Genome-wide neonatal epigenetic changes associated with maternal exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Background

During gestation, stressors to the fetus, including viral exposure or maternal psychological distress, can fundamentally alter the neonatal epigenome, and may be associated with long-term impaired developmental outcomes. The impact of in utero exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic on the newborn epigenome has yet to be described.

Methods

This study aimed to determine whether there are unique epigenetic signatures in newborns who experienced otherwise healthy pregnancies that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic (Project RESCUE). The pre-pandemic control and pandemic cohorts (Project RESCUE) included in this study are part of a prospective observational and longitudinal cohort study that evaluates the impact of elevated prenatal maternal stress during the COVID-19 pan

SUBMITTER: Kocher K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10614377 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature