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Effect of the prenatal maternal environments and diets on cord blood interleukin-4 and interferon -gamma: A pilot

Won Hee Seo1, Byung Min Choi1, Heechul Lee2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Korea University College of Medicine, 73, Inchon-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 12841, Korea.

Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology
|July 1, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Maternal diet during pregnancy significantly impacts neonatal immune development. Specific nutrient intake, like folate and vitamin B6, influences cord blood cytokine levels (IL-4, IFN-γ), potentially affecting infant health.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Maternal environment influences fetal development and childhood disease risk.
  • Neonatal cord blood cytokines (IL-4, IFN-γ) are key indicators of immune development.
  • Understanding factors affecting these cytokines is crucial for infant health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of maternal environment and diet during pregnancy on neonatal cord blood IL-4 and IFN-γ levels.
  • To assess the relationship between maternal allergies and neonatal cytokine profiles.
  • To explore the influence of specific nutrient intake on immune markers.

Main Methods:

  • 111 pregnant women were studied.
  • Evaluated allergy history, skin prick test sensitization, dietary intake, and indoor environment.
  • Measured IL-4 and IFN-γ levels in neonatal cord blood via real-time PCR.

Main Results:

  • Allergic mothers had higher neonatal cord blood IL-4 and IFN-γ levels.
  • Lower folate and vitamin B6 intake correlated with higher IL-4.
  • Higher folate and vitamin B6 intake correlated with higher IFN-γ.
  • Indoor environment and general nutrient intake showed no significant differences, except for carpet use.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal intake of folate and vitamin B6 strongly influences neonatal cord blood IL-4 and IFN-γ levels.
  • Dietary factors during pregnancy appear more impactful than environmental factors on these immune markers.
  • Findings suggest nutritional interventions could modulate neonatal immune development.
Abstract

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