Telomere length in the two extremes of abnormal fetal growth and the programming effect of maternal arterial hypertension

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is associated with birth weight in both extremes of abnormal fetal growth: small (SGA) and large for gestational age newborns (LGA). Clinical and laboratory variables of the mothers and the neonates were explored; 45 newborns with appropriate weight for gestational age (AGA), 12 SGA and 12 LGA were included. Whether the differences might be explained by variation in OBFC1 (rs9419958) and CTC1 (rs3027234) genes associated with LTL was determined. A significant association between birth weight and LTL was observed; LTL was significantly shorter in LGA newborns (1.01 ± 0.12) compared with SGA (1.73 ± 0.19) p < 0.005, mean ± SE. Maternal (Spearman R = −0.6, p = 0.03) and neonatal LTL (R = −0.25, p = 0.03) were significantly and inversely correlated with maternal history of arterial hypertension in previous gestations. Neonatal LTL was not significantly associated with either rs9419950 or rs3027234, suggesting that the association between neonatal LTL and birth weight is not influenced by genetic variation in genes that modify the interindividual LTL. In conclusion, telomere biology seems to be modulated by abnormal fetal growth; modifications in telomere length might be programmed by an adverse environment in utero.

Higher maternal vitamin D concentrations are associated with longer leukocyte telomeres in newborns

“…Three previous works on this subject had different results. One study indicated that leukocyte telomeres were shorter in large‐weight‐for‐gestational‐age newborns than in small‐weight‐for‐gestational‐age newborns (Tellechea et al, ). However, another two studies revealed no difference in telomere length according to newborn birthweight (Akkad et al, ; Entringer, Epel, Lin, Blackburn, Buss, Shahbaba, et al, ; Entringer, Epel, Lin, Blackburn, Buss, Simhan, et al, ).…”

Influence of In Utero Maternal and Neonate Factors on Cord Blood Leukocyte Telomere Length: Clues to the Racial Disparity in Prostate Cancer?

“…The most consistent findings to date are that older paternal age [34] and greater maternal psychosocial stress [26] are associated with shorter newborn leukocyte telomere length. Two recent studies have also observed associations between decreased maternal folate concentrations [25] and being large for gestational age [35] with shorter neonate telomere length. Some studies report that adverse pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, are associated with shorter newborn telomere length [36].…”

Telomere length and fetal programming: A review of recent scientific advances

“…32 It was concluded from the study that telomere biology seemed to be modulated by abnormal fetal growth; modifications in telomere length might be programmed by an adverse environment in utero. Although correlations between fetal programming and fetal telomere length have been investigated, the linkage between fetal telomere length and adult disease still needs further exploration (Table 1).…”

“…In a study of 45 newborns of varying weight, offspring born to mothers with a history of arterial hypertension during gestation had significantly shorter fetal telomere length. 32 Consequently, these neonates born with shorter telomere length also were more likely to be born large for gestational age (LGA), including a larger than normal head circumference. These…”

“…Maternal homocysteine levels were not significantly related to the telomere length of cord leukocytes in the neonates. 32 This underscores the importance F I G U R E 2 The mean T/S ratio, telomere repeat copy number and single copy gene number, was used to measure relative telomere length. Data collected before bootstrapping is depicted in A.…”