Files and links (1)
Published VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with altered feto-placental blood flow and sex-specific placental changes
JCI Insight, Vol.10(3), pp.1-21
2025
PMID: 39927463
Abstract
BACKGROUND. Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) around conception in preclinical models results in placental insufficiency, likely contributing to offspring abnormalities. Altered placental DNA methylation (DNAm) and gene expression suggest epigenetic mechanisms, perhaps involving impacts on methyl donor levels. PAE around conception in women is common but placental effects are rarely examined. This cohort study investigated associations between PAE around conception and intake/plasma measures of the methyl donors folate and choline, feto-placental blood flow, and placental growth measures, gene expression, and DNAm.
METHODS. Pregnant participants delivered at Mater Mothers’ Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (n = 411). Dietary intake of choline and folate were calculated and plasma concentrations measured using mass spectrometry (MS) and clinical immunoanalyzer, respectively. Cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) was calculated using Doppler measurements. Placentas were weighed/measured at delivery and samples used to quantify methyl donors (MS), global DNAm (ELISA), and gene expression (quantitative PCR). Data were compared between control/abstinent and PAE groups, by fetal sex.
RESULTS. A CPR <5th-centile, indicating fetal brain sparing because of placental insufficiency, was found in 2% of controls and 18% of the PAE group, mostly male fetuses (63%). Compared with controls, male PAE placentas had reduced mean thickness and placental growth factor mRNA and DNAm, whereas female PAE placentas had increased S-adenosylmethionine and a trend toward increased DNAm.
CONCLUSION. PAE around conception is associated with reduced CPR and altered placental growth measures, particularly in males, with potential implications for future health.
Details
- Title
- Prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with altered feto-placental blood flow and sex-specific placental changes
- Authors
- Sarah E. Steane - The University of QueenslandChristopher Edwards - Mater ResearchErika Cavanagh - Queensland University of TechnologyChelsea Vanderpeet - The University of QueenslandJade M. Kubler - Mater ResearchLisa K. Akison - The University of QueenslandJames S.M. Cuffe - The University of QueenslandLinda A. Gallo - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - BiomedicineKaren M. Moritz - The University of QueenslandVicki L. Clifton - The University of Queensland
- Publication details
- JCI Insight, Vol.10(3), pp.1-21
- Publisher
- American Society for Clinical Investigation
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1172/jci.insight.186096
- ISSN
- 2379-3708
- PMID
- 39927463
- Copyright note
- © 2025, Steane et al. This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
- Data Availability
- The full data set cannot be made publicly available, as the detailed nature of the data may allow identification of individual participants. Some data may be available upon request. Data underlying figures and tables (except maternal/infant characteristics as per above) can be found in the Supporting Data Values file.
- Grant note
- Mary McConnel Career Boost Program for Women in Paediatric Research (WIS132020).
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Biomedicine
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991127505902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
32 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Medicine, Research & Experimental
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites