A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Associations between maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and mean diffusivity of the hippocampus and amygdala in infants
Authors: Rosberg, Aylin; Merisaari, Harri; Lewis, John D.; Hashempour, Niloofar; Lukkarinen, Minna; Rasmussen, Jerod M.; Scheinin, Noora M.; Karlsson, Linnea; Karlsson, Hasse; Tuulari, Jetro J.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Publication year: 2025
Journal: International Journal of Obesity
Journal name in source: International Journal of Obesity
ISSN: 0307-0565
eISSN: 1476-5497
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-025-01730-8
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-025-01730-8
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/484670722
Background: Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity may negatively affect offspring outcomes, including neurodevelopment. This study examined the relationship between maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (MBMI) and the microstructure of the hippocampus and amygdala in neonates.
Methods: Diffusion tensor imaging was used to assess mean diffusivity (MD) in these brain regions in 122 infants (mean gestational age: 39.9 weeks, mean age at scan: 24.8 days) from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study ( www.finnbrain.fi ). Linear regression was applied to explore associations between MBMI and MD at the regional level, while non-parametric permutation analysis was used for voxelwise investigations.
Results: A positive association was found between MBMI and hippocampal MD, particularly in the right hippocampus. Voxelwise analyses showed stronger associations in distinct areas: posterior for the right hippocampus and anterior for the left. No significant association was found between MBMI and amygdala MD.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that in utero exposure to high MBMI may influence hippocampal microstructure in infants, underscoring the need for further research on the intergenerational effects of maternal obesity on early brain development.
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Funding information in the publication:
This research was funded by: AR: Signe and Ane Gyllenberg Foundation. HM: Research Council of Finland (#26080983). NH: University of Turku Graduate School. JMR: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development R00 HD100593. NMS: Finnish State Grants for Clinical Research (ERVA). LK: Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, YI Grant (#1956); Research Council of Finland (#308176); Signe and Ane Gyllenberg Foundation; Finnish State Grants for Clinical Research. HK: Research Council of Finland (#134950, #253270). JJT: Juho Vainio Foundation; the Hospital District of Southwest Finland, Finnish State Grants for Clinical Research (ERVA); Emil Aaltonen Foundation; Alfred Kordelin Foundation; Sigrid Jusélius Foundation; Signe and Ane Gyllenberg Foundation; the Orion Research Foundation. Open Access funding provided by University of Turku (including Turku University Central Hospital).
