Sleep shortage during pregnancy may hurt baby’s brain
A recent study suggests that inadequate sleep during pregnancy may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental delays in children, particularly in boys. Published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, the research highlights that mothers averaging less than seven hours of sleep per night had babies more likely to experience delays in emotional, behavioral, motor, cognitive, or speech skills.
The study found a correlation between sleep duration and levels of serum C-peptide in umbilical cord blood, a byproduct of insulin production. Short sleep duration has already been linked to impaired glucose tolerance and gestational diabetes, conditions known to influence neurodevelopment. Although the study does not establish a direct causative link, it emphasizes the importance of maternal sleep in fostering healthier outcomes for children. Dr. Peng Zhu from Anhui Medical University, the study’s lead author, noted that understanding this connection can help families adopt healthier pregnancy practices.
In related news, Merck & Co. has reported promising results for a new treatment for ulcerative colitis. In a mid-stage trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the monoclonal antibody tulisokibart demonstrated superiority over a placebo in treating moderate to severe ulcerative colitis in patients who were unresponsive to existing therapies.
After 12 weeks of treatment, 26% of patients achieved clinical remission compared to just 1% in the placebo group. Additionally, 66% of those on tulisokibart showed improvement, with 37% experiencing intestinal healing as confirmed by endoscopy. The drug works by blocking tumor necrosis factor–like cytokine 1A (TL1A), which plays a role in inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis.
Researchers are also developing a genetic test to predict patient responsiveness to tulisokibart, with promising results indicating higher remission rates among those identified as likely responders. Dr. Stephan Targan, a co-author of the study, emphasized the potential impact of these findings on the future of ulcerative colitis treatment.
Both studies highlight significant advances in understanding maternal health and chronic diseases, paving the way for improved treatment strategies and healthier outcomes for future generations.
