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The impact of maternal obesity on childhood neurodevelopment

Lilin Tong1, Brian T Kalish2

  • 1Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|November 29, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Maternal obesity may increase children's risk for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Understanding these links is vital for intervention strategies amid the global obesity epidemic.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Maternal obesity is a growing global health concern.
  • Evidence suggests a link between maternal obesity and offspring neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
  • A comprehensive understanding is needed to address this public health issue.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing human and animal studies on maternal obesity and offspring brain health.
  • To identify key biological mechanisms mediating these effects.
  • To propose future research and intervention strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of human and animal research.
  • Analysis of studies investigating maternal obesity and child neurodevelopment.
  • Synthesis of evidence on underlying biological pathways.

Main Results:

  • Maternal obesity is associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric issues in offspring.
  • Key mechanisms include inflammation, microbiome alterations, epigenetic changes, and neurotransmitter pathway disruptions.
  • Evidence spans both clinical observations and experimental models.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal obesity poses a significant risk to offspring brain development and mental health.
  • Intervention and further research are crucial to mitigate these risks.
  • Targeting identified mechanisms may offer therapeutic avenues.

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