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Birth Defects Research Nov 2019Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the second most common congenital malformations in humans affecting the development of the central nervous system. Although NTD... (Review)
Review
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the second most common congenital malformations in humans affecting the development of the central nervous system. Although NTD pathogenesis has not yet been fully elucidated, many risk factors, both genetic and environmental, have been extensively reported. Classically divided in two main sub-groups (open and closed defects) NTDs present extremely variable prognosis mainly depending on the site of the lesion. Herein, we review the literature on the histological and pathological features, epidemiology, prenatal diagnosis, and prognosis, based on the type of defect, with the aim of providing important information based on NTDs classification for clinicians and scientists.
Topics: Anencephaly; Female; Humans; Neural Tube Defects; Pregnancy; Prenatal Diagnosis; Risk Factors
PubMed: 30421543
DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1380 -
Birth Defects Research Nov 2019Using the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) annual data report, U.S. national prevalence estimates for major birth defects are developed based on birth...
BACKGROUND
Using the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) annual data report, U.S. national prevalence estimates for major birth defects are developed based on birth cohort 2010-2014.
METHODS
Data from 39 U.S. population-based birth defects surveillance programs (16 active case-finding, 10 passive case-finding with case confirmation, and 13 passive without case confirmation) were used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates for major defects by case-finding approach. Fourteen active case-finding programs including at least live birth and stillbirth pregnancy outcomes monitoring approximately one million births annually were used to develop national prevalence estimates, adjusted for maternal race/ethnicity (for all conditions examined) and maternal age (trisomies and gastroschisis). These calculations used a similar methodology to the previous estimates to examine changes over time.
RESULTS
The adjusted national birth prevalence estimates per 10,000 live births ranged from 0.62 for interrupted aortic arch to 16.87 for clubfoot, and 19.93 for the 12 critical congenital heart defects combined. While the birth prevalence of most birth defects studied remained relatively stable over 15 years, an increasing prevalence was observed for gastroschisis and Down syndrome. Additionally, the prevalence for atrioventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot, omphalocele, and trisomy 18 increased in this period compared to the previous periods. Active case-finding programs generally had higher prevalence rates for most defects examined, most notably for anencephaly, anophthalmia/microphthalmia, trisomy 13, and trisomy 18.
CONCLUSION
National estimates of birth defects prevalence provide data for monitoring trends and understanding the impact of these conditions. Increasing prevalence rates observed for selected conditions warrant further examination.
Topics: Adult; Cardiovascular Abnormalities; Central Nervous System Diseases; Congenital Abnormalities; Eye Diseases; Female; Genetic Diseases, Inborn; Heart Defects, Congenital; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Middle Aged; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Population Surveillance; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Registries; United States; Young Adult
PubMed: 31580536
DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1589 -
Trends in Neurosciences Jul 2020Neural tube defects (NTDs) represent a failure of the neural plate to complete the developmental transition to a neural tube. NTDs are the most common birth anomaly of... (Review)
Review
Neural tube defects (NTDs) represent a failure of the neural plate to complete the developmental transition to a neural tube. NTDs are the most common birth anomaly of the CNS. Following mandatory folic acid fortification of dietary grains, a dramatic reduction in the incidence of NTDs was observed in areas where the policy was implemented, yet the genetic drivers of NTDs in humans, and the mechanisms by which folic acid prevents disease, remain disputed. Here, we discuss current understanding of human NTD genetics, recent advances regarding potential mechanisms by which folic acid might modify risk through effects on the epigenome and transcriptome, and new approaches to study refined phenotypes for a greater appreciation of the developmental and genetic causes of NTDs.
Topics: Folic Acid; Humans; Neural Tube Defects
PubMed: 32423763
DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.04.009 -
JAMA Psychiatry Dec 2020Antidepressants are commonly used during pregnancy, but limited information is available about individual antidepressants and specific birth defect risks.
IMPORTANCE
Antidepressants are commonly used during pregnancy, but limited information is available about individual antidepressants and specific birth defect risks.
OBJECTIVE
To examine associations between individual antidepressants and specific birth defects with and without attempts to partially account for potential confounding by underlying conditions.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
The population-based, multicenter case-control National Birth Defects Prevention Study (October 1997-December 2011) included cases with selected birth defects who were identified from surveillance systems; controls were randomly sampled live-born infants without major birth defects. Mothers of cases and controls participated in an interview after the expected delivery date. The data were analyzed after the completion of the National Birth Defects Prevent Study's data collection.
EXPOSURES
Self-reported antidepressant exposure was coded to indicate monotherapy exposure to antidepressants.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
We used multivariable logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals for associations between maternal antidepressant use and birth defects. We compared early pregnancy antidepressant-exposed women with those without antidepressant exposure and, to partially account for confounding by underlying maternal conditions, those exposed to antidepressants outside of the birth defect development critical period.
RESULTS
This study included 30 630 case mothers of infants with birth defects and 11 478 control mothers (aged 12-53 years). Early pregnancy antidepressant use was reported by 1562 case mothers (5.1%) and 467 control mothers (4.1%), for whom elevated aORs were observed for individual selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and selected congenital heart defects (CHD) (eg, fluoxetine and anomalous pulmonary venous return: aOR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.10-5.93; this association was attenuated after partially accounting for underlying conditions: aOR, 1.89; 95% CI, 0.56-6.42). This pattern was observed for many SSRI-CHD combinations. Associations between SSRIs and non-CHD birth defects often persisted or strengthened after partially accounting for underlying conditions (eg, citalopram and diaphragmatic hernia: aOR, 5.11; 95% CI, 1.29-20.24). Venlafaxine had elevated associations with multiple defects that persisted after partially accounting for underlying conditions (eg, anencephaly and craniorachischisis: aOR, 9.14; 95% CI, 1.91-43.83).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
We found some associations between maternal antidepressant use and specific birth defects. Venlafaxine was associated with the highest number of defects, which needs confirmation given the limited literature on venlafaxine use during pregnancy and risk for birth defects. Our results suggest confounding by underlying conditions should be considered when assessing risk. Fully informed treatment decision-making requires balancing the risks and benefits of proposed interventions against those of untreated depression or anxiety.
Topics: Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; Adolescent; Adult; Bupropion; Case-Control Studies; Child; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors; Venlafaxine Hydrochloride; Young Adult
PubMed: 32777011
DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.2453 -
The Pan African Medical Journal 2023
Topics: Humans; Neural Tube Defects
PubMed: 37013212
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.44.24.35962 -
The International Journal of... 2021The internalization of multi-cellular tissues is a key morphogenetic process during animal development and organ formation. A good example of this is the initial stages... (Review)
Review
The internalization of multi-cellular tissues is a key morphogenetic process during animal development and organ formation. A good example of this is the initial stages of vertebrate central nervous system formation whereby a transient embryonic structure called the neural plate is able to undergo collective cell rearrangements within the dorsal midline. Despite the fact that defects in neural plate midline internalization may result in a series of severe clinical conditions, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, the biochemical and biomechanical details of this process remain only partially characterized. Here we review the main cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying midline cell and tissue internalization during vertebrate neural tube formation. We discuss the contribution of collective cell mechanisms including convergence and extension, as well as apical constriction facilitating midline neural plate shaping. Furthermore, we summarize recent studies that shed light on how the interplay of signaling pathways and cell biomechanics modulate neural plate internalization. In addition, we discuss how adhesion-dependent cell-cell contact appears to be a critical component during midline cell convergence and surface cell contraction via cell-cell mechanical coupling. We envision that more detailed high-resolution quantitative data at both cell and tissue levels will be required to properly model the mechanisms of vertebrate neural plate internalization with the hope of preventing human neural tube defects.
Topics: Animals; Morphogenesis; Neural Plate; Neural Tube; Neurulation; Vertebrates
PubMed: 32930349
DOI: 10.1387/ijdb.200122ca -
Birth Defects Research Jan 2020Neural tube defects (NTDs) result from failure of neural tube closure during embryogenesis. These severe birth defects of the central nervous system include anencephaly...
BACKGROUND
Neural tube defects (NTDs) result from failure of neural tube closure during embryogenesis. These severe birth defects of the central nervous system include anencephaly and spina bifida, and affect 0.5-2 per 1,000 pregnancies worldwide in humans. It has been demonstrated that acetylation plays a pivotal role during neural tube closure, as animal models for defective histone acetyltransferase proteins display NTDs. Acetylation represents an important component of the complex network of posttranslational regulatory interactions, suggesting a possible fundamental role during primary neurulation events. This study aimed to assess protein acetylation contribution to early patterning of the central nervous system both in human and murine specimens.
METHODS
We used both human and mouse (Cited2 ) samples to analyze the dynamic acetylation of proteins during embryo development through immunohistochemistry, western blot analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
RESULTS
We report the dynamic profile of histone and protein acetylation status during neural tube closure. We also report a rescue effect in an animal model by chemical p53 inhibition.
CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that the p53-acetylation equilibrium may play a role in primary neurulation in mammals.
Topics: Acetylation; Anencephaly; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Embryonic Development; Histone Acetyltransferases; Humans; Mammals; Mice; Neural Tube Defects; Neurulation; Repressor Proteins; Spinal Dysraphism; Trans-Activators; Transcription Factors; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
PubMed: 31758757
DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1618