Author:
Tesfaye Markos,Wu Jing,Biedrzycki Richard J.,Grantz Katherine L.,Joseph Paule,Tekola-Ayele Fasil
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Poor social support during pregnancy has been linked to inflammation and adverse pregnancy and childhood health outcomes. Placental epigenetic alterations may underlie these links but are still unknown in humans.
Methods
In a cohort of low-risk pregnant women (n = 301) from diverse ethnic backgrounds, social support was measured using the ENRICHD Social Support Inventory (ESSI) during the first trimester. Placental samples collected at delivery were analyzed for DNA methylation and gene expression using Illumina 450K Beadchip Array and RNA-seq, respectively. We examined association between maternal prenatal social support and DNA methylation in placenta. Associated cytosine-(phosphate)-guanine sites (CpGs) were further assessed for correlation with nearby gene expression in placenta.
Results
The mean age (SD) of the women was 27.7 (5.3) years. The median (interquartile range) of ESSI scores was 24 (22–25). Prenatal social support was significantly associated with methylation level at seven CpGs (PFDR < 0.05). The methylation levels at two of the seven CpGs correlated with placental expression of VGF and ILVBL (PFDR < 0.05), genes known to be involved in neurodevelopment and energy metabolism. The genes annotated with the top 100 CpGs were enriched for pathways related to fetal growth, coagulation system, energy metabolism, and neurodevelopment. Sex-stratified analysis identified additional significant associations at nine CpGs in male-bearing pregnancies and 35 CpGs in female-bearing pregnancies.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that prenatal social support is linked to placental DNA methylation changes in a low-stress setting, including fetal sex-dependent epigenetic changes. Given the relevance of some of these changes in fetal neurodevelopmental outcomes, the findings signal important methylation targets for future research on molecular mechanisms of effect of the broader social environment on pregnancy and fetal outcomes.
Trial registration
NCT00912132 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Funder
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
NIH Office of the Director
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Office for Workforce Diversity
Rockefeller University
National Institute of Nursing Research
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
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