Moderating effect of PLIN4 genetic variant on impulsivity traits in 5-year-old-children born small for gestational...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Poor fetal growth is linked to long-term behavioral and psychiatric issues like impulsivity and mood disorders.
• Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) show protective effects, enhancing inhibitory control and behavioral reactivity in at-risk populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interaction between fetal growth, a specific genetic variant (rs8887 SNP in the PLIN4 gene), and inhibitory control.
• To determine if the A allele of rs8887, associated with n-3 PUFA sensitivity, modifies the impact of birth weight on cognitive function.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of 152 five-year-old children for the rs8887 SNP (PLIN4 gene).
• Assessment of inhibitory control using the Stop Signal Task (SSRT).
• Statistical analysis to examine interactions between birth weight, genotype, and SSRT performance.

Main Results:

• A significant interaction was found between birth weight and the A allele of rs8887 on SSRT performance.
• Lower birth weight was associated with poorer inhibitory control exclusively in children without the A allele (non-carriers).
• Children carrying the A allele did not show this deficit, suggesting a protective effect.

Conclusions:

• The rs8887 A allele may confer increased responsiveness to n-3 PUFAs, offering protection against poor response inhibition in small for gestational age children.
• Optimizing n-3 PUFA intake could be a beneficial strategy for improving cognitive outcomes in infants with poor fetal growth.