Life | Special Issue : Effect of Nutrition during Pregnancy on the Mother and the Newborn

Research

15 pages, 1888 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fatty Acid Composition of Milk from Mothers with Normal Weight, Obesity, or Gestational Diabetes

by Livia Simon Sarkadi, Miaomiao Zhang, Géza Muránszky, Réka Anna Vass, Oksana Matsyura, Eszter Benes and Sandor G. Vari

Life 2022, 12(7), 1093; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12071093 - 21 Jul 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3606

Abstract

Gestation and the neonatal period are crucial periods in infant development. Many components of breast milk, including fatty acids, play an important role in strengthening the immune system. The aim of our research was to evaluate the fatty acid profiles of milk from [...] Read more.

Gestation and the neonatal period are crucial periods in infant development. Many components of breast milk, including fatty acids, play an important role in strengthening the immune system. The aim of our research was to evaluate the fatty acid profiles of milk from 69 mothers, including subjects having a normal weight, obesity, or gestational diabetes. For the analyses, we used gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionization detection (FID) and GC coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The main fatty acids found in breast milk were palmitic acid (C16:0; 26–28%), linoleic acid (C18:2; 23–28%), and α-linolenic acid linoleic acid (C18:3; 15–17%), followed by myristic acid (C14:0; 5–8%), lauric acid (C12:0; 4–6%) and stearic acid (C18:0; 4–5%). The average breakdown of fatty acids was 50% saturated, 44% polyunsaturated, and 6% monounsaturated. Breast milk samples were classified using principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis. Results showed that milk from the two major groups of obese and normal body mass index (BMI) could be distinguished with an accuracy of 89.66%. Breast milk samples of Hungarian and Ukrainian mothers showed significant differences based on the fatty acid composition, which variations are attributable to the mothers’ dietary habits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Nutrition during Pregnancy on the Mother and the Newborn)

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14 pages, 1311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary and Antioxidant Vitamins Limit the DNA Damage Mediated by Oxidative Stress in the Mother–Newborn Binomial

by Hector Diaz-Garcia, Jenny Vilchis-Gil, Pilar Garcia-Roca, Miguel Klünder-Klünder, Jacqueline Gomez-Lopez, Javier T. Granados-Riveron and Rocio Sanchez-Urbina

Life 2022, 12(7), 1012; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12071012 - 8 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2166

Abstract

During pregnancy, appropriate nutritional support is necessary for the development of the foetus. Maternal nutrition might protect the foetus from toxic agents such as free radicals due to its antioxidant content. In this study, 90 mothers and their children were recruited. DNA damage [...] Read more.

During pregnancy, appropriate nutritional support is necessary for the development of the foetus. Maternal nutrition might protect the foetus from toxic agents such as free radicals due to its antioxidant content. In this study, 90 mothers and their children were recruited. DNA damage mediated by oxidative stress (OS) was determined by the levels of 8-hidroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the plasma of women and umbilical cord blood. The mothers and newborns were categorised into tertiles according to their 8-OHdG levels for further comparison. No relevant clinical differences were observed in each group. A strong correlation was observed in the mother–newborn binomial for 8-OHdG levels (Rho = 0.694, p < 0.001). In the binomial, a lower level of 8-OHdG was associated with higher consumption of calories, carbohydrates, lipids, and vitamin A (p < 0.05). In addition, the levels of 8-OHdG were only significantly lower in newborns from mothers with a higher consumption of vitamin A and E (p < 0.01). These findings were confirmed by a significant negative correlation between the 8-OHdG levels of newborns and the maternal consumption of vitamins A and E, but not C (Rho = −0.445 (p < 0.001), −0.281 (p = 0.007), and −0.120 (p = 0.257), respectively). Multiple regression analysis showed that the 8-OHdG levels in mothers and newborns inversely correlated with vitamin A (β = −1.26 (p = 0.016) and −2.17 (p < 0.001), respectively) and pregestational body mass index (β = −1.04 (p = 0.007) and −0.977 (p = 0.008), respectively). In conclusion, maternal consumption of vitamins A and E, but not C, might protect newborns from DNA damage mediated by OS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Nutrition during Pregnancy on the Mother and the Newborn)

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17 pages, 2910 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Fat High Sucrose Diet Modifies Uterine Contractility and Cervical Resistance in Pregnant Rats: The Roles of Sex Hormones, Adipokines and Cytokines

by Róbert Gáspár, Judit Hajagos-Tóth, Annamária Schaffer, Anna Kothencz, Lilla Siska-Szabó, Eszter Ducza, Adrienn Csányi, Tamás Tábi, Fruzsina Bagaméry, Éva Szökő, Orsolya Kovács, Tamara Barna, Reza Samavati, Mohsen Mirdamadi, Anita Sztojkov-Ivanov, Kálmán Ferenc Szűcs and Sandor G. Vari

Life 2022, 12(6), 794; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12060794 - 26 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2140

Abstract

Background: In obesity, the adipose tissue becomes a very significant endocrine organ producing different factors called adipokines, such as leptin, adiponectin and kisspeptin; however, no data are available about their actions on uterine contraction in obese pregnant rats. Our aim was to study [...] Read more.

Background: In obesity, the adipose tissue becomes a very significant endocrine organ producing different factors called adipokines, such as leptin, adiponectin and kisspeptin; however, no data are available about their actions on uterine contraction in obese pregnant rats. Our aim was to study the impact of obesity on pregnant uterine contraction in a rat model. Methods: Obesity was induced by the consumption of a high fat high sucrose diet (HFHSD) for 9 weeks, including pregnancy. Glucose tolerance, sex hormone, cytokine and adipokine levels were measured. Uterine contractions and cervical resistance, as well as their responses to adipokines, were tested along with the expressions of their uterine receptors. Results: HFHSD increased body weight, and altered glucose tolerance and fat composition. The uterine leptin and kisspeptin pathway affect increased. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines were reduced, while the plasma level of progesterone was increased, resulting in weaker uterine contractions, and improving the uterine relaxing effects of adipokines. HFHSD reduced cervical resistance, but the core effect of adipokines is difficult to determine. Conclusions: Obesity in pregnant rats reduces uterine contractility and cytokine-induced inflammatory processes, and therefore obese pregnant rat methods are partially applicable for modelling human processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Nutrition during Pregnancy on the Mother and the Newborn)

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13 pages, 985 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polymorphic Variants of Interleukin-13 R130Q and Interleukin-4 T589C in Children with and without Cow’s Milk Allergy

by Oksana Matsyura, Lesya Besh, Olena Kens, Dana Kosorinová, Katarína Volkovová and Sandor G. Vari

Life 2022, 12(5), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12050612 - 19 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1748

Abstract

Cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most frequent types of food allergy. The aim of the study was to investigate whether IL-13 R130Q and IL-4 T589C polymorphisms are associated with the risk of CMA in young Ukrainian children. A total of [...] Read more.

Cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most frequent types of food allergy. The aim of the study was to investigate whether IL-13 R130Q and IL-4 T589C polymorphisms are associated with the risk of CMA in young Ukrainian children. A total of 120 children (age range: 1–3 years) participated in the study and were divided into two groups: CMA (n = 60) and healthy controls (CNT, n = 60). The CMA group had two subgroups: specific oral tolerance induction (SOTI, n = 30) and milk elimination diet (MED, n = 30). The CNT group had two subgroups: positive family history of allergy (+FHA, n = 24) and negative family history of allergy (−FHA, n = 36). In the CMA group, molecular genetic testing of CC, CT, and TT genotypes of single nucleotide IL-4 T589C gene polymorphisms showed significantly higher rates of the CC genotype compared to healthy controls (92.2% vs. 58.8%; p < 0.01). In the CMA group, molecular genetic testing of GG, GA, and AA genotypes of single nucleotide IL-13 R130Q gene polymorphisms showed significantly higher rates of GA and AA polymorphic locus genotypes compared to healthy controls (43.5% vs. 22.4%, p < 0.05 and 8.7% vs. 0%, p < 0.05, respectively). In future studies, the genotypic and allelic distribution of these polymorphic variants will be determined in children with CMA and healthy children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Nutrition during Pregnancy on the Mother and the Newborn)

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9 pages, 541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thyroxine and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone in Own Mother’s Milk, Donor Milk, and Infant Formula

by Réka A. Vass, Gabriella Kiss, Edward F. Bell, Attila Miseta, József Bódis, Simone Funke, Szilvia Bokor, Dénes Molnár, Balázs Kósa, Anna A. Kiss, Timea Takács, Flóra Dombai and Tibor Ertl

Life 2022, 12(4), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12040584 - 14 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3174

Abstract

Breastfeeding is widely supported in clinical and home practices, and it is known that different forms of infant feeding differ in hormone content. Thyroid hormones have essential physiological roles. In our study, we examined thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine, and albumin levels in breast [...] Read more.

Breastfeeding is widely supported in clinical and home practices, and it is known that different forms of infant feeding differ in hormone content. Thyroid hormones have essential physiological roles. In our study, we examined thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine, and albumin levels in breast milk produced for term (n = 16) or preterm (n = 15) infants throughout the first 6 months of lactation. Moreover, we analyzed these components in donor human milk and in three different infant formulas. Term and preterm breast milk samples were collected monthly. The two groups had similar levels of TSH (18.4 ± 1.4 vs. 24.7 ± 2.9 nU/L), but term milk contained higher amounts of thyroxine (11,245.5 ± 73.8 vs. 671.6 ± 61.2 nmol/L) during the examination period. The albumin level was significantly higher in preterm breast milk than in term breast milk (328.6 ± 17.1 vs. 264.2 ± 6.8 mg/L). In preterm breast milk we detected downward trends in the levels of TSH (−30.2%) and thyroxine (−29.2%) in the 3rd through 6th month compared to the first 2 months of lactation. Microbiological safety of donor milk was ensured by Holder pasteurization (HoP). From the Breast Milk Collection Center of Pécs, Hungary, we enrolled 44 donor mothers into the study. HoP decreased TSH (−73.8%), thyroxine (−22.4%), and albumin (−20.9%) concentrations. Infant formulas used by the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the University of Pécs were found to not contain the investigated hormones, but their albumin levels were similar to the breast milk samples. The present study shows the lack of thyroid hormones in infant formulas compared to human milk and raises the question of whether formula-fed infants should be supplemented with thyroid hormones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Nutrition during Pregnancy on the Mother and the Newborn)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

13 pages, 715 KiB

Open AccessReview

Epigenetic Effect of Maternal Methyl-Group Donor Intake on Offspring’s Health and Disease

by Szilvia Bokor, Réka A. Vass, Simone Funke, Tibor Ertl and Dénes Molnár

Life 2022, 12(5), 609; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12050609 - 19 Apr 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2592

Abstract

Maternal exposure to some dietary and environmental factors during embryonic development can affect offspring’s phenotype and, furthermore, the risk of developing diseases later in life. One potential mechanism responsible for this early programming may be the modification of the epigenome, such as DNA [...] Read more.

Maternal exposure to some dietary and environmental factors during embryonic development can affect offspring’s phenotype and, furthermore, the risk of developing diseases later in life. One potential mechanism responsible for this early programming may be the modification of the epigenome, such as DNA methylation. Methyl-group donors are essential for DNA methylation and are shown to have an important role in fetal development and later health. The main goal of the present review is to summarize the available literature data on the epigenetic effect (DNA methylation) of maternal methyl-group donor availability on reproductivity, perinatal outcome, and later health of the offspring. In our literature search, we found evidence for the association between alterations in DNA methylation patterns caused by different maternal methyl-group donor (folate, choline, methionine, betaine) intake and reproductivity, birth weight, neural tube defect, congenital heart defect, cleft lip and palate, brain development, and the development of obesity and associated non-communicable diseases in later life. We can conclude that maternal methyl-group donor availability could affect offspring’s health via alterations in DNA methylation and may be a major link between early environmental exposure and the development of diseases in the offspring. However, still, further studies are necessary to confirm the associations and causal relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Nutrition during Pregnancy on the Mother and the Newborn)

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20 pages, 1496 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Maternal–Fetal Gut Microbiota Axis: Physiological Changes, Dietary Influence, and Modulation Possibilities

by Eva Miko, Andras Csaszar, Jozsef Bodis and Kalman Kovacs

Life 2022, 12(3), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12030424 - 15 Mar 2022

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 6724

Abstract

The prenatal period and the first years of life have a significant impact on the health issues and life quality of an individual. The appropriate development of the immune system and the central nervous system are thought to be major critical determining events. [...] Read more.

The prenatal period and the first years of life have a significant impact on the health issues and life quality of an individual. The appropriate development of the immune system and the central nervous system are thought to be major critical determining events. In parallel to these, establishing an early intestinal microbiota community is another important factor for future well-being interfering with prenatal and postnatal developmental processes. This review aims at summarizing the main characteristics of maternal gut microbiota and its possible transmission to the offspring, thereby affecting fetal and/or neonatal development and health. Since maternal dietary factors are potential modulators of the maternal–fetal microbiota axis, we will outline current knowledge on the impact of certain diets, nutritional factors, and nutritional modulators during pregnancy on offspring’s microbiota and health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Nutrition during Pregnancy on the Mother and the Newborn)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

15 pages, 692 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Status at Birth and Development of Childhood Allergy: A Systematic Review

by Tamás Decsi, Tamás Marosvölgyi, Eszter Muszil, Blanka Bódy and Éva Szabó

Life 2022, 12(4), 526; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12040526 - 2 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2035

Abstract

The associations of fetal fatty acids status to immune-related health parameters later in life are unclear. Our aim is to collect all available information on the relationship between fatty acid status at birth and allergy in childhood. Systematic literature search was performed on [...] Read more.

The associations of fetal fatty acids status to immune-related health parameters later in life are unclear. Our aim is to collect all available information on the relationship between fatty acid status at birth and allergy in childhood. Systematic literature search was performed on Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase. The search retrieved 897 articles without duplicates; 14 articles remained after excluding those that did not fit into our inclusion criteria. When the dichotomous parameter of suffering or not from allergic condition in childhood was analyzed, cord blood eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) values proved to be significantly lower in allergic than non-allergic children in four comparisons from three studies. When the linear parameters of odds ratios and relative risks for allergy were taken into consideration, high cord blood EPA, but also high docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and high total n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid values were associated to clinically relevant reduction (at least 38%) in eight comparisons from five studies. Within the cord blood samples, higher EPA, docosapentaenoic acid, and DHA values were significantly and negatively associated in eight correlation analyses from three studies with laboratory parameters considered to reflect allergic trait. The data reported here may provide information for defining optimal fatty acid intakes for pregnant women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Nutrition during Pregnancy on the Mother and the Newborn)

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