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Updated: May 12, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
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Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

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Maternal irisin and offspring emotional and behavioral problems: A birth cohort study

Huixian Xie1, Yi Bao1, Jiaxin Zhong1

  • 1Preventative Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.

Journal of Affective Disorders
|May 10, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Higher maternal irisin during pregnancy is linked to fewer offspring emotional and behavioral issues. Maternal physical activity may enhance these protective effects, particularly for behavioral problems and peer relationships.

Area of Science:

  • Neurobiology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Maternal Health

Background:

  • Irisin, a myokine, is implicated in neuropsychological diseases.
  • The role of physical activity in modulating these outcomes is not well understood.
  • Understanding maternal factors influencing offspring neurodevelopment is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal pregnancy plasma irisin levels and offspring emotional/behavioral problems.
  • To explore the potential modifying effect of maternal physical activity during pregnancy on these associations.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective birth cohort study of 408 mother-child pairs in Guangzhou.
  • Maternal plasma irisin quantified using ELISA; physical activity assessed via IPAQ.
  • Offspring emotional/behavioral problems evaluated at age 5 using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

Main Results:

  • Elevated maternal irisin levels showed a negative correlation with offspring total difficulty scores and specific issues like abnormal peer relationships.
  • Higher maternal irisin was associated with a reduced risk of emotional and behavioral problems in offspring.
  • Moderate maternal physical activity amplified the protective associations between irisin and offspring behavioral outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Higher maternal irisin during pregnancy is associated with a lower risk of emotional and behavioral problems in offspring.
  • Physical activity during pregnancy plays a modifying role in the irisin-offspring neurodevelopmental outcome relationship.
  • Findings suggest irisin and maternal exercise are potential targets for promoting child mental health.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenEmotional and behavioral problemsEndocrinology in pregnancyIrisinPhysical activity

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