Brain Maturation—Differences in Biochemical Composition of Fetal and Child's Brain

What is it about?

Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in 1H MRS spectra of the brain of fetuses and children from 6 to 11 years of age. Methods 21 healthy fetuses in the third trimester and 22 children were examined using the proton nuclear magnetic resonance. The relative ratios of metabolites concentrations to the sum of all metabolites were calculated. Results In the 1H MRS spectra of the brain from fetuses and children there are seen the same characteristic peaks. The NAA peak is dominant in both spectra, wherein in the children's brain the NAA/Σ and NAA/Cr concentrations are significantly higher than in the fetuses. Also Cr/Σ is significantly higher and Cho/Σ, Cho/Cr, mI/Σ and mI/Cr are significantly lower in children. Conclusions It was found that the brain metabolism changes from fetal life to childhood. The results of this study may provide a valuable basis for further research on brain maturation and "healthy aging".

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