Daijiworld Media Network- Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Apr 29: A groundbreaking study by researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) has revealed that stress experienced by mothers during pregnancy can alter the developing brain of the foetus even before birth, significantly influencing how the newborn manages stress later in life.

Published in the prestigious journal Molecular Psychiatry, the study, reported by Xinhua news agency, uncovered how maternal stress can "reprogramme" vital molecular pathways in the foetus, particularly affecting the cholinergic system — a crucial network responsible for regulating stress responses and inflammation.

The team analysed blood samples from 120 mothers and their newborns collected at the time of birth. They focused on small RNA molecules called tRNA fragments (tRFs), many of which originate from mitochondrial DNA, known for their critical role in cellular stress regulation.

"We found that even before babies take their first breath, the stress their mothers experience can shape how their bodies manage stress themselves," said Prof. Hermona Soreq, one of the lead researchers at Hebrew University.

A striking aspect of the study was the difference observed between male and female infants. Baby girls exhibited a significant decrease in specific tRFs known as CholinotRFs, which play an essential role in producing acetylcholine — a brain chemical vital for memory and immune system function. On the other hand, baby boys showed elevated levels of an enzyme called AChE, responsible for breaking down acetylcholine, indicating a potential diminished capacity to handle stress effectively.

Using advanced machine learning techniques, the researchers could predict with 95 per cent accuracy whether baby girls had been exposed to maternal stress during pregnancy based solely on their RNA profiles.

This pioneering discovery provides critical insights into why children exposed to prenatal stress are at a higher risk for mental health and developmental issues later in life. Importantly, it highlights the need for better support systems for pregnant women, especially those facing significant stress, even in the absence of a formal anxiety or depression diagnosis.

Researchers hope their findings will not only raise awareness but also eventually lead to targeted treatments or interventions that ensure better health outcomes for children starting from the very beginning of life.