Black pregnant women experiencing psychosocial stress may have increased inflammation levels.
In a groundbreaking study led by a team of researchers from Penn State University, a link has been identified between specific psychosocial stressors and increased systemic inflammation in pregnant Black women. The research, published in the prestigious journal Brain, Behavior, & Immunity – Health, delves into how factors such as neighborhood composition and racial discrimination can impact levels of inflammation in Black pregnant women, potentially influencing the risk of preterm birth.
The study, spearheaded by Christopher Engeland, a renowned professor of biobehavioral health at Penn State, sought to unravel the unique stressors faced by Black women that could shed light on the disparities in pregnancy outcomes. Despite the prevalence of established risk factors like socioeconomic status, Black women continue to experience a significantly higher rate of preterm birth compared to white women. This research aimed to explore stressors exclusive to Black women's experiences to better understand and potentially intervene in this pressing health issue.
The consequences of preterm birth are dire, with babies born before 37 weeks facing increased risks of mortality, health complications, and disabilities. The rates of preterm birth have remained stagnant over the past decade, with Black women experiencing a notably higher rate of 14.6%. While the exact mechanisms contributing to preterm birth remain elusive, inflammation has emerged as a critical piece of the puzzle. During late pregnancy, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammation rise, potentially triggering labor onset. Elevated systemic inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines have been associated with a heightened risk of preterm birth.
The study focused on examining the impact of two key factors – experiences of racial discrimination and perceived neighborhood racial composition – on cytokine levels during pregnancy. The research cohort comprised 545 Black women aged 18 to 45, pregnant with a single fetus. Participants were recruited from prenatal clinics in Ohio and Michigan, with data collected at three stages of pregnancy. Surveys were conducted to assess lifetime discrimination experiences, racial segregation perceptions, depressive symptoms, and demographic details, alongside blood samples to monitor cytokine levels.
The findings revealed a significant association between higher levels of lifetime racial discrimination, early-pregnancy depressive symptoms, and residing in predominantly white neighborhoods with elevated levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). This particular cytokine, known for its association with chronic stress, may serve as a biomarker for stress and play a role in the mechanism behind preterm birth. Elevated MIF levels are linked to glucocorticoid resistance, indicating a heightened inflammatory response. The study highlighted the importance of considering neighborhood context, racial discrimination, and other chronic stressors prevalent among Black individuals when assessing the risk of preterm birth.
Moreover, the research team emphasized the need to further investigate the relationship between gestational age at birth and MIF levels to gain deeper insights into the link with preterm birth outcomes. The study's implications extend beyond academia, offering potential avenues for interventions and strategies to address the disparities in pregnancy outcomes faced by Black women.
This groundbreaking research, funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, opens up new avenues for understanding the complex interplay between psychosocial stressors, inflammation, and pregnancy outcomes, particularly for marginalized communities. By unraveling the intricate connections between social-environmental factors and maternal health, this study paves the way for targeted interventions and policies aimed at reducing the alarming rates of preterm birth among Black women.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1036796
The study, spearheaded by Christopher Engeland, a renowned professor of biobehavioral health at Penn State, sought to unravel the unique stressors faced by Black women that could shed light on the disparities in pregnancy outcomes. Despite the prevalence of established risk factors like socioeconomic status, Black women continue to experience a significantly higher rate of preterm birth compared to white women. This research aimed to explore stressors exclusive to Black women's experiences to better understand and potentially intervene in this pressing health issue.
The consequences of preterm birth are dire, with babies born before 37 weeks facing increased risks of mortality, health complications, and disabilities. The rates of preterm birth have remained stagnant over the past decade, with Black women experiencing a notably higher rate of 14.6%. While the exact mechanisms contributing to preterm birth remain elusive, inflammation has emerged as a critical piece of the puzzle. During late pregnancy, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammation rise, potentially triggering labor onset. Elevated systemic inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines have been associated with a heightened risk of preterm birth.
The study focused on examining the impact of two key factors – experiences of racial discrimination and perceived neighborhood racial composition – on cytokine levels during pregnancy. The research cohort comprised 545 Black women aged 18 to 45, pregnant with a single fetus. Participants were recruited from prenatal clinics in Ohio and Michigan, with data collected at three stages of pregnancy. Surveys were conducted to assess lifetime discrimination experiences, racial segregation perceptions, depressive symptoms, and demographic details, alongside blood samples to monitor cytokine levels.
The findings revealed a significant association between higher levels of lifetime racial discrimination, early-pregnancy depressive symptoms, and residing in predominantly white neighborhoods with elevated levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). This particular cytokine, known for its association with chronic stress, may serve as a biomarker for stress and play a role in the mechanism behind preterm birth. Elevated MIF levels are linked to glucocorticoid resistance, indicating a heightened inflammatory response. The study highlighted the importance of considering neighborhood context, racial discrimination, and other chronic stressors prevalent among Black individuals when assessing the risk of preterm birth.
Moreover, the research team emphasized the need to further investigate the relationship between gestational age at birth and MIF levels to gain deeper insights into the link with preterm birth outcomes. The study's implications extend beyond academia, offering potential avenues for interventions and strategies to address the disparities in pregnancy outcomes faced by Black women.
This groundbreaking research, funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, opens up new avenues for understanding the complex interplay between psychosocial stressors, inflammation, and pregnancy outcomes, particularly for marginalized communities. By unraveling the intricate connections between social-environmental factors and maternal health, this study paves the way for targeted interventions and policies aimed at reducing the alarming rates of preterm birth among Black women.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1036796
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