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The composition of human breast milk (HBM) exhibits significant variability both between individuals and within the same individual. While environmental factors are believed to play a role in this variation, their influence on breast milk composition remains inadequately understood. Herein, we investigate the impact of environmental factors on HBM lipid composition in a general population cohort. The study included mothers (All Babies In Southeast Sweden study) whose children later progressed to one or more immune-mediated diseases later in life: type 1 diabetes (n = 9), celiac disease (n = 24), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (n = 9), inflammatory bowel disease (n = 7), hypothyroidism (n = 6), and matched controls (n = 173). Lipidome of HBM was characterized by liquid chromatography combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry. We observed that maternal age, body mass index, diet, and exposure to perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) had a marked impact on breast milk lipidome, with larger changes observed in the milk of those mothers whose children later developed autoimmune diseases. We also observed differences in breast milk lipid composition in those mothers whose offspring later developed autoimmune diseases. Our study suggests that breast milk lipid composition is modified by a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors, and, importantly, this impact was significantly more pronounced in those mothers whose offspring later developed autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. Our findings also suggest that merely assessing PFAS concentration may not capture the full extent of the impact of chemical exposures; thus, the more comprehensive exposome approach is essential for accurately assessing the impact of PFAS exposure on HBM and, consequently, on the health outcomes of the offspring., This study was supported by the Swedish Research Council (grant nos. and 2020-03674 and 2016-05176 to T.H. and M.O.), Formas (grant no. 2019-00869 to T.H. and M.O.), and the Novo Nordisk Foundation (grant nos. NNF20OC0063971 and NNF21OC0070309 to T.H. and M.O.). ABIS study (J.L.) was supported by Barndiabetesfonden (Swedish Child Diabetes Foundation); the Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research, grant/award numbers: FAS2004-1775 and FAS2004-1775; the Swedish Research Council, grant/award numbers: K2005-72X-11242-11A, K2008-69X-20826-01-4, and K2008-69X-20826-01-4; Östgöta Brandstodsbolag; the Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden (FORSS); the Wallenberg Foundation, grant/award number: K 98-99D-12813-01A; ALF-and LFoU grants from Region Östergötland and Linköping university, Sweden; and Joanna Cocozza Foundation.

Objective To examine the association between early-life atopic manifestations and later risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), for which prospective data are scarce. Study design The population-based All Babies in Southeast Sweden (ABIS) and Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child (MoBa) cohorts follow children from birth (ABIS 1997-1999; MoBa 2000-2009) to the end of 2021. Based on validated questionnaires, parents prospectively reported information on asthma, food-related allergic symptoms, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis by age 3. IBD was defined by 3 2 diagnostic records in the national health registries. Cox regression estimated hazard ratios adjusted (aHRs) for parental IBD, atopy, education level, smoking habits, and national origin. Cohort-specific estimates were pooled using a random-effects model. Results We compiled data on 83 311 children (ABIS, n = 9041; MoBa, n = 74270). In over 1 174 756 person-years of follow-up, 301 participants were diagnosed with IBD. Children with atopic dermatitis at age 3 had an increased risk of IBD (pooled aHR = 1.46 [95% CI = 1.13-1.88]), Crohn's disease (pooled aHR = 1.53 [95%CI = 1.04-2.26]), and ulcerative colitis (pooled aHR = 1.78 [95%CI = 1.15-2.75]). Conversely, any atopic manifestation by age 3 was not associated with IBD (pooled aHR = 1.20 [95%CI = 0.95-1.52]), nor were analyses specifically focused on early-life food-related allergic symptoms, asthma, and allergic rhinitis. Conclusion While atopic manifestations in early childhood were overall not associated with IBD, children with atopic dermatitis specifically were at increased risk of developing IBD, suggesting shared etiologic traits; these findings might be useful in identifying at-risk individuals for IBD. (J Pediatr 2024;270:114027) ., Funding Agencies|Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services; Ministry of Education and Research

Objective To examine the associations between maternal education and household income during early childhood with asthma-related outcomes in children aged 9-12 years in the UK, the Netherlands, Sweden, Australia, the USA and Canada.Methods Data on 31 210 children were obtained from 7 prospective birth cohort studies across six countries. Asthma-related outcomes included ever asthma, wheezing/asthma attacks and medication control for asthma. Relative social inequalities were estimated using pooled risk ratios (RRs) adjusted for potential confounders (child age, sex, mother ethnic background and maternal age) for maternal education and household income. The Slope Index of Inequality (SII) was calculated for each cohort to evaluate absolute social inequalities.Results Ever asthma prevalence ranged from 8.3% (Netherlands) to 29.1% (Australia). Wheezing/asthma attacks prevalence ranged from 3.9% (Quebec) to 16.8% (USA). Pooled RRs for low (vs high) maternal education and low (vs high) household income were: ever asthma (education 1.24, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.37; income 1.28, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.43), wheezing/asthma attacks (education 1.14, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.35; income 1.22, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.44) and asthma with medication control (education 1.16, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.40; income 1.25, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.55). SIIs supported the lower risk for children with more highly educated mothers and those from higher-income households in most cohorts, with few exceptions.Conclusions Social inequalities by household income on the risk of ever asthma, wheezing/asthma attacks, and medication control for asthma were evident; the associations were attenuated for maternal education. These findings support the need for prevention policies to address the relatively high risks of respiratory morbidity in children in families with low socioeconomic status., Funding Agencies|Canadian Institutes of Health Research [OCO-79897, MOP-89886, MSH-95353, ROG-110537]

Introduction To study the HbA1c trajectory from the time of diagnosis to examine if patients at the greatest risk for severe microangiopathy can be identified early allowing clinicians to intervene as soon as possible to avoid complications. Research design and methods In a population-based observational study, 447 patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before 35 years of age, 1983-1987, were followed from diagnosis until 2019. Mean HbA1c was calculated each year for each patient. Severe diabetic microangiopathy was defined as proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) or macroalbuminuria (nephropathy). Results After 32 years, 27% had developed PDR and 8% macroalbuminuria. Patients with weighted HbA1c (wHbA1c); <57 mmol/mol; <7.4% did not develop PDR or macroalbuminuria. The HbA1c trajectories for patients developing PDR and macroalbuminuria follow separate courses early on and stay separated for 32 years during the follow-up. Patients without severe complications show an initial dip, after which HbA1c slowly increases. HbA1c in patients with severe complications directly rises to a high level within a few years. Mean HbA1c calculated for the period 5-8 years after diabetes onset strongly predicts the development of severe complications. Females with childhood-onset diabetes exhibit a high peak in HbA1c during adolescence associated with higher wHbA1c and higher prevalence of PDR. Conclusions The HbA1c trajectory from diabetes onset shows that mean HbA1c for the period 5-8 years after diagnosis strongly predicts severe microangiopathy. Females with childhood-onset diabetes exhibit a high peak in HbA1c during adolescence associated with higher wHbA1c and a higher prevalence of PDR., Funding Agencies|Barndiabetesfonden (The Swedish Child Diabetes Foundation); Region Ostergoetlands Stiftelsefonder [RO-760091]

Purpose: Elucidate the prevalence of myopia among young adults from a birth cohort of Swedish children and its relationship to possible risk factors during their childhood. Methods: Five thousand two hundred young adults, mean 23.4 years and 58% females, participating in the prospective birth cohort All Babies in Southeast Sweden (ABIS) answered a questionnaire including questions regarding health and physical activity, spectacle use, myopia and age at first optical correction. Questionnaires at previous follow-ups at ages 2-3, 5-6 and 8 years included information on type of housing, time outdoors, screen time and hours of reading. Myopia prevalence and associations with potential risk factors were analysed in univariate and multivariate regression models with Bonferroni's correction of p-values. Results: In the ABIS Swedish birth cohort of young adults, the prevalence of myopia was 29%. A univariate logistic regression showed a higher odds ratio for myopia with female gender (OR 1.59; p < 0.05) and a completed and started university education (OR 1.52; p < 0.05). Significantly lower odds ratios were found for hours spent outdoors at 8 years of age (OR 0.82; p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed a higher odds ratio for myopia in females (OR 1.52-1.57; p < 0.05) and completed and started university education (OR 1.34-1.49; p < 0.05) in all models. In a model including accommodative effort, measured in diopter hours at 8 years of age, hours spent outdoors were associated with a lower odds ratio for myopia (OR 0.86; p < 0.05). No association could be detected between myopia and the type of housing or near work. Conclusion: The prevalence of myopia among young adults in a Swedish birth cohort was lower or unchanged compared to previous data. Female gender, higher education and less time spent outdoors in childhood were associated with an increased risk of developing myopia. Recommendations from child health services, Funding Agencies|Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Background Psoriasis is a genetically determined systemic skin disease, although environmental trigger factors are required for disease manifestation. Some of these triggers, such as stress, infections and drug exposure, have been identified. Objectives To explore the role of early nutrition as a risk factor for the development of psoriasis. Methods Parents in the All Babies in Southeast Sweden (ABIS) prospective birth cohort (n = 16 415) answered questionnaires at birth and when their children were aged 1 and 3 years. A diagnosis of psoriasis was determined from the Swedish National Patient Register and National Drug Prescription Register. Statistical analyses were conducted using custom-written R scripts. Results Individuals breastfed for < 4 months and who received infant formula before 4 months of age had a higher risk of psoriasis [odds ratio (OR) 1.84 (P = 0.02) and OR 1.88 (P = 0.02), respectively]. At the 3-year follow-up, the increased consumption of fish, especially from the Baltic Sea, increased the risk of psoriasis (OR 9.61; P = 0.003). In addition, the risk of psoriasis increased following the consumption of a large volume of milk (OR 2.53; P = 0.04). Conclusions Our study underscores, for the first time, the impact of very early nutrition on the manifestation of psoriasis through early adulthood. Exclusive breastfeeding for 4 months appears to be protective., Funding Agencies|Barndiabetesfonden (Swedish Child Diabetes Foundation); Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research [FAS2004-1775]; Swedish Research Council [K2005-72X-11242-11A, K2008-69X-20826-01-4]; Ostgota Brandstodsbolag; Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden (FORSS); JDRF Wallenberg Foundation [K98-99D-12813-01A]; Region Ostergotland; Linkoping University, Sweden; Joanna Cocozza Foundation

Introduction The rate of progression to complete insulin deficiency varies greatly in type 1 diabetes. This constitutes a challenge, especially when randomizing patients in intervention trials aiming to preserve beta cell function. This study aimed to identify biomarkers predictive of either a rapid or slow disease progression in children with new-onset type 1 diabetes. Research design and methods A retrospective, longitudinal cohort study of children (<18 years) with type 1 diabetes (N=46) was included at diagnosis and followed until complete insulinopenia (C-peptide <0.03 nmol/L). Children were grouped into rapid progressors (n=20, loss within 30 months) and slow progressors (n=26). A sex-matched control group of healthy children (N=45) of similar age was included for comparison. Multiple biomarkers were assessed by proximity extension assay (PEA) at baseline and follow-up. Results At baseline, rapid progressors had lower C-peptide and higher autoantibody levels than slow. Three biomarkers were higher in the rapid group: carbonic anhydrase 9, corticosteroid 11-beta-dehydrogenase isozyme 1, and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 21. In a linear mixed model, 25 proteins changed over time, irrespective of group. One protein, a coxsackievirus B-adenovirus receptor (CAR) increased over time in rapid progressors. Eighty-one proteins differed between type 1 diabetes and healthy controls. Principal component analysis could not distinguish between rapid, slow, and healthy controls. Conclusions Despite differences in individual proteins, the combination of multiple biomarkers analyzed by PEA could not distinguish the rate of progression in children with new-onset type 1 diabetes. Only one marker was altered significantly when considering both time and group effects, namely CAR, which increased significantly over time in the rapid group. Nevertheless, we did find some markers that may be useful in predicting the decline of the C-peptide. Moreover, Funding Agencies|Barndiabetesfonden; Olink Proteomics AB in Uppsala, Sweden

Funding Agencies|Kommunfullmktige, Stockholms Stad Clinical research position for Martina Persson

Objective We assessed whether early-life diet quality and food intake frequencies were associated with subsequent IBD. Design Prospectively recorded 1-year and 3-year questionnaires in children from the All Babies in Southeast Sweden and The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study were used to assess diet quality using a Healthy Eating Index and intake frequency of food groups. IBD was defined as >2 diagnoses in national patient registers. Cox regression yielded HRs adjusted (aHRs) for child's sex, parental IBD, origin, education level and maternal comorbidities. Cohort-specific results were pooled using a random-effects model. Results During 1 304 433 person-years of follow-up, we followed 81 280 participants from birth through childhood and adolescence, whereof 307 were diagnosed with IBD. Compared with low diet quality, medium and high diet quality at 1 year of age were associated with a reduced risk of IBD (pooled aHR 0.75 (95% CI=0.58 to 0.98) and 0.75 (95% CI=0.56 to 1.00)). The pooled aHR per increase of category was 0.86 (0.74 to 0.99). Pooled aHR for children 1 year old with high versus low fish intake was 0.70 (95% CI=0.49 to 1.00) for IBD, and showed association with reduced risk of UC (pooled aHR=0.46; 95% CI=0.21, 0.99). Higher vegetable intake at 1 year was associated with a risk reduction in IBD. Intake of sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with an increased risk of IBD. Diet quality at 3 years was not associated with IBD. Conclusion In this Scandinavian birth cohort, high diet quality and fish intake in early life were associated with a reduced risk of IBD., Funding Agencies|Barndiabetes fonden (Swedish Child Diabetes Foundation) [0000]; Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research [FAS2004-1775]; Swedish Research Council [K2005-72X-11242-11A, K2008-69X-20826-01-4, 2020-01980]; Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden (FORSS) [0000]; JDRF Wallenberg Foundation [K 98-99D-12813-01A]; Region OEstergoetland; Linkoping University, Sweden; Joanna Cocozza Foundation; Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services; Ministry of Education and Research; Swedish Society for Medical Research [S20-0007, TG-23-0002]; ALF [ALFGBG- 915661]; Henning and Johan Throne- Holst Foundation

Objectives To examine the association between early-life smoking exposure and later risk of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD].Methods We followed 115663 participants from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child [MoBa] and All Babies in Southeast Sweden [ABIS] cohorts from birth [1997-2009] through 2021. IBD was identified through national patient registers. Validated questionnaire data defined maternal smoking during pregnancy, maternal environmental tobacco smoke [ETS] exposure during pregnancy, and child ETS exposure by ages 12 and 36 months. Cox regression was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios [aHRs] for sex, maternal age, education level, parental IBD, and origin. Cohort-specific estimates were pooled using a random-effects model.Results During 1 987 430 person-years of follow-up, 444 participants developed IBD [ABIS, 112; MoBa, 332]. Any vs no maternal smoking during pregnancy yielded a pooled aHR of 1.30 [95% CI = 0.97-1.74] for offspring IBD. Higher level of maternal smoking during pregnancy (compared with no smoking, average >= 6 cigarettes/day: pooled aHR = 1.60 [95% CI = 1.08-2.38]) was associated with offspring IBD, whereas a lower smoking level was not (average 1-5 cigarettes/day: pooled aHR = 1.09 [95% CI = 0.73-1.64]). Child ETS exposure in the first year of life was associated with later IBD (any vs no ETS, pooled aHR = 1.32 [95% CI = 1.03-1.69]). Estimates observed for child ETS exposure by 36 months were similar but not statistically significant.Conclusions In this prospective Scandinavian cohort study, children exposed to higher levels of maternal smoking during pregnancy or ETS during the first year of life were at increased risk of later IBD., Funding Agencies|Swedish Child Diabetes Foundation; Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services; Ministry of Education and Research

AimEating disorders have a serious impact on quality of life, especially when combined with Type 1 diabetes. We investigated eating disorders in relation to factors early in life with some focus on Type 1 diabetes.MethodsOut of 21,700 children born 1st of Oct 1997-1st of Oct 1999 17,055 (78.6%) were included in ABIS (All Babies in southeast Sweden) and 16,415 had adequate questionnaires. ICD-10 diagnosis from The National Patient Register was merged with the ABIS data.ResultsIn total 247 individuals, 19 boys (7.7%) and 219 girls (92.3%) out of 16,415 (1.5%) developed eating disorders (EDs), 167 (1.0%) Type 1 diabetes of whom 7 (4.2%) also got eating disorders (ED) (OR 3.25 (1.47-7.28); p = 0.04), all of them years after diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. EDs was associated with high parental education especially in fathers (OR 1.65 (1.09-2.50); p = 0.02) and to at birth anxiety, and depression among mothers. There was no association with the duration of breastfeeding.ConclusionsEating disorders are common in girls, with increased risk in high-educated but psychologically vulnerable families. Prevalence is increased in type 1 diabetes. Even modern diabetes treatment needs to be completed with psychological support.Level of evidenceLevel III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies., Funding Agencies|Barndiabetesfonden ( The Swedish Child Diabetes Foundation)

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AIMS: We have evaluated long-term weighted mean HbA1c (wHbA1c), HbA1c variability, diabetes duration, and lipid profiles in relation to the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), nephropathy, and retinopathy in childhood-onset type 1 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a longitudinal cohort study, 49 patients (21 women) with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes were investigated with neurophysiological measurements, blood tests, and clinical examinations after a diabetes duration of 7.7 (±3.3) years (baseline) and followed with repeated examinations for 30.6 (±5.2) years. We calculated wHbA1c by integrating the area under all HbA1c values since the diabetes diagnosis. Lipid profiles were analysed in relation to the presence of DPN. Long-term fluctuations of HbA1c variability were computed as the standard deviation of all HbA1c measurements. Data regarding the presence of other diabetes complications were retrieved from medical records. RESULTS: In this follow-up study, 51% (25/49) of the patients fulfilled electrophysiological criteria for DPN. In nerve conduction studies, there was a deterioration in the amplitudes and conduction velocities for the median, peroneal, and sural nerves over time. Patients with DPN had a longer duration of diabetes, higher wHbA1c, and increased HbA1c variability. The lowest wHbA1c value associated with the development of DPN was 62 mmol/mol (7.8%). The presence of albuminuria and retinopathy was positively correlated with the presence of neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the patients had developed DPN after 30 years. None of the patients who developed DPN had a wHbA1c of less than 62 mmol/mol (7.8%)., Financial support was received from Linköping University, Sweden, ALF grants (Swedish governmental funding of clinical research), and the Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: To investigate the frequency and characteristics of partial remission in Swedish children with type 1 diabetes and whether insulin delivery method, i.e., continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) or multiple daily injections (MDI) affect incidence and duration of this period 2007-2011. Factors that increase the proportion of subjects that enter partial remission and extend this period can improve long-term metabolic control and reduce the risk of severe hypoglycemia, improve quality of life and in the long run reduce late complications. METHODS: Longitudinal data from 2007-2020 were extracted from the Swedish National Quality Register (SWEDIABKIDS) with all reported newly diagnosed children. Data on C-peptide from the participants in the Better Diabetes Diagnosis study (BDD) from 2007-2010 were used. The definition of partial remission was Insulin Dose Adjusted HbA1c (IDAA1c): HbA1c (%)+(4 x total daily insulin dose (U/kg/day)) ≤9. RESULTS: Of the 3,887 patients, 56% were boys. More boys than girls were in partial remission throughout the follow-up period until 24 months after diabetes onset. Fewer children 0-6 years old had partial remission at 3 and 12 months but not at 24 months compared to older age groups. A larger proportion of patients using CSII at 12 and 24 months remained in partial remission compared to those with MDI (37% vs 33%, p=0.02 and 31% vs 27%, p<0.01 respectively). The level of C-peptide was higher in the group with partial remission and mean HbA1c was lower, both p<0.001. Partial remission at 12 months after diabetes onset was associated with CSII (OR:1.39 CI:1.13, 1.71), shorter diabetes duration (OR:0.80 CI:0.76, 0.84) and male sex (OR:1.23 CI:1.04, 1.46) Conclusions/interpretation: Insulin through MDI, longer duration of diabetes, and female sex were associated with lower frequency of partial remission. Use of CSII seem to contribute to longer partial remission among Swedish children with type 1 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal exposure to environmental contaminants is a significant health concern because it has the potential to interfere with host metabolism, leading to adverse health effects in early childhood and later in life. Growing evidence suggests that genetic and environmental factors, as well as their interactions, play a significant role in the development of autoimmune diseases. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we hypothesized that prenatal exposure to environmental contaminants impacts cord serum metabolome and contributes to the development of autoimmune diseases. METHODS: We selected cord serum samples from All Babies in Southeast Sweden (ABIS) general population cohort, from infants who later developed one or more autoimmune-mediated and inflammatory diseases: celiac disease (CD), Crohn's disease (IBD), hypothyroidism (HT), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and type 1 diabetes (T1D) (all cases, N = 62), along with matched controls (N = 268). Using integrated exposomics and metabolomics mass spectrometry (MS) based platforms, we determined the levels of environmental contaminants and metabolites. RESULTS: Differences in exposure levels were found between the controls and those who later developed various diseases. High contaminant exposure levels were associated with changes in metabolome, including amino acids and free fatty acids. Specifically, we identified marked associations between metabolite profiles and exposure levels of deoxynivalenol (DON), bisphenol S (BPS), and specific per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS). IMPACT STATEMENT: Abnormal metabolism is a common feature preceding several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. However, few studies compared common and specific metabolic patterns preceding these diseases. Here we hypothesized that exposure to environmental contaminants impacts cord serum metabolome, which may contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. We found differences in exposure levels between the controls and those, This work was supported by the Swedish Research Council [grant number 2020-03674; to TH], Formas [grant number 2019-00869; to TH], and by the “Inflammation in human early life: targeting impacts on life-course health” (INITIALISE) consortium funded by the Horizon Europe Program of the European Union under Grant Agreement 101094099 (to T.H., E.W.T., M.O., and J.L.). The ABIS cohort study (JL) was supported by Barndiabetesfonden (Swedish Child Diabetes Foundation), the Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research [grant numbers FAS2004-1775 and FAS2004–1775], Swedish Research Council [Grant/Award Numbers: K2005-72 × -11242-11A and K2008-69 × -20826-01-4, K2008-69 × -20826-01-4], Östgöta Brandstodsbolag, Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden (FORSS), JDRF Wallenberg Foundation [Grant/Award Number: K 98-99D-12813-01A], Joanna Cocozza Foundation and ALF-and LfoU grants from Region Östergötland and Linköping University, Sweden. Open access funding provided by Örebro University.