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In an effort to discern potential correlations between maternal behaviors during pregnancy and childhood brain tumor (CBT) risk, researchers conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis, shedding light on significant findings and implications for future research.

Previous investigations on maternal smoking during pregnancy and CBT risk yielded inconclusive results. However, this meta-analysis revealed a borderline significant increase in CBT risk associated with maternal smoking during pregnancy, particularly passive smoking.

The study, published in the journal BMC Public Health, embarked on an exhaustive search across prominent databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Internet to identify relevant articles. Employing fixed or random effects models, data from various sources were synthesized to ascertain patterns and associations.

Insights from the meta-analysis unveiled intriguing connections between maternal habits and CBT risk. The study showed a slight but not definitive increase in childhood brain tumor risk linked to mothers smoking during pregnancy. Interestingly, exposure to secondhand smoke posed a higher risk than active smoking. The risk was more pronounced in children aged 0-1 years, followed by those aged 0-4 years, and 5-9 years.

"Quitting smoking is necessary," the researchers wrote. "In the present study, we also noticed a consistent pattern suggesting a link between maternal smoking during pregnancy and the risk of CBTs, particularly in younger age groups at the time of diagnosis."

"In addition, mothers who smoked during pregnancy are more likely to smoke after delivery. Therefore, it can also be further speculated that maternal smoking during pregnancy may have a greater impact on the child than after delivery."

Contrary to expectations, maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy did not demonstrate a significant association with CBT risk. The researchers however warned, saying, "There is strong evidence linking alcohol consumption to an increased risk of breast, liver, oral, and colorectal cancer in adults. Therefore, it is still advisable to avoid alcohol consumption during pregnancy since it is related with cognitive defects and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders."

A notable association with increased CBT risk, especially gliomas, was found with regards to maternal consumption of caffeinated beverages. Despite variations in coffee and tea preferences and manufacturing processes, caffeine's inhibitory effects on DNA topoisomerase II (topo II) could contribute to tumorigenesis, warranting further investigation.

"Caffeine and its related substances could inhibit DNA topoisomerase II (topo II), which plays an important role in cell growth and division . Topo II inhibition may result in chromosomal aberrations and translocations, speculated to contribute to the pathogenesis of infant tumors," the experts wrote.

Bias and limitations, including recall bias and study design constraints, underscore the need for large prospective cohort studies to validate these findings. Despite limitations, the meta-analysis provides crucial insights into maternal lifestyle factors and CBT risk, emphasizing the importance of cessation interventions and cautious caffeine consumption during pregnancy for public health.