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

Irisin relates to neuropsychological diseases, but physical activity's modifying role in such outcomes is understudied. This study explored associations between maternal pregnancy plasma irisin and offspring emotional/behavioral problems, plus pregnancy physical activity's potential modifying effect.

A prospective birth cohort included 408 Guangzhou mother-child pairs. Maternal pregnancy plasma irisin was quantified via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and split into four quartiles (Q1-Q4). The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire assessed 5-year-olds' emotional/behavioral problems; the International Physical Activity Questionnaire measured maternal physical activity. General Linear Models analyzed associations.

5-year-olds had 10.05%-25.49% emotional/behavioral problem prevalence, with 12.99% showing abnormal total difficulty scores. Mean maternal irisin was 14.07 ± 5.66 ng/mL. After confounder adjustment, maternal irisin negatively correlated with offspring total difficulty scores [Q2: OR = 0.20 (0.04, 0.85)], most strongly for abnormal peer relationships [Q2: OR = 0.27 (0.09, 0.77); Q3: OR = 0.33 (0.11, 0.95); Q4: OR = 0.25 (0.08, 0.74)]. Compared to the low physical activity group, stronger negative associations between maternal irisin and emotional and behavioral problems (abnormal total difficulty scores, emotional symptoms, and prosocial behavior) were found in the moderate physical activity group.

Higher maternal irisin levels during pregnancy were associated with a lower risk of emotional and behavioral problems in offspring, especially for behavioral problems and peer relationships. Physical activity during pregnancy modified the associations of maternal irisin with total difficulty scores, emotional symptoms and abnormal prosocial behavior.