ORCID Profile
0000-0002-4643-0618
Current Organisations
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
,
MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit
,
University of Southampton
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2021
DOI: 10.1016/J.PLACENTA.2021.05.007
Abstract: Fetal growth restriction arising from placental insufficiency is a leading cause of stillbirth. We recently identified low maternal circulating SPINT1 concentrations as a novel biomarker of poor fetal growth. Here we measured SPINT1 in a prospective cohort in Singapore. Circulating SPINT1 concentrations were significantly lower among 141 pregnant women destined to deliver small-for-gestational age infants (birthweight <10th centile), compared to 772 controls (p < 0.01) at as early as 26 weeks' gestation. There were no correlations between infant body composition and circulating SPINT1 concentrations at 26 weeks. This provides validation that low maternal SPINT1 concentration is associated with poor fetal growth.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-02-2014
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-09-2015
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 23-09-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-07-2018
DOI: 10.1111/MCN.12635
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 07-03-2016
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114516000441
Abstract: Little is known about the influence of meal timing and energy consumption patterns throughout the day on glucose regulation during pregnancy. We examined the association of maternal feeding patterns with glycaemic levels among lean and overweight pregnant women. In a prospective cohort study in Singapore, maternal 24-h dietary recalls, fasting glucose (FG) and 2-h postprandial glucose (2HPPG) concentrations were measured at 26–28 weeks of gestation. Women ( n 985) were classified into lean (BMI kg/m 2 ) or overweight (BMI≥23 kg/m 2 ) groups. They were further categorised as predominantly daytime (pDT) or predominantly night-time (pNT) feeders according to consumption of greater proportion of energy content from 07.00 to 18.59 hours or from 19.00 to 06.59 hours, respectively. On stratification by weight status, lean pNT feeders were found to have higher FG than lean pDT feeders (4·36 ( sd 0·38) v. 4·22 ( sd 0·35) mmol/l P =0·002) however, such differences were not observed between overweight pDT and pNT feeders (4·49 ( sd 0·60) v. 4·46 ( sd 0·45) mmol/l P =0·717). Using multiple linear regression with confounder adjustment, pNT feeding was associated with higher FG in the lean group ( β =0·16 mmol/l 95 % CI 0·05, 0·26 P =0·003) but not in the overweight group ( β =0·02 mmol/l 95 % CI −0·17, 0·20 P =0·879). No significant association was found between maternal feeding pattern and 2HPPG in both the lean and the overweight groups. In conclusion, pNT feeding was associated with higher FG concentration in lean but not in overweight pregnant women, suggesting that there may be an adiposity-dependent effect of maternal feeding patterns on glucose tolerance during pregnancy.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-02-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S12072-022-10469-7
Abstract: Epigenetic modifications are associated with hepatic fat accumulation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, few epigenetic modifications directly implicated in such processes have been identified during adolescence, a critical developmental window where physiological changes could influence future disease trajectory. To investigate the association between DNA methylation and NAFLD in adolescence, we undertook discovery and validation of novel methylation marks, alongside replication of previously reported marks. We performed a DNA methylation epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) on DNA from whole blood from 707 Raine Study adolescents phenotyped for steatosis score and NAFLD by ultrasound at age 17. Next, we performed pyrosequencing validation of loci within the most 100 strongly associated differentially methylated CpG sites (dmCpGs) for which ≥ 2 probes per gene remained significant across four statistical models with a nominal p value 0.007. EWAS identified dmCpGs related to three genes ( ANK1, MIR10a , PTPRN2 ) that met our criteria for pyrosequencing. Of the dmCpGs and surrounding loci that were pyrosequenced ( ANK1 n = 6, MIR10a n = 7, PTPRN2 n = 3), three dmCpGs in ANK1 and two in MIR10a were significantly associated with NAFLD in adolescence. After adjustment for waist circumference only dmCpGs in ANK1 remained significant. These ANK1 CpGs were also associated with γ-glutamyl transferase and alanine aminotransferase concentrations. Three of twenty-two differentially methylated dmCpGs previously associated with adult NAFLD were associated with NAFLD in adolescence (all adjusted p 2.3 × 10 –3 ). We identified novel DNA methylation loci associated with NAFLD and serum liver biochemistry markers during adolescence, implicating putative dmCpG/gene regulatory pathways and providing insights for future mechanistic studies.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.PLACENTA.2006.06.014
Abstract: The human fetus requires more glycine than any other amino acid but placental glycine transfer to the fetus is insufficient to meet fetal demand. L-Serine could represent a major metabolic source of glycine for the human fetus but little is known about the kinetics and physiology of L-serine uptake by the human placenta. We have characterised the amino acid transport systems involved in the uptake of L-serine by the microvillous membrane of the human placental syncytiotrophoblast and compared the uptake rates to those of glycine. L-Serine uptake into microvillous membrane (MVM) vesicles was primarily mediated by system A (MeAIB inhibitable) and system L (BCH inhibitable). Further characterisation using specific substrates of LAT1 and LAT2 found the pattern of L-serine uptake was consistent with that expected for uptake mediated by LAT2. Uptakes were performed with tracer levels of (14)C-L-serine, physiological levels of L-serine, or with physiological levels of amino acids. As amino acid concentrations rose, the proportion of uptake by System L decreased while uptake by uncharacterised Na(+)-independent systems increased. Uptake of Lserine into MVM vesicles had a V(max) of 2.1+/-0.4 nmol/mg protein/min, which was significantly higher than for glycine (V(max) 1.0+/-0.2 nmol/mg protein/min). This indicates that MVM vesicles have a higher uptake capacity for L-serine than glycine, despite a greater demand for glycine over serine for fetal protein synthesis. Further studies are now required to define the fate of L-serine taken up by the placenta and its importance for the fetus.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 18-08-2020
Publisher: The Endocrine Society
Date: 12-02-2022
Abstract: The kynurenine pathway generates metabolites integral to energy metabolism, neurotransmission, and immune function. Circulating kynurenine metabolites positively correlate with adiposity in children and adults, yet it is not known whether this relationship is present already at birth. In this prospective longitudinal study, we investigate the relationship between cord blood kynurenine metabolites and measures of adiposity from birth to 4.5 years. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify cord blood kynurenine metabolites in 812 neonates from the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) study. Fat percentage was measured by air displacement plethysmography and abdominal adipose tissue compartment volumes superficial (sSAT) and deep subcutaneous (dSAT) and internal adipose tissue were quantified by magnetic resonance imaging at early infancy in a smaller subset of neonates, and again at 4 to 4.5 years of age. Cord blood kynurenine metabolites appeared to be higher in female newborns, higher in Indian newborns compared with Chinese newborns, and higher in infants born by cesarean section compared with vaginal delivery. Kynurenine, xanthurenic acid, and quinolinic acid were positively associated with birthweight, but not with subsequent weight during infancy and childhood. Quinolinic acid was positively associated with sSAT at birth. Kynurenic acid and quinolinic acid were positively associated with fat percentage at 4 years. Several cord blood kynurenine metabolite concentrations were positively associated with birthweight, with higher kynurenic acid and quinolinic acid correlating to higher percentage body fat in childhood, suggesting these cord blood metabolites as biomarkers of early childhood adiposity.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-11-2018
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 12-2011
Abstract: The Salmon in Pregnancy Study provided two meals of salmon per week to pregnant women from week 20 of gestation the control group maintained their habitual diet low in oily fish. Salmon is a rich source of marine n-3 fatty acids. Since marine n-3 fatty acids may increase oxidative stress, we investigated whether increased salmon consumption could affect markers of oxidative stress in mid and late pregnancy. Urinary 8-iso-prostaglandin F(2α), urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, and plasma lipid peroxide concentrations did not change from week 20 to 38 of pregnancy and were not altered by increased consumption of salmon. Thus, increased intake of salmon during pregnancy does not increase oxidative stress, as judged by the markers of oxidative damage to lipids and DNA measured herein.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-03-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-11-2020
Publisher: Royal College of General Practitioners
Date: 29-04-2021
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 28-01-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-2019
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-11-2019
DOI: 10.3390/NU11112686
Publisher: S. Karger AG
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1159/000355222
Abstract: Offspring of obese and diabetic mothers are at increased risk of being born with excess adiposity as a consequence of their intrauterine environment. Excessive fetal fat accretion reflects additional placental nutrient transfer, suggesting an effect of the maternal environment on placental function. High plasma levels of particular nutrients in obese and diabetic mothers are likely to be the important drivers of nutrient transfer to the fetus, resulting in excess fat accretion. However, not all offspring of obese and diabetic mothers are born large for gestational age and the explanation may involve the regulation of placental nutrient transfer required for fetal growth. The placenta integrates maternal and fetal signals across gestation in order to determine nutrient transfer rate. Understanding the nature of these signals and placental responses to them is key to understanding the pathology of both fetal growth restriction and macrosomia. The overall effects of the maternal environment on the placenta are the product of its exposures throughout gestation, the ‘placental exposome'. Understanding these environmental influences is important as exposures early in gestation, for instance causing changes in the function of genes involved in nutrient transfer, may determine how the placenta will respond to exposures later in gestation, such as to raised maternal plasma glucose or lipid concentrations. Longitudinal studies are required which allow investigation of the influences on the placenta across gestation. These studies need to make full use of developing technologies characterising placental function, fetal growth and body composition. Understanding these processes will assist in the development of preventive strategies and treatments to optimise prenatal growth in those pregnancies at risk of either excess or insufficient nutrient supply and could also reduce the risk of chronic disease in later life.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.PLACENTA.2010.01.016
Abstract: Both syncytiotrophoblast microvillous plasma membrane vesicles (MVM) and placental villous fragments are used to characterize the placental uptake of maternal substrate and to investigate changes in uptake associated with pathological conditions. However, the two techniques have not been directly compared. In this study uptake of (14)C-L-serine was compared in placental villous fragments and in MVM prepared from the same placentas. (14)C-L-serine uptake into MVM vesicles was mediated by System L and System A and smaller unidentified Na(+)-dependent and Na(+)-independent components. In villous fragments an unidentified Na(+)-dependent component mediated the majority of (14)C-L-serine uptake followed by System A and System L. The unidentified Na(+)-independent component of L-serine uptake was not detected in villous fragments. The ratio of System A activity to System L activity was similar in villous fragments and MVM vesicles. However, the unidentified Na(+)-dependent component in villous fragments was significantly higher than that in MVM vesicles. This indicates that the main differences in serine uptake mechanisms identified using the two techniques were not due to differences in System A and System L activity but to differences in the unidentified Na(+)-dependent component. This study suggests that uptake of L-serine into MVM vesicles and villous fragments via Systems A and L is comparable, but that this is not true for all components of L-serine uptake.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-04-2021
DOI: 10.1111/ALL.14823
Abstract: In Western countries, Asian children have higher food allergy risk than Caucasian children. The early‐life environmental exposures for this discrepancy are unclear. We aimed to compare prevalence of food allergy and associated risk factors between Asian children in Singapore and Australia. We studied children in the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) birth cohort (n = 878) and children of Asian ancestry in the HealthNuts cohort (n = 314). Food allergy was defined as a positive SPT ≥3 mm to egg or peanut AND either a convincing history of IgE‐mediated reaction at 18 months (GUSTO) or a positive oral food challenge at 14‐18 months (HealthNuts). Eczema was defined as parent‐reported doctor diagnosis. Food allergy prevalence was 1.1% in Singapore and 15.0% in Australia ( P .001). Egg introduction was more often delayed ( months) in Singapore (63.5%) than Australia (16.3% P .001). Prevalence of early‐onset eczema ( months) was lower in Singapore (8.4%) than Australia (30.5%) ( P .001). Children with early‐onset eczema were more likely to have food allergy than those without eczema in Australia [aOR 5.11 (2.34‐11.14) P .001] and Singapore [aOR4.00 (0.62‐25.8) P = 0.145]. Among Asian children, prevalence of early‐onset eczema and food allergy was higher in Australia than Singapore. Further research with larger s le sizes and harmonized definitions of food allergy between cohorts is required to confirm and extend these findings. Research on environmental factors influencing eczema onset in Australia and Singapore may aid understanding of food allergy pathogenesis in different parts of the world.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-1993
DOI: 10.1016/0140-6736(93)91224-A
Abstract: Babies who are small at birth or during infancy have increased rates of cardiovascular disease and non-insulin-dependent diabetes as adults. Some of these babies have low birthweights, some are small in relation to the size of their placentas, some are thin at birth, and some are short at birth and fail to gain weight in infancy. This paper shows how fetal undernutrition at different stages of gestation can be linked to these patterns of early growth. The fetuses' adaptations to undernutrition are associated with changes in the concentrations of fetal and placental hormones. Persisting changes in the levels of hormone secretion, and in the sensitivity of tissues to them, may link fetal undernutrition with abnormal structure, function, and disease in adult life.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 16-11-2015
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 16-10-2013
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114513003097
Abstract: The gut microbiota plays an important role in the development of the immune and gastrointestinal systems of infants. In the present study, we investigated whether increased salmon consumption during pregnancy, maternal weight gain during pregnancy or mode of infant feeding alter the markers of gut immune defence and inflammation. Women ( n 123) who rarely ate oily fish were randomly assigned to continue consuming their habitual diet or to consume two 150 g portions of farmed salmon per week from 20 weeks of pregnancy to delivery. Faecal s les were collected from the mothers ( n 75) at 38 weeks of gestation and from their infants ( n 38) on days 7, 14, 28 and 84 post-partum. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation was used to determine faecal microbiota composition and ELISA to measure faecal secretory IgA (sIgA) and calprotectin concentrations. There was no effect of salmon consumption on maternal faecal microbiota or on maternal or infant faecal sIgA and calprotectin concentrations. The degree of weight gain influenced maternal faecal microbiota, and the mode of infant feeding influenced infant faecal microbiota. Faecal s les collected from infants in the salmon group tended to have lower bacterial counts of the Atopobium cluster compared with those collected from infants in the control group ( P = 0·097). This difference was significant in the formula-fed infants ( P 0·05), but not in the exclusively breast-fed infants. In conclusion, the impact of oily fish consumption during pregnancy on maternal and infant gut microbiota composition is limited, but significant differences are associated with maternal weight gain during pregnancy and mode of infant feeding.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-12-2019
DOI: 10.1111/IJPO.12608
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2018
DOI: 10.1093/AJCN/NQY079
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 14-04-2017
DOI: 10.1017/S0007114517000848
Abstract: Faster eating rates are associated with increased energy intake, but little is known about the relationship between children’s eating rate, food intake and adiposity. We examined whether children who eat faster consume more energy and whether this is associated with higher weight status and adiposity. We hypothesised that eating rate mediates the relationship between child weight and ad libitum energy intake. Children ( n 386) from the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes cohort participated in a video-recorded ad libitum lunch at 4·5 years to measure acute energy intake. Videos were coded for three eating-behaviours (bites, chews and swallows) to derive a measure of eating rate (g/min). BMI and anthropometric indices of adiposity were measured. A subset of children underwent MRI scanning ( n 153) to measure abdominal subcutaneous and visceral adiposity. Children above/below the median eating rate were categorised as slower and faster eaters, and compared across body composition measures. There was a strong positive relationship between eating rate and energy intake ( r 0·61, P ·001) and a positive linear relationship between eating rate and children’s BMI status. Faster eaters consumed 75 % more energy content than slower eating children (Δ548 kJ (Δ131 kcal) 95 % CI 107·6, 154·4, P ·001), and had higher whole-body ( P ·05) and subcutaneous abdominal adiposity (Δ118·3 cc 95 % CI 24·0, 212·7, P =0·014). Mediation analysis showed that eating rate mediates the link between child weight and energy intake during a meal ( b 13·59 95 % CI 7·48, 21·83). Children who ate faster had higher energy intake, and this was associated with increased BMI z -score and adiposity.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-05-2021
DOI: 10.1111/IJPO.12801
Abstract: Children born to mothers with obesity are at increased risk of obesity. Influences underlying this predisposition include in‐utero exposures, genetic predisposition and a shared family environment. Effective intervention strategies are needed to prevent obesity in these high‐risk children this requires evaluation of modifiable pregnancy and early‐life risk factors. To assess the in idual and cumulative contributions of maternal and early‐life modifiable exposures on childhood adiposity and obesity outcomes in 3‐year‐old children born to women with obesity. We used adjusted regression to assess the in idual and cumulative contributions of six exposures (early pregnancy BMI, excessive gestational weight gain, mode of infant feeding and three measures of childhood eating habits [food responsiveness, slowness in eating and a processed/snacking dietary pattern score]) on body composition in 495 three‐year‐old children. Outcomes included BMI z ‐score, arm circumference and overweight/obesity (BMI≥25.0 kg/m 2 ). While the UPBEAT intervention did not influence adiposity outcomes in 3‐year‐old children, the six modifiable exposures combined incrementally to increase childhood adiposity and obesity. For each additional exposure, children had a higher BMI z ‐score ( β = 0.35SD [95% confidence interval: 0.23, 0.47]), arm circumference ( β = 0.59 cm [0.40, 0.79]) and risk of overweight/obesity (relative risk 1.49 [1.26, 1.77]). Compared to no exposures, children with four or more exposures had a higher BMI z ‐score (1.11SD [0.65, 1.58]), arm circumference (2.15 cm [1.41, 2.89]) and risk of overweight/obesity (3.01 [1.67, 5.41]) (all P 0.001). Our findings suggest that complex interventions targeting preconception, pregnancy, perinatal and early childhood exposures offer a potential strategy for prevention of pre‐school obesity.
Publisher: The Endocrine Society
Date: 20-02-2019
Abstract: “Accelerated aging,” assessed by adult DNA methylation, predicts cardiovascular disease (CVD). Adolescent accelerated aging might predict CVD earlier. We investigated whether epigenetic age acceleration (assessed age, 17 years) was associated with adiposity/CVD risk measured (ages 17, 20, and 22 years) and projected CVD by middle age. DNA methylation measured in peripheral blood provided two estimates of epigenetic age acceleration: intrinsic (IEAA preserved across cell types) and extrinsic (EEAA dependent on cell admixture and methylation levels within each cell type). Adiposity was assessed by anthropometry, ultrasound, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (ages 17, 20, and 22 years). CVD risk factors [lipids, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), blood pressure, inflammatory markers] were assessed at age 17 years. CVD development by age 47 years was calculated by Framingham algorithms. Results are presented as regression coefficients per 5-year epigenetic age acceleration (IEAA/EEAA) for adiposity, CVD risk factors, and CVD development. In 995 participants (49.6% female age, 17.3 ± 0.6 years), EEAA (per 5 years) was associated with increased body mass index (BMI) of 2.4% (95% CI, 1.2% to 3.6%) and 2.4% (0.8% to 3.9%) at 17 and 22 years, respectively. EEAA was associated with increases of 23% (3% to 33%) in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, 10% (4% to 17%) in interferon-γ–inducible protein of 10 kDa, and 4% (2% to 6%) in soluble TNF receptor 2, adjusted for BMI and HOMA-IR. EEAA (per 5 years) results in a 4% increase in hard endpoints of CVD by 47 years of age and a 3% increase, after adjustment for conventional risk factors. Accelerated epigenetic age in adolescence was associated with inflammation, BMI measured 5 years later, and probability of middle age CVD. Irrespective of whether this is cause or effect, assessing epigenetic age might refine disease prediction.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 11-02-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-03-2016
DOI: 10.1111/BIRT.12233
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.CLNU.2013.04.013
Abstract: Oily fish is a good source of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Since these fatty acids may change efficiency of amino acid (AA) absorption, we determined whether increased salmon consumption influences plasma AA concentrations in pregnant women and their newborns. Pregnant women were randomly allocated to remain on their habitual diet (n = 61 control group) or to consume two 150 g farmed salmon portions per week from 20 weeks pregnancy until birth (n = 62 salmon group). Plasma AA concentrations were determined in women at w20, w34 and w38 of pregnancy and in umbilical cord at delivery. Concentrations of arginine, valine, leucine and lysine were affected by both time of pregnancy and salmon intake (p < 0.05), with a smaller gestation-associated decrease in the salmon group. Total essential AA concentrations were similar in both groups at w20, but at w38 were higher in salmon group (p < 0.05). Cord plasma AA concentrations, higher than in maternal plasma (p 0.05). Two portions/wk of oily fish increased plasma essential AA concentrations during pregnancy and could contribute to a maternal health benefit. Two portions/wk of salmon did not affect plasma AA concentrations in the newborn. NCT00801502.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-05-2020
DOI: 10.1038/S41366-020-0596-5
Abstract: Maternal glycaemia promotes fetal adiposity. Inositol, an insulin sensitizer, has been trialled for gestational diabetes prevention. The placenta has been implicated in how maternal hyperglycaemia generates fetal pathophysiology, but no studies have examined whether placental inositol biology is altered with maternal hyperglycaemia, nor whether such alterations impact fetal physiology. We aimed to investigate whether the effects of maternal glycaemia on offspring birthweight and adiposity at birth differed across placental inositol levels. Using longitudinal data from the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes cohort, maternal fasting glucose (FPG) and 2-hour plasma glucose (2hPG) were obtained in pregnant women by a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test around 26 weeks’ gestation. Relative placental inositol was quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Primary outcomes were birthweight ( n = 884) and abdominal adipose tissue (AAT) volumes measured by neonatal MRI scanning in a subset ( n = 262) of term singleton pregnancies. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Placental inositol was lower in those with higher 2hPG, no exposure to tobacco smoke antenatally, with vaginal delivery and shorter gestation. Positive associations of FPG with birthweight (adjusted β [95% CI] 164.8 g [109.1, 220.5]) and AAT (17.3 ml [11.9, 22.6] per mmol glucose) were observed, with significant interactions between inositol tertiles and FPG in relation to these outcomes ( p 0.05). Stratification by inositol tertiles showed that each mmol/L increase in FPG was associated with increased birthweight and AAT volume among cases within the lowest (birthweight = 174.2 g [81.2, 267.2], AAT = 21.0 ml [13.1, 28.8]) and middle inositol tertiles (birthweight = 202.0 g [103.8, 300.1], AAT = 19.7 ml [9.7, 29.7]). However, no significant association was found among cases within the highest tertile (birthweight = 81.0 g [−21.2, 183.2], AAT = 0.8 ml [−8.4, 10.0]). High placental inositol may protect the fetus from the pro-adipogenic effects of maternal glycaemia. Studies are warranted to investigate whether prenatal inositol supplementation can increase placental inositol and reduce fetal adiposity.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-03-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2012
Abstract: The Salmon in Pregnancy Study investigated whether the increased consumption of (n-3) long-chain PUFA (LC-PUFA) from farmed Atlantic salmon affects immune function during pregnancy and atopic disease in neonates compared with a habitual diet low in oily fish. In this context, because the ingestion of (n-3) LC-PUFA may lower the concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers, we investigated whether the consumption of oily fish affects the levels of inflammatory cytokines and vascular adhesion factors during pregnancy. Pregnant women (n = 123) were randomly assigned to continue their habitual diet (control group, n = 61), which was low in oily fish, or to consume two 150-g salmon portions/wk (salmon group, n = 62 providing 3.45 g EPA plus DHA) from 20 wk of gestation until delivery. Plasma inflammatory cytokines and vascular adhesion factors were measured in maternal plasma s les. Inflammatory biomarkers, including IL-8, hepatocyte growth factor, and monocyte chemotactic protein, increased over the course of pregnancy (P < 0.001), whereas plasma matrix metalloproteinase 9, IL-6, TNFα, and nerve growth factor concentrations were not affected. Vascular homeostasis biomarkers soluble E-selectin, soluble vascular adhesion molecule-1, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1, and total plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 increased as pregnancy progressed (P < 0.001). The plasma sICAM-1 concentration was greater in the control group than in the salmon group at wk 20 (baseline) and 38 (P = 0.007) but there was no group x time interaction, and when baseline concentration was used as a covariate, the groups did not differ (P = 0.69). The remaining biomarkers analyzed were similar in both groups. Therefore, although some inflammatory and vascular homeostasis biomarkers change during pregnancy, they are not affected by the increased intake of farmed salmon.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-02-2021
DOI: 10.1038/S41398-021-01208-X
Abstract: While maternal mental health strongly influences neurodevelopment and health in the offspring, little is known about the determinants of inter-in idual variation in the mental health of mothers. Likewise, the in utero biological pathways by which variation in maternal mental health affects offspring development remain to be defined. Previous studies implicate lipids, consistent with a known influence on cognitive and emotional function, but the relevance for maternal mental health and offspring neurodevelopment is unclear. This study characterizes the placental and circulatory lipids in antenatal depression, as well as socio-emotional outcomes in the offspring. Targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry covering 470 lipid species was performed on placenta from 186 women with low ( n = 70) or high ( n = 116) levels of antenatal depressive symptoms assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at 26 weeks’ gestation. Child socio-emotional outcomes were assessed from the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL) at 48 months. Seventeen placental lipid species showed an inverse association with antenatal EPDS scores. Specifically, lower levels of phospholipids containing LC-PUFAs: omega-3 docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and omega-6 arachidonic acid (AA) were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Additional measurement of LC-PUFA in antenatal plasma s les at mid-gestation confirmed the reduced circulation of these specific fatty acids in mothers. Reduced concentration of the placental phospholipids also predicted poorer socio-emotional outcomes in the offspring. This study provides new insights into the role of the materno-fetal lipid cross-talk as a mechanism linking maternal mental health to that of the offspring. These findings show the potential utility of nutritional approaches among pregnant women with depressive symptoms to reduce offspring risk for later socio-emotional problems.
Publisher: Environmental Health Perspectives
Date: 09-2020
DOI: 10.1289/EHP6076
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-06-2020
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-020-66026-5
Abstract: Infant adiposity may be related to later metabolic health. Maternal metabolite profiling reflects both genetic and environmental influences and allows elucidation of metabolic pathways associated with infant adiposity. In this multi-ethnic Asian cohort, we aimed to (i) identify maternal plasma metabolites associated with infant adiposity and other birth outcomes and (ii) investigate the maternal characteristics associated with those metabolites. In 940 mother-offspring pairs, we performed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and identified 134 metabolites in maternal fasting plasma at 26–28 weeks of gestation. At birth, neonatal triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses were measured by trained research personnel, while weight and length measures were abstracted from delivery records. Gestational age was estimated from first-trimester dating ultrasound. Associations were assessed by multivariable linear regression, with p-values corrected using the Benjamini-Hochberg approach. At a false discovery rate of 5%, we observed associations between 28 metabolites and neonatal sum of skinfold thicknesses (13 amino acid-related, 4 non-esterified fatty acids, 6 xenobiotics, and 5 unknown compounds). Few associations were observed with gestational duration, birth weight, or birth length. Maternal ethnicity, pre-pregnancy BMI, and diet quality during pregnancy had the strongest associations with the specific metabolome related to infant adiposity. Further studies are warranted to replicate our findings and to understand the underlying mechanisms.
Publisher: eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd
Date: 08-03-2022
DOI: 10.7554/ELIFE.71094
Abstract: Pregnancy 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations are associated with maternal and fetal health outcomes. Using physiological human placental perfusion and villous explants, we investigate the role of the placenta in regulating the relationships between maternal 25(OH)D and fetal physiology. We demonstrate active placental uptake of 25(OH)D 3 by endocytosis, placental metabolism of 25(OH)D 3 into 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 and active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ], with subsequent release of these metabolites into both the maternal and fetal circulations. Active placental transport of 25(OH)D 3 and synthesis of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 demonstrate that fetal supply is dependent on placental function rather than simply the availability of maternal 25(OH)D 3 . We demonstrate that 25(OH)D 3 exposure induces rapid effects on the placental transcriptome and proteome. These map to multiple pathways central to placental function and thereby fetal development, independent of vitamin D transfer. Our data suggest that the underlying epigenetic landscape helps dictate the transcriptional response to vitamin D treatment. This is the first quantitative study demonstrating vitamin D transfer and metabolism by the human placenta, with widespread effects on the placenta itself. These data demonstrate a complex interplay between vitamin D and the placenta and will inform future interventions using vitamin D to support fetal development and maternal adaptations to pregnancy.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-12-2012
DOI: 10.1038/NG.2477
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 08-12-2016
Publisher: S. Karger AG
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1159/000350702
Abstract: This report provides a summary of a workshop organised by the European Commission-funded i EarlyNutrition Project /i and the i EarlyNutrition Academy. /i Accurate and reliable methods to assess body composition are needed in research on prenatal and early post-natal influences of nutrition on later health because common surrogate measures of maternal and offspring adiposity (body fat content), such as body mass index (BMI), have relatively poor predictive power for the risk of later disease. The key goals of the workshop were to discuss approaches to assess growth and body composition from pregnancy to adolescence, to summarise conclusions and to prepare a framework for research in the i EarlyNutrition Project /i . The participants concluded that there is a pressing need to harmonise the methodologies for assessing body composition, recognising that each has advantages and limitations. Essential core measurements across studies assessing early growth and body composition were identified, including weight, length, BMI, waist and mid-upper arm circumference, subscapular and triceps skinfold thicknesses, and bioelectrical impedance analysis. In research settings with access to more sophisticated technologies, additional methods could include dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, peripheral quantitative computed tomography, ultrasound assessment of regional body fat, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), air displacement plethysmography (ADP), and deuterium dilution. These provide richer data to answer research questions in greater depth but also increase costs. Where overall whole-body composition is the primary outcome measure, ADP or tracer dilution should be used whenever possible. Where regional distribution of body fat is of greater interest, an imaging technique such as MRI is preferred.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-2019
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 11-2009
Publisher: S. Karger AG
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1159/000496471
Abstract: b i Background: /i /b A considerable body of evidence accumulated especially during the last decade, demonstrating that early nutrition and lifestyle have long-term effects on later health and disease (“developmental or metabolic programming”). b i Methods: /i /b Researchers involved in the European Union funded international i EarlyNutrition /i research project consolidated the scientific evidence base and existing recommendations to formulate consensus recommendations on nutrition and lifestyle before and during pregnancy, during infancy and early childhood that take long-term health impact into account. Systematic reviews were performed on published dietary guidelines, standards and recommendations, with special attention to long-term health consequences. In addition, systematic reviews of published systematic reviews on nutritional interventions or exposures in pregnancy and in infants and young children aged up to 3 years that describe effects on subsequent overweight, obesity and body composition were performed. Experts developed consensus recommendations incorporating the wide-ranging expertise from additional 33 stakeholders. b i Findings: /i /b Most current recommendations for pregnant women, particularly obese women, and for young children do not take long-term health consequences of early nutrition into account, although the available evidence for relevant consequences of lifestyle, diet and growth patterns in early life on later health and disease risk is strong. b i Interpretation: /i /b We present updated recommendations for optimized nutrition before and during pregnancy, during lactation, infancy and toddlerhood, with special reference to later health outcomes. These recommendations are developed for affluent populations, such as women and children in Europe, and should contribute to the primary prevention of obesity and associated non-communicable diseases.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-10-2021
Publisher: S. Karger AG
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1159/000365042
Abstract: b i Background: /i /b Across Europe, poor health behaviours are associated with increased risks of non-communicable diseases. There is particular concern about young women, children and families, not least as health behaviours operating before and during pregnancy and in early postnatal life may have profound long-term consequences for children's health. Using findings drawn from 7 European countries, we aimed to identify barriers to the implementation and uptake of dietary and physical activity recommendations, and to consider how best to achieve changes in mothers' behaviours and thereby improve the adoption of health recommendations. Six studies across the 7 countries were used for this narrative synthesis of findings. b i Key Messages: /i /b A woman's education has a strong influence on her own and her children's health behaviours. Women's diets vary across ethnic groups and according to number of children, but psychological factors, such as self-efficacy and sense of control, which may be amenable to modification, are powerful, too, particularly in women with lower educational attainment. Maternal influences on children's behaviours are strong. Differences exist in infant feeding across countries, and there are apparent urban/rural differences in children's diets and physical activity. b i Conclusions: /i /b Interventions are needed before, as well as during, pregnancy to improve the diets of families with young children. Interventions to address psychological barriers to eating well and being more active are indicated.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2012
Abstract: Long-chain n-3 PUFAs found in oily fish may have a role in lowering the risk of allergic disease. The objective was to assess whether an increased intake of oily fish in pregnancy modifies neonatal immune responses and early markers of atopy. Women (n = 123) were randomly assigned to continue their habitual diet, which was low in oily fish, or to consume 2 portions of salmon per week (providing 3.45 g EPA plus DHA) from 20 wk gestation until delivery. In umbilical cord blood s les (n = 101), we measured n-3 fatty acids, IgE concentrations, and immunologic responses. Infants were clinically evaluated at age 6 mo (n = 86). Cord blood mononuclear cell (CBMC) production of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α in response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and of IL-2 in response to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen 1 (Derp1) was lower in the salmon group (all P ≤ 0.03). In the subgroup of CBMCs in which an allergic phenotype was confirmed in the mother or father, IL-10 production in response to Toll-like receptor 2, 3, and 4 agonists, ovalbumin, salmon parvalbumin, or Derp1 and prostaglandin E(2) production in response to lipopolysaccharide or PHA was lower in the salmon group (all P ≤ 0.045). Total IgE at birth and total IgE, incidence and severity of atopic dermatitis, and skin-prick-test positivity at 6 mo of age were not different between the 2 groups. Oily fish intervention in pregnancy modifies neonatal immune responses but may not affect markers of infant atopy assessed at 6 mo of age. This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00801502.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.PLEFA.2011.10.008
Abstract: Oily fish intake during pregnancy may reduce the risk of allergic diseases in infancy possibly by shifts in the fatty acid balance and subsequent altered prostaglandin (PG) formation. This intervention is the first study to evaluate if increased oily fish intake affects in vivo PGF(2α) formation during pregnancy. British pregnant women were randomised to two portions of farmed salmon weekly (n=47), or maintenance of their normal diet low in fish (n=41), from pregnancy week 20 until parturition. The concentrations of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in plasma phosphatidylcholine (PC) were higher and the concentration of arachidonic acid in plasma PC was lower in the salmon group than the control group at weeks 34 and 38 of pregnancy. PGF(2α) formation was evaluated by urinary measurement of 15-keto-dihydro-PGF(2α), a major PGF(2α) metabolite, at 20, 34 and 38 weeks. In both the salmon and control groups urinary 15-keto-dihydro-PGF(2α) concentrations increased significantly during pregnancy, which may be of physiological importance. Oily fish intervention altered fatty acid concentrations but did not affect urinary 15-keto-dihydro-PGF(2α) concentrations in pregnant women.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 20-09-2016
DOI: 10.3390/NU8090574
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 03-2021
DOI: 10.1101/2021.03.01.431439
Abstract: Pregnancy 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations are associated with maternal and fetal health outcomes. Using physiological human placental perfusion and villous explants, we investigate the role of the placenta in regulating the relationships between maternal 25(OH)D and fetal physiology. We demonstrate active placental uptake of 25(OH)D3 by endocytosis, placental metabolism of 25(OH)D3 into 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D3], with subsequent release of these metabolites into both the maternal and fetal circulations. Active placental transport of 25(OH)D3 and synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D3 demonstrate that fetal supply is dependent on placental function rather than simply the availability of maternal 25(OH)D3. We demonstrate that 25(OH)D3 exposure induces rapid effects on the placental transcriptome and proteome. These map to multiple pathways central to placental function and thereby fetal development, independent of vitamin D transfer. Our data suggest that the underlying epigenetic landscape helps dictate the transcriptional response to vitamin D treatment. This is the first quantitative study demonstrating vitamin D transfer and metabolism by the human placenta, with widespread effects on the placenta itself. These data demonstrate a complex interplay between vitamin D and the placenta and will inform future interventions using vitamin D to support fetal development and maternal adaptations to pregnancy.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2011
Abstract: In vitro exposure of endothelial cells (ECs) to n-3 (omega-3) long-chain PUFAs (LCPUFAs) reduces cell adhesion molecule (CAM) expression. However, to our knowledge, no previous human studies have examined the influence of an altered diet on CAM expression. We assessed whether salmon (rich in n-3 LCPUFAs) consumption twice a week during pregnancy affected offspring umbilical vein EC CAM expression. Women were randomly assigned to maintain their habitual diets or to consume 2 portions of salmon per week during pregnancy months 4-9. ECs were isolated from umbilical cord veins collected at birth and cultured. The cell surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) was assessed by flow cytometry after the culture of ECs in the presence and absence of bacterial LPS for 24 h. Cytokine and growth factor concentrations in culture supernatant fluid were measured by using a multiplex assay. LPS increased the expression of VCAM-1 and the production of several cytokines and growth factors. The level of ICAM-1 expression per cell [ie, the median fluorescence intensity (MFI)] was increased by LPS stimulation in the control group (16.9 ± 2.4 compared with 135.3 ± 20.2 P < 0.001) and to a lesser extent in the salmon group (14.1 ± 3.8 compared with 65.8 ± 22.4 P = 0.037). The ICAM-1 MFI in the salmon group after LPS stimulation was lower than in the control group (P = 0.006). Increased dietary salmon intake in pregnancy d ens offspring EC activation, which implicates a role for n-3 LCPUFAs in the suppression of inflammatory processes in humans. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00801502.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 18-09-2018
Publisher: eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd
Date: 06-12-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2012
Abstract: Fish oil supplementation during pregnancy alters breast milk composition, but there is little information about the impact of oily fish consumption. We determined whether increased salmon consumption during pregnancy alters breast milk fatty acid composition and immune factors. Women (n = 123) who rarely ate oily fish were randomly assigned to consume their habitual diet or to consume 2 portions of farmed salmon per week from 20 wk of pregnancy until delivery. The salmon provided 3.45 g long-chain (LC) (n-3) PUFA/wk. Breast milk fatty acid composition and immune factors [soluble CD14, transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ)1, TGFβ2, and secretory IgA] were analyzed at 1, 5, 14, and 28 d postpartum (PP). Breast milk from the salmon group had higher proportions of EPA (80%), docosapentaenoic acid (30%), and DHA (90%) on d 5 PP compared with controls (P < 0.01). The LC (n-6) PUFA:LC (n-3) PUFA ratio was lower for the salmon group on all days of PP s ling (P ≤ 0.004), although in idual (n-6) PUFA proportions, including arachidonic acid, did not differ. All breast milk immune factors decreased between d 1 and 28 PP (P < 0.001). Breast milk secretory IgA (sIgA) was lower in the salmon group (d 1-28 PP P = 0.006). Salmon consumption during pregnancy, at the current recommended intakes, increases the LC (n-3) PUFA concentration of breast milk in early lactation, thus improving the supply of these important fatty acids to the breast-fed neonate. The consequence of the lower breast milk concentration of sIgA in the salmon group is not clear.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 10-09-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2018
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2001
DOI: 10.1359/JBMR.2001.16.9.1694
Abstract: Evidence is accumulating that intrauterine growth and development may influence an in idual's risk of osteoporosis in later adult life. To examine maternal and paternal influences on intrauterine skeletal growth, we used dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to measure the neonatal bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) of 145 infants born at term. Independently of the infant's duration of gestation at birth, the birthweights of both parents and the height of the father were positively correlated with neonatal whole body BMC. Women who smoked during pregnancy had infants with a lower whole body BMC and BMD overall, there was a 7.1-g (11%) average difference between whole body BMC of infants whose mothers did and did not smoke during pregnancy (p = 0.005). Women with thinner triceps skinfold thicknesses (reflecting lower fat stores) and those who reported a faster walking pace and more frequent vigorous activity in late pregnancy also tended to have infants with a lower BMC and BMD (p values for BMC 0.02, 0.03, and 0.05, respectively). Maternal thinness and faster walking pace but not maternal smoking or parental birthweight also were associated with lower bone mineral apparent density (BMAD). The influences on skeletal growth and mineralization were independent of placental weight, a marker of the placental capacity to deliver nutrients to the fetus. These observations point to a combination of genetic and intrauterine environmental influences on prenatal skeletal development and suggest that environmental modulation, even at this early stage of life, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in adulthood.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 02-04-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-07-2023
DOI: 10.1038/S41430-023-01317-4
Abstract: Bioimpedance devices are practical for measuring body composition in preschool children, but their application is limited by the lack of validated equations. To develop and validate fat-free mass (FFM) bioimpedance prediction equations among New Zealand 3.5-year olds, with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the reference method. Bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (SFB7, ImpediMed) and DXA (iDXA, GE Lunar) measurements were conducted on 65 children. An equation incorporating weight, sex, ethnicity, and impedance was developed and validated. Performance was compared with published equations and mixture theory prediction. The equation developed in ~70% ( n = 45) of the population (FFM [kg] = 1.39 + 0.30 weight [kg] + 0.39 length 2 /resistance at 50 kHz [cm 2 /Ω] + 0.30 sex [M = 1/F = 0] + 0.28 ethnicity [1 = Asian/0 = non-Asian]) explained 88% of the variance in FFM and predicted FFM with a root mean squared error of 0.39 kg (3.4% of mean FFM). When internally validated ( n = 20), bias was small (40 g, 0.3% of mean FFM), with limits of agreement (LOA) ±7.6% of mean FFM (95% LOA: –0.82, 0.90 kg). Published equations evaluated had similar LOA, but with marked bias ( .5% of mean FFM) when validated in our cohort, likely due to DXA differences. Of mixture theory methods assessed, the SFB7 inbuilt equation with personalized body geometry values performed best. However, bias and LOA were larger than with the empirical equations (–0.43 kg [95% LOA: –1.65, 0.79], p 0.001). We developed and validated a bioimpedance equation that can accurately predict FFM. Further external validation of the equation is required.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-01-2019
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 11-04-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-12-2019
DOI: 10.1038/S41467-019-13694-1
Abstract: The causes of impaired skeletal muscle mass and strength during aging are well-studied in healthy populations. Less is known on pathological age-related muscle wasting and weakness termed sarcopenia, which directly impacts physical autonomy and survival. Here, we compare genome-wide transcriptional changes of sarcopenia versus age-matched controls in muscle biopsies from 119 older men from Singapore, Hertfordshire UK and Jamaica. In iduals with sarcopenia reproducibly demonstrate a prominent transcriptional signature of mitochondrial bioenergetic dysfunction in skeletal muscle, with low PGC-1α/ERRα signalling, and downregulation of oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial proteostasis genes. These changes translate functionally into fewer mitochondria, reduced mitochondrial respiratory complex expression and activity, and low NAD + levels through perturbed NAD + biosynthesis and salvage in sarcopenic muscle. We provide an integrated molecular profile of human sarcopenia across ethnicities, demonstrating a fundamental role of altered mitochondrial metabolism in the pathological loss of skeletal muscle mass and function in older people.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 28-04-2016
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980016000744
Abstract: Little is known about the influences of maternal and infant correlates on maternal feeding beliefs and practices in the first 2 years of life, despite its important role in early obesogenic eating behaviours and weight gain. Cross-sectional study using demographic data of mothers and infants obtained at 26–28 weeks of gestation, and postnatally from birth to 15 months, respectively. The Infant Feeding Questionnaire was administered at 15 months postpartum. The associations between maternal and infant characteristics with seven maternal feeding beliefs and practices subscales were evaluated using multivariate linear regression analysis. Data obtained from the Singapore GUSTO (Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes) mother–offspring birth cohort. Mothers and infants ( n 1237). Among other maternal correlates such as age, education, BMI, income and milk feeding practices, ethnicity was a consistent factor associated with six subscales, including concern about infant overeating/undereating and weight status, concern and awareness about infants’ hunger and satiety cues, social interaction during feeding and feeding an infant on schedule. Similarly, among infant correlates such as gender and birth order, infant body size gain (reflected by BMI Z -score change from 0 to 15 months) was significantly associated with all subscales except feeding an infant on schedule. Overall, maternal correlates had greater influence on all subscales compared with infant correlates except for the maternal concern about infant undereating or becoming underweight subscale. The present study highlights that maternal feeding beliefs and practices can be influenced by both maternal correlates and infant correlates at 15 months of age.
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 20-09-2019
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 11-09-2020
DOI: 10.3390/NU12092783
Abstract: Evidence from women working night shifts during pregnancy indicates that circadian rhythm disruption has the potential to adversely influence pregnancy outcomes. In the general population, chronodisruption with the potential to affect pregnancy outcomes may also be seen in those with high energy intakes in the evening or at night. However, maternal night eating during pregnancy remains understudied. This narrative review provides an overview of the prevalence, contributing factors, nutritional aspects and health implications of night eating during pregnancy. We derived evidence based on cross-sectional studies and longitudinal cohorts. Overall, night eating is common during pregnancy, with the estimated prevalence in different populations ranging from 15% to 45%. The modern lifestyle and the presence of pregnancy symptoms contribute to night eating during pregnancy, which is likely to coexist and may interact with multiple undesirable lifestyle behaviors. Unfavorable nutritional characteristics associated with night eating have the potential to induce aberrant circadian rhythms in pregnant women, resulting in adverse metabolic and pregnancy outcomes. More research, particularly intervention studies, are needed to provide more definite information on the implications of night eating for mother-offspring health.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 10-08-2016
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 13-10-2014
DOI: 10.1017/S2040174414000488
Abstract: Obesity and its related non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer, impose huge burdens on society, particularly the healthcare system. Until recently, public health and policy were primarily focused on secondary prevention and treatment of NCDs. However, epidemiological and experimental evidence indicates that early-life exposures influence the risk of childhood obesity and related diseases later in life, and has now focused attention on the health of both mother and child. During pregnancy and the early neonatal period, in iduals respond to their environment by establishing anatomical, physiological and biochemical trajectories that shape their future health. This period of developmental plasticity provides an early window of opportunity to mitigate the environmental insults that may increase an in idual’s sensitivity to, or risk of, developing obesity or related diseases later in life. Although much investigation has already occurred in the area of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease research, the science itself is still in its infancy. It remains for researchers to tackle the important outstanding questions and translate their knowledge into workable solutions for the public good. The challenge, however, is to decide which areas to focus on. With these opportunities and challenges in mind, the 2014 Gravida Summit convened to examine how its early-life research program can determine which areas of research into mechanisms, biomarkers and interventions could contribute to the international research strategy to fight childhood obesity and its related diseases.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.NUT.2016.05.015
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to assess the maternal and newborn status of erythrocyte fatty acids and the antioxidant defense system after the intake of two portions of salmon per week during late pregnancy. Pregnant women (N = 123) were randomly assigned to continue their habitual diet, which was low in oily fish (control group, n = 61) or to consume two 150-g salmon portions per week (salmon group, n = 62) beginning at 20 wk of gestation and lasting until delivery. Fatty acids, selenium, and glutathione concentrations and antioxidant defense enzyme activities were measured in maternal erythrocytes at 20, 34, and 38 wk of pregnancy, and in cord erythrocytes collected at birth. Plasma concentrations of antioxidant molecules were measured. Compared with the control group, consuming salmon had little effect on erythrocyte fatty acids in either mothers or newborns. Components of the antioxidant defense system did not differ between groups. Glutathione peroxidase activity and the concentrations of tocopherols, retinol, and coenzyme Q10 were significantly lower in cord blood compared with maternal blood at week 38 in both groups. Maternal and newborn erythrocyte fatty acids are not strongly affected by the intake of two portions of salmon per week during the second half of pregnancy, although erythrocyte docosahexaenoic acid might be increased in newborns. Maternal and newborn antioxidant defense systems are not impaired by intake of salmon from 20 wk gestation.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1093/AJCN/NQX003
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2006
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 10-2018
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1017/JNS.2014.69
Abstract: Pregnancy and birth cohorts have been utilised extensively to investigate the developmental origins of health and disease, particularly in relation to understanding the aetiology of obesity and related cardiometabolic disorders. Birth and pregnancy cohorts have been utilised extensively to investigate this area of research. The aim of the present review was twofold: first to outline the necessity of measuring cardiometabolic risk in children and second to outline how it can be assessed. The major outcomes thought to have an important developmental component are CVD, insulin resistance and related metabolic outcomes. Conditions such as the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and CHD all tend to have peak prevalence in middle-aged and older in iduals but assessments of cardiometabolic risk in childhood and adolescence are important to define early causal factors and characterise preventive measures. Typically, researchers investigating prospective cohort studies have relied on the thesis that cardiovascular risk factors, such as dyslipidaemia, hypertension and obesity, track from childhood into adult life. The present review summarises some of the evidence that these factors, when measured in childhood, may be of value in assessing the risk of adult cardiometabolic disease, and as such proceeds to describe some of the methods for assessing cardiometabolic risk in children.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-10-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-03-2023
Abstract: To present the first national‐level report card on the state of women's preconception health in England. Cross‐sectional population‐based study. Maternity services, England. All pregnant women in England with a first antenatal (booking) appointment recorded in the national Maternity Services Dataset (MSDS) from April 2018 to March 2019 ( n = 652 880). We analysed the prevalence of 32 preconception indicator measures in the overall population and across socio‐demographic subgroups. Ten of these indicators were prioritised for ongoing surveillance based on modifiability, prevalence, data quality and ranking by multidisciplinary UK experts. The three most prevalent indicators were the proportion of the 22.9% of women who smoked 1 year before pregnancy who did not quit smoking before pregnancy (85.0%), those who had not taken folic acid supplementation before pregnancy (72.7%) and previous pregnancy loss (38.9%). Inequalities were observed by age, ethnicity and area‐based deprivation level. The ten indicators prioritised were not taking folic acid supplementation before pregnancy, obesity, complex social factors, living in the most deprived areas, smoking around the time of conception, overweight, pre‐existing mental health condition, pre‐existing physical health condition, previous pregnancy loss and previous obstetric complication. Our findings suggest important opportunities to improve the state of preconception health and reduce socio‐demographic inequalities for women in England. In addition to MSDS data, other national data sources that record further and possibly better quality indicators could be explored and linked to build a comprehensive surveillance infrastructure.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 04-2014
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 05-09-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2019
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 04-06-2021
DOI: 10.1017/S2040174421000258
Abstract: Initiatives to optimise preconception health are emerging following growing recognition that this may improve the health and well-being of women and men of reproductive age and optimise health in their children. To inform and evaluate such initiatives, guidance is required on indicators that describe and monitor population-level preconception health. We searched relevant databases and websites (March 2021) to identify national and international preconception guidelines, recommendations and policy reports. These were reviewed to identify preconception indicators. Indicators were aligned with a measure describing the prevalence of the indicator as recorded in national population-based data sources in England. From 22 documents reviewed, we identified 66 indicators across 12 domains. Domains included wider (social/economic) determinants of health health care reproductive health and family planning health behaviours environmental exposures cervical screening immunisation and infections mental health, physical health medication and genetic risk. Sixty-five of the 66 indicators were reported in at least one national routine health data set, survey or cohort study. A measure of preconception health assessment and care was not identified in any current national data source. Perspectives from three (healthcare) professionals described how indicator assessment and monitoring may influence patient care and inform awareness c aign development. This review forms the foundation for developing a national surveillance system for preconception health in England. The identified indicators can be assessed using national data sources to determine the population’s preconception needs, improve patient care, inform and evaluate new c aigns and interventions and enhance accountability from responsible agencies to improve preconception health.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-02-2021
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 21-07-2021
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0254773
Abstract: Food reward is defined as the momentary value of a food to the in idual at the time of ingestion and is characterised by two psychological processes–“liking” and “wanting”. We aimed to validate an age-appropriate food reward task to quantify implicit wanting of children from the GUSTO cohort (n = 430). At age 5 years, child appetitive traits and maternal feeding practices were reported by mothers via questionnaires. At age 6, a write-for-food task based on the child’s preference for food or toy rewards was undertaken in laboratory conditions. Child BMI and skinfold measurements were taken at age 7. Convergent validity of the food reward task was assessed by associating with child appetitive traits, where enjoyment of food/food responsiveness (OR: 1.51 95% CI: 1.06, 2.15) and emotional overeating (OR: 1.64 95% CI: 1.09, 2.48) were positively associated with high food reward in children. Criterion validity was tested by associating with child BMI, however no significant relationships were observed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with maternal feeding practices revealed that children whose mother tend to restrict unhealthy food (OR: 1.37 95% CI: 1.03, 1.82) and girls whose mothers taught them about nutrition (OR: 2.09 95% CI: 1.19, 3.67) were more likely to have high food reward. No further significant associations were observed between food reward, other appetitive traits and feeding practices. Despite the lack of association with child weight status, this study demonstrated the value of the write-for-food task to assess food reward in children and presented sex-specific associations with maternal feeding practices.
Publisher: The Endocrine Society
Date: 13-11-2017
Abstract: Offspring exposed in utero to maternal obesity have an increased risk of later obesity however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. To assess the effect of an antenatal lifestyle intervention in obese women on the offspring’s cord blood metabolic profile and to examine associations of the cord blood metabolic profile with maternal clinical characteristics and offspring anthropometry at birth and age 6 months. Randomized controlled trial and cohort study. The UK Pregnancies Better Eating and Activity Trial. Three hundred forty-four mother-offspring pairs. Antenatal behavioral lifestyle (diet and physical activity) intervention. Targeted cord blood metabolic profile, including candidate hormone and metabolomic analyses. The lifestyle intervention was not associated with change in the cord blood metabolic profile. Higher maternal glycemia, specifically fasting glucose at 28 weeks gestation, had a linear association with higher cord blood concentrations of lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) 16.1 (β = 0.65 95% confidence interval: 0.03 to 0.10) and 18.1 (0.52 0.02 to 0.80), independent of the lifestyle intervention. A principal component of cord blood phosphatidylcholines and LPCs was associated with infant z scores of birth weight (0.04 0.02 to 0.07) and weight at age 6 months (0.05 0.00 to 0.10). Cord blood insulin growth factor (IGF)-1 and adiponectin concentrations were positively associated with infant weight z score at birth and at 6 months. Concentrations of LPCs and IGF-1 in cord blood are related to infant weight. These findings support the hypothesis that susceptibility to childhood obesity may be programmed in utero, but further investigation is required to establish whether these associations are causally related.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2016
Abstract: Maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy have been shown to influence infant birth outcomes. However, to our knowledge, only a few studies have examined the associations in Asian populations. We characterized maternal dietary patterns in Asian pregnant women and examined their associations with the risk of preterm birth and offspring birth size. At 26-28 wk of gestation, 24-h recalls and 3-d food diaries were collected from the women in the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes mother-offspring cohort. Dietary patterns were derived from exploratory factor analysis. Gestational age was determined by a dating ultrasound scan in the first trimester, and infant birth anthropometric measurements were obtained from hospital records. Associations were assessed by logistic and linear regressions with adjustment for confounding factors. Three maternal dietary patterns were identified: vegetable, fruit, and white rice (VFR) seafood and noodle (SfN) and pasta, cheese, and processed meat (PCP). Of 923 infants, 7.6% were born preterm, 13.4% were born small for gestational age, and 14.7% were born large for gestational age. A greater adherence to the VFR pattern (per SD increase in VFR score) was associated with a lower risk of preterm births (OR: 0.67 95% CI: 0.50, 0.91), higher ponderal index (β: 0.26 kg/m The VFR pattern is associated with a lower incidence of preterm birth and with larger birth size in an Asian population. The findings related to larger birth size warrant further confirmation in independent studies. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01174875.
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 07-05-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-02-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-10-2015
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 06-09-2019
Abstract: Longitudinal data find a new variant controlling BMI in infancy and reveal genetic differences between infant and adult BMI.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2020
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for Keith Godfrey.