Development and validation of a food frequency questionnaire for consumption of polyphenol-rich foods in pregnant women.

Previous studies have shown that maternal consumption of polyphenol-rich foods after the third trimester of pregnancy may interfere with the anatomical and functional activity of the fetal heart as, to our knowledge, there are no validated instruments to quantify total polyphenols in pregnant women. The aim of this study was evaluate the reproducibility and validity of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), with 52 items, to assess the intake of polyphenol-rich foods in pregnant women in Brazil. This cross-sectional study included 120 pregnant women who participated in nutritional interviews in two moments. The intake of polyphenols estimated by the developed FFQ was compared with the average of two 24-h recalls (24HR), with the average intake measured by a 3-day food diary (D3days) and with the urinary excretion of total polyphenols. The triangular method was applied to calculate Pearson's correlation coefficients, intraclass correlation and Bland-Altman plots for the FFQ, using an independent biochemical marker, in addition to classification by quarters of consumption. The questionnaires were log transformed, adjusted for body mass index and gestational age. The adjustment for energy was applied only of 24HR and D3days. Analysis of the reproducibility between the FFQ showed a very high correlation (r = 0.72; P < 0.05). A low but significant association was observed between the FFQ and urinary excretion (0.23; P = 0.01). The association between the dietary survey methods was moderate to very high (r = 0.36 to r = 0.72; P < 0.001). In conclusion, this questionnaire showed reproducibility and validity for the quantification of consumption of total polyphenols in pregnant women.

Nitric oxide and reactive species are modulated in the polyphenol-induced ductus arteriosus constriction in pregnant sheep.

OBJECTIVE: Because we have previously demonstrated the relation between polyphenol-rich foods (PRF) consumption and ductus arteriosus constriction, in this work, pregnant sheep were submitted to oral PRF intake for 14 days to understand how this process occurs. Fetal Doppler echocardiography, oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers and total polyphenol excretion were evaluated. RESULTS: The high polyphenol intake induced ductus arteriosus constriction by 71.6% increase in systolic (P = 0.001) and 57.8% in diastolic velocities (P = 0.002), and 18.9% decrease in pulsatility index (P = 0.033), along with 1.7-fold increase in total polyphenol excretion, 2.3-fold decrease in inflammatory mediator nitric oxide and following redox status changes (mean ± standard deviation): higher protein carbonyls (1.09 ± 0.09 and 1.49 ± 0.31), catalase (0.69 ± 0.39 and 1.44 ± 0.33) and glutathione peroxidase (37.23 ± 11.19 and 62.96 ± 15.03) in addition to lower lipid damage (17.22 ± 2.05 and 12.53 ± 2.11) and nonprotein thiols (0.11 ± 0.04 and 0.04 ± 0.01) found before and after treatment, respectively. Ductal parameters correlated to NOx , catalase, glutathione peroxidase and protein carbonyl. CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the need to reduce maternal PRF intake in late pregnancy to prevent fetal duct constriction through NO-mediated vasoconstrictive action of polyphenols.

Fetal ductal constriction caused by maternal ingestion of green tea in late pregnancy: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that experimental maternal intake of green tea in late pregnancy causes fetal ductus arteriosus constriction, probably because of prostaglandin inhibition. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twelve fetal lambs (pregnancy > 120 days) were assessed before and after maternal administration of green tea (n = 8) or water (n = 4; controls) as the only source of liquid. After 1 week, echocardiography showed signs of constriction of the ductus arteriosus in all fetuses from mothers ingesting green tea, with increase in mean systolic velocity(from 0.70 ± 0.19 m/s to 0.92 ± 0.15 m/s, 31.4%, p = 0.001) and mean diastolic velocity (0.19 ± 0.05 m/s to 0.31 ± 0.01 m/s, 63.1%, p < 0.001), decrease of pulsatility index (2.2 ± 0.4 to 1.8 ± 0.3, 22.2%, p = 0.003) and increase of mean right ventricular/left ventricular diameter ratio (0.89 ± 0.14 to 1.43 ± 0.23, 60.6%, p < 0.001). In the four control fetuses, there were no significant changes. All lambs exposed to green tea also showed at autopsy dilated and hypertrophic right ventricles, which was not present in control fetuses. Histological analysis showed a significantly larger mean thickness of the medial avascular zone of the ductus arteriosus in fetuses exposed to green tea than in controls (747.6 ± 214.6 µm vs 255.3 ± 97.9 µm, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study in fetal lambs shows a cause and effect relationship between experimental maternal exposure of green tea and fetal ductus arteriosus constriction in late pregnancy.

Prevalence of breastfeeding in children with congenital heart diseases and down syndrome.

BACKGROUND: According to the World Health Organization, the worldwide incidence of Down syndrome is one in a thousand live births a year. Of these, it is estimated that 20-60% have congenital heart disease, a factor that hinders breastfeeding. Considering the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, a study verifying this prevalence in children with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease is indispensable, and this is not yet evidenced in the literature. The aim of this study is to verify the prevalence of breastfeeding in children with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease admitted to a referral hospital in cardiology. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 62 patients, aged between 0 and 5 years. Anthropometric variables (weight, height) and data related to breastfeeding were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS® version 26.0 statistical software. RESULTS: The prevalence of breastfeeding was of 80.6%, but the median of exclusive breastfeeding was of only 3 days. Only 38.7% received breastfeeding for more than 6 months. The main reasons for interruption were difficulty in sucking and tiredness to breastfeed. Statistical significance was evidenced when comparing the time of exclusive breastfeeding and maintenance with the mother's education, with p = 0.006 and p = 0.041, respectively. No relationship was found between nutritional status and breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high prevalence of breastfeeding, the maintenance time is well below the recommendations. Therefore, further monitoring and promotion of breastfeeding is necessary for this population, given the countless benefits of breast milk.

Maternal ingestion of cocoa causes constriction of fetal ductus arteriosus in rats.

Maternal consumption of polyphenol-rich foods has been associated with fetal ductus arteriosus constriction (DAC), but safety of chocolate exposure in fetal life has not been studied. This experimental study tested the hypothesis that maternal cocoa consumption in late pregnancy causes fetal DAC, with possible associated antioxidant effects. Pregnant Wistar rats, at the 21st gestational day, received by orogastric tube cocoa (720 mg/Kg) for 12 h, indomethacin (10 mg/Kg), for 8 h, or only water, before cesaren section. Immediately after withdrawal, every thorax was obtained and tissues were fixed and stained for histological analysis. The ratio of the narrowest part of the pulmonary artery to the fetal ductus inner diameter and increased ductal inner wall thickness characterized ductal constriction. Substances reactive to thiobarbituric acid were quantified. Statistical analysis used ANOVA and Tukey test. Cocoa (n = 33) and indomethacin (n = 7) reduced fetal internal ductus diameter when compared to control (water, n = 25) (p < 0.001) and cocoa alone increased ductus wall thickness (p < 0.001), but no change was noted in enzymes activity. This pharmacological study shows supporting evidences that there is a cause and effect relationship between maternal consumption of cocoa and fetal ductus arteriosus constriction. Habitual widespread use of chocolate during gestation could account for undetected ductus constriction and its potentially severe consequences, such as perinatal pulmonary hypertension, cardiac failure and even death. For this reason, dietary guidance in late pregnancy to avoid high chocolate intake, to prevent fetal ductal constriction, may represent the main translational aspect of this study.

Deleterious effects of maternal ingestion of cocoa upon fetal ductus arteriosus in late pregnancy.

Cocoa powder has twice more antioxidants than red wine and three times more than green tea. Ten percent of its weight is made up of flavonoids. Cocoa has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating cyclooxigenase-2 receptors expression in the endothelium and enhancing nitric oxide bioavailability. There are evidences that while polyphenols ingestion have cardioprotective effects in the adult, it may have deleterious effect on the fetus if ingested by the mother on the third trimester of pregnancy, causing intrauterine fetal ductus arteriosus (DA) constriction. Polyphenols present in many foods and their anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities have been shown to be as or more powerful than those of indomethacin. These effects are dependent on the inhibition of modulation of the arachidonic acid and the synthesis of prostaglandins, especially E-2, which is responsible for fetal DA patency. So, we hypothesized that this same mechanism is responsible for the harmful effect of polyphenol-rich foods, such as cocoa, upon the fetal DA after maternal intake of such substances in the third trimester of pregnancy, thereby rising the perspective of a note of caution for pregnant women diet.

Maternal restriction of polyphenols and fetal ductal dynamics in normal pregnancy: an open clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: We have recently demonstrated reversal of fetal ductal constriction after dietary maternal restriction of polyphenol-rich foods (PRF), due to its inhibitory action on prostaglandin synthesis. OBJECTIVE: To test the hyphotesis that normal third trimester fetuses also improve ductus arteriosus dynamics after maternal restriction of polyphenols. METHODS: Open clinical trial with 46 fetuses with gestational age (GA) > 28 weeks submitted to 2 Doppler echocardiographic studies with an interval of at least 2 weeks, being the examiners blinded to maternal dietary habits. A validated food frequency questionnaire was applied and a diet based on polyphenol-poor foods (<30 mg/100 mg) was recommended. A control group of 26 third trimester fetuses was submitted to the same protocol. Statistics used t test for independent samples. RESULTS: Mean GA was 33 ± 2 weeks. Mean daily maternal estimated polyphenol intake (DMPI) was 1277 mg, decreasing to 126 mg after dietary orientation (p=0.0001). Significant decreases in systolic (SDV) and diastolic (DDV) ductal velocities, and RV/LV diameters ratio, as well as increase in ductal PI were observed [DSV = 1.2 ± 0.4 m/s (0.7-1.6) to 0.9 ± 0.3 m/s (0.6-1.3) (p = 0.018); DDV = 0.21 ± 0.09 m/s (0.15-0.32) to 0.18 ± 0.06 m/s (0.11-0.25) (p = 0.016); RV/LV ratio = 1.3 ± 0.2 (0.9-1.4) to 1.1 ± 0.2 (0.8-1.3) (p=0.004); ductal PI = 2.2 ± 0.03 (2.0-2.7) to 2.4 ± 0.4(2.2-2.9) (p = 0.04)]. In the control group, with GA of 32 ± 4 weeks, there were no significant differences in DMPI, mean SDV, DDV, PI and RV/LV ratio. CONCLUSION: The oriented restriction of third trimester maternal ingestion of polyphenol-rich foods for a period of 2 weeks or more improve fetal ductus arteriosus flow dynamics and right ventricular dimensions.

Restrição materna de polifenóis e dinâmica ductal fetal na gestação normal: um ensaio clínico aberto / Maternal restriction of polyphenols and fetal ductal dynamics in normal pregnancy: an open clinical trial

FUNDAMENTOS: Recentemente demonstramos reversão da constrição ductal fetal após redução da ingesta materna de alimentos ricos em polifenóis (ARP), por sua ação inibidora da síntese das prostaglandinas. OBJETIVOS: Testar a hipótese de que fetos normais no 3º trimestre também melhoram a dinâmica ductal após restrição materna de polifenóis. MÉTODOS: Ensaio clínico aberto com 46 fetos com idade gestacional (IG) > 28 semanas submetidos a dois estudos Dopplerecocardiográficos com intervalo de duas semanas, sendo os examinadores cegados para os hábitos alimentares maternos. Um questionário de frequência alimentar validado para esse objetivo foi aplicado e uma dieta com alimentos pobres em polifenóis (< 30 mg/100 mg) foi orientada. Um grupo controle de 26 fetos no 3º trimestre foi submetido ao mesmo protocolo. Utilizou-se o teste-t para amostras independentes. RESULTADOS: A IG média foi 33 ± 2 semanas. A média do consumo materno diário de polifenóis (CMDP) foi 1277 mg, caindo para 126 mg após orientação (p = 0,0001). Ocorreu diminuição significativa nas Velocidades Ductais Sistólica (VSD) e Diastólica (VDD) e na relação dos diâmetros ventriculares (VD/VE), assim como aumento do índice de pulsatilidade (IP) [VSD = 1,2 ± 0,4 m/s (0,7-1,6) para 0,9 ± 0,3 m/s (0,6-1,3) (p = 0,018);VDD = 0,21 ± 0,09 m/s (0,15-0,32) para 0,18 ± 0,06 m/s (0,11-0,25) (p = 0,016); relação VD/VE = 1,3 ± 0,2 (0,9-1,4) para 1,1 ± 0,2 (0,8 - 1,3) (p = 0,004); IP do ducto = 2,2 ± 0,03 (2,0-2,7) para 2,4 ± 0,4 (2,2-2,9) (p = 0,04)]. A IG média dos controles foi de 32 ± 4 semanas, não ocorrendo diferenças significativas no CMDP, nas velocidades ductais, no IP do ducto e na relação VD/VE. CONCLUSÃO: A restrição da ingesta de alimentos ricos em polifenóis no 3º trimestre por duas semanas melhora a dinâmica do fluxo no ducto arterioso fetal e as dimensões do VD.

BACKGROUND:We have recently demonstrated reversal of fetal ductal constriction after dietary maternal restriction of polyphenol-rich foods (PRF), due to its inhibitory action on prostaglandin synthesis. OBJECTIVE: To test the hyphotesis that normal third trimester fetuses also improve ductus arteriosus dynamics after maternal restriction of polyphenols. METHODS: Open clinical trial with 46 fetuses with gestational age (GA) > 28 weeks submitted to 2 Doppler echocardiographic studies with an interval of at least 2 weeks, being the examiners blinded to maternal dietary habits. A validated food frequency questionnaire was applied and a diet based on polyphenol-poor foods (<30mg/100mg) was recommended. A control group of 26 third trimester fetuses was submitted to the same protocol. Statistics used t test for independent samples. RESULTS: Mean GA was 33±2 weeks. Mean daily maternal estimated polyphenol intake (DMPI) was 1277mg, decreasing to 126mg after dietary orientation (p=0.0001). Significant decreases in systolic (SDV) and diastolic (DDV) ductal velocities, and RV/LV diameters ratio, as well as increase in ductal PI were observed [DSV=1.2±0.4m/s (0.7-1.6) to 0.9±0.3m/s (0.6-1.3) (p=0.018); DDV=0.21±0.09m/s (0.15-0.32) to 0.18±0.06m/s (0.11-0.25) (p=0.016); RV/LV ratio =1.3±0.2 (0.9-1.4) to 1.1±0.2 (0.8-1.3) (p=0.004); ductal PI=2.2±0.03 (2.0-2.7) to 2.4±0.4(2.2-2.9) (p=0.04)]. In the control group, with GA of 32±4 weeks, there were no significant differences in DMPI, mean SDV, DDV, PI and RV/LV ratio. CONCLUSION: The oriented restriction of third trimester maternal ingestion of polyphenol-rich foods for a period of 2 weeks or more improve fetal ductus arteriosus flow dynamics and right ventricular dimensions.