Apoptosis in human fetal membranes: implications in parturition-associated changes in fetal membrane integrity.

1996 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 293A ◽  
Author(s):  
R RUNIC
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Fetal Membrane ◽  
Fetal Membranes

scholarly journals Trichomonas vaginalisWeakens Human Amniochorion in an In Vitro Model of Premature Membrane Rupture

1995 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 267-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah Draper ◽  
Ward Jones ◽  
R. Phillip Heine ◽  
Michelle Beutz ◽  
Janice I. French ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Membrane Damage ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Fetal Membrane ◽  
Fetal Membranes ◽  
Ph Effects ◽  
Induced Membrane ◽  
Membrane Rupture ◽  
Membrane Strength

Objective: Trichomonas vaginalis (TV)infection is associated with preterm rupture of membranes (PROM) and preterm birth. We evaluated the effects ofTVgrowth and metabolism on preparations of human amniochorion to understand and characterize howTVmay impair fetal-membrane integrity and predispose to PROM and preterm birth.Methods:Term fetal membranes were evaluated using an established in vitro fetal-membrane model. FreshTVclinical isolates were obtained from pregnant women. The protozoa (5.0×105to1.5×106/ml) were incubated with fetal membranes in modified Diamond's medium for 20 h at 37°C in 5%CO2.The effects of fetal-membrane strength (bursting tension, work to rupture, and elasticity) were measured using a calibrated Wheatstone-bridge dynamometer. Tests were also performed to evaluate the effects of 1) inoculum size; 2) metronidazole (50 μg/ml); and 3) cell-free filtrate.Results:TheTV-induced membrane effects were 1) isolate variable; 2) inoculum dependent; 3) incompletely protected by metronidazole; and 4) mediated by both live organisms as well as protozoan-free culture filtrates. Six of 9 isolates significantly reduced the calculated work to rupture (P≤ 0.02); 7 of 9 reduced bursting tension; and 1 of 9 reduced elasticity. One isolate significantly increased the work to rupture and bursting tension (P≤ 0.002).Conclusions:In vitro incubation of fetal membranes withTVcan significantly impair the measures of fetal-membrane strength. This model may be used to delineate the mechanisms ofTV-induced membrane damage. This study suggests that there are enzyme-specific effects as well as pH effects.

scholarly journals Progesterone receptor membrane components: key regulators of fetal membrane integrity

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Violetta Lozovyy ◽  
Lauren Richardson ◽  
George Saade ◽  
Ramkumar Menon
Keyword(s):  
Progesterone Receptor ◽  
Differential Expression ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Membrane Receptors ◽  
Proximity Ligation Assay ◽  
Fetal Membrane ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Fetal Membranes ◽  
Receptor Membrane ◽  
Membrane Components

Abstract Pro-pregnancy hormone progesterone (P4) helps to maintain a quiescent status of uterine tissues during gestation. However, P4’s functional role in maintaining fetal membrane (amniochorion) integrity remains unclear. P4 functions through its membrane receptors (progesterone receptor membrane components (PGRMCs)) as fetal membrane cells lack nuclear receptors. This study screened the differential expression of PGRMCs in the fetal membranes and tested P4–PGRMC interactions under normal and oxidative stress (OS) conditions expected that can disrupt P4–PGRMC interactions impacting fetal membrane stability resulting in parturition. Human fetal membranes were collected from term and preterm deliveries (N = 5). Immunohistochemistry and western blot localized and determined differential expression of P4 receptors. Primary amnion epithelial, mesenchymal (AMCs), and chorion cell were treated with P4 alone or co-treated (P4 + OS induced by cigarette smoke extract (CSE)). Proximity ligation assay (PLA) documented P4–receptor binding, whereas P4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay documented culture supernatant levels. Immunohistology confirmed lack of nuclear progesterone receptors; however, confirmed expressions of PGRMC 1 and 2. Term labor (P = 0.01) and preterm rupture (P = 0.01) are associated with significant downregulation of PGRMC2. OS-induced differential downregulation of PGRMCs in both amnion and chorion cells (all P < 0.05) and downregulates P4 release (AMCs; P = 0.01). The PLA showed preferential receptor–ligand binding in amnion and chorion cells. Co-treatment of P4 + CSE did not reverse CSE-induced effects. In conclusion, P4–PGRMCs interaction maintains fetal membranes’ functional integrity throughout pregnancy. Increased OS reduces endogenous P4 production and cell type-dependent downregulation of PGRMCs. These changes can lead to fetal membrane-specific “functional progesterone withdrawal,” contributing to the dysfunctional fetal membrane status seen at term and preterm conditions.

scholarly journals Novel Insights into the Regulatory Role of Nuclear Factor (Erythroid-Derived 2)-Like 2 in Oxidative Stress and Inflammation of Human Fetal Membranes

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (17) ◽  
pp. 6139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramkumar Menon ◽  
Morgan R Peltier
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Heme Oxygenase ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Fetal Membrane ◽  
Fetal Membranes ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Nuclear Factor ◽  
Western Blots ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy ◽  
Nrf2 Expression

Fetal membrane dysfunction in response to oxidative stress (OS) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is one of the regulators of innate OS response. This study evaluated changes in Nrf2 expression and its downstream targets heme oxygenase (HO-1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in fetal membranes during OS and infection in vitro. Furthermore, we tested the roles of sulforaphane (SFN; an extract from cruciferous vegetables) and trigonelline (TRN; an aromatic compound in coffee) in regulating Nrf2 and its targets. Fetal membranes (n = 6) collected at term were placed in an organ explant system were treated with water-soluble cigarette smoke extract (CSE), an OS inducer (1:10), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 ng/mL). Nrf2 expression, expression, its enhancement by sulforaphane (SFN, 10 µM/mL) and down regulation by TRN (10uM/mL) was determined by western blots. Expression of Nrf2 response elements PPARγ (western) heme oxygenase (HO-1), and IL-6 were quantified by ELISA. CSE and LPS treatment of fetal membranes increased nrf2, but reduced HO-1 and PPARγ and increased IL-6. Co-treatment of SFN, but not with TRN, with CSE and LPS increased Nrf2 substantially, as well as increased HO-1 and PPARγ and reduced IL-6 expression. Risk factor-induced Nrf2 increase is insufficient to generate an antioxidant response in fetal membranes. Sulforaphane may enhance innate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity by increasing NRF-2 expression.

Labour-associated changes in adrenomedullin content in human placenta and fetal membranes

2003 ◽  
Vol 105 (4) ◽  
pp. 419-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. AL-GHAFRA ◽  
N. M. GUDE ◽  
S. P. BRENNECKE ◽  
R. G. KING
Keyword(s):  
Human Placenta ◽  
Mode Of Delivery ◽  
Placental Tissue ◽  
Fetal Membrane ◽  
Fetal Membranes ◽  
Tissue Extracts ◽  
Human Labour ◽  
Labour Group

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of labour and mode of delivery on human placental and fetal membrane content of adrenomedullin (AdM). Placentas and fetal membranes were collected either at term or pre-term gestation from women either in labour or not in labour, and AdM was measured in tissue extracts by specific RIA. There were significant increases in AdM concentrations in amnion and choriodecidua for the in-labour group compared with the not-in-labour group for both pre-term and term gestations. There was no difference in AdM concentration in placental tissue between labour groups. This study provides evidence that fetal membrane AdM is increased in amniotic and choriodecidual tissues in response to labour, and suggests that it may play a role during human labour.

125I-human epidermal growth factor specific binding to placentas and fetal membranes from various pregnancy states

1988 ◽  
Vol 117 (4) ◽  
pp. 485-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glen E. Hofmann ◽  
Ch. V. Rao ◽  
Fred R. Carman ◽  
Tariq A. Siddiqi
Keyword(s):  
Gestational Age ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Large For Gestational Age ◽  
Fetal Membrane ◽  
Fetal Membranes ◽  
Intrauterine Growth ◽  
Class A ◽  
Appropriate For Gestational Age ◽  
Epidermal Growth ◽  
Twin Pregnancies

Abstract. Specific binding of 125I-human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) to homogenates of term human placentas and fetal membranes from normal and appropriate for gestational age (N = 20), intrauterine growth retarded (N = 9), twin (N = 11), White class A/B diabetic (N = 12), and large for gestational age (N = 13) pregnancies was measured. In all pregnancy states, placentas bound approximately four times more 125I-hEGF than did fetal membranes (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in 125I-hEGF binding to fetal membranes from the various pregnancy states (P > 0.05). 125I-hEGF specific binding to placentas from intrauterine growth retarded or twin pregnancies was significantly greater compared with placentas from normal and appropriate for gestational age pregnancies (P < 0.05). The binding to placentas from pregnancies complicated by White class A/B diabetes or large for gestational age infants, on the other hand, was not significantly different from that to placentas from normal and appropriate for gestational age pregnancies. 125I-hEGF specific binding did not differ between placentas from intrauterine growth retarded or twin pregnancies (P > 0.05). Placental and fetal membrane 125I-hEGF binding did not vary with fetal sex, maternal race, placental weight, or gestational age between 37 to 42 weeks (P > 0.05). Placental but not fetal membrane 125I-hEGF binding increased with increasing infant weight when appropriate for gestational age and large for gestational age infants were included (P < 0.05, r = 0.38, N = 32) but not for intrauterine growth retarded, appropriate for gestational age, or large for gestational age infants alone.

scholarly journals Impact of preconception vaginal microbiota on women’s risk of spontaneous preterm birth: protocol for a prospective case-cohort study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. e035186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica M Lokken ◽  
Kishorchandra Mandaliya ◽  
Sujatha Srinivasan ◽  
Barbra A Richardson ◽  
John Kinuthia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Umbilical Cord ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Vaginal Microbiota ◽  
Fetal Membrane ◽  
Fetal Membranes ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Spontaneous Preterm Birth ◽  
Increased Risk

IntroductionBacterial vaginosis (BV) and vaginal microbiota disruption during pregnancy are associated with increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB), but clinical trials of BV treatment during pregnancy have shown little or no benefit. An alternative hypothesis is that vaginal bacteria present around conception may lead to SPTB by compromising the protective effects of cervical mucus, colonising the endometrial surface before fetal membrane development, and causing low-level inflammation in the decidua, placenta and fetal membranes. This protocol describes a prospective case-cohort study addressing this hypothesis.Methods and analysisHIV-seronegative Kenyan women with fertility intent are followed from preconception through pregnancy, delivery and early postpartum. Participants provide monthly vaginal specimens during the preconception period for vaginal microbiota assessment. Estimated date of delivery is determined by last menstrual period and first trimester obstetrical ultrasound. After delivery, a swab is collected from between the fetal membranes. Placenta and umbilical cord samples are collected for histopathology. Broad-range 16S rRNA gene PCR and deep sequencing of preconception vaginal specimens will assess species richness and diversity in women with SPTB versus term delivery. Concentrations of key bacterial species will be compared using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Taxon-directed qPCR will also be used to quantify bacteria from fetal membrane samples and evaluate the association between bacterial concentrations and histopathological evidence of inflammation in the fetal membranes, placenta and umbilical cord.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by ethics committees at Kenyatta National Hospital and the University of Washington. Results will be disseminated to clinicians at study sites and partner institutions, presented at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. The findings of this study could shift the paradigm for thinking about the mechanisms linking vaginal microbiota and prematurity by focusing attention on the preconception vaginal microbiota as a mediator of SPTB.

scholarly journals Microbiota of fetal membranes in intact amniotic sac and full-term pregnancy

2021 ◽  
pp. 4-11
Author(s):  
M.A. Kaganova ◽  
◽  
N.V Spiridonova ◽  
E.A. Makhlina ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Ureaplasma Urealyticum ◽  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Full Term ◽  
Gardnerella Vaginalis ◽  
Elective Cesarean Section ◽  
Fetal Membrane ◽  
Fetal Membranes ◽  
Term Pregnancy ◽  
Candida Spp

Aim of research. To study the microbial landscape of intact fetal membranes in full-term pregnancy. Materials and methods. In 19 pregnant women (mean age — 31.0 ± 5.3 years, mean gestational age — 39.3 ± 0.65 weeks) with intact fetal membranes, the fetal membrane tissue was collected during elective cesarean section to detect by polymerase chain reaction the following microorganisms: Lactobacillus spp., Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Gardnerella vaginalis/Prevotella bivia/Porphyromonas spp., Eubacterium spp., Sneathia spp./Leptotrihia spp./ Fusobacterium spp., Megasphaera spp./Veillonella spp./ Dialister spp., Lachnobacterium spp./Clostridium spp., Mobiluncus spp./Corynebacterium spp., Peptostreptococcus spp., Atopobium vaginae, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma (urealyticum + parvum), Candida spp., Mycoplasma genitalium. Results. Sterile membranes were found in 5 pregnant women (26.3%), in the remaining cases, the total bacterial load (TBL) was 104.5 (103.5–105.8) genome equivalents (GE) per sample. Representatives of the Enterobacteriaceae family prevailed — 104.5 GE per sample on average, only in one case Candida spp. were detected. In 42.1% of cases, when determining TBL, specific types of microorganisms were not identified. Conclusion. On the fetal membranes in full-term pregnancy, the average TBL corresponding to 104.5 (103.5–105.8) GE per sample, in which Enterobacteriaceae prevail in the amount of 104.5 GE per sample on average, is acceptable.

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