Male fetus susceptibility to maternal inflammation: C-reactive protein and brain development

• DOI: 10.1017/s0033291719003313
• Publication Date: 2019-12-03T11:40:12Z
• Authors: Sharon K Hunter; M. Camille Hoffman; Angelo D'Alessandro; Kathleen Noonan; Anna Wyrwa; Robert Freedman; Amanda J. Law
• Keywords: Inflammation; Male; Infant, Newborn; Brain; Infant; Gestational Age; Sensory Gating; Choline; 3. Good health; Fetal Development; Pregnancy Complications; 03 medical and health sciences; C-Reactive Protein; Fetus; 0302 clinical medicine; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Infant Behavior; Humans; Female

Abstract Background Maternal inflammation in early pregnancy has been identified epidemiologically as a prenatal pathogenic factor for the offspring's later mental illness. Early newborn manifestations of effects maternal on human fetal brain development are largely unknown. Methods infection, depression, obesity, and other factors associated with were assessed at 16 weeks gestation, along C-reactive protein (CRP), cytokines, serum choline. Cerebral inhibition was by inhibitory P50 sensory gating 1 month age, infant behavior ratings 3 months age. Results CRP diminished cerebral males but paradoxically increased females. Similar sex-dependent seen mothers' assessment their infant's self-regulatory behaviors Higher choline levels partly mitigated effect male offspring. Conclusions The fetal-placental unit appears to be more sensitive than Effects particularly marked inhibition. Deficits after birth, similar those observed several illnesses, including schizophrenia, indicate developmental pathways that may lead follow. intervention before vitamins, folate, supplements, help prevent pathophysiological deficits can have life-long consequences health.