Maternal Obesity During Pre-Conception Linked to Autism-Like Behaviors in Offspring

Recent research from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has uncovered a significant connection between maternal obesity before pregnancy and the development of autism-related behaviors in offspring. Conducted by scientists from the John A. Burns School of Medicine, the study provides insights into how a mother’s health status prior to conception can influence the neurodevelopmental trajectory of her children.

Led by Professors Dr. Alika K. Maunakea and Dr. Monika Ward, the research focused on the mechanisms by which maternal health impacts brain development. The team demonstrated that obesity causes lasting epigenetic changes in oocytes, specifically alterations in DNA methylation patterns. These epigenetic modifications are passed into the embryo, disrupting the normal expression of key neurodevelopmental genes such as Homer1. Notably, the study observed an increased expression of the short Homer1a isoform in male offspring, which is known to interfere with synaptic function and has been associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like behaviors.

The researchers used an in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer model to isolate the effects of maternal obesity from other influences during pregnancy. Behavioral tests in adolescent male mice revealed impairments in social interactions and repetitive grooming behaviors, resembling human ASD symptoms. These behaviors correlated with altered gene regulation in the brain, particularly in the cortex and hippocampus.

"This work highlights that a mother's health before conception has a profound impact on her child's brain development," explained Dr. Maunakea. "Even without direct contact after fertilization, these epigenetic imprints from the egg can influence behavior."

The study emphasizes the importance of maternal health management and opens potential avenues for early intervention strategies. Future research may explore nutritional or pharmacological approaches to reverse or mitigate these inherited epigenetic effects, aiming to reduce the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders related to maternal obesity.

This discovery underscores the critical role of pre-conception health in shaping long-term outcomes, with implications for public health strategies targeting obesity and neurodevelopmental disorders. The findings are published in the journal Cells and continue to inform our understanding of how early-life factors contribute to ASD.

For more detailed information, the full study can be accessed here.