Cited by 166Birth, Development, and HealthTryptophan and brain disordersMaternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Maternal stress, nutrition and physical activity: Impact on immune function, CNS development and psychopathology

Marques, Andrea Horvath, Bjørke-Monsen, Anne-Lise, Teixeira, Antônio L., Silverman, Marni N.·2015·Brain Research

Abstract

Evidence suggests that maternal and fetal immune dysfunction may impact fetal brain development and could play a role in neurodevelopmental disorders, although the definitive pathophysiological mechanisms are still not completely understood. Stress, malnutrition and physical inactivity are three maternal behavioral lifestyle factors that can influence immune and central nervous system (CNS) functions in both the mother and fetus, and may therefore, increase risk for neurodevelopmental/psychiatric disorders. First, we will briefly review some aspects of maternal-fetal immune system interactions and development of immune tolerance. Second, we will discuss the bidirectional communication between the immune system and CNS and the pathways by which immune dysfunction could contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders. Third, we will discuss the effects of prenatal stress and malnutrition (over and undernutrition) on perinatal programming of the CNS and immune system, and how this might influence neurodevelopment. Finally, we will discuss the beneficial impact of physical fitness during pregnancy on the maternal-fetal unit and infant and how regular physical activity and exercise can be an effective buffer against stress- and inflammatory-related disorders. Although regular physical activity has been shown to promote neuroplasticity and an anti-inflammatory state in the adult, there is a paucity of studies evaluating its impact on CNS and immune function during pregnancy. Implementing stress reduction, proper nutrition and ample physical activity during pregnancy and the childbearing period may be an efficient strategy to counteract the impact of maternal stress and malnutrition/obesity on the developing fetus. Such behavioral interventions could have an impact on early development of the CNS and immune system and contribute to the prevention of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Further research is needed to elucidate this relationship and the underlying mechanisms of protection. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Neuroimmunology in Health And Disease.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.10.051

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Authors
Marques, A. H., Bjørke-Monsen, A.-L., Teixeira, A. L., & Silverman, M. N.
Affiliations
  • Universidade de São Paulo (BR)
  • Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (BR)
  • Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (US)
Corresponding author
Marques, Andrea Horvath
Venue
Brain Research
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2015-08
Volume
1617
Pages
28-46
ISSN
0006-8993 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2060414598
Cited by
166
References
306
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 47 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 15 · 2019: 20 · 2018: 12 · 2017: 11 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 1
FWCI
7.83
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Brain Research (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness (CSF2, HT9404-12-1-0017, F191GJ)
  • and the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders Program
  • Department & Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, Medical School, Brazil
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health › Birth, Development, and Health
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Biological Psychiatry › Tryptophan and brain disorders
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Keywords
maternal stress, prenatal stress, maternal malnutrition, maternal obesity, exercise during pregnancy, maternal-fetal immune interaction, immune tolerance, neurodevelopmental disorders, psychopathology, perinatal programming, neuroinflammation, neuroplasticity
MeSH terms
Animals, Brain, Female, Humans, Immune Tolerance, Immunity, Maternally-Acquired, Pregnancy, Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects, Stress, Psychological, Exercise, Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena, Neurodevelopmental Disorders

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