Prenatal Adversity and Neonatal Brain Connectivity Relate to Emerging Executive Function at Age 2 Years - 27/03/26
, Jeanette K. Kenley, BSEE a, Aidan R. Latham, BS a, Tara A. Smyser, MS a, Jeffrey J. Neil, MD, PhD a, b, Ashley N. Nielsen, PhD a, Chad M. Sylvester, MD, PhD a, b, J. Philip Miller, PhD a, Joshua J. Shimony, MD, PhD b, Joan L. Luby, MD a, Deanna M. Barch, PhD a, b, Barbara B. Warner, MD a, Christopher D. Smyser, MD, MSCI a, b, Cynthia E. Rogers, MD aAbstract |
Objective |
Early life adversity alters the structure and function of higher-order brain networks that subserve executive function (EF). The extent that prenatal exposure to adversity and neonatal white matter (WM) microstructure and resting-state functional connectivity (rs-fc) underlie problems in emerging EF remains unclear.
Method |
This prospective study includes 164 infants (45% female, 85% term-born) who were recruited prenatally and underwent neonatal diffusion and rs-fc magnetic resonance imaging scans. Social disadvantage and maternal psychosocial stress were assessed in the prenatal period. At age 2 years, children completed the Minnesota Executive Function Scale. Multivariable regression, moderation, and mediation analyses examined associations between prenatal adversity, neonatal WM microstructure and rs-fc, and emerging EF outcome.
Results |
Prenatal social disadvantage (PSD), but not maternal psychosocial stress, was associated with poorer emerging EF. After multiple comparison correction, higher mean diffusivity (MD) and lower fractional anisotropy (FA) in the corpus callosum, as well as higher MD in the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus and corticospinal tract and lower FA in the uncinate, related to poorer emerging EF. In moderation analysis, associations between neonatal WM microstructure and emerging EF did not vary as a function of PSD. In mediation analyses, neonatal WM microstructure did not attenuate the association between PSD and emerging EF. The rs-fc findings did not pass multiple comparison correction.
Conclusion |
PSD was related to poorer emerging EF outcomes. Neonatal WM microstructure was also related to emerging EF, with similar associations for children with lower or higher PSD. Prenatal social welfare programs may support neonatal brain development and early neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Plain language summary |
Prenatal exposure to social disadvantage is related to early alterations in neonatal brain structure and function. This study sought to understand the implications of these relationships for the early emergence of executive function (EF). In a sample of 164 infants, this longitudinal study found that prenatal exposure to social disadvantage and less-developed neonatal brain pathways were key risk factors associated with problems in emerging EF at age 2 years. These associations persisted after accounting for maternal and child general cognitive ability. Findings provide insight into the mechanisms of early EF development and suggest that addressing family socioeconomic hardships early in life may support infant neurodevelopment.
Diversity & Inclusion Statement |
We worked to ensure sex and gender balance in the recruitment of human participants. We worked to ensure race, ethnic, and/or other types of diversity in the recruitment of human participants. We worked to ensure that the study questionnaires were prepared in an inclusive way.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Key words : prenatal, adversity, diffusion, executive function
Plan
| Christopher D. Smyser and Cynthia E. Rogers share co–senior authorship of this work. |
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| This article was reviewed under and accepted by Consulting Editor Jean A. Frazier. |
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| This study was supported by funding from the National Institute of Mental Health (R01 MH113883 [to JLL, BBW, CDS], K01 MH122735 [to REL], T32 MH100019 [to ANN], R01 MH122389 [to CMS], R37 MH113570 [to CER, CDS]), Washington University Intellectual and Developmental Disability Research Center (P50 HD103525 [to JJS]), Children’s Discovery Institute , McDonnell Center for Systems Neuroscience , a NARSAD Young Investigator Grant (#28521) from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation [to REL], and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research [to CMS]. |
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| This article is part of a special series devoted to addressing bias, bigotry, racism, and mental health disparities through research, practice, and policy. The 2024 Race & Disparities Team includes Deputy Editor Lisa R. Fortuna, MD, MPH, MDiv, Consulting Editor Andres J. Pumariega, MD, PhD, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Emerging Leaders Fellows Tara Thompson-Felix, MD, and Nina Bihani, MD, Assistant Editor Eraka Bath, MD, Deputy Editor Wanjikũ F.M. Njoroge, Associate Editor Robert R. Althoff, MD, PhD, and Editor-in-Chief Douglas K. Novins, MD. |
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| J. Philip Miller served as the statistical expert for this research. |
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| Data Sharing: Data can be made available to qualified researchers by written request to the Primary Investigators under the guidance of a formal data sharing agreement. Per National Institutes of Health funding requirements, data will be shared on the National Institute of Mental Health Data Archive and made publicly available at the conclusion of the larger longitudinal study. |
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| The authors thank the March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at Washington University for sharing prenatal data, members of the Early Life Adversity and Biological Embedding (eLABE) research group, and the families involved in this study. |
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| Disclosure: Rachel E. Lean, Jeanette K. Kenley, Aidan R. Latham, Tara A. Smyser, Jeff Neil, Ashley N. Nielsen, Chad M. Sylvester, J. Philip Miller, Joshua J. Shimony, Joan Luby, Deanna M. Barch, Barbara B. Warner, Christopher D. Smyser, and Cynthia E. Rogers have reported no biomedical financial interests or potential conflicts of interest. |
Vol 65 - N° 4
P. 564-576 - avril 2026 Retour au numéro
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