The association between fetal microchimerism and maternal stress: an in-depth analysis on molecular mechanisms and clinical outcomes (R-10469)

Epidemiology is the study of the patterns, causes and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations. An advantage of epidemiologic research is that it looks at people in their 'natural' environment, and looks to explain the differences between people within a population. When women are pregnant, cells from their unborn children enter the maternal bloodstream, and can remain present in their bodies for decades after delivery, this phenomenon is called fetal microchimerism (FMC). It is believed fetal microchimerism is important for maternal wellbeing, as is important for maternal-child bonding and breastfeeding. I will study the association between FMC and stress at the molecular level within the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort. This cohort consists currently of 1800 mother-newborn pairs and enrolment is still ongoing. Structured follow-up measures of cardiovascular phenotypes in both mothers and children at age 4 of the child are taking place (336 participants so far). I will determine whether these fetal cells are linked with maternal stress indicators. For this purpose, I analyse stress at the physiologic level (molecular markers) and at the psychological level (questionnaires). If FMC is indeed associated with lower maternal stress levels, this could aid in the prevention of age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease.

Keywords:Epidemiology

Disciplines:Preventive medicine