Associations of Maternal Plasma Free Fatty Acid Profiles with Markers of Inflammation in Healthy Pregnant Women

We investigated the relationship between maternal fasting plasma free fatty acid (FFA) profiles and markers of inflammation (MOI) (IL-6, 8, 10, TNF-α, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GMCSF) and resistin) in healthy pregnant women during early gestation (week 16). These data suggested that maternal functional long-chain FFAs influence inflammatory response during normal pregnancy. Changes in specific FFA composition may reduce low-grade inflammation and inflammation related poor pregnancy outcomes and complications

A Gut Feeling

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurologic disorder characterized by hyperactivity/impulsivity and/or inattentiveness, with genetic and environmental factors contributing to the disorder. With the growing recognition of the microbiome’s role in many neurological disorders, the authors propose that it may also be implicated in ADHD. Here, we describe several evolving areas of research to support this hypothesis. First, a unique composition of gut bacteria has been identified and linked to behaviors in ADHD. Second, our research found an increased incidence of 2 gastrointestinal symptoms (constipation and flatulence) in children with ADHD, as compared to controls. Finally, emerging data may be interpreted to suggest that immune dysregulation in ADHD be associated with an altered microbiome, low-grade inflammation, and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Although more studies are needed to elucidate exact mechanisms and causality, we propose that an altered microbiome, gastrointestinal symptoms, and immune dysregulation may be associated with the ADHD phenotypes