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Sex-specific white matter alterations in children exposed to high pregestational BMI

Samson Nivins1, Jess Reynolds2, Gerald F Giesbrecht3

  • 1Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)
|April 7, 2025
PubMed

Insights

High pregestational BMI in mothers is linked to altered white matter microstructure in children, affecting cognitive performance. These brain changes show sex-specific differences and highlight the importance of maternal weight management.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • High pregestational body mass index (BMI) is a growing public health concern.
  • Maternal pregestational BMI may influence fetal development and long-term child health outcomes.
  • Understanding the impact of pregestational BMI on early brain development is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between high pregestational BMI (≥25 kg/m²) and white matter microstructure in early childhood.
  • To explore potential sex-specific effects of maternal pregestational BMI on child brain development.
  • To examine if altered white matter microstructure is linked to cognitive performance in children.

Main Methods:

  • Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to assess white matter microstructure (mean fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity) in 90 children aged 2-7 years.
  • Pregestational BMI was determined from self-reported weight and measured height.
  • Child cognitive outcomes were assessed using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence.

Main Results:

  • Children exposed to high pregestational BMI exhibited lower fractional anisotropy (FA) in key white matter tracts, including the superior longitudinal fasciculus and corpus callosum.
  • These FA alterations were associated with poorer cognitive outcomes in exposed children.
  • Sex-specific differences were observed: exposed males showed higher FA in the fornix, while exposed females had lower FA in the corpus callosum.

Conclusions:

  • High pregestational BMI is associated with significant alterations in white matter microstructure during early childhood.
  • These brain changes manifest in a sex-specific manner.
  • Promoting healthy lifestyles and weight management before and during pregnancy is essential for optimal child neurodevelopment.
Abstract

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