53. Exposure to depression in utero predicts adulthood inflammation

Abstract

Psychosocial adversity, such as childhood maltreatment, is associated with adulthood inflammation and elevated age-related disease risks. In this study we investigate the impact of very early life adversity (i.e. exposure to depression in utero) on adulthood risk factors for age-related disease. The sample comprised a subgroup (n = 50) of participants from the South London Child Development Study. A prospective longitudinal design was employed. Data on offspring exposure to depression in utero (36 weeks gestation), exposure to childhood maltreatment (11 years) and adulthood depression (25 years) were obtained from parents and offspring through clinical interview. Furthermore, offspring underwent a physical examination at 25 years from which biological markers of age-related disease were assessed. Offspring exposed to depression in utero had significantly higher levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP; mean difference = 2.04; p .01) and significantly lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; mean difference = − .04; p .01) compared to offspring not so exposed. Multiple regression analyses revealed these effects to be independent of the effects of concurrent adulthood depression and a history of childhood maltreatment. Exposure to depression in utero appears to be an independent predictor of adulthood inflammation and age-related disease risks.