The effects of early-life seizures on hippocampal dendrite development and later-life learning and memory

Prior research reveals that negative early-life experiences play a major role in the development of obesity in later life, but few studies identify mechanisms that alter the lifetime risk of obesity. This study examines the influence of negative childhood experiences on body mass index (BMI) and obesity (BMI ≥30) during older adulthood and the psychosocial and behavioral pathways involved. Using a nationally representative sample, we examine the influence of cumulative misfortune as well as five separate domains of misfortune on BMI and obesity. Results show that four of the five domains are associated with BMI and obesity either directly, indirectly, or both. The influence of cumulative misfortune on the outcomes is mediated by three adult factors: socioeconomic status, depressive symptoms, and physical activity. The mediators identified here provide targets for intervention among older adults to help offset the health risks of excess BMI attributable of early-life exposure to misfortune.

Download Full-text

Levels of Predominant Intestinal Microorganisms in 1 Month-Old Full-Term Babies and Weight Gain During the First Year of Life

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13072412 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 2412

Author(s):

Sonia González ◽

Marta Selma-Royo ◽

Silvia Arboleya ◽

Cecilia Martínez-Costa ◽

Gonzalo Solís ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Weight Gain ◽

Gut Microbiota ◽

Early Life ◽

Later Life ◽

Full Term ◽

First Year ◽

Term Infants ◽

Term Newborns ◽

Infant Weight Gain ◽

First Year Of Life

The early life gut microbiota has been reported to be involved in neonatal weight gain and later infant growth. Therefore, this early microbiota may constitute a target for the promotion of healthy neonatal growth and development with potential consequences for later life. Unfortunately, we are still far from understanding the association between neonatal microbiota and weight gain and growth. In this context, we evaluated the relationship between early microbiota and weight in a cohort of full-term infants. The absolute levels of specific fecal microorganisms were determined in 88 vaginally delivered and 36 C-section-delivered full-term newborns at 1 month of age and their growth up to 12 months of age. We observed statistically significant associations between the levels of some early life gut microbes and infant weight gain during the first year of life. Classifying the infants into tertiles according to their Staphylococcus levels at 1 month of age allowed us to observe a significantly lower weight at 12 months of life in the C-section-delivered infants from the highest tertile. Univariate and multivariate models pointed out associations between the levels of some fecal microorganisms at 1 month of age and weight gain at 6 and 12 months. Interestingly, these associations were different in vaginally and C-section-delivered babies. A significant direct association between Staphylococcus and weight gain at 1 month of life was observed in vaginally delivered babies, whereas in C-section-delivered infants, lower Bacteroides levels at 1 month were associated with higher later weight gain (at 6 and 12 months). Our results indicate an association between the gut microbiota and weight gain in early life and highlight potential microbial predictors for later weight gain.

Download Full-text

Association between early bronchiolitis and the development of childhood asthma: a meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043956 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. e043956

Author(s):

Guizuo Wang ◽

Dong Han ◽

Zhengdong Jiang ◽

Manxiang Li ◽

Shumei Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Early Life ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Late Onset ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Later Life ◽

Analysis Data ◽

Fixed Effects Model ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Registration Number

ObjectiveEarly life bronchiolitis has been hypothesised to be associated with the subsequent risk of persistent wheezing or asthma. However, the link remains controversial. The objective of our study was to evaluate the association between bronchiolitis before 2 years of age and the late-onset wheezing/asthma.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsPubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for studies published between 1955 and January 2020. Meanwhile, we also checked through the reference lists of relevant articles to see whether these references included reports of other studies that might be eligible for the review. Cohort and case–control studies assessing the association between early-life bronchiolitis and late-onset wheezing/asthma were included in this meta-analysis. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. Results were pooled using a random-effects model or fixed-effects model according to the heterogeneity among studies.Results32 original articles with 292 844 participants, which met the criteria, were included in this meta-analysis. Bronchiolitis before 2 years of age was associated with an increased risk of subsequent wheezing/asthma (relative risk=2.46, 95% CI 2.14 to 2.82, p<0.001). After categorising studies into different groups based on age at the end of follow-up, geographical region and study quality, the association still remained significant.ConclusionsThe meta-analysis indicates an association between bronchiolitis before 2 years of age and the wheezing/asthma in later life. Well-designed and highly standardised prospective studies that better address bias due to potential confounding factors are needed to validate the risk identified in our meta-analysis.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018089453.

Download Full-text

Body size throughout the life-course and incident benign prostatic hyperplasia-related outcomes and nocturia

BMC Urology ◽

10.1186/s12894-021-00816-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Saira Khan ◽

K. Y. Wolin ◽

R. Pakpahan ◽

R. L. Grubb ◽

G. A. Colditz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Size ◽

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia ◽

Life Course ◽

Early Life ◽

Prostate Volume ◽

Late Life ◽

Later Life ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Prostatic Hyperplasia ◽

The Life Course

Abstract Background Existing evidence suggests that there is an association between body size and prevalent Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)-related outcomes and nocturia. However, there is limited evidence on the association between body size throughout the life-course and incident BPH-related outcomes. Methods Our study population consisted of men without histories of prostate cancer, BPH-related outcomes, or nocturia in the intervention arm of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO) (n = 4710). Associations for body size in early- (age 20), mid- (age 50) and late-life (age ≥ 55, mean age 60.7 years) and weight change with incident BPH-related outcomes (including self-reported nocturia and physician diagnosis of BPH, digital rectal examination-estimated prostate volume ≥ 30 cc, and prostate-specific antigen [PSA] concentration > 1.4 ng/mL) were examined using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation. Results Men who were obese in late-life were 25% more likely to report nocturia (Relative Risk (RR): 1.25, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.11–1.40; p-trendfor continuous BMI < 0.0001) and men who were either overweight or obese in late-life were more likely to report a prostate volume ≥ 30 cc (RRoverweight: 1.13, 95% CI 1.07–1.21; RRobese: 1.10, 95% CI 1.02–1.19; p-trendfor continuous BMI = 0.017) as compared to normal weight men. Obesity at ages 20 and 50 was similarly associated with both nocturia and prostate volume ≥ 30 cc. Considering trajectories of body size, men who were normal weight at age 20 and became overweight or obese by later-life had increased risks of nocturia (RRnormal to overweight: 1.09, 95% CI 0.98–1.22; RRnormal to obese: 1.28, 95% CI 1.10–1.47) and a prostate volume ≥ 30 cc (RRnormal to overweight: 1.12, 95% CI 1.05–1.20). Too few men were obese early in life to examine the independent effect of early-life body size. Later-life body size modified the association between physical activity and nocturia. Conclusions We found that later-life body size, independent of early-life body size, was associated with adverse BPH outcomes, suggesting that interventions to reduce body size even late in life can potentially reduce the burden of BPH-related outcomes and nocturia.

Download Full-text

Rearing experience with ramps improves specific learning and behaviour and welfare on a commercial laying farm

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-88347-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kate I. Norman ◽

Claire A. Weeks ◽

John F. Tarlton ◽

Christine J. Nicol

Keyword(s):

Early Life ◽

Life Experience ◽

Later Life ◽

Welfare Benefits ◽

Early Life Experience ◽

Bone Damage ◽

Specific Learning

AbstractTo access resources in commercial laying houses hens must move between levels with agility to avoid injury. This study considered whether providing ramps during rear improved the ability of birds to transition between levels. Twelve commercial flocks (2000 birds/flock) on a multi-age site were examined between 1 and 40 weeks of age. All birds had access to elevated perching structures from 4 days of age. Six treatment flocks were also provided with ramps during rear to facilitate access to these structures. Flocks were visited three times during rear and three times at lay to record transitioning behaviour and use of the elevated structures, together with scores for keel bone and feather damage. Ramp reared flocks used the elevated structures to a greater extent at rear (P = 0.001) and at lay, when all flocks had ramps, showed less hesitancy [i.e. pacing (P = 0.002), crouching (P = 0.001) and wing-flapping (P = 0.001)] in accessing levels. Mean levels of keel bone damage were reduced in ramp reared flocks (52%) compared with control flocks (64.8%) at 40 weeks of age (P = 0.028). The early life experience of the ramp reared flocks enabled specific learning that translated and persisted in later life and resulted in overall welfare benefits.

Download Full-text

Early Life Conditions and Cognitive Functioning in Later Life

American Journal of Epidemiology ◽

10.1093/aje/kwg263 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 158 (11) ◽

pp. 1083-1089 ◽

Cited By ~ 73

Author(s):

S. A. Everson-Rose

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Functioning ◽

Early Life ◽

Later Life ◽

Life Conditions ◽

Early Life Conditions

Download Full-text

Epigenetics and DOHaD: from basics to birth and beyond

Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease ◽

10.1017/s2040174417000733 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 8 (5) ◽

pp. 513-519 ◽

Cited By ~ 74

Author(s):

T. Bianco-Miotto ◽

J. M. Craig ◽

Y. P. Gasser ◽

S. J. van Dijk ◽

S. E. Ozanne

Keyword(s):

Dna Methylation ◽

Chronic Disease ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Early Life ◽

Later Life ◽

Metabolic Health ◽

Number Of Children ◽

Early Life Environment ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Early Life Exposures

Developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) is the study of how the early life environment can impact the risk of chronic diseases from childhood to adulthood and the mechanisms involved. Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs are involved in mediating how early life environment impacts later health. This review is a summary of the Epigenetics and DOHaD workshop held at the 2016 DOHaD Society of Australia and New Zealand Conference. Our extensive knowledge of how the early life environment impacts later risk for chronic disease would not have been possible without animal models. In this review we highlight some animal model examples that demonstrate how an adverse early life exposure results in epigenetic and gene expression changes that may contribute to increased risk of chronic disease later in life. Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease are chronic diseases with an increasing incidence due to the increased number of children and adults that are obese. Epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation have been shown to be associated with metabolic health measures and potentially predict future metabolic health status. Although more difficult to elucidate in humans, recent studies suggest that DNA methylation may be one of the epigenetic mechanisms that mediates the effects of early life exposures on later life risk of obesity and obesity related diseases. Finally, we discuss the role of the microbiome and how it is a new player in developmental programming and mediating early life exposures on later risk of chronic disease.

Download Full-text

Early Life Adversity as a Risk Factor for Fibromyalgia in Later Life

Holistic Perspectives on Trauma ◽

10.1201/b18313-21 ◽

2015 ◽

pp. 341-374

Keyword(s):

Risk Factor ◽

Early Life ◽

Later Life ◽

Early Life Adversity

Download Full-text

Early-life circumstances and the risk of function-limiting long-term conditions in later life

Longitudinal and Life Course Studies ◽

10.1332/175795919x15762565000695 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 157-180

Author(s):

Matthew H. Iveson ◽

Chris Dibben ◽

Ian J. Deary

Keyword(s):

Life Course ◽

Cognitive Ability ◽

Early Life ◽

Economic Status ◽

Functional Limitation ◽

Later Life ◽

Socio Economic Status ◽

Childhood Cognitive Ability ◽

The Life Course

Older adults are particularly prone to function-limiting health issues that adversely affect their well-being. Previous work has identified factors from across the life course –childhood socio-economic status, childhood cognitive ability and education – that predict later-life functional outcomes. However, the independence of these contributions is unclear as later-in-the-life-course predictors are themselves affected by earlier ones. The present study capitalised on the recent linkage of the Scottish Mental Survey 1947 with the Scottish Longitudinal Study, using path analyses to examine the direct and indirect associations between life-course predictors and the risk of functional limitation at ages 55 (N = 2,374), 65 (N = 1,971) and 75 (N = 1,534). The odds of reporting a function-limiting long-term condition increased across later life. At age 55, reporting a functional limitation was significantly less likely in those with higher childhood socio-economic status, higher childhood cognitive ability and higher educational attainment; these associations were only partly mediated by other predictors. At age 65, adult socio-economic status emerged as a mediator of several associations, although direct associations with childhood socio-economic status and childhood cognitive ability were still observed. At age 75, only childhood socio-economic status and adult socio-economic status directly predicted the risk of a functional limitation, particularly those associated with disease or illness. A consistent pattern and direction of associations was observed with self-rated health more generally. These results demonstrate that early-life and adult circumstances are associated with functional limitations later in life, but that these associations are partly a product of complex mediation between life-course factors.

Download Full-text

Pain and immunity

Oxford Textbook of Pediatric Pain ◽

10.1093/med/9780198818762.003.0007 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 67-71

Author(s):

Simon Beggs

Keyword(s):

Nervous System ◽

Immune System ◽

Early Life ◽

System Development ◽

Later Life ◽

Nervous System Development ◽

Neuronal Function ◽

Neuronal Homeostasis ◽

Neuroimmune Interactions ◽

The Central Nervous System

The central nervous system (CNS) and immune system are inextricably linked. The complexity of their interactions is still being unraveled, but the list of processes mediated wholly or in part by neuroimmune interactions continues to grow. The influence of the immune system is crucial for normal nervous system development both pre- and postnatally, for maintaining neuronal homeostasis in the mature CNS and modulating synaptic plasticity. Aberrations in this crosstalk have been implicated in many neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. It is not feasible to explore neuronal function at any point in the lifespan, in health or disease, without considering the influence of the immune system. In the adult animal it is now well established that pain chronicity is maintained by immune influence upon the neuronal nociceptive system, although, fascinatingly, there is now evidence for a marked sexual dimorphism in how the immune and nervous systems interact. This holds true for pain in early life, where the two still-developing systems provide a very different environment to mediate nociception and pain. Of particular interest is how the immune system and sex interact to early life painful events to prime pain responses in later life.

Download Full-text