Gestational kynurenine metabolites mediate effects of pregnancy adiposity on child negative affect.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mounting evidence links increased adiposity during pregnancy and offspring risk for mental health disorders. Yet the mechanisms underlying this association remain poorly understood, limiting our ability to design effective interventions. We hypothesize that alterations in the kynurenine system of the pregnant woman help to explain this association.

Methods

Participants were recruited during pregnancy with repeated assessments through 24 months postpartum. Maternal adiposity was assessed using air displacement plethysmography. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure kynurenine system metabolites in maternal plasma. Child negative affect was assessed via maternal report at 6, 12, and 24 months.

Results

Participants (N = 302) include

SUBMITTER: Gustafsson HC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12747775 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature