Abstract
Background
Recent research suggests that immune dysregulation in pregnancy could be a risk factor
for anxiety and depression symptoms in offspring. Whereas animal studies have demonstrated
the importance of the link between perinatal cytokines and abnormal behaviors in offspring,
human epidemiological studies in this area remain limited. The objectives of the study
were to describe the network of cord serum cytokines at birth and test whether they
are associated with subsequent anxiety and depression symptom trajectories in offspring.
Methods
We used data and biological samples from 871 mother–child pairs followed up from pregnancy
to 8 years of age and participating in the French mother–child cohort EDEN (a study
on the pre- and early postnatal determinants of child health and development). Cord
serum cytokines were measured at birth. Children’s symptoms of anxiety and depression
were assessed with the emotional difficulties subscore of the Strength and Difficulties
Questionnaire at ages 3, 5, and 8 years, from which trajectories of anxiety-depression
symptoms were derived.
Results
Results showed a significant association between cord serum interleukin-7 at birth
and the trajectories of children’s anxiety-depression symptoms between ages 3 to 8
years (adjusted odds ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.57–0.93). The associations
considered relevant confounders, including prenatal maternal depressive symptoms.
Conclusions
Early immune changes may contribute to subsequent anxiety and depression symptoms
in childhood. Beyond the understanding of mechanisms underlying the occurrence of
emotional difficulties in children, our findings open avenues for future research
in human and animals.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 23, 2020
Accepted:
October 12,
2020
Received in revised form:
September 23,
2020
Received:
June 18,
2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Society of Biological Psychiatry.
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- Research Into Early Immune System Activity and Later Psychological Distress: Promises and Challenges AheadBiological PsychiatryVol. 89Issue 6
