Association between placental epigenetic age acceleration and early postnatal growth patterns

Area of Science:

• Perinatal biology
• Developmental pediatrics
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Placental gestational age acceleration (GAA) is the discrepancy between actual and epigenetically estimated gestational age at birth.
• Understanding placental GAA's role in early childhood growth is vital for identifying infants at risk of altered growth and long-term health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between placental GAA and longitudinal growth trajectories (weight, height, fat mass, lean mass) in early childhood.

Main Methods:

• Epigenetic GAA calculated from placental DNA methylation at birth.
• Longitudinal measures of weight, height, fat mass, and lean mass used to characterize growth trajectories.

Main Results:

• Higher placental GAA significantly associated with slower weight gain (95% CI [-0.03, -0.001]) and fat mass gain (95% CI [-0.08, -0.02]).
• Reduced average fat mass observed with higher placental GAA.
• No significant associations found between placental GAA and height or lean mass gain.

Conclusions:

• Placental GAA provides early insights into altered postnatal growth, particularly for weight and fat mass.
• Increased placental GAA correlates with decreased weight and fat mass gain over time.
• Perinatal factors like placental GAA are important in shaping early childhood growth trajectories and long-term health outcomes.