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The Influence of Parental Environmental Exposure and Nutrient Restriction on the Early Life of Offspring Growth in Gambia—A Pilot Study

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Listed:
  • Ousman Bajinka

    (Department of Medical Microbiology, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
    China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, School of Basic and Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
    School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Kanifing 3530, The Gambia)

  • Amadou Barrow

    (School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Kanifing 3530, The Gambia)

  • Sang Mendy

    (Ministry of Health, Banjul P.O. Box 273, The Gambia)

  • Binta J. J. Jallow

    (Department of Medical Microbiology, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China)

  • Jarry Jallow

    (School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Kanifing 3530, The Gambia)

  • Sulayman Barrow

    (School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Kanifing 3530, The Gambia)

  • Ousman Bah

    (Ministry of Health, Banjul P.O. Box 273, The Gambia)

  • Saikou Camara

    (School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Kanifing 3530, The Gambia)

  • Modou Lamin Colley

    (School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Kanifing 3530, The Gambia)

  • Sankung Nyabally

    (School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Kanifing 3530, The Gambia)

  • Amie N. Joof

    (Department of Medical Microbiology, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China)

  • Mingming Qi

    (Department of Obstetrics, Zhuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410017, China)

  • Yurong Tan

    (Department of Medical Microbiology, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
    China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, School of Basic and Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China)

Abstract

Background: The role of the germline in epigenetic transgenerational inheritance starts with environmental factors, acting on the first generation of a gestating mother. These factors influence the developing second-generation fetus by altering gonadal development, thereby reprogramming the primordial germ cell DNA methylation and leading to consequences that might be seen along generations. Objective: Despite these epigenetic factors now surfacing, the few available studies are on animal-based experiments, and conducting a follow-up on human intergenerational trials might take decades. To this response, this study aimed to determine the influence of parental energy, toxicant exposure, age, and nutrient restriction on the early life of offspring growth in Gambia. Method: This pilot study was based on population observation and combined both maternal and paternal factors across the country between August and October 2021. It captures the lifestyle and health detailed account of 339 reproductive parents and their last born (child under 5 years) using a structured interview questionnaire performed by nurses and public health officers. Results: This study showed that parents who worked in industrial areas were more likely to have offspring with poor psychosocial skills. In addition, mothers who are exposed to oxidative stress and high temperatures are more likely to have offspring with poor psychosocial skills. Mothers who consume a high-protein diet were almost three times more likely to have infants with good psychosocial skills in their offspring. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between maternal stress during pregnancy and the psychosocial skills of offspring. Conclusion: This study was able to ascertain if the maternal diet during gestation, toxicant exposure, maternal stress, and parental smoking habits have an influence on the early life of offspring. While the study recommends a large sample size study to eliminate selection bias, there should be an increased level of awareness of mothers of their offspring’s health and their husbands’ lifestyles that might influence the adulthood health of their offspring.

Suggested Citation

  • Ousman Bajinka & Amadou Barrow & Sang Mendy & Binta J. J. Jallow & Jarry Jallow & Sulayman Barrow & Ousman Bah & Saikou Camara & Modou Lamin Colley & Sankung Nyabally & Amie N. Joof & Mingming Qi & Yu, 2022. "The Influence of Parental Environmental Exposure and Nutrient Restriction on the Early Life of Offspring Growth in Gambia—A Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-13, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:20:p:13045-:d:938948
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sophie E. Moore & Timothy J. Cole & Elizabeth M. E. Poskitt & Bakary J. Sonko & Roger G. Whitehead & Ian A. McGregor & Andrew M. Prentice, 1997. "Season of birth predicts mortality in rural Gambia," Nature, Nature, vol. 388(6641), pages 434-434, July.
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