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Associations between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and mean diffusivity of the hippocampus and amygdala in infants
Aylin Rosberg1,2,3, Harri Merisaari4,5, John D Lewis6
1FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Centre, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland. aylin.a.rosberg@utu.fi.
Insights
Maternal obesity may impact infant brain development. Higher maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) is linked to altered right hippocampal microstructure in newborns, but not the amygdala.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Public Health
Background:
- Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity is a growing concern due to its potential adverse effects on offspring neurodevelopment.
- Understanding the impact of maternal body mass index (BMI) on infant brain structure is crucial for early intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and the microstructural integrity of the neonatal hippocampus and amygdala.
- To explore regional differences in brain microstructure related to maternal pre-pregnancy BMI.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was employed to measure mean diffusivity (MD) in the hippocampus and amygdala of 122 neonates.
- Linear regression and non-parametric permutation analyses were used to assess the relationship between maternal BMI and regional brain MD.
Main Results:
- A significant positive association was observed between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and hippocampal mean diffusivity, particularly in the right hippocampus.
- Voxelwise analyses revealed specific regional associations within the hippocampus, with stronger links in posterior regions of the right and anterior regions of the left hippocampus.
- No significant association was found between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and amygdala mean diffusivity.
Conclusions:
- In utero exposure to higher maternal pre-pregnancy BMI may be associated with alterations in hippocampal microstructure in infants.
- These findings highlight the potential intergenerational effects of maternal obesity on early brain development and emphasize the need for further research.
Background:
Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity may negatively affect offspring outcomes, including neurodevelopment. This study examined the relationship between maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (MBMI) and the microstructure of the hippocampus and amygdala in neonates.
Methods:
Diffusion tensor imaging was used to assess mean diffusivity (MD) in these brain regions in 122 infants (mean gestational age: 39.9 weeks, mean age at scan: 24.8 days) from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study ( www.finnbrain.fi ). Linear regression was applied to explore associations between MBMI and MD at the regional level, while non-parametric permutation analysis was used for voxelwise investigations.
Results:
A positive association was found between MBMI and hippocampal MD, particularly in the right hippocampus. Voxelwise analyses showed stronger associations in distinct areas: posterior for the right hippocampus and anterior for the left. No significant association was found between MBMI and amygdala MD.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that in utero exposure to high MBMI may influence hippocampal microstructure in infants, underscoring the need for further research on the intergenerational effects of maternal obesity on early brain development.
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