Anishma Karmacharya, Shiho Kasai, Yuuka Mukai, Shin Sato
{"title":"Maternal broccoli powder intake during lactation alters inflammatory status and modulates AMPK phosphorylation in the liver and hypothalamus of female weaning rats programmed by maternal protein restriction.","authors":"Anishma Karmacharya, Shiho Kasai, Yuuka Mukai, Shin Sato","doi":"10.1017/S2040174426100543","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S2040174426100543","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The effects of maternal broccoli powder (BP) intake on inflammation and AMPK activation in weaning offspring programmed by maternal undernutrition remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate whether maternal BP intake during lactation ameliorates inflammation and affects AMPK phosphorylation in the hypothalamus and liver of weaning offspring subjected to maternal undernutrition. Pregnant rats received either a normal protein (NP, 20% casein) or a low protein (LP, 8% casein) diet. During lactation, dams were provided with either a normal protein diet without or with 0.74% BP (NP/NP or NP/NPBP) or a low protein diet without or with 0.74% BP (LP/LP or LP/LPBP). Blood, liver (left lateral lobular region), and hypothalamic samples (region estimated to include the arcuate nucleus and ventromedial hypothalamus) were collected on postnatal day 21. In the liver, macrophage count, NFκB p65 protein expression, and TNF-α mRNA expression were lower in LP/LPBP than in LP/LP. In the hypothalamus, Iba1 mRNA expression, NFκB p65 protein expression, and TNF-<i>α</i> mRNA expression were reduced in LP/LPBP compared to LP/LP. AMPK phosphorylation was upregulated in both the liver and hypothalamus of LP/LPBP offspring relative to LP/LP. In the liver, mTOR and Akt phosphorylation were downregulated in LP/LPBP compared to LP/LP. Additionally, Dnmt1 levels were lower in LP/LPBP than in LP/LP in the liver, whereas in the hypothalamus, Dnmt1 and Dnmt3a mRNA expression levels were higher in NP/NPBP than in NP/NP. In conclusion, maternal BP intake during lactation decreased inflammation and increased AMPK phosphorylation in the liver and hypothalamus of weaning rats programmed by maternal undernutrition.</p>","PeriodicalId":49167,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease","volume":"17 ","pages":"e21"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147787006","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dylis-Judith Fafa Godson, Linda L Knol, Jeannine C Lawrence
{"title":"Nativity differences in the body roundness index, with reference to body mass index, among Black adults in the United States: NHANES 2011-2018.","authors":"Dylis-Judith Fafa Godson, Linda L Knol, Jeannine C Lawrence","doi":"10.1017/S204017442610052X","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S204017442610052X","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Studies frequently view Black populations as homogenous, disregarding important diversity within this population. Furthermore, nativity can be key to distinguishing health risks among this population. Yet few researchers have examined these distinctions using body roundness index (BRI), a measure of central adiposity. We assessed the relationship between nativity and BRI among non-Hispanic Black people in the United States (US) using cross-sectional data from the 2011-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). BRI was calculated using height, weight, and waist circumference. Nativity was categorized as US-born and foreign-born. Multilinear regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between BRI and nativity, controlling for demographic characteristics and Healthy Eating Index scores. The average age and BRI score of participants were 44.74 ± 0.46 and 5.36 ± 0.04, respectively. Among eligible participants (3341), 9.6% were foreign-born (<i>n</i> = 322). In multivariate regression models adjusting for covariates, men had significantly lower BRI scores than women (4.67 ± 0.04 versus 5.96 ± 0.05; <i>β</i> = -1.25; t<sub>61</sub> = 24.60; <i>P</i> < 0.0001), and BRI increased with age (<i>β</i> = 0.02; <i>t</i><sub>61</sub> = 9.17; <i>P</i> < 0.0001). US-born Black people had significantly higher BRI scores compared to their foreign-born counterparts (5.40 ± 0.04 versus 5.00 ± 0.09; <i>β</i> = -0.36; <i>t</i><sub>61</sub> = -3.99; <i>P</i> = 0.0002). Results suggest that nativity is associated with central adiposity, with potential implications for cardiometabolic disease risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":49167,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease","volume":"17 ","pages":"e19"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147629293","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Dietary soy protein supplementation during lactation ameliorates growth and stress-axis dysregulation in low birth weight rats.","authors":"Takahiro Nemoto, Hitomi Yoshizaki, Yoshihiko Kakinuma","doi":"10.1017/S2040174426100531","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S2040174426100531","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis highlights the pivotal role of early-life nutrition in shaping lifelong health and disease risk. Low birth weight (LBW) remains a major public health issue associated with increased susceptibility to metabolic and cardiovascular disease, underscoring the need for early nutritional interventions. We investigated whether dietary supplementation with soy protein isolate (SPI) during lactation could mitigate adverse developmental programming in a rat model of LBW induced by maternal calorie restriction. Dams received an SPI-supplemented diet during lactation, and offspring were evaluated for postnatal growth, circulating IGF-1 and corticosterone concentrations, and pituitary expression of Gas5 lncRNA, miR-23b, and Pomc. Stress responsiveness and glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity were also assessed. SPI supplementation restored postnatal growth and IGF-1 concentrations in female offspring, and in males, it normalized pituitary Gas5 lncRNA and Pomc mRNA expressions, reduced stress-induced corticosterone hypersecretion, and improved pituitary glucocorticoid sensitivity. These findings indicate that SPI intervention during lactation can partially reverse epigenetic dysregulation of the stress and somatotropic axes caused by fetal undernutrition. Nutritional modulation during lactation thus represents a critical window for early intervention in LBW offspring. SPI supplementation may enhance endocrine and metabolic resilience, providing a practical nutritional programming approach to reduce future disease risk, consistent with the DOHaD paradigm.</p>","PeriodicalId":49167,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease","volume":"17 ","pages":"e20"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147629275","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ron Beloosesky, Mina Desai, Makiko Yamada, Osnat Zmora, Michael G Ross
{"title":"Maternal undernutrition in pregnancy and lactation programs impaired immune system development and function in male offspring.","authors":"Ron Beloosesky, Mina Desai, Makiko Yamada, Osnat Zmora, Michael G Ross","doi":"10.1017/S204017442610049X","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S204017442610049X","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined the impact of maternal undernutrition during gestation and/or lactation on neonatal immune indices. From day 10 of gestation to term, pregnant rats received either ad libitum (AdLib) feeding or 50% food restriction (FR). After birth, pups were either nursed by their own dams or cross-fostered, resulting in three groups (<i>n</i> = 6 per group): a control group with AdLib feeding throughout (AdLib/AdLib), a group with FR only during gestation (FR/AdLib), and a group with FR during both gestation and lactation (FR/FR). At day of life 1 and at three weeks of age, spleen and thymus weights, as well as basal and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated TNF levels and white blood cell indices, were measured in male offspring. At day of life 1, immunological indices were similar among groups. By three weeks, monocyte percentage was significantly decreased in FR/FR compared with AdLib/AdLib (1.6 ± 0.5% vs. 3.1 ± 0.4%). Relative spleen weight (adjusted for body weight) was also significantly lower in FR/FR compared with both AdLib/AdLib and FR/AdLib. Following LPS administration, TNF-α levels were reduced in FR/FR compared with FR/AdLib and AdLib/AdLib (206 ± 28 vs. 511 ± 91 and 484 ± 59 pg/ml, respectively; <i>P</i> < 0.05). Moreover, in FR/FR offspring, monocyte (5.4 ± 1.1% vs. 2.0 ± 0.6% and 2.0 ± 0.7%) and neutrophil (50.6 ± 5.5% vs. 17.2 ± 2.4% and 20.0 ± 4.2%) percentages were significantly increased, while lymphocyte percentage (43.2 ± 5.9% vs. 80.0 ± 2.4% and 77.2 ± 4.4%) was decreased compared with FR/AdLib and AdLib/AdLib. These findings suggest that undernutrition during both prenatal and postnatal periods can attenuate neonatal immunity by decreasing basal monocyte counts and impairing cytokine responses.</p>","PeriodicalId":49167,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease","volume":"17 ","pages":"e18"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147595428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Andrea Gretchev, Heide S Temples, Gillian England-Mason, Deborah Dewey, Sara M Sarasua, Christopher Farrell, Vivian Haley-Zitlin
{"title":"Unpacking developmental programming: a conceptual and historical analysis in the context of DOHaD.","authors":"Andrea Gretchev, Heide S Temples, Gillian England-Mason, Deborah Dewey, Sara M Sarasua, Christopher Farrell, Vivian Haley-Zitlin","doi":"10.1017/S2040174426100518","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S2040174426100518","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) paradigm posits that early environmental factors may influence a child’s development and long-term health outcomes. Developmental programming (DP) is central to this paradigm, whereby specific early life exposures during critical periods of development are associated with changes to physiological and metabolic pathways, potentially predisposing individuals to disease. However, no standard definition of DP exists, and various terms have been used to describe similar processes. This analysis aimed to develop a conceptual definition for DP to inform interdisciplinary research, education, and practice. Walker and Avant’s eight-step method was employed to analyze the literature, incorporating elements of Rogers’ evolutionary approach to present the temporal and contextual evolution of the concept. A systematic search of MEDLINE with the EBSCOhost database was performed using the search term “developmental programming,” resulting in 95 titles included in this review. Defining attributes associated with DP include epigenetics, ontogeny, critical periods, and plasticity. Antecedents for DP may include maternal and infant nutrition, maternal disease and medication, lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and stress. The potential consequences include cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, diabetes, neurodevelopmental disorders, endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, and mental health conditions. Effective healthcare provider education, knowledge dissemination, and addressing the social determinants of health through a population health approach are essential to translate DP theory and empirical evidence into practice. A common language and understanding of DP can improve the interdisciplinary advancement of DOHaD research to inform practice and education.</p>","PeriodicalId":49167,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease","volume":"17 ","pages":"e17"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147595565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Association between maternal bonding difficulty and neurodevelopmental delay in children aged 2 to 4 years: the Japan Environment and Children's Study.","authors":"Toshie Nishigori, Hidekazu Nishigori, Akiko Sato, Yuka Ogata, Toma Fukuda, Tsuyoshi Murata, Hyo Kyozuka, Mika Yamada, Mina Chishiki, Seiji Yasumura, Keiya Fujimori, Mitsuaki Hosoya, Koichi Hashimoto","doi":"10.1017/S2040174426100476","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1017/S2040174426100476","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We aimed to determine the association between maternal bonding difficulty in the postpartum period and children's neurodevelopment, considering maternal psychological distress and child sex-specific differences. To evaluate the relationship, the dataset of the Japan Environment and Children's Study was used, as well as the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS), the six-item version of the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) for mothers, and the Ages and Stages Questionnaires Third Edition for children aged 2 to 4 years. Maternal MIBS and K6 were administered at 1 year postpartum. Data from 24,798 boys and 24,025 girls were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses, with the reference groups being those with maternal MIBS scores ≤4 and K6 scores ≤4, were performed. The Benjamini-Hochberg procedure was employed to account for multiple testing. In boys, maternal bonding difficulty (MIBS score ≥5) without psychological distress (K6 score ≤4) was associated with a screen-positive result for neurodevelopmental delay in all five domains (communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and personal-social) at ages 2 to 4 years. In girls, maternal bonding difficulty without psychological distress was associated with a screen-positive result for neurodevelopmental delay in all five domains at 2 years of age. However, at age 4 years, maternal bonding difficulty without psychological distress was no longer associated with a screen-positive result for problem-solving delay in girls. The association of maternal bonding difficulty without psychological distress at 1 year postpartum with screen-positive result for problem-solving delay persisted in boys, but at age 4 years in girls, the association no longer existed.</p>","PeriodicalId":49167,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease","volume":"17 ","pages":"e16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147582906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rebecca M Swanson, Bethania J Davila Ruiz, Jennifer L Hurlbert, Wellison J S Diniz, Priyanka Banerjee, Carl Dahlen, Matthew S Crouse, Kathlyn M Hauxwell, Joel S Caton, Lawrence Reynolds
{"title":"Livestock models of maternal nutrition and developmental programming.","authors":"Rebecca M Swanson, Bethania J Davila Ruiz, Jennifer L Hurlbert, Wellison J S Diniz, Priyanka Banerjee, Carl Dahlen, Matthew S Crouse, Kathlyn M Hauxwell, Joel S Caton, Lawrence Reynolds","doi":"10.1017/S2040174426100452","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S2040174426100452","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Developmental programming has emerged as one of the major biological principles and biomedical issues of this century because of its potential for long-term, even transgenerational, effects on the health and productivity of offspring. Livestock models have been widely used to establish the mechanisms of developmental programming in fetuses and offspring, and accordingly present data with dual benefits; both serving animal agricultural purposes and providing insights for biomedical applications. Livestock models have furthered our understanding of how developmental processes can influence postnatal health and productivity in the short- and long-term. In addition, because livestock are key to agricultural sustainability and food security, studies in livestock contribute to human livelihood. In this review, we will focus on the influence of maternal nutrition in livestock models on developmental outcomes. Maternal nutritional models include global nutrient intake (over- and under-nutrition) and supplementation of specific macro and micronutrients. Specifically, we will review the effects of maternal nutrition on: placental function, key metabolic tissues of the fetus/offspring (visceral tissues, skeletal muscle, and immune system), genetics, epigenetics, and transgenerational programming, parturition, and the underlying mechanism of developmental programming. Lastly, we will focus on gaps in knowledge and future research directions.</p>","PeriodicalId":49167,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease","volume":"17 ","pages":"e14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147367041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Emily Stevenson, Daniella Susic, Maria E Craig, Amanda Henry, Megan Gow
{"title":"Maternal antenatal health and infant growth outcomes: a Microbiome Understanding in Maternity Study.","authors":"Emily Stevenson, Daniella Susic, Maria E Craig, Amanda Henry, Megan Gow","doi":"10.1017/S2040174425100378","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S2040174425100378","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The influence of the maternal antenatal environment on infant growth and development beyond the neonatal period is not well understood. This study investigated associations between maternal cardiometabolic health and lifestyle on infant growth during the first year of life. This sub-study of the longitudinal Microbiome Understanding in Maternity Study included 87 mother-infant dyads. Maternal anthropometrics were collected at each trimester. Lifestyle was assessed through the Australian Eating Survey (Trimester T1 and T3) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (T1, T2 and T3). Infant anthropometrics were measured at birth, 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months. Changes in weight, weight-for-age z-score, length-for-age z-score, rapid weight gain and conditional weight gain (CWG) were determined. Multiple linear regression was used to assess associations between maternal parameters and infant growth, adjusting for common confounders. Maternal T1 weight (CWG: <i>p</i> = 0.03), T3 weight (CWG: <i>p</i> = 0.03) and GWG (weight z-score change: <i>p</i> = 0.031) were positively associated with increased infant growth from 0 to 6 months. Greater maternal fat mass was associated with increased CWG (<i>p</i> = 0.042) from 6 weeks to 6 months. Higher quality maternal T1 diet was associated with increased infant growth (weight z-score change: <i>p</i> = 0.022, CWG: <i>p</i> = 0.013) from 0 to 12 months. Increased maternal physical activity was associated with increased CWG (<i>p</i> = 0.022) and length z-score change (<i>p</i> = 0.024) from 0 to 12 months in T1, and increased CWG from 6 to 12 months in T2 (<i>p</i> = 0.014) and T3 (<i>p</i> = 0.047). Markers of maternal cardiometabolic health risk and healthier lifestyle were associated with increased infant growth. Further investigation is required to confirm findings and investigate links with future health sequelae.</p>","PeriodicalId":49167,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease","volume":"17 ","pages":"e15"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147367078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hawawu Hussein, Andrew Matchado, Olufunke Florence Ajeigbe, Phdelia Theresa Doegah, Twaambo Euphemia Hamoonga, Takana Mary Silubonde, Gudani Goodman Mukoma, Nicholas Ekow Thomford, Andrew Macnab
{"title":"Adolescents' interest in breastfeeding practices: using school-based education to promote future DOHaD-related parenting in Africa.","authors":"Hawawu Hussein, Andrew Matchado, Olufunke Florence Ajeigbe, Phdelia Theresa Doegah, Twaambo Euphemia Hamoonga, Takana Mary Silubonde, Gudani Goodman Mukoma, Nicholas Ekow Thomford, Andrew Macnab","doi":"10.1017/S2040174426100506","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S2040174426100506","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Breastfeeding is a critical component of infant nutrition, and breastfed infants are less likely to become stunted or obese reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases in adult life. Optimal breastfeeding practices remain a challenge worldwide; as adolescents are the mothers and fathers of tomorrow, integrating DOHaD-informed knowledge into school curricula is called for. However, research indicates adolescents have low awareness of the importance of the first 1000 days of life, only see specific elements as relevant to them, and gender-related differences exist in their comprehension. This study evaluated the impact on adolescents of an in-class presentation on parenting and the benefits of breastfeeding in high schools in 5 African countries. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires were completed by 345 pupils (182 girls, 163 boys, mean age 17.9 years). Analysis indicated the education session impacted pupils' perceptions of parenting and changed which aspects of breastfeeding they viewed as most and least interesting. A statistically significant difference was evident between genders on the importance of cost-benefits; more boys saw relevance for fathers that no cost is incurred for formula. Boys also ranked the potential to reduce diabetes healthcare costs in adult life higher than girls. Girls preferentially ranked breastfed babies crying less, being easier to feed at night, and diaper changing being less gross as benefits for fathers. School-based education can engage adolescents and impact knowledge and attitudes about breastfeeding. Awareness of differences in girls' and boys' perceptions of relevance will enable educational content to be targeted to attract and inform both genders.</p>","PeriodicalId":49167,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease","volume":"17 ","pages":"e13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Impact of prenatal micro/nanoplastics exposure on intrauterine development and growth: a systematic review.","authors":"Menghan Sha, Jing Peng, Ying Yang, Norbert Zhong, Yun Zhao","doi":"10.1017/S2040174425100159","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S2040174425100159","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) pollution has become a global environmental concern due to its widespread presence and diverse sources. These tiny plastic particles, originating from industrial processes, plastic waste degradation, and consumer products, have infiltrated various ecosystems, food chains, and even human tissues. Recent studies indicate that MNPs are not only pervasive in air, water, and soil but also accumulate in the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure. However, the implications of MNPs exposure, particularly during pregnancy, remain poorly understood. Of critical concern is the potential transfer of MNPs and their associated chemical additives across the placental barrier, posing risks to fetal development. In this review, we comprehensively analyze mainstream technologies used for detecting and characterizing MNPs, including spectroscopy- and microscopy-based approaches, as well as emerging detection methods. We also examine recent findings on the toxicity of MNP-associated chemicals, such as endocrine-disrupting compounds and heavy metals, which may have long-term effects on human health. Particular emphasis is placed on how maternal exposure to MNPs could impact offspring development, potentially leading to neurodevelopmental disorders, metabolic disturbances, and immune system dysregulation. Despite growing concerns, research gaps persist regarding the precise mechanisms through which MNPs influence maternal and fetal health. The findings recommend for further multidisciplinary research to assess the long-term consequences of prenatal MNPs exposure. Addressing these uncertainties is crucial for informing public health policies, mitigating risks, and ensuring the well-being of pregnant women and future generations.</p>","PeriodicalId":49167,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease","volume":"17 ","pages":"e12"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147327802","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}