Homocysteine-mediated gender-dependent effects of prenatal maternal depression on motor development in newborn infants

Abstract Background The present study aimed to determine whether there were gender differences in the effects of prenatal maternal depression on motor development in newborn infants, and further to explore the role of plasma homocysteine in the delayed motor development in male newborn infants following prenatal maternal depression. Methods The term pregnant women within 37-42 weeks of gestation were assessed depressive symptoms by Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. According to the gender of the newborn infants, all the subjects were divided into four groups: female control group (n=45), male control group (n=47), female depression group (n=50), male depression group (n=60). Motor development in newborn infants were assessed by Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale. Plasma homocysteine concentrations both in mothers and newborn infants were measured by enzymatic cycling assay. Results There were the worse scores of the items of motor development and significantly higher plasma homocysteine concentrations  in the male newborn infants of depression group than those of the female depression group and female control group, male control group, respectively. Plasma homocysteine concentrations significantly correlated with the items of motor development in all newborn infants, including the depression group and control group. Limitations We should further explore homocysteine-mediated gender-dependent effects of prenatal maternal depression on motor development in newborn infants in the long-term follow-up. Conclusions Prenatal maternal depression could result in delayed motor development in male newborn infants, but not female newborn infants. Plasma homocysteine may mediate gender-dependent effects of prenatal maternal depression on motor development in newborn infants.