP on FS in early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manami Yabe
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Tetsuhiro Fukuyama
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan.
| | - Noriko Motoki
- Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Toubou
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Kohei Hasegawa
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Takumi Shibazaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Teruomi Tsukahara
- Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Nomiyama
- Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
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8
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Hunter SK, Hoffman MC, D’Alessandro A, Freedman R. Developmental Windows for Effects of Choline and Folate on Excitatory and Inhibitory Neurotransmission During Human Gestation. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22453. [PMID: 38646069 PMCID: PMC11031125 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Choline and folate are critical nutrients for fetal brain development, but the timing of their influence during gestation has not been previously characterized. At different periods during gestation, choline stimulation of α7-nicotinic receptors facilitates conversion of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors from excitatory to inhibitory and recruitment of GluR1-R2 receptors for faster excitatory responses to glutamate. The outcome of the fetal development of inhibition and excitation was assessed in 159 newborns by P50 cerebral auditory-evoked responses. Paired stimuli, S1, S2, were presented 500 msec apart. Higher P50 amplitude in response to S1 (P50S1microV) assesses excitation, and lower P50S2microV assesses inhibition in this paired-stimulus paradigm. Development of inhibition was related solely to maternal choline plasma concentration and folate supplementation at 16 weeks' gestation. Development of excitation was related only to maternal choline at 28 weeks. Higher maternal choline concentrations later in gestation did not compensate for earlier lower concentrations. At 4 years of age, increased behavior problems on the Child Behavior Checklist 1½-5yrs were related to both newborn inhibition and excitation. Incomplete development of inhibition and excitation associated with lower choline and folate during relatively brief periods of gestation thus has enduring effects on child development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon K. Hunter
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine
| | - M. Camille Hoffman
- Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine
| | - Angelo D’Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine
| | - Robert Freedman
- Department Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine
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9
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Kubant R, Cho CE, Pannia E, Hammoud R, Yang NV, Simonian R, Anderson GH. Methyl donor micronutrients, hypothalamic development and programming for metabolic disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 157:105512. [PMID: 38128771 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105512] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Nutriture in utero is essential for fetal brain development through the regulation of neural stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, and has a long-lasting impact on risk of disease in offspring. This review examines the role of maternal methyl donor micronutrients in neuronal development and programming of physiological functions of the hypothalamus, with a focus on later-life metabolic outcomes. Although evidence is mainly derived from preclinical studies, recent research shows that methyl donor micronutrients (e.g., folic acid and choline) are critical for neuronal development of energy homeostatic pathways and the programming of characteristics of the metabolic syndrome in mothers and their children. Both folic acid and choline are active in one-carbon metabolism with their impact on epigenetic modification of gene expression. We conclude that an imbalance of folic acid and choline intake during gestation disrupts DNA methylation patterns affecting mechanisms of hypothalamic development, and thus elevates metabolic disease risk. Further investigation, including studies to determine translatability to humans, is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruslan Kubant
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Clara E Cho
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Emanuela Pannia
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rola Hammoud
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Neil Victor Yang
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rebecca Simonian
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - G Harvey Anderson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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10
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Ma R, Wang P, Yang Q, Zhu Y, Zhang L, Wang Y, Sun L, Li W, Ge J, Zhu P. Interpregnancy interval and early infant neurodevelopment: the role of maternal-fetal glucose metabolism. BMC Med 2024; 22:2. [PMID: 38169387 PMCID: PMC10762827 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03191-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interpregnancy interval (IPI) is associated with a variety of adverse maternal and infant outcomes. However, reports of its associations with early infant neurodevelopment are limited and the mechanisms of this association have not been elucidated. Maternal-fetal glucose metabolism has been shown to be associated with infant neurodevelopmental. The objective of this study was to determine whether this metabolism plays a role in the relationship between IPI and neurodevelopment. METHODS This prospective birth cohort study included 2599 mother-infant pairs. The IPI was calculated by subtracting the gestational age of the current pregnancy from the interval at the end of the previous pregnancy. Neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12 months in infants were assessed by the Ages and Stages Questionnaire Edition 3 (ASQ-3). Maternal fasting venous blood was collected at 24-28 weeks and cord blood was collected at delivery. The association between IPI and neurodevelopment was determined by logistic regression. Mediation and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. RESULTS In our cohort, 14.0% had an IPI < 12 months. IPI < 12 months increased the failure of the communication domain, fine motor domain, and personal social domain of the ASQ (relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.73 [1.11,2.70]; 1.73 [1.10,2.72]; 1.51 [1.00,2.29]). Maternal homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and cord blood C-peptide was significantly associated with failure in the communication domain [RRs with 95% CI: 1.15 (1.02, 1.31); 2.15 (1.26, 3.67)]. The proportion of the association between IPI and failure of the communication domain risk mediated by maternal HOMA-IR and cord blood C-peptide was 14.4%. CONCLUSIONS IPI < 12 months was associated with failing the communication domain in infants. Maternal-fetal glucose metabolism abnormality may partially explain the risk of neurodevelopmental delay caused by short IPI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Ma
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qiaolan Yang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuhong Wang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lijun Sun
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Wenxiang Li
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jinfang Ge
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Peng Zhu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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11
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Gallo LA, Steane SE, Young SL, de Jersey S, Schoenaker DAJM, Borg DJ, Lockett J, Collins CE, Perkins AV, Kumar S, Clifton VL, Wilkinson SA. Dietary supplements, guideline alignment and biochemical nutrient status in pregnancy: Findings from the Queensland Family Cohort pilot study. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2024; 20:e13589. [PMID: 37947159 PMCID: PMC10750014 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
In high-income nations, multiple micronutrient (MMN) supplementation during pregnancy is a common practice. We aimed to describe maternal characteristics associated with supplement use and daily dose of supplemental nutrients consumed in pregnancy, and whether guideline alignment and nutrient status are related to supplement use. The Queensland Family Cohort is a prospective, Australian observational longitudinal study. Maternal characteristics, nutrient intake from food and supplements, and biochemical nutrient status were assessed in the second trimester (n = 127). Supplement use was reported by 89% of participants, of whom 91% reported taking an MMN supplement. Participants who received private obstetric care, had private health insurance and had greater alignment to meat/vegetarian alternatives recommendations were more likely to report MMN supplement use. Private obstetric care and general practitioner shared care were associated with higher daily dose of supplemental nutrients consumed compared with midwifery group practice. There was high reliance on supplements to meet nutrient reference values for folate, iodine and iron, but only plasma folate concentrations were higher in MMN supplement versus nonsupplement users. Exceeding the upper level of intake for folic acid and iron was more likely among combined MMN and individual supplement/s users, and associated with higher plasma concentrations of the respective nutrients. Given the low alignment with food group recommendations and potential risks associated with high MMN supplement use, whole food diets should be emphasized. This study confirms the need to define effective strategies for optimizing nutrient intake in pregnancy, especially among those most vulnerable where MMN supplement use may be appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda A. Gallo
- School of HealthUniversity of the Sunshine CoastPetrieQLDAustralia
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQLDAustralia
| | - Sarah E. Steane
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQLDAustralia
- Mater Research InstituteThe University of QueenslandSouth BrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Sophia L. Young
- School of HealthUniversity of the Sunshine CoastPetrieQLDAustralia
| | - Susan de Jersey
- Department of Dietetics and Foodservices, Royal Brisbane and Women's HospitalMetro North Hospital and Health ServiceBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Centre for Health Services ResearchThe University of QueenslandHerstonQLDAustralia
| | - Danielle A. J. M. Schoenaker
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology CentreUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research CentreUniversity Hospital Southampton NHSSouthamptonUK
| | - Danielle J. Borg
- Mater Research InstituteThe University of QueenslandSouth BrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Jack Lockett
- Mater Research InstituteThe University of QueenslandSouth BrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Clare E. Collins
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and WellbeingUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteNew Lambton HeightsNSWAustralia
| | | | - Sailesh Kumar
- Mater Research InstituteThe University of QueenslandSouth BrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Vicki L. Clifton
- Mater Research InstituteThe University of QueenslandSouth BrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Shelley A. Wilkinson
- School of PharmacyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQLDAustralia
- Department of Obstetric MedicineMater Mothers HospitalSouth BrisbaneQLDAustralia
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12
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Qu Z, Tian P, Wang L, Jin X, Guo M, Lu J, Zhao J, Chen W, Wang G. Dietary Nucleotides Promote Neonatal Rat Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis Development by Affecting Gut Microbiota Composition and Metabolic Function. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:19622-19637. [PMID: 38014964 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c07349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
A variety of active factors in milk and foods have been proven to serve as microbial nutrients that regulate the formation of early gut microbiota (GM), thereby ensuring the healthy development of infants. This study demonstrated that dietary nucleotides (NTs), one of the main nitrogen-containing substances in human milk, promoted the neurodevelopment of neonatal rats and the expression of Sox2, Dcx, Tuj1, and NeuN in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, but had no significant regulatory effects in the striatum. 16s rRNA sequencing and metabolomics of the colon contents of neonatal rats at different developmental stages showed that the early intake of NTs promoted an increase in the abundance of beneficial microorganisms related to neurodevelopment, digestion, and gut absorption, such as g_Romboutsia and g_Akkermansia. Changes in the ability of the GM to regulate folate synthesis, riboflavin metabolism, and other processes were also observed. Further analysis revealed significant correlations between the level of characteristic metabolites, namely, trans-3-indoleacrylic acid, urocanic acid, inosine, and adenosine, in the gut with neurodevelopment and characteristic GM components. These findings suggest that NTs in milk may affect neurodevelopment and maturation in early life by regulating the GM composition-gut-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Peijun Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Xing Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Min Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Jingyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Jianxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- (Yangzhou) Institute of Food Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Yangzhou 225004, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Gang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- (Yangzhou) Institute of Food Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Yangzhou 225004, China
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13
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Godfrey KM, Titcombe P, El-Heis S, Albert BB, Tham EH, Barton SJ, Kenealy T, Chong MFF, Nield H, Chong YS, Chan SY, Cutfield WS. Maternal B-vitamin and vitamin D status before, during, and after pregnancy and the influence of supplementation preconception and during pregnancy: Prespecified secondary analysis of the NiPPeR double-blind randomized controlled trial. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004260. [PMID: 38051700 PMCID: PMC10697591 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal vitamin status preconception and during pregnancy has important consequences for pregnancy outcome and offspring development. Changes in vitamin status from preconception through early and late pregnancy and postpartum have been inferred from cross-sectional data, but longitudinal data on vitamin status from preconception throughout pregnancy and postdelivery are sparse. As such, the influence of vitamin supplementation on vitamin status during pregnancy remains uncertain. This study presents one prespecified outcome from the randomized controlled NiPPeR trial, aiming to identify longitudinal patterns of maternal vitamin status from preconception, through early and late pregnancy, to 6 months postdelivery, and determine the influence of vitamin supplementation. METHODS AND FINDINGS In the NiPPeR trial, 1,729 women (from the United Kingdom, Singapore, and New Zealand) aged 18 to 38 years and planning conception were randomized to receive a standard vitamin supplement (control; n = 859) or an enhanced vitamin supplement (intervention; n = 870) starting in preconception and continued throughout pregnancy, with blinding of participants and research staff. Supplement components common to both treatment groups included folic acid, β-carotene, iron, calcium, and iodine; components additionally included in the intervention group were riboflavin, vitamins B6, B12, and D (in amounts available in over-the-counter supplements), myo-inositol, probiotics, and zinc. The primary outcome of the study was glucose tolerance at 28 weeks' gestation, measured by oral glucose tolerance test. The secondary outcome reported in this study was the reduction in maternal micronutrient insufficiency in riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, before and during pregnancy. We measured maternal plasma concentrations of B-vitamins, vitamin D, and markers of insufficiency/deficiency (homocysteine, hydroxykynurenine-ratio, methylmalonic acid) at recruitment, 1 month after commencing intervention preconception, in early pregnancy (7 to 11 weeks' gestation) and late pregnancy (around 28 weeks' gestation), and postdelivery (6 months after supplement discontinuation). We derived standard deviation scores (SDS) to characterize longitudinal changes among participants in the control group and measured differences between the 2 groups. At recruitment, the proportion of patients with marginal or low plasma status was 29.2% for folate (<13.6 nmol/L), 7.5% and 82.0% for riboflavin (<5 nmol/L and ≤26.5 nmol/L, respectively), 9.1% for vitamin B12 (<221 pmol/L), and 48.7% for vitamin D (<50 nmol/L); these proportions were balanced between the groups. Over 90% of all participants had low or marginal status for one or more of these vitamins at recruitment. Among participants in the control group, plasma concentrations of riboflavin declined through early and late pregnancy, whereas concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were unchanged in early pregnancy, and concentrations of vitamin B6 and B12 declined throughout pregnancy, becoming >1 SDS lower than baseline by 28 weeks gestation. In the control group, 54.2% of participants developed low late-pregnancy vitamin B6 concentrations (pyridoxal 5-phosphate <20 nmol/L). After 1 month of supplementation, plasma concentrations of supplement components were substantially higher among participants in the intervention group than those in the control group: riboflavin by 0.77 SDS (95% CI 0.68 to 0.87, p < 0.0001), vitamin B6 by 1.07 SDS (0.99 to 1.14, p < 0.0001), vitamin B12 by 0.55 SDS (0.46 to 0.64, p < 0.0001), and vitamin D by 0.51 SDS (0.43 to 0.60, p < 0.0001), with higher levels in the intervention group maintained during pregnancy. Markers of vitamin insufficiency/deficiency were reduced in the intervention group, and the proportion of participants with vitamin D insufficiency (<50 nmol/L) during late pregnancy was lower in the intervention group (35.1% versus 8.5%; p < 0.0001). Plasma vitamin B12 remained higher in the intervention group than in the control group 6 months postdelivery (by 0.30 SDS (0.14, 0.46), p = 0.0003). The main limitation is that generalizability to the global population is limited by the high-resource settings and the lack of African and Amerindian women in particular. CONCLUSIONS Over 90% of the trial participants had marginal or low concentrations of one or more of folate, riboflavin, vitamin B12, or vitamin D during preconception, and many developed markers of vitamin B6 deficiency in late pregnancy. Preconception/pregnancy supplementation in amounts available in over-the-counter supplements substantially reduces the prevalence of vitamin deficiency and depletion markers before and during pregnancy, with higher maternal plasma vitamin B12 maintained during the recommended lactational period. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02509988; U1111-1171-8056.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith M. Godfrey
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton, NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Titcombe
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah El-Heis
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton, NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Elizabeth Huiwen Tham
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Sheila J. Barton
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy Kenealy
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Mary Foong-Fong Chong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Heidi Nield
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Yap Seng Chong
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Shiao-Yng Chan
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Wayne S. Cutfield
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- A Better Start, New Zealand National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
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14
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Fardous AM, Heydari AR. Uncovering the Hidden Dangers and Molecular Mechanisms of Excess Folate: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:4699. [PMID: 37960352 PMCID: PMC10648405 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214699] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This review delves into the intricate relationship between excess folate (vitamin B9) intake, especially its synthetic form, namely, folic acid, and its implications on health and disease. While folate plays a pivotal role in the one-carbon cycle, which is essential for DNA synthesis, repair, and methylation, concerns arise about its excessive intake. The literature underscores potential deleterious effects, such as an increased risk of carcinogenesis; disruption in DNA methylation; and impacts on embryogenesis, pregnancy outcomes, neurodevelopment, and disease risk. Notably, these consequences stretch beyond the immediate effects, potentially influencing future generations through epigenetic reprogramming. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects were examined, including altered one-carbon metabolism, the accumulation of unmetabolized folic acid, vitamin-B12-dependent mechanisms, altered methylation patterns, and interactions with critical receptors and signaling pathways. Furthermore, differences in the effects and mechanisms mediated by folic acid compared with natural folate are highlighted. Given the widespread folic acid supplementation, it is imperative to further research its optimal intake levels and the molecular pathways impacted by its excessive intake, ensuring the health and well-being of the global population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali M. Fardous
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
| | - Ahmad R. Heydari
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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15
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Rubin G, Stewart C, McGowan L, Woodside JV, Barrett G, Godfrey KM, Hall J. Maternal folic acid supplementation and the risk of ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) in infants; a systematic review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294042. [PMID: 37922258 PMCID: PMC10624271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal folic acid supplementation is protective against the development of neural tube defects (NTDs) in babies. However, recent public-facing communications have raised concerns about a causal relationship between folic acid supplementation, particularly after the first trimester, and ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) in infants. Non-evidence-based communications are potentially harmful because they could adversely affect adherence to folic acid supplementation, increasing NTD occurrence. This study aimed to review evidence on the relationships between maternal folic acid supplementation during preconception and/or pregnancy and the risk of ankyloglossia in infants. METHODS We searched the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Scopus. We searched for observational, and interventional studies, and systematic reviews investigating the effect of maternal folic acid supplementation during preconception or pregnancy on the occurrence of ankyloglossia in offspring. The search was registered on PROSPERO on 01/12/2022, ID: CRD42022375862. RESULTS The database searches yielded 93 articles. After removing duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, 26 remained. One article was judged relevant for inclusion in analyses; a case-control study that directly mentions the relationship between folic acid supplementation and ankyloglossia. This study reported that regular intake of folic acid supplements was higher in women with infants with ankyloglossia. However, this study has limitations regarding design, selection bias, and confounding, calling the findings into question. CONCLUSIONS Insufficient evidence exists for a relationship between folic acid supplementation and ankyloglossia. Currently, the benefits of folic acid supplementation far outweigh the risks. This must be clearly communicated to patients by their clinicians during preconception and antenatal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gal Rubin
- UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health, Reproductive Health Research Dept, UCL, London, United Kingdom
- Minerva University: College of Natural Sciences, San Francisco, CA, United States America
| | - Catherine Stewart
- UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health, Reproductive Health Research Dept, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura McGowan
- Centre for Public Health, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Ireland
| | - Jayne V. Woodside
- Centre for Public Health, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Ireland
| | - Geraldine Barrett
- UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health, Reproductive Health Research Dept, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Keith M. Godfrey
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Hall
- UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health, Reproductive Health Research Dept, UCL, London, United Kingdom
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16
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Wang A, Wan Y, Mahai G, Qian X, Li Y, Xu S, Xia W. Association of Prenatal Exposure to Organophosphate, Pyrethroid, and Neonicotinoid Insecticides with Child Neurodevelopment at 2 Years of Age: A Prospective Cohort Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:107011. [PMID: 37856202 PMCID: PMC10586492 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Widespread insecticide exposure might be a risk factor for neurodevelopment of our children, but few studies examined the mixture effect of maternal coexposure to organophosphate insecticides (OPPs), pyrethroids (PYRs), and neonicotinoid insecticides (NNIs) during pregnancy on child neurodevelopment, and critical windows of exposure are unknown. OBJECTIVES We aimed to evaluate the association of prenatal exposure to multiple insecticides with children's neurodevelopment and to identify critical windows of the exposure. METHODS Pregnant women were recruited into a prospective birth cohort study in Wuhan, China, from 2014-2017. Eight metabolites of OPPs (mOPPs), three metabolites of PYRs (mPYRs), and nine metabolites of NNIs (mNNIs) were measured in 3,123 urine samples collected at their first, second, and third trimesters. Children's neurodevelopment [mental development index (MDI) and psychomotor development index (PDI)] was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at 2 years of age (N = 1,041 ). Multivariate linear regression models, generalized estimating equation models, and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were used to estimate the association between the insecticide metabolites and Bayley scores. Potential sex-specific associations were also examined. RESULTS Single chemical analysis suggested higher urinary concentrations of some insecticide metabolites at the first trimester were significantly associated with lower MDI and PDI scores, and the associations were more prominent among boys. Each 1-unit increase in ln-transformed urinary concentrations of two mOPPs, 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol and 4-nitrophenol, was associated with a decrease of 3.16 points [95% confidence interval (CI): - 5.59 , - 0.74 ] and 3.06 points (95% CI: - 5.45 , - 0.68 ) respectively in boys' MDI scores. Each 1-unit increase in that of trans-3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid (trans-DCCA; an mPYR) was significantly associated with a decrease of 2.24 points (95% CI: - 3.89 , - 0.58 ) in boys' MDI scores and 1.90 points (95% CI: - 3.16 , - 0.64 ) in boys' PDI scores, respectively. Significantly positive associations of maternal urinary biomarker concentrations [e.g., dimethyl phosphate (a nonspecific mOPP) and desmethyl-clothianidin (a relatively specific mNNI)] with child neurodevelopment were also observed. Using repeated holdout validation, a 1-quartile increase in the WQS index of the insecticide mixture (in the negative direction) at the first trimester was significantly associated with a decrease of 3.02 points (95% CI: - 5.47 , - 0.57 ) in MDI scores among the boys, and trans-DCCA contributed the most to the association (18%). CONCLUSIONS Prenatal exposure to higher levels of certain insecticides and their mixture were associated with lower Bayley scores in children, particularly in boys. Early pregnancy may be a sensitive window for such an effect. Future studies are needed to confirm our findings. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12097.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aizhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yanjian Wan
- Center for Public Health Laboratory Service, Institute of Environmental Health, Wuhan Centers for Disease Prevention & Control, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Gaga Mahai
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xi Qian
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Shunqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wei Xia
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
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17
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Ren Q, Zhang G, Yan R, Zhou D, Huang L, Zhang Q, Li W, Huang G, Li Z, Yan J. SAM/SAH Mediates Parental Folate Deficiency-Induced Neural Cell Apoptosis in Neonatal Rat Offspring: The Expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and Caspase-3. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14508. [PMID: 37833955 PMCID: PMC10573037 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Research demonstrated that folate deficiency in either the mother or father could impact the biological functions of the offspring's of neural cells. Folate deficiency can also impair the methionine cycle, thus contributing to the conversion of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), which could potentially cause damage to the central nervous system. The study focused on the effect of parental folate deficiency on neural cell apoptosis in offspring neonatal rats and whether it is mediated by the levels of SAM and SAH in brains. The experimental design was conducted by feeding female and male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with either folate-deficient or folate-normal diets, sacrificing the offspring within 24 h and isolating their brain tissue. Rats were divided into four groups: the maternal-folate-deficient and paternal-folate-deficient (D-D) group; the maternal-folate-deficient and paternal-folate-normal (D-N) group; the maternal-folate-normal and paternal-folate-deficient (N-D) group; and the maternal-folate-normal and paternal-folate-normal (N-N) group. There was down-regulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression, up-regulation of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and Caspase-3 expression of neural cells, and pathological changes in the brain ultrastructure, as well as decreased SAM levels, increased SAH levels, and a decreased SAM/SAH ratio in the rat fetal brain via parental folate deficiency. In conclusion, parental folate deficiency could induce the apoptosis of neural cells in neonatal offspring rats, while biparental folate deficiency had the greatest effect on offspring, and the unilateral effect was greater in mothers than in fathers. This process may be mediated by the levels of SAM and SAH in the rat fetal brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghan Ren
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; (Q.R.); (G.Z.); (R.Y.); (D.Z.); (L.H.); (Q.Z.); (W.L.); (G.H.)
| | - Guoquan Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; (Q.R.); (G.Z.); (R.Y.); (D.Z.); (L.H.); (Q.Z.); (W.L.); (G.H.)
| | - Ruiting Yan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; (Q.R.); (G.Z.); (R.Y.); (D.Z.); (L.H.); (Q.Z.); (W.L.); (G.H.)
| | - Dezheng Zhou
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; (Q.R.); (G.Z.); (R.Y.); (D.Z.); (L.H.); (Q.Z.); (W.L.); (G.H.)
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; (Q.R.); (G.Z.); (R.Y.); (D.Z.); (L.H.); (Q.Z.); (W.L.); (G.H.)
| | - Qianwen Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; (Q.R.); (G.Z.); (R.Y.); (D.Z.); (L.H.); (Q.Z.); (W.L.); (G.H.)
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; (Q.R.); (G.Z.); (R.Y.); (D.Z.); (L.H.); (Q.Z.); (W.L.); (G.H.)
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Guowei Huang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; (Q.R.); (G.Z.); (R.Y.); (D.Z.); (L.H.); (Q.Z.); (W.L.); (G.H.)
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Zhenshu Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; (Q.R.); (G.Z.); (R.Y.); (D.Z.); (L.H.); (Q.Z.); (W.L.); (G.H.)
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Jing Yan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Administration, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
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18
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Ren Q, Zhang G, Dong C, Li Z, Zhou D, Huang L, Li W, Huang G, Yan J. Parental Folate Deficiency Inhibits Proliferation and Increases Apoptosis of Neural Stem Cells in Rat Offspring: Aggravating Telomere Attrition as a Potential Mechanism. Nutrients 2023; 15:2843. [PMID: 37447170 DOI: 10.3390/nu15132843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The effect of maternal folate status on the fetal central nervous system (CNS) is well recognized, while evidence is emerging that such an association also exists between fathers and offspring. The biological functions of telomeres and telomerase are also related to neural cell proliferation and apoptosis. The study aimed to investigate the effect of parental folate deficiency on the proliferation and apoptosis of neural stem cells (NSCs) in neonatal offspring and the role of telomeres in this effect. In this study, rats were divided into four groups: maternal folate-deficient and paternal folate-deficient diet (D-D) group; maternal folate-deficient and paternal folate-normal diet (D-N) group; maternal folate-normal and paternal folate-deficient diet (N-D) group; and the maternal folate-normal and paternal folate-normal diet (N-N) group. The offspring were sacrificed at postnatal day 0 (PND0), and NSCs were cultured from the hippocampus and striatum tissues of offspring for future assay. The results revealed that parental folate deficiency decreased folate levels, increased homocysteine (Hcy) levels of the offspring's brain tissue, inhibited proliferation, increased apoptosis, shortened telomere length, and aggravated telomere attrition of offspring NSCs in vivo and in vitro. In vitro experiments further showed that offspring NSCs telomerase activity was inhibited due to parental folate deficiency. In conclusion, parental folate deficiency inhibited the proliferation and increased apoptosis of offspring NSCs, maternal folate deficiency had more adverse effects than paternal, and the mechanisms may involve the telomere attrition of NSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghan Ren
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Guoquan Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Cuixia Dong
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Zhenshu Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Dezheng Zhou
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Guowei Huang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Jing Yan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin 300070, China
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Administration, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
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19
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Irvine N, England-Mason G, Field CJ, Letourneau N, Bell RC, Giesbrecht GF, Kinniburgh DW, MacDonald AM, Martin JW, Dewey D. Associations between maternal folate status and choline intake during pregnancy and neurodevelopment at 3-4 years of age in the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2023; 14:402-414. [PMID: 36939090 PMCID: PMC10202845 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174423000041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Folate and choline are methyl donor nutrients that may play a role in fetal brain development. Animal studies have reported that prenatal folate and choline supplementation are associated with better cognitive outcomes in offspring and that these nutrients may interact and affect brain development. Human studies that have investigated associations between maternal prenatal folate or choline levels and neurodevelopmental outcomes have reported contradictory findings and no human studies have examined the potential interactive effect of folate and choline on children's neurodevelopment. During the second trimester of pregnancy, maternal red blood cell folate was measured from blood samples and choline intake was estimated using a 24-h dietary recall in 309 women in the APrON cohort. At 3-5 years of age, their children's neurodevelopment was assessed using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scales of Intelligence - Fourth EditionCND, NEPSY-II language and memory subtests, four behavioral executive function tasks, and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - Second Edition. Adjusted regressions revealed no associations between maternal folate and choline levels during pregnancy and most of the child outcomes. On the Dimensional Change Card Sort, an executive function task, there was an interaction effect; at high levels of choline intake (i.e., 1 SD above the mean; 223.03 mg/day), higher maternal folate status was associated with decreased odds of receiving a passing score (β = -0.44; 95%CI -0.81, -0.06). In conclusion, maternal folate status and choline intake during the second trimester of pregnancy were not associated with children's intelligence, language, memory, or motor outcomes at 3-4 years of age; however, their interaction may have an influence children's executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Irvine
- Bachelor of Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gillian England-Mason
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Catherine J Field
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rhonda C Bell
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - David W Kinniburgh
- Alberta Centre for Toxicology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Amy M MacDonald
- Alberta Centre for Toxicology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan W Martin
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Environmental Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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20
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Caffrey A, Lamers Y, Murphy MM, Letourneau N, Irwin RE, Pentieva K, Ward M, Tan A, Rojas‐Gómez A, Santos‐Calderón LA, Canals‐Sans J, Leung BMY, Bell R, Giesbrecht GF, Dewey D, Field CJ, Kobor M, Walsh CP, McNulty H. Epigenetic effects of folate and related B vitamins on brain health throughout life: Scientific substantiation and translation of the evidence for health improvement strategies. NUTR BULL 2023; 48:267-277. [PMID: 36807740 PMCID: PMC10946506 DOI: 10.1111/nbu.12611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Suboptimal status of folate and/or interrelated B vitamins (B12 , B6 and riboflavin) can perturb one-carbon metabolism and adversely affect brain development in early life and brain function in later life. Human studies show that maternal folate status during pregnancy is associated with cognitive development in the child, whilst optimal B vitamin status may help to prevent cognitive dysfunction in later life. The biological mechanisms explaining these relationships are not clear but may involve folate-related DNA methylation of epigenetically controlled genes related to brain development and function. A better understanding of the mechanisms linking these B vitamins and the epigenome with brain health at critical stages of the lifecycle is necessary to support evidence-based health improvement strategies. The EpiBrain project, a transnational collaboration involving partners in the United Kingdom, Canada and Spain, is investigating the nutrition-epigenome-brain relationship, particularly focussing on folate-related epigenetic effects in relation to brain health outcomes. We are conducting new epigenetics analysis on bio-banked samples from existing well-characterised cohorts and randomised trials conducted in pregnancy and later life. Dietary, nutrient biomarker and epigenetic data will be linked with brain outcomes in children and older adults. In addition, we will investigate the nutrition-epigenome-brain relationship in B vitamin intervention trial participants using magnetoencephalography, a state-of-the-art neuroimaging modality to assess neuronal functioning. The project outcomes will provide an improved understanding of the role of folate and related B vitamins in brain health, and the epigenetic mechanisms involved. The results are expected to provide scientific substantiation to support nutritional strategies for better brain health across the lifecycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Caffrey
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical SciencesUlster UniversityColeraineUK
| | - Y. Lamers
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Food Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food SystemsThe University of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - M. M. Murphy
- Unit of Preventive Medicine & Public Health, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health SciencesUniversitat Rovira i Virgili, IISPVReusSpain
- CIBEROBN, ISCIIIMadridSpain
| | - N. Letourneau
- Faculty of Nursing and Cumming School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - R. E. Irwin
- Genomic Medicine Group, School of Biomedical SciencesUlster UniversityColeraineUK
| | - K. Pentieva
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical SciencesUlster UniversityColeraineUK
| | - M. Ward
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical SciencesUlster UniversityColeraineUK
| | - A. Tan
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Food Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food SystemsThe University of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - A. Rojas‐Gómez
- Unit of Preventive Medicine & Public Health, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health SciencesUniversitat Rovira i Virgili, IISPVReusSpain
| | - L. A. Santos‐Calderón
- Unit of Preventive Medicine & Public Health, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health SciencesUniversitat Rovira i Virgili, IISPVReusSpain
| | - J. Canals‐Sans
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and PsychologyUniversitat Rovira i VirgiliTarragonaSpain
| | - B. M. Y. Leung
- Faulty of Health SciencesUniversity of LethbridgeLethbridgeAlbertaCanada
| | - R. Bell
- Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environment ScienceUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - G. F. Giesbrecht
- Faculty of Nursing and Cumming School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - D. Dewey
- Faculty of Nursing and Cumming School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - C. J. Field
- Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environment ScienceUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - M. Kobor
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Food Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food SystemsThe University of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - C. P. Walsh
- Genomic Medicine Group, School of Biomedical SciencesUlster UniversityColeraineUK
| | - H. McNulty
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical SciencesUlster UniversityColeraineUK
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21
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Crider KS, Wang A, Ling H, Potischman N, Bailey RL, Lichen Y, Pfeiffer CM, Killian JK, Rose C, Sampson J, Zhu L, Berry RJ, Linet M, Yu W, Su LJ. Maternal Periconceptional Folic Acid Supplementation and DNA Methylation Patterns in Adolescent Offspring. J Nutr 2023; 152:2669-2676. [PMID: 36196007 PMCID: PMC9839994 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxac184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folate, including the folic acid form, is a key component of the one-carbon metabolic pathway used for DNA methylation. Changes in DNA methylation patterns during critical development periods are associated with disease outcomes and are associated with changes in nutritional status in pregnancy. The long-term impact of periconceptional folic acid supplementation on DNA methylation patterns is unknown. OBJECTIVES To determine the long-term impact of periconceptional folic acid supplementation on DNA methylation patterns, we examined the association of the recommended dosage (400 μg/d) and time period (periconceptional before pregnancy through first trimester) of folic acid supplementation with the DNA methylation patterns in the offspring at age 14-17 y compared with offspring with no supplementation. METHODS Two geographic sites in China from the 1993-1995 Community Intervention Program of folic acid supplementation were selected for the follow-up study. DNA methylation at 402,730 CpG sites was assessed using saliva samples from 89 mothers and 179 adolescents (89 male). The mean age at saliva collection was 40 y among mothers (range: 35-54 y) and 15 y among adolescents (range: 14-17 y). Epigenome-wide analyses were conducted to assess the interactions of periconceptional folic acid exposure, the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)-C677T genotype, and epigenome-wide DNA methylation controlling for offspring sex, geographic region, and background cell composition in the saliva. RESULTS In the primary outcome, no significant differences were observed in epigenome-wide methylation patterns between adolescents exposed and those non-exposed to maternal periconceptional folic acid supplementation after adjustment for potential confounders [false discovery rate (FDR) P values < 0.05]. The MTHFR-C677T genotype did not modify this lack of association (FDR P values < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Overall, there were no differences in DNA methylation between adolescents who were exposed during the critical developmental window and those not exposed to the recommended periconceptional/first-trimester dosage of folic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista S Crider
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, US CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Arick Wang
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, US CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hao Ling
- US CDC China Office, Beijing, China
| | | | - Regan L Bailey
- Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Yang Lichen
- National Center for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Christine M Pfeiffer
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, US CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J Keith Killian
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Charles Rose
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, US CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Joshua Sampson
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Li Zhu
- School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China (retired)
| | - Robert J Berry
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, US CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Martha Linet
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Wang Yu
- Director General (former), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - L Joseph Su
- Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences Program, Division of Epidemiology, University of Arkansas, Little Rock, AR, USA
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22
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Folic acid fortification of flour to prevent neural tube defects in Europe – A position statement by the European Board and college of obstetrics and gynaecology (EBCOG). Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2022; 279:109-111. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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23
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Compañ-Gabucio LM, Torres-Collado L, Garcia-de la Hera M, Fernández-Somoano A, Tardón A, Julvez J, Sunyer J, Rebagliato M, Murcia M, Ibarluzea J, Santa-Marina L, Vioque J. Association between the Use of Folic Acid Supplements during Pregnancy and Children's Cognitive Function at 7-9 Years of Age in the INMA Cohort Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12123. [PMID: 36231425 PMCID: PMC9566194 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the association between maternal low (<400 μg/day) or high (≥1000 μg/day) folic acid supplements (FAs) use during pregnancy and the attentional function and working memory in boys and girls at age 7-9. A longitudinal analysis based on 1609 mother-child pairs from the Spanish Infancia y Medio Ambiente Project was carried out. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that, compared to the recommended FAs use, a low FAs use during the second period of pregnancy was associated with a lower alertness in all children (β = 18.70 ms; 95% CI: 7.51; 29.89) and in girls (β = 30.01 ms; 95% CI: 12.96; 47.01), and with a lower N-back Task performance in boys (d' number 2-back (β = -0.25; 95% CI: -0.49; 0.01)). A high FAs use throughout the two periods of pregnancy was associated with a better N-back Task performance only in girls (d' number 2-back (β = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.01; 0.56) and d' number 3-back (β = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.08; 0.56)). The maternal use of FAs beyond the periconceptional period may affect children's attentional function and working memory at age 7-9 differently for boys and girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura María Compañ-Gabucio
- Unidad de Epidemiología de la Nutrición (EPINUT), Departamento de Salud Pública, Historia de la Ciencia y Ginecología, Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), 03550 Alicante, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Laura Torres-Collado
- Unidad de Epidemiología de la Nutrición (EPINUT), Departamento de Salud Pública, Historia de la Ciencia y Ginecología, Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), 03550 Alicante, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuela Garcia-de la Hera
- Unidad de Epidemiología de la Nutrición (EPINUT), Departamento de Salud Pública, Historia de la Ciencia y Ginecología, Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), 03550 Alicante, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Fernández-Somoano
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología Del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Roma Avenue s/n, 33001 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Adonina Tardón
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología Del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Roma Avenue s/n, 33001 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jordi Julvez
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, 43204 Reus, Spain
- ISGlobal, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, 43204 Reus, Spain
- ISGlobal, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marisa Rebagliato
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region (FISABIO), FISABIO—Public Health, FISABIO—Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, 46015 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universitat Jaume I, 12071 Castellon de la Plana, Spain
| | - Mario Murcia
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Region (FISABIO), FISABIO—Public Health, FISABIO—Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, 46015 Valencia, Spain
- Servicio de Análisis de Sistemas de Información Sanitaria, Conselleria de Sanitat, Generalitat Valenciana, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jesús Ibarluzea
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Group of Environmental Epidemiology, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
- Ministry of Health of the Basque Government, Sub-Directorate for Public Health and Addictions of Gipuzkoa, 20013 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
- School of Psychology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Loreto Santa-Marina
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Group of Environmental Epidemiology, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
- Ministry of Health of the Basque Government, Sub-Directorate for Public Health and Addictions of Gipuzkoa, 20013 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Jesús Vioque
- Unidad de Epidemiología de la Nutrición (EPINUT), Departamento de Salud Pública, Historia de la Ciencia y Ginecología, Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), 03550 Alicante, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28034 Madrid, Spain
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The Impact of Maternal Folates on Brain Development and Function after Birth. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12090876. [PMID: 36144280 PMCID: PMC9503684 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12090876] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Folate is vital for biological processes within the body, including DNA synthesis, DNA repair, and methylation reactions that metabolize homocysteine. The role of folate is particularly important in pregnancy, where there is rapid cellular and tissue growth. Maternal folate deficiencies secondary to inadequate dietary supplementation are known to produce defects in the neural tube and spinal cord, yet the exact mechanism of folate in neurodevelopment is unknown. The consequences of maternal folate deficiency on offspring brain development and function beyond gestation are not well defined. The objective of this review is to investigate the role of folate deficiency in offspring neurodevelopment, and the complications that arise post-gestation. This was accomplished through a comprehensive review of the data presented in both clinical and preclinical studies. Evidence supports that folate deficiency is associated with altered offspring neurodevelopment, including smaller total brain volume, altered cortical thickness and cerebral white matter, altered neurogenesis, and neuronal apoptosis. Some of these changes have been associated with altered brain function in offspring with memory, motor function, language skills, and psychological issues. This review of literature also presents potential mechanisms of folate deficiency in neurodevelopment with altered metabolism, neuroinflammation, epigenetic modification through DNA methylation, and a genetic deficiency in one-carbon metabolism.
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Freedman R, Hunter SK, Law AJ, Clark AM, Roberts A, Hoffman MC. Choline, folic acid, Vitamin D, and fetal brain development in the psychosis spectrum. Schizophr Res 2022; 247:16-25. [PMID: 33838984 PMCID: PMC8494861 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Choline, folic acid, and Vitamin D are essential for fetal brain development that may be the first steps in the pathogenesis of the psychotic spectrum. Micronutrient deficiencies have been associated with changes in fetal brain development, manifest as early problems in childhood behavior, and cognition, and later as increased incidence of psychotic and autism spectrum disorders. Micronutrient supplements may not only prevent deficiency, but they may also positively affect brain development in the context of other maternal risk factors, including maternal infection, stress, inflammation, and substance abuse. Many genes associated with later psychotic illness are highly expressed in the fetal brain, where they are responsible for various neurodevelopmental mechanisms. Interaction of micronutrient vitamins with these genetically programmed mechanisms to prevent pathological brain development associated with later psychosis is under active investigation. In addition to their effects on brain development, micronutrient vitamins have effects on other aspects of gestation and fetal development, including the prevention of premature delivery and other developmental abnormalities. Supplemental micronutrient vitamins should be part of good prenatal care, as has already happened for folic acid and Vitamin D and is now advocated by the American Medical Association for choline. The benefits of these micronutrient supplements include protection of brain development and the possibility of decreased risk for future psychotic disorders in those children who are either genetically or environmentally vulnerable. The purpose of this review is to present the current evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of micronutrients in gestation and to suggest areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Freedman
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Sharon K Hunter
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Amanda J Law
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Alena M Clark
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Campus Box 93, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
| | | | - M Camille Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Center, Mail Stop F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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26
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Ondičová M, Irwin RE, Thursby SJ, Hilman L, Caffrey A, Cassidy T, McLaughlin M, Lees-Murdock DJ, Ward M, Murphy M, Lamers Y, Pentieva K, McNulty H, Walsh CP. Folic acid intervention during pregnancy alters DNA methylation, affecting neural target genes through two distinct mechanisms. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:63. [PMID: 35578268 PMCID: PMC9112484 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01282-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We previously showed that continued folic acid (FA) supplementation beyond the first trimester of pregnancy appears to have beneficial effects on neurocognitive performance in children followed for up to 11 years, but the biological mechanism for this effect has remained unclear. Using samples from our randomized controlled trial of folic acid supplementation in second and third trimester (FASSTT), where significant improvements in cognitive and psychosocial performance were demonstrated in children from mothers supplemented in pregnancy with 400 µg/day FA compared with placebo, we examined methylation patterns from cord blood (CB) using the EPIC array which covers approximately 850,000 cytosine–guanine (CG) sites across the genome. Genes showing significant differences were verified using pyrosequencing and mechanistic approaches used in vitro to determine effects on transcription. Results FA supplementation resulted in significant differences in methylation, particularly at brain-related genes. Further analysis showed these genes split into two groups. In one group, which included the CES1 gene, methylation changes at the promoters were important for regulating transcription. We also identified a second group which had a characteristic bimodal profile, with low promoter and high gene body (GB) methylation. In the latter, loss of methylation in the GB is linked to decreases in transcription: this group included the PRKAR1B/HEATR2 genes and the dopamine receptor regulator PDE4C. Overall, methylation in CB also showed good correlation with methylation profiles seen in a published data set of late gestation foetal brain samples. Conclusion We show here clear alterations in DNA methylation at specific classes of neurodevelopmental genes in the same cohort of children, born to FA-supplemented mothers, who previously showed improved cognitive and psychosocial performance. Our results show measurable differences at neural genes which are important for transcriptional regulation and add to the supporting evidence for continued FA supplementation throughout later gestation. This trial was registered on 15 May 2013 at www.isrctn.com as ISRCTN19917787. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-022-01282-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslava Ondičová
- Genomic Medicine Research Group, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Rachelle E Irwin
- Genomic Medicine Research Group, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Sara-Jayne Thursby
- Genomic Medicine Research Group, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK.,The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Luke Hilman
- Genomic Medicine Research Group, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Aoife Caffrey
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Tony Cassidy
- Psychology Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Marian McLaughlin
- Psychology Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Diane J Lees-Murdock
- Genomic Medicine Research Group, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Mary Ward
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Michelle Murphy
- Unitat de Medicina Preventiva i Salut Pública, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de La Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Yvonne Lamers
- Food, Nutrition, and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, and British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kristina Pentieva
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Helene McNulty
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Colum P Walsh
- Genomic Medicine Research Group, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK. .,Centre for Research and Development, Region Gävleborg/Uppsala University, Gävle, Sweden.
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27
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Rahat B, Hamid A, Bagga R, Kaur J. Folic Acid Levels During Pregnancy Regulate Trophoblast Invasive Behavior and the Possible Development of Preeclampsia. Front Nutr 2022; 9:847136. [PMID: 35578613 PMCID: PMC9106796 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.847136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundOne of the unique features of placentation is its similarity to tumorigenesis yet being very well regulated. It allows rapid proliferation, migration, and invasion of mononuclear trophoblast cells into the maternal uterus and remodeling the maternal vasculature. This pseudomalignant nature of trophoblastic cells is strictly regulated and its importance becomes evident in abnormal pregnancies that are characterized by aberrant trophoblast proliferation/invasion like preeclampsia. In addition to this, the importance of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy is well documented. We aimed to analyze the molecular and epigenetic regulation of the pseudomalignant nature of placentation via folic acid levels.MethodsPlacental tissue samples were collected from different pregnancies in three different gestational stages. We estimated the impact of folic acid levels on global methylation, LINE1 methylation, and expression of DNMTs in all three gestational stages in pregnant women and preeclampsia pregnancies. We also analyzed the effect of folic acid supplementation on trophoblastic invasion using placental derived cells viz, JEG-3 and HTR-8/SVneo cell line and verified the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms involved in this regulation.ResultsDevelopment of preeclampsia was observed to be associated with lower folate levels in placental tissue, higher global methylation level, and higher expression of DNMT1and DNMT3A. Folic acid supplementation was found to increase the invasive potential of placental trophoblasts by almost two folds which were associated with the decreased expression of tumor suppressor genes and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases; and increased expression of oncogenes, telomerase gene, and matrix metalloproteinases. These folic acid-mediated changes were observed to be regulated by CpG methylation in the case of many genes. Folic acid supplementation was also observed to significantly decrease global methylation in placental trophoblasts related to decreasing expression of DNMT1 and DNMT3A.ConclusionLower folic acid levels are associated with preeclampsia development and folic acid supplementation regulates the invasive potential of placental trophoblasts as mediated by various epigenetic changes in the placenta suggesting the protective effect of folic acid against preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beenish Rahat
- Department of Biochemistry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Abid Hamid
- Cancer Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India
| | - Rashmi Bagga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Jyotdeep Kaur
- Department of Biochemistry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
- *Correspondence: Jyotdeep Kaur
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Xiang C, Luo J, Yang G, Sun M, Liu H, Yang Q, Ouyang Y, Xi Y, Yong C, Khan MJ, Lin Q. Dietary Supplement Use during Pregnancy: Perceptions versus Reality. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074063. [PMID: 35409746 PMCID: PMC8998507 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the prevalence, associated factors and perceptions of dietary supplement use among pregnant Chinese women. A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data about prevalence, purchase channels, perceptions, and related factors of dietary supplement use from 572 pregnant women, through a face-to-face survey, using a self-designed questionnaire. Of the respondents, 94.8% used at least one dietary supplement, whereas 29.8% used more than four supplements in the previous month. The majority of the pregnant women were highly educated (81.2% had a bachelor’s degree or above) and had the perception that dietary supplements could prevent and improve (89.2%), or treat, nutrition-related diseases (78.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that pregnant women who had used multiple (more than four) supplements were more likely to have a larger gestational age, received fertility treatment, more prenatal visits, and hypothyroidism during pregnancy. Furthermore, pregnant women not only purchased dietary supplements through hospitals (72.6%) and pharmacies (45.1%), but overseas Daigou or online purchases (31.8%) were also a major channel of purchase. A high prevalence of dietary supplement use during pregnancy was observed, with extensive and repeated consumption of nutrients. Pregnant women’s craze for dietary supplements calls for more comprehensive guidelines in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caihong Xiang
- Department of Nutrition Science and Food Hygiene, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Rd., Changsha 410078, China; (C.X.); (J.L.); (M.S.); (H.L.); (Q.Y.); (Y.O.); (Y.X.); (C.Y.); (M.J.K.)
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Nutrition Science and Food Hygiene, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Rd., Changsha 410078, China; (C.X.); (J.L.); (M.S.); (H.L.); (Q.Y.); (Y.O.); (Y.X.); (C.Y.); (M.J.K.)
| | - Guilian Yang
- Department of Women Health, Hunan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, 53 Xiangchun Road, Changsha 410008, China;
| | - Minghui Sun
- Department of Nutrition Science and Food Hygiene, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Rd., Changsha 410078, China; (C.X.); (J.L.); (M.S.); (H.L.); (Q.Y.); (Y.O.); (Y.X.); (C.Y.); (M.J.K.)
| | - Hanmei Liu
- Department of Nutrition Science and Food Hygiene, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Rd., Changsha 410078, China; (C.X.); (J.L.); (M.S.); (H.L.); (Q.Y.); (Y.O.); (Y.X.); (C.Y.); (M.J.K.)
| | - Qiping Yang
- Department of Nutrition Science and Food Hygiene, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Rd., Changsha 410078, China; (C.X.); (J.L.); (M.S.); (H.L.); (Q.Y.); (Y.O.); (Y.X.); (C.Y.); (M.J.K.)
| | - Yufeng Ouyang
- Department of Nutrition Science and Food Hygiene, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Rd., Changsha 410078, China; (C.X.); (J.L.); (M.S.); (H.L.); (Q.Y.); (Y.O.); (Y.X.); (C.Y.); (M.J.K.)
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TZ, UK
| | - Yue Xi
- Department of Nutrition Science and Food Hygiene, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Rd., Changsha 410078, China; (C.X.); (J.L.); (M.S.); (H.L.); (Q.Y.); (Y.O.); (Y.X.); (C.Y.); (M.J.K.)
| | - Cuiting Yong
- Department of Nutrition Science and Food Hygiene, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Rd., Changsha 410078, China; (C.X.); (J.L.); (M.S.); (H.L.); (Q.Y.); (Y.O.); (Y.X.); (C.Y.); (M.J.K.)
| | - Muhammad Jamal Khan
- Department of Nutrition Science and Food Hygiene, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Rd., Changsha 410078, China; (C.X.); (J.L.); (M.S.); (H.L.); (Q.Y.); (Y.O.); (Y.X.); (C.Y.); (M.J.K.)
| | - Qian Lin
- Department of Nutrition Science and Food Hygiene, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, 110 Xiangya Rd., Changsha 410078, China; (C.X.); (J.L.); (M.S.); (H.L.); (Q.Y.); (Y.O.); (Y.X.); (C.Y.); (M.J.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-138-7482-0173
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Irvine N, England-Mason G, Field CJ, Dewey D, Aghajafari F. Prenatal Folate and Choline Levels and Brain and Cognitive Development in Children: A Critical Narrative Review. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14020364. [PMID: 35057545 PMCID: PMC8778665 DOI: 10.3390/nu14020364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Women’s nutritional status during pregnancy can have long-term effects on children’s brains and cognitive development. Folate and choline are methyl-donor nutrients and are important for closure of the neural tube during fetal development. They have also been associated with brain and cognitive development in children. Animal studies have observed that prenatal folate and choline supplementation is associated with better cognitive outcomes in offspring and that these nutrients may have interactive effects on brain development. Although some human studies have reported associations between maternal folate and choline levels and child cognitive outcomes, results are not consistent, and no human studies have investigated the potential interactive effects of folate and choline. This lack of consistency could be due to differences in the methods used to assess folate and choline levels, the gestational trimester at which they were measured, and lack of consideration of potential confounding variables. This narrative review discusses and critically reviews current research examining the associations between maternal levels of folate and choline during pregnancy and brain and cognitive development in children. Directions for future research that will increase our understanding of the effects of these nutrients on children’s neurodevelopment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Irvine
- O’Brien Centre for the Bachelor of Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
| | - Gillian England-Mason
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (G.E.-M.); (D.D.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children’s Hospital, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Canada
| | - Catherine J. Field
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, 4-126C Li Ka Shing Centre for Research, 11203-87th Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H5, Canada;
| | - Deborah Dewey
- Owerko Centre, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (G.E.-M.); (D.D.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, Alberta Children’s Hospital, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Health Research Innovation Centre, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3D10, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Fariba Aghajafari
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3D10, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, G012, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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30
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Morton SU, Leyshon BJ, Tamilia E, Vyas R, Sisitsky M, Ladha I, Lasekan JB, Kuchan MJ, Grant PE, Ou Y. A Role for Data Science in Precision Nutrition and Early Brain Development. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:892259. [PMID: 35815018 PMCID: PMC9259898 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.892259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multimodal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide biomarkers of early influences on neurodevelopment such as nutrition, environmental and genetic factors. As the exposure to early influences can be separated from neurodevelopmental outcomes by many months or years, MRI markers can serve as an important intermediate outcome in multivariate analyses of neurodevelopmental determinants. Key to the success of such work are recent advances in data science as well as the growth of relevant data resources. Multimodal MRI assessment of neurodevelopment can be supplemented with other biomarkers of neurodevelopment such as electroencephalograms, magnetoencephalogram, and non-imaging biomarkers. This review focuses on how maternal nutrition impacts infant brain development, with three purposes: (1) to summarize the current knowledge about how nutrition in stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding impact infant brain development; (2) to discuss multimodal MRI and other measures of early neurodevelopment; and (3) to discuss potential opportunities for data science and artificial intelligence to advance precision nutrition. We hope this review can facilitate the collaborative march toward precision nutrition during pregnancy and the first year of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah U Morton
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Eleonora Tamilia
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rutvi Vyas
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Michaela Sisitsky
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Imran Ladha
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | - P Ellen Grant
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yangming Ou
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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31
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Wilson R, O'Connor D. Maternal folic acid and multivitamin supplementation: International clinical evidence with considerations for the prevention of folate-sensitive birth defects. Prev Med Rep 2021; 24:101617. [PMID: 34976673 PMCID: PMC8684027 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
More evidence is available for maternal intake, absorption, distribution, tissue specific concentrations, and pregnancy outcomes with folic acid (fortification/supplementation) during preconception - first trimester. This Quality Improvement prevention review used expert guidelines/opinions, systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational case control/case series studies, published in English, from 1990 to August 2021. Optimization for an oral maternal folic acid supplementation is difficult because it relies on folic acid dose, type of folate supplement, bio-availability of the folate from foods, timing of supplementation initiation, maternal metabolism/genetic factors, and many other factors. There is continued use of high dose pre-food fortification 'RCT evidenced-based' folic acid supplementation for NTD recurrence pregnancy prevention. Innovation requires preconception and pregnancy use of 'carbon one nutrient' supplements (folic acid, vitamin B12, B6, choline), using the appropriate evidence, need to be considered. The consideration and adoption of directed personalized approaches for maternal complex risk could use serum folate testing for supplementation dosing choice. Routine daily folic acid dosing for low-risk women should consider a multivitamin with 0.4 mg of folic acid starting 3 months prior to conception until completion of breastfeeding. Routine folic acid dosing or preconception measurement of maternal serum folate (after 4-6 weeks of folate supplementation) could be considered for maternal complex risk group with genetic/medical/surgical co-morbidities. These new approaches for folic acid oral supplementation are required to optimize benefit (decreasing folate sensitive congenital anomalies; childhood morbidity) and minimizing potential maternal and childhood risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- R.D. Wilson
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary, FMC NT 435, 1403 29 St NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - D.L. O'Connor
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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32
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Matusheski NV, Caffrey A, Christensen L, Mezgec S, Surendran S, Hjorth MF, McNulty H, Pentieva K, Roager HM, Seljak BK, Vimaleswaran KS, Remmers M, Péter S. Diets, nutrients, genes and the microbiome: recent advances in personalised nutrition. Br J Nutr 2021; 126:1489-1497. [PMID: 33509307 PMCID: PMC8524424 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114521000374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
As individuals seek increasingly individualised nutrition and lifestyle guidance, numerous apps and nutrition programmes have emerged. However, complex individual variations in dietary behaviours, genotypes, gene expression and composition of the microbiome are increasingly recognised. Advances in digital tools and artificial intelligence can help individuals more easily track nutrient intakes and identify nutritional gaps. However, the influence of these nutrients on health outcomes can vary widely among individuals depending upon life stage, genetics and microbial composition. For example, folate may elicit favourable epigenetic effects on brain development during a critical developmental time window of pregnancy. Genes affecting vitamin B12 metabolism may lead to cardiometabolic traits that play an essential role in the context of obesity. Finally, an individual's gut microbial composition can determine their response to dietary fibre interventions during weight loss. These recent advances in understanding can lead to a more complete and integrated approach to promoting optimal health through personalised nutrition, in clinical practice settings and for individuals in their daily lives. The purpose of this review is to summarise presentations made during the DSM Science and Technology Award Symposium at the 13th European Nutrition Conference, which focused on personalised nutrition and novel technologies for health in the modern world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan V. Matusheski
- Nutrition Science and Advocacy, DSM Nutritional Products LLC, Parsippany, NJ, USA
| | - Aoife Caffrey
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, ColeraineBT52 1SA, Northern Republic of Ireland
| | - Lars Christensen
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26, 1958 Frederiksberg, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Simon Mezgec
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Shelini Surendran
- Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, ReadingRG6 6DZ, UK
| | - Mads F. Hjorth
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26, 1958 Frederiksberg, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Helene McNulty
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, ColeraineBT52 1SA, Northern Republic of Ireland
| | - Kristina Pentieva
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, ColeraineBT52 1SA, Northern Republic of Ireland
| | - Henrik M. Roager
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26, 1958 Frederiksberg, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Barbara Koroušić Seljak
- Computer Systems Department, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | | | - Szabolcs Péter
- Nutrition Innovation Center, DSM Nutritional Products Ltd, Kaiseraugst, Switzerland
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33
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Wu Q, Zhou D, Wu R, Shi R, Shen X, Jin N, Gu J, Gu JH, Liu F, Chu D. Excess folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy and lactation activates β-catenin in the brain of male mouse offspring. Brain Res Bull 2021; 178:133-143. [PMID: 34808323 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Folic acid (FA) supplementation in early pregnancy is recommended to protect against birth defects. But excess FA has exhibited neurodevelopmental toxicity. We previously reported that the mice treated with 2.5-fold the dietary requirement of FA one week before mating and throughout pregnancy and lactation displayed abnormal behaviors in the offspring. Here we found the levels of non-phosphorylated β-catenin (active) were increased in the brains of weaning and adult FA-exposed offspring. Meanwhile, demethylation of protein phosphatase 2 A catalytic subunit (PP2Ac), which suppresses its enzyme activity in regulatory subunit dependent manner, was significantly inhibited. Among the upstream regulators of β-catenin, PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β but not Wnt signaling was stimulated in FA-exposed brains only at weaning. In mouse neuroblastoma N2a cells, knockdown of PP2Ac or leucine carboxyl methyltransferase-1 (LCMT-1), or overexpression of PP2Ac methylation-deficient mutant decreased β-catenin dephosphorylation. These results suggest that excess FA may activate β-catenin via suppressing PP2Ac demethylation, providing a novel mechanism for the influence of FA on neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
| | - Dingwei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
| | - Ruozhen Wu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
| | - Ruirui Shi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, 226018 Nantong, China
| | - Xin Shen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
| | - Nana Jin
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
| | - Jianlan Gu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
| | - Jin-Hua Gu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, 226018 Nantong, China.
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314, United States.
| | - Dandan Chu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China.
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34
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Chen H, Qin L, Gao R, Jin X, Cheng K, Zhang S, Hu X, Xu W, Wang H. Neurodevelopmental effects of maternal folic acid supplementation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021:1-17. [PMID: 34672229 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1993781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Folic acid, a water-soluble vitamin B nutrient, plays an important role not only in maintaining a healthy pregnancy but also in offspring brain development and function, however, it remains unclear whether maternal folic acid (FA) supplementation associated with the risk of different postnatal neurodevelopmental outcomes. Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the impact of maternal FA supplementation on a wide range of postnatal neurodevelopmental outcomes which include intellectual development, risk of autistic traits, ADHD, behavior, language, and psychomotor problems, using studies extracted from the following databases, including MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, EMBASE, and PsychInfo. Thirty-two cohort studies and seven case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis. In the present study, we found that prenatal FA supplementation had a positive impact on offspring's neurodevelopmental outcomes, including improved intellectual development and reduced risk of autism traits, ADHD, behavioral, and language problems. We also found that FA over-supplementation was not associated with an improvement in offspring's brain development, and may have a negative impact on offspring's neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study proved the first panoramic review on the relationship of FA supplementation with offspring's neurodevelopment. Further studies focusing on different dosages and periods of FA supplementation are needed.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.1993781 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxiao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lang Qin
- Reproductive Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Gao
- Reproductive Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaolei Jin
- Reproductive Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kemin Cheng
- Outpatient Department, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sirui Zhang
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Hu
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,SCU-CUHK Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongjing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of the Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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35
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Smith AD, Refsum H. Homocysteine - from disease biomarker to disease prevention. J Intern Med 2021; 290:826-854. [PMID: 33660358 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We have reviewed the literature and have identified more than 100 diseases or conditions that are associated with raised concentrations of plasma total homocysteine. The commonest associations are with cardiovascular diseases and diseases of the central nervous system, but a large number of developmental and age-related conditions are also associated. Few other disease biomarkers have so many associations. The clinical importance of these associations becomes especially relevant if lowering plasma total homocysteine by B vitamin treatment can prevent disease and so improve health. Five diseases can at least in part be prevented by lowering total homocysteine: neural tube defects, impaired childhood cognition, macular degeneration, primary stroke, and cognitive impairment in the elderly. We conclude from our review that total homocysteine values in adults of 10 μmol/L or below are probably safe, but that values of 11 μmol/L or above may justify intervention. Homocysteine is more than a disease biomarker: it is a guide for the prevention of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Smith
- From the, University Department of Pharmacology, Oxford, UK
| | - H Refsum
- From the, University Department of Pharmacology, Oxford, UK.,Department Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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36
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Hunter SK, Hoffman MC, D'Alessandro A, Walker VK, Balser M, Noonan K, Law AJ, Freedman R. Maternal prenatal choline and inflammation effects on 4-year-olds' performance on the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-IV. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 141:50-56. [PMID: 34174557 PMCID: PMC8364874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Maternal gestational inflammation from infection, obesity, depression, and adverse childhood experiences negatively affects offspring cognitive development. Choline is a key nutrient in fetal brain development. We investigated whether higher maternal plasma choline concentrations have a positive association with offspring cognition, specifically processing speed, in the presence of inflammation. Forty-eight children were evaluated at 4 years of age. Processing Speed Composite Score on the Wechsler Preschool & Primary Scales of Intelligence was the principal outcome. Maternal C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, and choline plasma concentration had been measured at 16 weeks' gestation. Choline concentrations >7.07μM were compared to lower levels. Mothers with lower choline levels reported more depression and stress. Head circumference was larger for neonates of mothers with higher choline levels. In analyses with maternal CRP, higher maternal choline was associated with higher offspring Processing Speed Composite Scores for both sexes. For males, higher maternal choline competed with the negative association of maternal CRP on Processing Speed. Higher Processing Speed was related to the child's behavioral ratings, with fewer Withdrawn Problems on the Child Behavior Checklist 1 ½-5 years at 4 years and higher Infant Behavior Questionnaire Orienting/Regulation at 3 months of age, consistent with persistent developmental effects. Higher processing speed and decreased problems in social withdrawal are positively associated with prenatal maternal choline. Both lower processing speed and social withdrawal problems are precursors to later mental difficulties. Choline supplementation in pregnancy may mitigate effects of maternal inflammation that contribute to problems in offspring's' cognition and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Camille Hoffman
- Departments of Psychiatry, USA; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Amanda J Law
- Departments of Psychiatry, USA; Departments of Cell and Developmental Biology, USA; Departments of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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37
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Korsmo HW, Jiang X. One carbon metabolism and early development: a diet-dependent destiny. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2021; 32:579-593. [PMID: 34210607 PMCID: PMC8282711 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2021.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
One carbon metabolism (OCM) is critical for early development, as it provides one carbon (1C) units for the biosynthesis of DNA, proteins, and lipids and epigenetic modification of the genome. Epigenetic marks established early in life can be maintained and exert lasting impacts on gene expression and functions later in life. Animal and human studies have increasingly demonstrated that prenatal 1C nutrient deficiencies impair fetal growth, neurodevelopment, and cardiometabolic parameters in childhood, while sufficient maternal 1C nutrient intake is protective against these detrimental outcomes. However, recent studies also highlight the potential risk of maternal 1C nutrient excess or imbalance in disrupting early development. Further studies are needed to delineate the dose-response relationship among prenatal 1C nutrient exposure, epigenetic modifications, and developmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter W Korsmo
- PhD Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center CUNY (City University of New York), New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA
| | - Xinyin Jiang
- PhD Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center CUNY (City University of New York), New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA.
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38
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The effect of sevoflurane anesthesia for dental procedure on neurocognition in children: a prospective, equivalence, controlled trial. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:177. [PMID: 33863305 PMCID: PMC8051029 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02649-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dental procedures under general anesthesia (DGA) was found to improve the oral health-related quality of children's life. However, some parents and pediatricians expressed concern about the neurotoxicity of general anesthesia. The purpose of this trial was to whether DGA in children has an adverse effect on neurocognition. METHODS In this prospective, assessor-masked, controlled, equivalence trial, we recruited 340 children younger than 7 years who were undergoing caries treatment between Feb 1, 2019, and Aug 31, 2019, without factors affecting neurodevelopment. They received either sevoflurane-based general anesthesia or awake-local anesthesia. The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Fourth Edition was used to evaluate the neurocognitive function of children at 6 months after surgery, and the Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ) was selected as the primary outcome. The predefined clinical equivalence margin was 5 (1/3 SD of FSIQ score). If the 95% CI of the difference between the average FSIQ score of the two groups is within - 5 to + 5, then the two groups are equivalent. RESULTS The outcome data were obtained from 129 children in the general anesthesia group and 144 in the local anesthesia group. The median length of general anesthesia was 130 min (IQR 110-160). The mean FSIQ score in the general anesthesia group was 103·12 (SD 8.94), and the mean of the local anesthesia group was 103·58 (SD 8.40). There was equivalence in means of FSIQ score between the two groups (local minus general anesthesia 0.46, 95% CI - 2.35 to 1.61). There was no significant difference in FSIQ scores between different age groups and different anesthesia durations. Only the mother's education could affect the primary outcome. CONCLUSIONS In this trial, prolonged DGA with a sevoflurane-only anesthetic in preschool children, does not adversely affect neurocognitive function at 6 months after surgery compared with awake-local anesthesia. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800015216 . Registered Mar 15 2018.
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39
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Caffrey A, McNulty H, Rollins M, Prasad G, Gaur P, Talcott JB, Witton C, Cassidy T, Marshall B, Dornan J, Moore AJ, Ward M, Strain JJ, Molloy AM, McLaughlin M, Lees-Murdock DJ, Walsh CP, Pentieva K. Effects of maternal folic acid supplementation during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy on neurocognitive development in the child: an 11-year follow-up from a randomised controlled trial. BMC Med 2021; 19:73. [PMID: 33750355 PMCID: PMC7945668 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-01914-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal folic acid (FA) supplementation before and in early pregnancy prevents neural tube defects (NTD), but it is uncertain whether continuing FA after the first trimester has benefits on offspring health. We aimed to evaluate the effect of FA supplementation throughout pregnancy on cognitive performance and brain function in the child. METHODS Follow-up investigation of 11-year-old children, residing in Northern Ireland, whose mothers had participated in a randomised trial of Folic Acid Supplementation in the Second and Third Trimesters (FASSTT) in pregnancy and received 400 μg/day FA or placebo from the 14th gestational week. Cognitive performance (Full Scale Intelligence Quotient, Verbal Comprehension, Working Memory, Perceptual Reasoning, and Processing Speed) was assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. Neuronal function was assessed using magnetoencephalographic (MEG) brain imaging. RESULTS Of 119 mother-child pairs in the FASSTT trial, 68 children were assessed for neurocognitive performance at 11-year follow-up (Dec 2017 to Nov 2018). Children of mothers randomised to FA compared with placebo scored significantly higher in two Processing Speed tests, i.e. symbol search (mean difference 2.9 points, 95% CI 0.3 to 5.5, p = 0.03) and cancellation (11.3 points, 2.5 to 20.1, p = 0.04), whereas the positive effect on Verbal Comprehension was significant in girls only (6.5 points, 1.2 to 11.8, p = 0.03). MEG assessment of neuronal responses to a language task showed increased power at the Beta (13-30 Hz, p = 0.01) and High Gamma (49-70 Hz, p = 0.04) bands in children from FA-supplemented mothers, suggesting more efficient semantic processing of language. CONCLUSIONS Continued FA supplementation in pregnancy beyond the early period currently recommended to prevent NTD can benefit neurocognitive development of the child. MEG provides a non-invasive tool in paediatric research to objectively assess functional brain activity in response to nutrition and other interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN ISRCTN19917787 . Registered on 15 May 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife Caffrey
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Helene McNulty
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Mark Rollins
- Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Causeway Hospital, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Girijesh Prasad
- Intelligent Systems Research Centre, Ulster University, Derry~Londonderry, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Pramod Gaur
- Intelligent Systems Research Centre, Ulster University, Derry~Londonderry, Northern Ireland, UK.,Department of Computer Science, BITS Pilani, Dubai campus, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Joel B Talcott
- Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Caroline Witton
- Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Tony Cassidy
- Psychology Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Barry Marshall
- Northern Health and Social Care Trust, Causeway Hospital, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - James Dornan
- Royal-Jubilee Maternity Service, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Adrian J Moore
- School of Environmental Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Mary Ward
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - J J Strain
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Anne M Molloy
- School of Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marian McLaughlin
- Psychology Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Diane J Lees-Murdock
- Genomics Medicine Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Colum P Walsh
- Genomics Medicine Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Kristina Pentieva
- Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK.
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40
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Wang S, Wei J, Wang D, Hua L, Pan D, Fu L, Yang J, Sun G. The association between folic acid supplementation, maternal folate during pregnancy and intelligence development in infants: a prospective cohort study. FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN WELLNESS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fshw.2021.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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41
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Gestational weight gain and offspring's cognitive skills: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pediatr 2020; 20:533. [PMID: 33243183 PMCID: PMC7690030 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-020-02429-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gestational weight gain has been associated with some adverse perinatal outcomes, but few studies have examined the association between gestational weight gain and offspring's cognition and their conclusions are inconsistent. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the evidence regarding the association between gestational weight gain and offspring's cognitive skills. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO number, CRD42017073266), we systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library for studies examining association between gestational weight gain and offspring's cognitive skills, without restriction in study design or language. Two reviewers extracted in an independent way the data. The Quality of Reporting of Observational Longitudinal Research scale was used to assess the quality of included studies. Effect size (ES) for adjusted models and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated for (i) intelligence quotient, (ii) language related skills and (iii) mathematic related skills comparing offspring's cognitive skills when gestational weight gain was within recommendations (as reference) with those from mothers whose gestational weight gain was above or below the recommendations. RESULTS Thirteen studies were included. There was a positive trend that associated gestational weight gain above recommendations with better offspring's intelligence quotient, although not statistically significant (ES 0.02, 95% CI -0.00, 0.05; I2 = 0.00%). CONCLUSIONS There is a not significant positive association between gestational weight gain above recommendations and intelligence quotient and some studies reported associations between gestational weight gain and offspring's cognitive skills. Our analyses confirm a wide variability in the results of studies published so far and highlights the need for conducting studies including specific samples of pregnant women by pre-pregnancy body mass index and trimester of pregnancy.
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Maruvada P, Stover PJ, Mason JB, Bailey RL, Davis CD, Field MS, Finnell RH, Garza C, Green R, Gueant JL, Jacques PF, Klurfeld DM, Lamers Y, MacFarlane AJ, Miller JW, Molloy AM, O'Connor DL, Pfeiffer CM, Potischman NA, Rodricks JV, Rosenberg IH, Ross SA, Shane B, Selhub J, Stabler SP, Trasler J, Yamini S, Zappalà G. Knowledge gaps in understanding the metabolic and clinical effects of excess folates/folic acid: a summary, and perspectives, from an NIH workshop. Am J Clin Nutr 2020; 112:1390-1403. [PMID: 33022704 PMCID: PMC7657327 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqaa259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Folate, an essential nutrient found naturally in foods in a reduced form, is present in dietary supplements and fortified foods in an oxidized synthetic form (folic acid). There is widespread agreement that maintaining adequate folate status is critical to prevent diseases due to folate inadequacy (e.g., anemia, birth defects, and cancer). However, there are concerns of potential adverse effects of excess folic acid intake and/or elevated folate status, with the original concern focused on exacerbation of clinical effects of vitamin B-12 deficiency and its role in neurocognitive health. More recently, animal and observational studies have suggested potential adverse effects on cancer risk, birth outcomes, and other diseases. Observations indicating adverse effects from excess folic acid intake, elevated folate status, and unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) remain inconclusive; the data do not provide the evidence needed to affect public health recommendations. Moreover, strong biological and mechanistic premises connecting elevated folic acid intake, UMFA, and/or high folate status to adverse health outcomes are lacking. However, the body of evidence on potential adverse health outcomes indicates the need for comprehensive research to clarify these issues and bridge knowledge gaps. Three key research questions encompass the additional research needed to establish whether high folic acid or total folate intake contributes to disease risk. 1) Does UMFA affect biological pathways leading to adverse health effects? 2) Does elevated folate status resulting from any form of folate intake affect vitamin B-12 function and its roles in sustaining health? 3) Does elevated folate intake, regardless of form, affect biological pathways leading to adverse health effects other than those linked to vitamin B-12 function? This article summarizes the proceedings of an August 2019 NIH expert workshop focused on addressing these research areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padma Maruvada
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Patrick J Stover
- Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University AgriLife, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Joel B Mason
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, and School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Regan L Bailey
- Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Cindy D Davis
- Office of Dietary Supplements, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Martha S Field
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Richard H Finnell
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cutberto Garza
- Professor Emeritus, Division of Nutritional Sciences, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Ralph Green
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jean-Louis Gueant
- University of Lorraine and University Regional Hospital Centre of Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Paul F Jacques
- Tufts University Friedman School of Nutritional Science and Policy and the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David M Klurfeld
- Department of Nutrition, Food Safety, and Quality, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Yvonne Lamers
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | | | - Anne M Molloy
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Deborah L O'Connor
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Irwin H Rosenberg
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, and School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Barry Shane
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jacob Selhub
- Tufts University Friedman School of Nutritional Science and Policy and the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Sedigheh Yamini
- Office of Nutrition and Food Labeling, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, US FDA, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Giovanna Zappalà
- Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Bostwick A, Snyder NW, Windham GC, Whitman C, Pearl M, Robinson L, Newschaffer CJ, Lyall K. Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Newborn Bloodspots: Associations With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Correlation With Maternal Serum Levels. Autism Res 2020; 13:1601-1613. [PMID: 32897003 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a population-based case-control study to examine newborn polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels in association with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and assess PUFA correlation across two time points. ASD cases (n = 200) were identified through the Department of Developmental Services and matched to live-birth population controls (n = 200) on birth month, year (2010-2011), and sex. Nonesterified PUFAs were measured by isotope dilution liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry from archived newborn dried blood spots and maternal mid-pregnancy serum samples. Crude and adjusted conditional logistic regression models were used to examine the association between neonatal PUFA levels, categorized in quartiles and according to distributional extremes, and ASD. Cubic splines were utilized to examine nonlinear relationships between continuous neonatal PUFAs and ASD. The correlation between neonatal and maternal levels was examined using Pearson correlation coefficients. In adjusted analyses of neonatal PUFA levels, no clear trends emerged, though there was an elevated odds ratio of ASD for the third quartile of linoleic acid, relative to the first (adjusted odds ratio = 2.49, 95% confidence interval: 1.31, 4.70). Cubic spline analysis suggested a nonlinear association between linoleic acid and ASD, though this was not robust to sensitivity analyses. While individual PUFAs were significantly correlated with one another within a given time point, aside from docohexaseanoic acid, PUFAs were not correlated across maternal and neonatal samples. Overall, our findings do not support an association between neonatal PUFA levels and ASD. Future work should confirm and expand these findings by examining associations with phenotypic subgroups and considering PUFAs in other time points. LAY SUMMARY: In this study, we examined whether levels of fats known as polyunsaturated fatty acids, measured in newborns, were related to later child diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Overall, we did not find strong evidence for hypothesized reduction in risk of ASD based on newborn levels of these fats. Future studies in larger samples and considering other time points may be useful to explain whether these fats are important in brain development related to ASD. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1601-1613. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bostwick
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nathaniel W Snyder
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gayle C Windham
- Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA
| | - Casey Whitman
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michelle Pearl
- Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA
| | - Lucy Robinson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Craig J Newschaffer
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kristen Lyall
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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