Fetal Sex as Moderating Factor for the Relationship Between Maternal Childhood Trauma and Salivary Kynurenic Acid and Tryptophan in Pregnancy: A Pilot Study.

ABSTRACT: Traumatic experiences and fetal development influence tryptophan (TRP) and its neuroactive byproduct, kynurenic acid (KYNA). Maternal TRP metabolite levels during pregnancy vary by fetal sex, with higher concentrations in mothers carrying male fetuses. This pilot study aimed to explore the relationship between offspring sex, maternal childhood trauma, and maternal salivary KYNA and TRP levels during pregnancy. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to determine KYNA and TRP levels in maternal saliva samples collected from 35 late-pregnancy participants. Maternal childhood trauma was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, including subscales for emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect. Among mothers pregn

SUBMITTER: Pedraz-Petrozzi B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11041113 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature