Differential Activation of Fetal Hofbauer Cells in Primigravidas Is Associated with Decreased Birth Weight in Symptomatic Placental Malaria

Background. Placental malaria is a leading global cause of low birth weight neonates, especially in first-time mothers. To better understand the role of innate immunity in placental malaria, we investigated the relationships between histopathological markers of placental malaria, fetal and maternal macrophage responses, and perinatal outcomes in a cross-sectional case control study of pregnant women presenting with symptomatic malaria at the time of delivery. Results. Primigravidas showed increased hemozoin deposition in placental villi (p=0.02), syncytiotrophoblasts (p=0.01), and fetal Hofbauer cells (p=0.01). The percentage of hemozoin-positive villi negatively correlated with infant birth weight (regression coefficient [b] = -0.03 kg decrease in birth weight per % increase in hemozoin-positive villi, p=0.035). Malaria-infected placentas showed a twofold increase in Hofbauer cells (p<0.001) and maternal macrophages (p<0.001). Placental malaria was associated with a threefold increase in the percentage of M2 maternal macrophages (19.2% vs 6.4%, p=0.01). Primigravidas showed a significant decrease in the Hofbauer cell M2-percentage in placental malaria (92.7% vs. 97.0%, p=0.04), which was predictive of infant birth weight (b=0.08 kg increase in birth weight per % increase in M2 Hofbauer cells, p=0.001). There was no association between maternal macrophage response and infant birth weights. Conclusions. Placentas with malarial infection had increased numbers of fetal Hofbauer cells in the villous stroma and maternal macrophages in the intervillous space. In primigravidas, decreased anti-inflammatory M2-type Hofbauer cells were predictive of lower birth weight. M2-type maternal macrophages were increased in placental malaria, but there was no association with gravidity or birth weight. These results suggested a protective role of M2 Hofbauer cells in fetal growth restriction.

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Psychological Resilience Provides No Independent Protection From Suicidal Risk

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000364 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 37 (2) ◽

pp. 130-139 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Danica W. Y. Liu ◽

A. Kate Fairweather-Schmidt ◽

Richard Burns ◽

Rachel M. Roberts ◽

Kaarin J. Anstey

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Well Being ◽

Current Status ◽

Psychological Resilience ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Life Project ◽

Resilience Factors ◽

First Time

Abstract. Background: Little is known about the role of resilience in the likelihood of suicidal ideation (SI) over time. Aims: We examined the association between resilience and SI in a young-adult cohort over 4 years. Our objectives were to determine whether resilience was associated with SI at follow-up or, conversely, whether SI was associated with lowered resilience at follow-up. Method: Participants were selected from the Personality and Total Health (PATH) Through Life Project from Canberra and Queanbeyan, Australia, aged 28–32 years at the first time point and 32–36 at the second. Multinomial, linear, and binary regression analyses explored the association between resilience and SI over two time points. Models were adjusted for suicidality risk factors. Results: While unadjusted analyses identified associations between resilience and SI, these effects were fully explained by the inclusion of other suicidality risk factors. Conclusion: Despite strong cross-sectional associations, resilience and SI appear to be unrelated in a longitudinal context, once risk/resilience factors are controlled for. As independent indicators of psychological well-being, suicidality and resilience are essential if current status is to be captured. However, the addition of other factors (e.g., support, mastery) makes this association tenuous. Consequently, resilience per se may not be protective of SI.

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A perspective of the epidemiology of malaria and anaemia and their impact on maternal and perinatal outcomes in Sudan

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries ◽

10.3855/jidc.1282 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 5 (02) ◽

pp. 83-87 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Ishag Adam ◽

Elhassan M Elhassan ◽

Abd Elrahium D Haggaz ◽

Abdel Aziem A Ali ◽

Gamal K Adam

Keyword(s):

Risk Factor ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Placental Malaria ◽

Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽

Perinatal Outcomes ◽

Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria ◽

Malaria Prevention ◽

Bed Nets ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Cross Sectional

Introduction: Both malaria and anaemia have adverse effects on maternal and perinatal outcomes. Thus there is an urgent need to investigate the co-epidemiology of malaria and anaemia and their combined impact on maternal and perinatal outcomes in the different regions of Sudan Methodology: Various cross-sectional and case control studies conducted during the years 2003-2010 to investigate the epidemiology of malaria and anaemia and their impact on maternal and perinatal outcomes in different regions of Sudan were compared. Results: While 13.7% of antenatal attendants in New Halfa had peripheral microscopically detected Plasmodium falciparum malaria, placental malaria (using histological examinations) was prevalent in 32.0-40% and 19.5% of parturient women in New Halfa and Gadarif Hospitals, respectively. Malaria was a risk factor for anaemia in New Halfa and for stillbirths in Omdurman Maternity Hospital. Anaemia was present in 52.5%, 62.6% and 80.2% of pregnant women in Medani, New Halfa, and Gadarif Hospitals, respectively. In Gadarif, 57.3% of pregnant women had a folate deficiency, while 1% had a vitamin B12, deficiency. In Medani, zinc and copper deficiencies were detected in 45.0% and 4% of pregnant women, respectively. Anaemia was a risk factor for low birth weight in Al-Fashir, for fetal anaemia in New Halfa, and for stillbirth in Kassala Hospital. Conclusion: More care should be taken to ensure proper nutrition and malaria prevention such as bed nets and intermittent preventive treatments to avoid these diseases and their effects on maternal and perinatal outcomes.

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Abstract MP13: TRPM7 Downregulation Contributes To Cardiovascular Injury And Hypertension Induced By Aldosterone And Salt

Hypertension ◽

10.1161/hyp.76.suppl_1.mp13 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 76 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Francisco J Rios ◽

ZhiGuo Zou ◽

Karla B Neves ◽

Sarah S Nichol ◽

Livia L Camargo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽

Protective Role ◽

Internal Diameter ◽

Resistance Arteries ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vessel Structure ◽

Cardiovascular Fibrosis ◽

Fold Activation

TRPM7 has cation channel and kinase properties, is permeable to Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , and Zn 2+ and is protective in the cardiovascular system. Hyperaldosteronism, which induces hypertension and cardiovascular fibrosis, is associated with Mg 2+ wasting. Here we questioned whether TRPM7 plays a role in aldosterone- induced hypertension and fibrosis and whether it influences cation regulation. Wild-type (WT) and TRPM7-deficient (M7+/Δ) mice were treated with aldosterone (600μg/Kg/day) and/or 1% NaCl (drinking water) (aldo, salt or aldo-salt) for 4 weeks. Blood pressure (BP) was evaluated by tail-cuff. Vessel structure was assessed by pressure myography. Molecular mechanisms were investigated in cardiac fibroblasts (CF) from WT and M7+/Δ mice. Protein expression was assessed by western-blot and histology. M7+/Δ mice exhibited reduced TRPM7 expression (30%) and phosphorylation (62%), levels that were recapitulated in WT aldo-salt mice. M7+/Δ exhibited increased BP by aldo, salt and aldo-salt (135-140mmHg) vs M7+/Δ-veh (117mmHg) (p<0.05), whereas in WT, BP was increased only by aldo-salt (134mmHg). Mesenteric resistance arteries from WT aldo-salt exhibited increased wall/lumen ratio (80%) and reduced internal diameter (15%) whereas vessels from M7+/Δ exhibited thinner walls by reducing cross-sectional area (35%) and increased internal diameter (23%) after aldo-salt. Aldo-salt induced greater collagen deposition in hearts (68%), kidneys (126%) and aortas (45%) from M7+/Δ vs WT. Hearts from M7+/Δ veh exhibited increased TGFβ, IL-11 and IL-6 (1.9-fold), p-Smad3 and p-Stat1 (1.5-fold) whereas in WT these effects were only found after aldo-salt. Cardiac expression of protein phosphatase magnesium-dependent 1A (PPM1A), a Mg 2+ -dependent phosphatase, was reduced (3-fold) only in M7+/Δ mice. M7+/Δ CF showed reduced proliferation (30%) and PPM1A (4-fold) and increased expression of TGFβ, IL-11 and IL-6 (2-3-fold), activation of Stat1 (2-fold), Smad3 (9-fold) and ERK1/2 (8-fold) compared with WT. Mg 2+ supplementation normalized cell proliferation and reduced protein phosphorylation in M7+/Δ CF (p<0.05). Our findings indicate a protective role of TRPM7 in aldosterone-salt induced cardiovascular injury through Mg 2+ -dependent mechanisms.

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Physical Activity Prevents Cartilage Degradation: A Metabolomics Study Pinpoints the Involvement of Vitamin B6

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells8111374 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (11) ◽

pp. 1374 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Deiana ◽

Malerba ◽

Dalle Carbonare ◽

Cheri ◽

Patuzzo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Vitamin B6 ◽

Cartilage Degradation ◽

Protective Role ◽

Before And After ◽

Metabolomics Study ◽

Cartilage Cells ◽

First Time ◽

Chondrosarcoma Cell Line

Osteoarthritis (OA) is predominantly characterized by the progressive degradation of articular cartilage, the connective tissue produced by chondrocytes, due to an imbalance between anabolic and catabolic processes. In addition, physical activity (PA) is recognized as an important tool for counteracting OA. To evaluate PA effects on the chondrocyte lineage, we analyzed the expression of SOX9, COL2A1, and COMP in circulating progenitor cells following a half marathon (HM) performance. Therefore, we studied in-depth the involvement of metabolites affecting chondrocyte lineage, and we compared the metabolomic profile associated with PA by analyzing runners’ sera before and after HM performance. Interestingly, this study highlighted that metabolites involved in vitamin B6 salvage, such as pyridoxal 5’-phosphate and pyridoxamine 5’-phosphate, were highly modulated. To evaluate the effects of vitamin B6 in cartilage cells, we treated differentiated mesenchymal stem cells and the SW1353 chondrosarcoma cell line with vitamin B6 in the presence of IL1β, the inflammatory cytokine involved in OA. Our study describes, for the first time, the modulation of the vitamin B6 salvage pathway following PA and suggests a protective role of PA in OA through modulation of this pathway.

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Recent Updates on Research Models and Tools to Study Virus–Host Interactions at the Placenta

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v12010005 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 5 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Jae Kyung Lee ◽

Soo-Jin Oh ◽

Hosun Park ◽

Ok Sarah Shin

Keyword(s):

Viral Infections ◽

Protective Role ◽

Biological Mechanisms ◽

Cellular Targets ◽

Host Interactions ◽

Wide Range ◽

Hofbauer Cells ◽

Maternal Fetal Transmission ◽

Immunological Barrier

The placenta is a unique mixed organ, composed of both maternal and fetal tissues, that is formed only during pregnancy and serves as the key physiological and immunological barrier preventing maternal–fetal transmission of pathogens. Several viruses can circumvent this physical barrier and enter the fetal compartment, resulting in miscarriage, preterm birth, and birth defects, including microcephaly. The mechanisms underlying viral strategies to evade the protective role of placenta are poorly understood. Here, we reviewed the role of trophoblasts and Hofbauer cells in the placenta and have highlighted characteristics of vertical and perinatal infections caused by a wide range of viruses. Moreover, we explored current progress and future opportunities in cellular targets, pathogenesis, and underlying biological mechanisms of congenital viral infections, as well as novel research models and tools to study the placenta.

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Hubungan Kadar LDL dan HDL Serum Ibu Hamil Aterm dengan Berat Lahir Bayi

Jurnal Kesehatan Andalas ◽

10.25077/jka.v3i3.107 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 3 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Oktalia Sabrida ◽

Hariadi Hariadi ◽

Eny Yantri

Keyword(s):

Birth Weight ◽

Serum Level ◽

Low Density Lipoprotein ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Term Pregnancy ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Consecutive Sampling ◽

The Mean ◽

Infant Birth

AbstrakAda anyak penelitian yang membuktikan transfer kolesterol dari ibu ke janin melalui lapisan trofoblas yang membawa partikel LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) dan HDL (High Density Lipoprotein). Pengambilan dan pemanfaatan LDL oleh plasenta merupakan mekanisme alternatif oleh janin untuk memperoleh asam lemak dan asam amino esensial. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui hubungan kadar LDL dan HDL serum ibu hamil aterm dengan berat lahir bayi. Penelitian ini merupakan studi observasional dengan rancangan cross sectional. Dilakukan pemeriksaan kadar LDL dan HDL serum terhadap 31 sampel ibu hamil aterm yang dipilih secara consecutive sampling, kemudiaan saat bayi dari sampel lahir dilakukan penimbangan berat lahir bayi dalam 1 jam setelah lahir dengan keadaan tanpa pakaian. Data dianalisis menggunakan uji korelasi Pearson dilanjutkan dengan uji regresi linier sederhana, nilai p<0.05 dianggap bermakna secara statistik. Rerata kadar LDL serum ibu hamil aterm 138,52±37,86 mg/dl dengan 7 sampel (22,60%) kadar LDL <101 mg/dl. Rerata kadar HDL serum ibu hamil aterm 53,32±17,39 mg/dl dengan 13 sampel (41,90%) kadar HDL <48 mg/dl. Rerata berat lahir bayi 3150,00±489,89 gram dengan 2 sampel (6,50%) memiliki bayi dengan berat<2500 gram. Terdapat hubungan positif antara kadar LDL serum ibu hamil aterm dengan berat lahir bayi, kekuatan hubungan lemah (r=0,258), secara statistik tidak bermakna (p=0,161). Terdapat hubungan positif antara kadar HDL serum ibu hamil aterm, kekuatan hubungan sangat lemah (r=0,035), secara statistik tidak bermakna (p=0,850). Kesimpulan penelitian tidak terdapat hubungan kadar LDL dan HDL serum ibu hamil dengan berat lahir bayi.Kata kunci: kadar LDL serum, kadar HDL serum, ibu hamil aterm, berat lahir bayiAbstractMany studies proved that the transferring of cholesterol from mother to fetus through the trophoblastic layer carried LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) and HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) particles. Uptake and usage of LDL by placenta to the fetus is an alternative mechanism to obtain fatty acids and essential amino acids. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between LDL and HDL serum level of pregnant women at term with infant birth weight. This study was an observational study with cross sectional design. Examination of LDL and HDL serum level to 31 term pregnancy sample choose by consecutive sampling, and then infant’s birth weight was counted within 1 hour after birth without clothes. The data analyzed with Pearson correlation statistical test followed by simple linier regression statistical test. The mean of LDL serum level term pregnancy was 138,52±37,86mg/dlwith7 samples(22.60%) in LDL levels<101 mg/dl. The mean of HDL serum level at term pregnancy was 53,32±17,39 mg/dlwith 13 samples (41,90%) in HDL levels<48 mg/dl. The mean of infant birth weight was 3150,00±489,89 grams with 2 samples (6,50%) had infants weighing < 2500 grams. There is a positive relationship between LDL serum levels term pregnancy with birth weight infants, the strength of the relationship is weak (r =0,258), were not significant statistically (p=0,161). There is a positive relationship between HDL serum levels at term pregnancy with birth weight infants, the strength ofthe relationshipis veryweak(r =0,035), were not significant statistically (p=0,850). In conclusion there was no correlation of serum levels of LDL and HDL at term pregnant with birth weight.

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Possible protective role of metformin therapy on colonic polyps in acromegaly: an exploratory cross-sectional study

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/eje-20-0795 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 184 (3) ◽

pp. 423-429

Author(s):

M Albertelli ◽

E Nazzari ◽

A Dotto ◽

L F Grasso ◽

S Sciallero ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acetylsalicylic Acid ◽

Disease Duration ◽

Colonic Polyps ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Protective Role ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Acid Intake

Context Colonic polyps occur in 30–40% of acromegalic patients, increasing the risk of colon carcinoma. Although debated, there is emerging evidence that metformin may play a protective role in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with colonic polyps and its use in chemoprevention is currently explored. Objective Evaluate the prevalence of colonic polyps in acromegalic patients treated or not with metformin and explore its possible protective role. Design Exploratory cross-sectional study in two tertiary Italian referral centres. Met hods: Out of 153 acromegalic patients, we selected 58 patients (36–82 years; f: 33) who had at least one colonoscopy performed within the first 2 years of diagnosis. Presence of colonic polyps/cancer and related risk factors, current metformin and acetylsalicylic acid intake, disease duration, therapies for acromegaly, hormonal and metabolic parameters were assessed. Results An overall prevalence of 36% polyps was found. Based on the presence of polyps, we identified two groups, comparable for age, BMI, disease duration, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, GH and IGF-I levels. Of the patients with polyps (including three adenocarcinomas) only 24% were treated with metformin vs 57% of patients without polyps. Multivariate analysis confirmed a significant negative association between colonic polyps and metformin intake (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.06-0.77, P = 0.01), whereas no significant association was found between polyps and age (P = 0.10), overweight/obesity (P = 0.54), smoking (P = 0.15), acetylsalicylic acid intake (P = 0.99), disease duration (P = 0.96), somatostatin analogues treatment (P = 0.70). Conclusions These findings, though deriving from an exploratory study, could suggest a protective role of metformin on the development of colonic polyps in acromegaly, and need to be confirmed in an extended study population.

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‘All I Ever Want to Eat is Pizza and Pasta’: Italian Food Temptations Associated with Adverse Perinatal Outcomes

10.20944/preprints201904.0089.v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Stefania Triunfo ◽

Roberta Mayer ◽

Michelangela Danza ◽

Antonio Lanzone

Keyword(s):

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Maternal Diet ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Smoking Habit ◽

Perinatal Outcomes ◽

Protective Role ◽

Control Group ◽

Special Focus ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adverse Perinatal Outcomes

Growing body of evidence endorse the hypothesis of a protective role played by the in-utero environment on a suitable fetal programming, mainly sustained by fitting maternal diet. Our purpose was to assess the linkage between maternal food intake and poor obstetric results, with a special focus on typical Italian food. A cross sectional study including delivering women was designed. A self-reported questionnaire about socio-demographic data, obstetric history, and food frequency intake during pregnancy was administrated. A composite of adverse perinatal outcomes (APO) was constructed. Statistically significant differences were found between APO and control group in smoking habit (9.7 vs. 3.2%, p=0.045) and BMI at delivery (27.9±4.9 vs. 26.9±3.9, p=0.003). Women complicated by any or more APOs reported increased rates of pasta (5.3± 3.6 vs.4.4±1.9 times per week, p<0.001) and pizza (1.9±3.4 vs. 1.1±0.6, p<0.001) intake, with lower consumption of vegetables (5.4±3.9 vs. 7.1±2.9, p<0.001). By logistic regression analysis and after adjustments for maternal age, ethnicity, SES, maternal BMI at delivery, excessive ingestion of pizza (aOR 1.676, 95%CI 1.199-2.343, p=0.033), but not pasta (aOR 1.077, 95%CI 0.950-1.211, p=0.244), was found associated with APO. Vegetable consumption showed a protective role in reducing APOs (aOR 0.897, 95%CI 0.818-0.985, p=0.022). Nutrition in pregnancy should minimalize pizza intakes.

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The Protective Role of Character Strengths in COVID-19 Stress and Well-Being in Individuals With Chronic Conditions and Disabilities: An Exploratory Study

Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin ◽

10.1177/0034355220967093 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 64 (2) ◽

pp. 67-74

Author(s):

Emre Umucu ◽

Timothy N. Tansey ◽

Jessica Brooks ◽

Beatrice Lee

Keyword(s):

Chronic Conditions ◽

Character Strengths ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Protective Role ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Internal Resources ◽

Related Stress

Individuals with chronic conditions and disabilities, in response to stress associated with COVID-19, may experience a decrease in their overall well-being beyond that experienced by otherwise healthy individuals. Therefore, it is imperative to identify internal resources (e.g., character strengths) that can help them better manage COVID-19-related stress and enhance well-being in spite of COVID-19. This study explored the potential protective role of character strengths and virtues in moderating the negative effects of COVID-19 on stress and well-being. A cross-sectional study design was implemented. Participants included 269 individuals with self-reported chronic conditions and disabilities. After controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics, we examined whether character strengths and virtues acted as independent moderators between COVID-19-related stress and well-being. A higher degree of multiple character strengths significantly and independently moderated the relationship between COVID-19-related stress and well-being. Findings suggested the importance of promoting more character strengths overall in people with chronic conditions and disabilities to help them better manage COVID-19-related stress and enhance well-being.

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