1056Maternal dyslipidaemia is associated with shorter gestational length in a UK cohort of 7440 pregnancies

Abstract Background Mechanisms for human labour are unknown because of difficulties in human pregnancy experimentation, limiting our ability to prevent preterm birth. Maternal metabolism is potentially involved. This study aimed to explore associations of multiple maternal metabolic traits with gestational age at delivery (GA). Methods Women with singleton pregnancies recruited to the Born in Bradford cohort study were included. A total of 157 maternal blood metabolites sampled between 26-28 weeks were measured using high-throughput NMR metabolomics. Associations between each metabolite and GA was modelled using linear (GA continuous) and logistic (GA binary) regressions; adjusted for age, BMI, ethnicity, socioeconomical status, alcohol, smoking, parity, pre-existing and gestational diabetes and hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and labour onset. Results The complete case sample included 7440 pregnancies (12308 eligible; 4540 had missing data). 1SD increases in large and very large HDLs were associated with longer mean GAs of 0.5-1 day, including 1SD increased HDL mean diameter associated with +0.5 day mean GA (95%CI:0.2to0.8;p=9.1E-4). 1SD increases in VLDLs and LDLs were associated with shorter mean GAs of 0.5-1 day, including 1SD increase in large VLDL associated with -0.7 days difference in GA (95%CI:-1.021to-0.465;p=2.299E-07). Conclusions Our findings suggest for the first time that maternal dyslipidaemia is related to differences in GA even after adjusting for multiple key confounders. Further studies are needed to clarify whether lipoprotein metabolism is causally involved in human labour. Key messages Human labour may involve pathways related to lipoprotein metabolism.

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The Correlation between miR-122 and Lipoprotein Lipase Expression in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients

Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology ◽

10.1155/2018/6348948 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-4 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Malgorzata Sidorkiewicz ◽

Martyna Grek-Kowalinska ◽

Anna Piekarska

Keyword(s):

Chronic Hepatitis ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Chronic Hepatitis C ◽

Lipoprotein Metabolism ◽

Hcv Rna ◽

Chronic Hcv Infection ◽

Liver Biopsies ◽

Chronic Hcv ◽

First Time ◽

Chronic Hepatitis C Patients

Chronic HCV infection is strictly associated with host lipid/lipoprotein metabolism disorders. The study aimed to analyze the relationship between viral load, lipid profile, IFNγ, and the expression of miR-122 and LPL in the liver and PBMCs. Sera, PBMCs, and matching liver biopsies from 17 chronic hepatitis C patients were enrolled in this study. Collected data shows that liver (not PBMCs) miR-122 expression is positively correlated with HCV RNA load and IFNγ and reversely with LPL expression in CHC patients. Presented, for the first time, in this study, the reverse correlation of miR-122 and LPL expression in liver; miR-122 and LPL seem to be important factors of CHC infection.

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Placental EPO mRNA Expression Is Measurable in Very Preterm to Term Placentae

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzab046_026 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 729-729

Author(s):

Luisa Castillo ◽

Katherine Delaney ◽

Ronnie Guillet ◽

Eva Pressman ◽

Kimberly O'Brien

Keyword(s):

Mrna Expression ◽

Iron Status ◽

Placental Tissue ◽

Maternal Blood ◽

Pregnant Adolescents ◽

Very Preterm ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Gestational Age At Delivery ◽

Mrna And Protein Expression ◽

Health And Development

Abstract Objectives Our objective was to evaluate placental EPO mRNA expression in term and preterm placentae and explore maternal/neonatal/placental determinants of EPO expression. Methods Placental tissue was collected from pregnant adolescents (n = 82, < 19 y of age) and from women (n = 62) carrying multiple fetuses (twins = 23, triplets = 39). Placental mRNA expression was evaluated using qPCR. Hemoglobin and iron status biomarkers (SF, TBI, sTfR, Hepcidin) were measured in maternal blood at delivery and in cord blood. Results In this population, women delivered between 30–42 weeks of gestation. Of the 144 women, 30% delivered prematurely (< 37 weeks, n = 44) and 69% delivered at term (≥37 weeks, n = 100). As expected, preterm placentae weighed significantly less than term placenta (293 ± 93 g vs. 544 ± 143 g, p < 0.0001). Placental EPO mRNA expression was detected in all samples collected. Placental EPO mRNA expression did not significantly differ between anemic (Hb < 13 g/dL) (n = 23) and non-anemic (n = 84) neonates (p = 0.69), nor was it significantly associated with maternal anemia at delivery (p = 0.44). Placental EPO mRNA expression was also not significantly associated with maternal (p = 0.56) or neonatal (p = 0.61) Hb concentrations, placental weight (p = 0.46) or gestational age at delivery (p = 0.39). Conclusions While placental EPO mRNA was detected in all placental tissue collected between 30–42 weeks of gestation none of the iron biomarkers evaluated were significantly related to placental EPO mRNA expression. Further studies are needed to understand determinants of placental EPO mRNA and protein expression. Funding Sources The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute of Child Health and Development (NICHD) Grant 1R21HD098864, The Gerber Foundation and USDA grants 2005–35,200-15,218 and 2009–35,200-05,171.

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Prenatal diagnosis of fetal hemoglobin Lepore-Boston disease on maternal peripheral blood

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v75.11.2102.bloodjournal75112102 ◽

1990 ◽

Vol 75 (11) ◽

pp. 2102-2106

Author(s):

C Camaschella ◽

A Alfarano ◽

E Gottardi ◽

M Travi ◽

P Primignani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prenatal Diagnosis ◽

Fetal Hemoglobin ◽

Maternal Blood ◽

Beta Thalassemia ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Fetal Cells ◽

Maternal Peripheral Blood ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Traditional Approaches ◽

First Time

Molecular diagnosis of hemoglobin (Hb) Lepore-Boston in the fetus was successfully accomplished using maternal blood as a source for fetal cells in three pregnancies at risk for beta-thalassemia/Hb Lepore disease. Taking advantage of the possibility of amplifying Lepore- specific DNA fragments by polymerase chain reaction and of families in which Hb Lepore was inherited by the paternal side, we demonstrated in two cases and excluded in one case the presence of this hemoglobinopathy in the fetus directly on maternal DNA. The diagnosis was concordant with that obtained by traditional approaches in all three cases. Our results unequivocally show that nucleated fetal cells are present in maternal blood during pregnancy, and demonstrate for the first time that prenatal diagnosis of a genetic disease may be feasible without invasive procedures.

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The Effects of Maternal Obesity on Porcine Placental Efficiency and Proteome

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani9080546 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 546 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ji-Wei Li ◽

Jian Hu ◽

Ming Wei ◽

Ying-Ying Guo ◽

Pei-Shi Yan

Keyword(s):

Maternal Obesity ◽

Maternal Blood ◽

Maternal Metabolism ◽

Total Antioxidant ◽

Antioxidase Activity ◽

Triglyceride Content ◽

Hormone Biosynthesis ◽

Placental Efficiency ◽

Biochemical Analyses ◽

Factor Α

Maternal obesity is associated with impaired maternal metabolism and affects the developmental programming of the fetus. The placenta is dysfunctional when exposed to an obese intrauterine environment and can transduce and mediate detrimental maternal impacts to the fetus through mechanisms that remain largely unknown. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal obesity on the porcine placental proteome and to analyze the deregulated proteins and potential pathways predicted to be disturbed in obese placentas, using sows with high backfat as a model of obese pregnancy. The sows were divided into two groups based on their backfat thickness: normal backfat (NBF, 17–22 mm; n = 30) and high backfat (HBF, ≥23 mm; n = 30) as the maternal obesity group. The placental tissues used for the proteomic and biochemical analyses were obtained through vaginal delivery, and the maternal blood samples used to determine the metabolic parameters were collected at day 107 of pregnancy. Our study demonstrated that HBF sows had significantly decreased placental efficiency, increased plasma-free fatty acids and triglyceride levels, and increased proinflammatory cytokines plasma levels (p < 0.05). HBF placentas had significantly higher malondialdehyde level, lower total antioxidant capacity and antioxidase activity, increased triglyceride content and enhanced proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) contents (p < 0.05). Among the 4652 proteins identified using the proteomic method, 343 were quantified as differentially abundant proteins, which were involved in many vital biological processes. Based on our bioinformatic and placental biochemical analyses, we concluded that maternal obesity is associated with abnormal carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, decreased steroid hormone biosynthesis, and increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the placenta. The results of this study are undoubtedly valuable to other researchers.

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Defective catabolism of low-density lipoprotein by fibroblasts from patients with I-cell disease

Biochemical Journal ◽

10.1042/bj2020183 ◽

1982 ◽

Vol 202 (1) ◽

pp. 183-190 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

J C Williams ◽

D B Weinstein ◽

A L Miller ◽

D Steinberg

Keyword(s):

Low Density Lipoprotein ◽

Lipoprotein Metabolism ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Acid Proteinase ◽

Low Density ◽

Cell Disease ◽

Mucolipidosis Ii ◽

First Time ◽

I Cells

Skin fibroblast cultures from patients with I-cell disease (mucolipidosis II) are characterized by multiple lysosomal enzyme deficiencies The present studies deal with the consequences of these deficiencies with respect to the metabolism of plasma low-density lipoproteins. Degradation of the protein moiety was defective in I-cells compared with control cells, but the binding and internalization of low density lipoprotein were much less affected. Measurements of low-density lipoprotein degradation in homogenates demonstrated directly for the first time a deficiency of acid proteinase activity in I-cell fibroblasts. Comparison of results in 6-h incubations with those in 24-h incubations showed accumulation of intracellular low-density lipoprotein in I-cell fibroblasts and an accelerating rate of degradation, possibly attributable to intracellular accumulation of low-density lipoprotein substrate. The significance of these findings with respect to low-density lipoprotein metabolism in vivo is discussed.

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Subclinical Mastitis in a European Multicenter Cohort: Prevalence, Impact on Human Milk (HM) Composition, and Association with Infant HM Intake and Growth

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12010105 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 105

Author(s):

Tinu Mary Samuel ◽

Carlos Antonio De Castro ◽

Stephane Dubascoux ◽

Michael Affolter ◽

Francesca Giuffrida ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Human Milk ◽

Subclinical Mastitis ◽

Infant Growth ◽

Early Lactation ◽

Future Studies ◽

Manganese Zinc ◽

Multicenter Cohort ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Gestational Age At Delivery ◽

First Time

Background: Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is an inflammatory condition of the mammary gland. We examined the effects of SCM on human milk (HM) composition, infant growth, and HM intake in a mother–infant cohort from seven European countries. Methods: HM samples were obtained from 305 mothers at 2, 17, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days postpartum. SCM status was assessed using HM Sodium (Na): Potassium (K) ratio >0.6. Levels of different macro- and micronutrients were analyzed in HM. Results: SCM prevalence in the first month of lactation was 35.4%. Mean gestational age at delivery was lower and birth by C-section higher in SCM mothers (p ≤ 0.001). HM concentrations of lactose, DHA, linolenic acid, calcium, and phosphorous (p < 0.05 for all) was lower, while total protein, alpha-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, albumin, arachidonic acid to DHA ratio, n-6 to n-3 ratio and minerals (iron, selenium, manganese, zinc, and copper) were higher (p < 0.001 for all) in mothers with SCM. There were no differences in infant growth and HM intake between non-SCM and SCM groups. Conclusion: We document, for the first time, in a large European standardized and longitudinal study, a high prevalence of SCM in early lactation and demonstrate that SCM is associated with significant changes in the macro- and micronutrient composition of HM. Future studies exploring the relation of SCM with breastfeeding behaviors and developmental outcomes are warranted.

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Human Serum PCSK9 Is Elevated at Parturition in Comparison to Nonpregnant Subjects While Serum PCSK9 from Umbilical Cord Blood is Lower Compared to Maternal Blood

ISRN Endocrinology ◽

10.1155/2013/341632 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Patricia Peticca ◽

Angela Raymond ◽

Andrée Gruslin ◽

Marion Cousins ◽

Ejibunmi Adetola ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cord Blood ◽

Umbilical Cord ◽

Umbilical Cord Blood ◽

Serum Lipids ◽

Physiological State ◽

Ldl Receptor ◽

Lipoprotein Metabolism ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Maternal Blood ◽

In Pregnancy

Background. Serum lipids including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are increased in pregnancy. Serum proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) is a significant player in lipoprotein metabolism. Circulating PCSK9 downregulates the LDL receptor on the surface of the liver, inhibiting clearance of LDL-C. Therefore, our study assessed serum PCSK9 concentrations at parturition (Maternal) compared to a nonpregnant (Control) cohort, as well as between mother and newborn (Maternal and Newborn). Methods. Blood was collected from women at parturition and from umbilical cords. Serum lipids and PCSK9 were measured and data were analysed for significance by Mann-Whitney U test at P<0.05 and presented as median levels. Spearman's correlations were made at a 95% confidence interval. Results. Serum PCSK9 was significantly higher in Maternal versus Control cohorts (493.1 versus 289.7 ng/mL; P<0.001, resp.), while the Newborn cohort was significantly lower than Maternal (278.2 versus 493.1 ng/mL; P<0.0001, resp.). PCSK9 was significantly correlated with TC and HDL-C in Maternal and with TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C in Newborn cohorts. Conclusions. Our study provides the first quantitative report on PCSK9 in pregnancy (at parturition) and in umbilical cord blood. Further research will determine how these changes may affect lipoprotein levels during this physiological state.

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Abnormal umbilical cord insertions in singleton deliveries: placental histology and neonatal outcomes

Journal of Clinical Pathology ◽

10.1136/jclinpath-2020-207342 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. jclinpath-2020-207342

Author(s):

Sivlia Visentin ◽

Ambrogio P Londero ◽

Luisa Santoro ◽

Sara Pizzi ◽

Matteo Andolfatto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Information ◽

Neonatal Outcomes ◽

Premature Rupture Of Membranes ◽

Premature Rupture ◽

Fetal Demise ◽

Gestational Age At Delivery ◽

Adverse Neonatal Outcomes ◽

Microscopic Features ◽

Adverse Pregnancy ◽

Singleton Pregnancies

AimsThis study aimed to identify any microscopic features associated with abnormal (membranous/velamentous or marginal) placental cord insertions and to analyse their adverse neonatal outcomes.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed the records—including pathological findings, clinical information and pregnancy outcomes—for 1060 singleton pregnancies, involving newborn delivered after 24 weeks of gestation.ResultsMarginal cord insertions were identified in 26.60% of cases and membranous cord insertions in 2.64%. Subchorionic vessel thrombus was more prevalent in marginal or membranous insertions (0.97%) than in normal cord insertions (0.27%) (p=0.129). Intervillous thrombi (13.73% vs 8.41%, p<0.05) and chorioamnionitis (8.53% vs 5.48%, p=0.089) were more prevalent in normal cord insertions. Premature rupture of membranes was significantly more commonly associated with abnormal (marginal 15.25% and membranous 17.86%) than with normal (9.87%) insertions (p<0.05). Pre-eclampsia was more common in the group with membranous cord insertions (7.14%) than in the other groups (marginal 0.35%; normal 0.80%) (p<0.05). Marginal and membranous placental cord insertions were associated with earlier gestational age at delivery and smaller fetuses than in the group with normal insertions. Intrauterine fetal demise, cardiac malformations and pregestational diabetes were also more common among cases of abnormal cord insertions.ConclusionsSubchorionic vessel thrombus and adverse pregnancy-related outcomes were more prevalent in cases of marginal/membranous cord insertion than for normal insertions.

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Rapid Immunoassay for Pregnenolone Sulfate and Its Applications in Endocrinology

Collection of Czechoslovak Chemical Communications ◽

10.1135/cccc20020140 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 67 (1) ◽

pp. 140-162 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Martin Hill ◽

Helena Havlíková ◽

Jan Klak ◽

Marie Bičíková ◽

Vladimír Pouzar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gaba Receptors ◽

Normal Subjects ◽

Maternal Blood ◽

Time Profile ◽

Pregnenolone Sulfate ◽

Cystic Fluid ◽

Time Profiles ◽

Umbilical Blood ◽

First Time ◽

Circulating Levels

The importance of pregnenolone sulfate (PregS) in human physiology has increased in the last decade in connection with its neuroactivating effectviapositive modification ofN-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and negative modulation of GABA receptors. Therefore, a novel rapid radioimmunoassay was developed and evaluated for measurement of PregS in body fluids. Given the differences in concentrations of cross-reacting substances in various biological materials, several modifications of the method were elaborated and used. Circulating levels of PregS were measured in serum of normal subjects. In both sexes, the age dependences exhibited maximum values before 30th year of age. For the first time, circulating levels of the hormone were measured in patients with a mixed anxio-depressive disorder, where they significantly exceeded those in controls. Further, the levels of PregS were evaluated in time profiles of women around parturition and compared with those in umbilical blood at delivery. A significantly decreasing time profile of PregS was found in maternal blood. No correlation between maternal and umbilical blood was found indicating its autonomous production in mother and in fetus. In addition, concentrations of PregS were measured in breast cystic fluid where they exceeded those in circulation more than by two orders of magnitude.

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Rescue of Replication-Competent ZIKV Hidden in Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Cells Long After the Resolution of the Infection

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofz342 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (10) ◽

Author(s):

Veronica Bordoni ◽

Eleonora Lalle ◽

Francesca Colavita ◽

Andrea Baiocchini ◽

Roberta Nardacci ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Zika Virus ◽

Viral Proteins ◽

Maternal Blood ◽

Mesenchymal Cells ◽

In Vitro Cultivation ◽

Asymptomatic Woman ◽

Virus Like Particles ◽

Virus Clearance ◽

First Time

Abstract The Zika virus (ZIKV) genome, its negative-strand viral proteins, and virus-like particles were detected in placenta-derived mesenchymal cells (MSCs), indicating that ZIKV persists after virus clearance from maternal blood and can be rescued by in vitro cultivation. We report for the first time the presence of replication-competent ZIKV in MSCs from an asymptomatic woman who acquired infection during pregnancy.

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