PROGESTERONE, 20α-DIHYDROPROGESTERONE AND 20β-DIHYDROPROGESTERONE IN MOTHER AND CHILD AT BIRTH

1975 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 569-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Runnebaum ◽  
I. Stöber ◽  
J. Zander
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Placental Tissue ◽  
Maternal Blood ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Gas Liquid Chromatography ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Mother And Child ◽  
Wet Weight ◽  
Umbilical Arteries

ABSTRACT In 14 healthy pregnant women at term progesterone (P) and 20α-dihydroprogesterone (20α-DHP) were determined by radioimmunoassay both in the maternal and foetal compartments. The average concentrations were as follows (ng/ml blood or ng/g wet weight tissue): peripheral maternal blood P 56 ± 26, 20α-DHP 16 ± 8; placental tissue P 2514 ± 1516, 20α-DHP 429 ± 412; placental blood P 365 ± 160, 20α-DHP 35 ± 18; blood of the umbilical vein P 388 ± 121, 20α-DHP 33 ± 15; blood of the umbilical arteries P 162 ± 62, 20α-DHP 28 ± 10. In 5 healthy pregnant women at term progesterone (P), 20α-dihydroprogesterone (20α-DHP) and 20β-dihydroprogesterone (20β-DHP) were also determined by gas-liquid chromatography both in the maternal and foetal compartments. The average concentrations were as follows (ng/ml plasma or ng/g wet weight tissue): peripheral maternal plasma P 129 ± 49, 20α-DHP 15 ± 15, 20β-DHP 1.7 ± 0.9; placental tissue P 5060 ± 1435, 20α-DHP 230 ± 158, 20β-DHP 38 ± 30; placental plasma P 723 ± 245, 20α-DHP 24 ± 13, 20β-DHP 1.0 ± 0.1; plasma of the umbilical vein P 704 ± 227, 20α-DHP 17 ± 3, 20β-DHP 1.2 ± 0.3; plasma of the umbilical arteries P 324 ± 94, 20α-DHP 17 ± 5, 20β-DHP 2.6 ± 2.1 These results show that, contrary to the progesterone concentrations, no significant difference exists in the concentrations of 20α-DHP and 20β-DHP between the blood from the umbilical vein and arteries. Furthermore, no significant difference could be found in the concentrations of P and 20α-DHP between the sexes in either the blood from the umbilical vein or from the umbilical arteries.

scholarly journals Adrenomedullin production is increased in normal human pregnancy

1999 ◽  
pp. 201-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Di Iorio ◽  
E Marinoni ◽  
C Letizia ◽  
B Villaccio ◽  
A Alberini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Fluid ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
Human Pregnancy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
And Function

OBJECTIVE: Adrenomedullin, a recently discovered vasoactive peptide originally identified in pheochromocytoma, has been found to be increased in the plasma of pregnant women at term. This study was designed to elucidate whether adrenomedullin secretion is dependent on gestational age and the possible source and function of this peptide in human pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: Adrenomedullin concentrations were determined by RIA in amniotic fluid and maternal plasma obtained from 110 pregnant women between 8 and 40 weeks of gestation. Subjects were stratified into five groups according to gestational age. In term patients (n = 15), adrenomedullin was also measured in the umbilical artery and vein separately. RESULTS: High concentrations of adrenomedullin were present in plasma and amniotic fluid samples from patients in the first, second and third trimester. There was no significant difference in mean maternal plasma concentration of adrenomedullin between the five patient groupings. Amniotic fluid adrenomedullin concentrations decreased from 81.2 +/- 11.7 pg/ml at 8-12 weeks of gestation to 63.7 +/- 6.0 pg/ml at 13-20 weeks of gestation and then increased at 21-28 weeks of gestation to 99.1 +/- 10.4 pg/ml. A further increase was found in samples collected after 37 weeks of gestation (132.6 +/- 10.1 pg/ml). In the umbilical vein, adrenomedullin concentration was higher (P < 0.05) than in the artery (65.7 +/- 6.1 pg/ml and 48.5 +/- 5.2 pg/ml respectively), suggesting that adrenomedullin in the fetal circulation derives from the placenta. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the presence of adrenomedullin in maternal plasma and amniotic fluid throughout gestation, and show that its production starts very early in gestation, suggesting that this hormone may have an important role in human reproduction, from implantation to delivery.

scholarly journals Oxidative stress increases placental and endothelial cell activin A secretion

2007 ◽  
Vol 192 (3) ◽  
pp. 485-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Mandang ◽  
Ursula Manuelpillai ◽  
Euan M Wallace
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Normal Pregnancy ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Activin A ◽  
Blood Monocytes ◽  
Wet Weight ◽  
Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ◽  
Circulating Levels

Circulating levels of activin A are significantly increased in women with preeclampsia when compared with those with a normal pregnancy. The mechanisms underlying these increased levels are unknown. We undertook these studies to explore whether oxidative stress might be the mechanism. We exposed trophoblast explants, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and peripheral blood monocytes to oxidative stress in vitro using xanthine/xanthine oxidase (X/XO), measuring activin A and isoprostane in conditioned media and mRNA for activin βA in explants and HUVECs. We also measured isoprostane and activin A in serum from 21 women with preeclampsia and from 20 women with a normal pregnancy. Treatment with X/XO significantly increased 8-isoprostane production from placental explants, HUVECs and monocytes, indicative of oxidative stress, and significantly increased activin A output from placental explants (139.1 ± 27.4 per mg wet weight vs 322.9 ± 89.7 pg/ml per mg wet weight, P = 0.02) and from HUVECs (1.2 ± 0.2 vs 3.2 ± 1.8 ng/ml, P = 0.04). There was no effect on activin A output from monocytes. X/XO significantly increased βA mRNA in placental explants but not in HUVECs. Maternal plasma levels of 8-isoprostane and activin A were significantly higher in women with preeclampsia when compared with controls (333.8 ± 70 vs 176.3 ± 26.2 pg/ml, P = 0.04 and 49.5 ± 7 vs 13.1 ± 1.2 ng/ml, P < 0.001 respectively). In the women with preeclampsia, but not in those with a normal pregnancy, circulating levels of 8-isoprostane and activin A were significantly and positively correlated (r2 = 0.72; P < 0.001). These data suggest that oxidative stress may be one of the mechanisms underlying increased circulating activin A in preeclampsia.

scholarly journals Using PCR Technician in Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Gender

2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-90
Author(s):  
Abdulrahman A. Oleiwi
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Whole Blood ◽  
Maternal Blood ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Specific Marker ◽  
Male Fetus ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Female Fetus ◽  
Fetal Gender

whole blood samples were obtained from 30 pregnant women at 15 –24 weeks of gestation. DNA was extracted from each plasma or serum sample. To detect the Y-chromosome specific marker DYS14 in the maternal blood, (Polymerase Chain Reaction) PCR were carried out for each DNA extract. The PCR products were analyzed by 1.5% agarose gel electrophoresis and ethidium bromide staining. The results compared with fetal gender after delivery. The result of delivery revealed that 13 pregnant women had a male fetus and the remaining 17 pregnant women had a female fetus and DYS14 was detected in all plasma and serum samples obtained from pregnant women and revealed that 13 pregnant women had a male fetus and the remaining 17 pregnant women had a female fetus. The PCR sensitivity for detecting the gender of fetus from maternal whole blood at 15–24 weeks of gestation was 100% in both plasma and serum, DYS14 was not detected in the DNA from any of the 17 pregnant women carrying a female fetus. The results showed that PCR analysis of maternal plasma and serum can be used to diagnose fetal gender.

scholarly journals Expression of H2S in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Correlation Analysis with Inflammatory Markers IL-6 and TNF-α

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yucui Teng ◽  
Shuxia Xuan ◽  
Ming Jiang ◽  
Li Tian ◽  
Jinjing Tian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Mother And Child ◽  
The Difference

Background. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a severe threat to the health of both mother and child. The pathogenesis of GDM remains unclear, although much research has found that the levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) play an important role in complications of pregnancy. Methods. We collected venous blood samples from parturient women and umbilical vein blood (UVB) and peripheral venous blood (PVB) samples one hour after childbirth in the control, GDM-, and GDM+ groups in order to determine the concentration of glucose and H2S in plasma; to measure levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, TGF-β1, and ADP in parturient women and the UVB of newborns; and to find the correlation of H2S with regression. Results. We found that, with the elevation of glucose, the level of H2S was decreased in GDM pregnant women and newborns and the concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α were upregulated. With regression, IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were positively correlated with the level of blood glucose and negatively correlated with H2S concentration. Conclusion. This study shows that downregulation of H2S participates in the pathogenesis of GDM and is of great significance in understanding the difference of H2S between normal and GDM pregnant women and newborns. This study suggests that IL-6 and TNF-α are correlated with gestational diabetes mellitus. The current study expands the knowledge base regarding H2S and provides new avenues for exploring further the pathogenesis of GDM.

scholarly journals Preconception Care among Pregnant Women in an Urban and a Rural Health Facility in Kenya: A Quantitative Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (20) ◽  
pp. 7430
Author(s):  
Joan Okemo ◽  
Marleen Temmerman ◽  
Mukaindo Mwaniki ◽  
Dorothy Kamya
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Rural Health ◽  
Health Facility ◽  
Preconception Care ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mother And Child Health ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Mother And Child ◽  
Low Levels

Preconception care (PCC) aims to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes, however, its utilization remains low in developing countries. This pilot study assesses the level and determinants of PCC in an urban and a rural health facility in Kenya. Unselected pregnant women were recruited consecutively at the Mother and Child Health (MCH) clinics in Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH, N-urban) and Maragua Level Four Hospital (MLFH-rural). The utilization of PCC was defined as contact with any health care provider before current pregnancy and addressing pregnancy planning and preparation. A cross-sectional approach was employed and data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. 194 participants were recruited (97 in each setting) of whom, 25.8% received PCC. Age, marital status, education, parity and occupation were significant determinants of PCC uptake. There was also a significant difference in PCC uptake between the rural (16.5%) and urban (35.1%) participants (p < 0.01), OR of 0.3 (0.19–0.72, 95% CI). The low level of PCC in Kenya revealed in this study is consistent with the low levels globally. However, this study was not powered to allow firm conclusions and analyze the true effects of PCC determinants. Therefore, further research in the field is recommended in order to inform strategies for increasing PCC utilization and awareness in Kenya.

FETAL BLOOD STUDIES

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1960 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-10
Author(s):  
Frederick Battaglia ◽  
Harry Prystowsky ◽  
Clayton Smisson ◽  
Andre Hellegers ◽  
Paul Bruns
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Osmotic Pressure ◽  
Total Protein ◽  
Potassium Concentration ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Fetal Blood ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Sodium And Potassium ◽  
Normal Relationship

The normal relationship between fetal and maternal plasma of total osmotic pressures and concentrations of sodium and potassium were determined in women with uncomplicated pregnancies at full term. The total osmotic pressure of fetal plasma was found to be 3.6 mOsm/kg of water higher than the maternal, probably not representing a physiologically significant difference. No significant difference in sodium concentrations of plasma was found. The potassium concentration in the fetal plasma was 0.7 meq/l higher than in the maternal plasma. The administration of 5% glucose or 20% mannitol intravenously to pregnant women prior to delivery was shown to have a prompt effect upon the total osmotic pressure and concentration of sodium and total protein of fetal plasma.

Transplacental Carbohydrate and Sugar Alcohol Concentrations and Their Uptakes in Ovine Pregnancy

2002 ◽  
Vol 227 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia C. Teng ◽  
Susan Tjoa ◽  
Paul V. Fennessey ◽  
Randall B. Wilkening ◽  
Frederick C. Battaglia
Keyword(s):  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Placental Tissue ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Blood Flows ◽  
Fetal Plasma ◽  
Umbilical Blood ◽  
Pregnant Sheep ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Uterine Circulation

The concentrations of glucose, fructose, sorbitol, glycerol, and myo-inositol in sheep blood and tissues have been reported previously (1–5). However, the other polyols that are at low concentrations have not been investigated in pregnant sheep due to technical difficulties. By using HPLC and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, seven polyols (myo-inositol, glycerol, erythritol, arabitol, sorbitol, ribitol, and mannitol) and three hexoses (mannose, glucose, and fructose) were identified and quantified in four blood vessels supplying and draining the placenta (maternal artery, uterine vein, fetal artery, and umbilical vein). Uterine and umbilical blood flows were measured, and uptakes of all the polyols and hexoses in both maternal and fetal circulations were calculated. There was a significant net placental release of sorbitol to both maternal and fetal circulations. Fructose was also taken up significantly by the uterine circulation. Maternal plasma mannose concentrations were higher than fetal concentrations, and there was a net umbilical uptake of mannose, characteristics that are similar to those of glucose. Myo-inositol and erythritol had relatively high concentrations in fetal plasma (697.8 ± 53 μM and 463.8 ± 27 μM, respectively). The ratios of fetal/maternal plasma arterial concentrations were very high for most polyols. The concentrations of myo-inositol, glycerol, and sorbitol were also high in sheep placental tissue (2489 ± 125 μM/kg wet tissue, 2119 ± 193 μM/kg wet tissue, and 3910 ± 369 μM/kg wet tissue), an indication that these polyols could be made within the placenta.

Non-Invasive Protocol For The Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Of Hemolytic Perinatal

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 2405-2405
Author(s):  
Nancy Rodriguez ◽  
Pilar Noguerol ◽  
Lutgardo García ◽  
Hada Macher ◽  
Magdalena Carmona ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Woman ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Maternal Blood ◽  
Maternal Plasma ◽  
Invasive Procedures ◽  
Combined Application ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
D Antigen

Abstract A protocol-based and multidisciplinary follow-up of the pregnant woman including Primary Care, Hematology Deparment, and Fetal Medicine, is required for the appropriate prophylaxis and treatment of the hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). The combined application of new monitoring techniques, such as the study of the fetal D antigen (RhD) by PCR in maternal blood and the determination of the blood flow of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in the fetus by Doppler ultrasonography allows the child’s prenatal follow up without invasive procedures. Objectives To evaluate the results obtained using this strategy of combined monitorization in our institution from 2009. Secondary aims were: To review all cases of immunized pregnant women and to analyze the outcomes of selective anti D prophylaxis at week 28, according to fetal RHD analyzed by PCR in maternal blood. Patients and Method s 38,000 pregnant women are included in the analysis. Antibody (Ab) screening is made during the first 3 months of pregnancy, and titer is evaluated using agglutination tests in immunized women with clinically significant (CS) Ab. RhD negative women immunized against RhD undergo fetal RHD and SRY determination using a new multiplex RT-PCR assay for fetal cell-free DNA in maternal plasma as soon as possible. In addition, in patients with CS-Ab and previous obstetric complications or antibody titer >1/32 or rising, MCA Doppler is performed to assess the degree of fetal anemia and evaluate the need for intrauterine transfusion (IUT), or to advance childbirth to week 34. On the other hand, non-immunized RhD negative, women are controlled again in the 28th week to re-assess the presence of antibodies and well as fetal RHD and SRY determination and only those with RHD positive fetuses receive anti D gammaglobulin. Results Ab were found in 290 pregnant women. 116 were not clinically significant and did not require further control. 174 women had CS-Ab against Rh, Kell, Jk, Fy, and Lu antigen systems. Out of them, 29 RhD negative women were immunized against anti D (all of them due to previous incomplete or no prophylaxis). The study of fetal RHD revealed that 9 of these 29 women had RHD- fetuses and were released from hospital. The remaining 20 RhD- patients together with those 145 women with other CS-Ab underwent obstetric history assessment as wellas antibody titers assay, and MCA Doppler, according to the criteria mentioned above. Remarkably, after these assessments only 11 IUTs were required in 6 pregnant women, all of them were performed without any complications. Involved antibodies in these 6 patients were: Rh, Kell and Jk. Fetal RHD testing in 4,064 RhD negative women at the 28thweek detected 1,423 who had RHD- fetuses which did not require prophylaxis. There were no false negatives among the newborns. Conclusions 1. A combined monitorization strategy of the pregnant woman avoids unnecessary controls and invasive procedures. 2. Anti D prophylaxis has 100% efficacy in all pregnant women requiring it. 3. Those women immunized against RhD, who had RHD- fetuses, can have a quiet gestation since week 12 without further immunohematologic assessments. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

PROGESTERONE, 20α-DIHYDROPROGRESTERONE AND 20β-DIHYDROPROGESTERONE LEVELS IN DIFFERENT COMPARTMENTS FROM THE HUMAN FOETO-PLACENTAL UNIT

1975 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 558-568 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Runnebaum ◽  
H. Runnebaum ◽  
I. Stöber ◽  
J. Zander
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Chromatography ◽  
Mass Spectrum ◽  
Thin Layer ◽  
Thin Layer Chromatography ◽  
Reductase Activity ◽  
Placental Tissue ◽  
Gas Liquid Chromatography ◽  
Wet Weight ◽  
Layer Chromatography ◽  
Foetal Blood

ABSTRACT The endogenous levels of progesterone, 20α-dihydroprogesterone and 20β-dihydroprogesterone in different foetal tissues, in placental tissue and in foetal blood during pregnancy (week 9–25) were determined by gas-liquid chromatography or by radioimmunoassay. The identification of these steroids in foetal tissues was based on the behaviour in paper and thin-layer chromatography, the formation of different derivatives, and the retention times in gas-liquid chromatography. For additional identification of progesterone and 20α-dihydroprogesterone a mass spectrum was obtained. The average concentrations of progesterone (P), 20α-dihydroprogesterone (20α-DHP) and 20β-dihydroprogesterone (20β-DHP) in foetal tissues were as follows (ng/g wet weight tissue): brain, P 119.0 ± 45.5, 20α-DHP 86.9 ± 44.7 and 20β-DHP 9.7; lungs, P 257.7 ± 195.7, 20α-DHP 60.3 ± 26.4 and 20β-DHP 7.8; liver, P 103.7 ± 84.6, 20α-DHP 95.2 ± 89.8 and 20β-DHP 17.8; adrenals, P 295.7 ± 90.0 and 20α-DHP 254.5 ± 194.6; kidneys, P 214.2 ± 155.3 and 20α-DHP 76.6 ± 43.0; intestine, P 273.2 ± 166.7, 20α-DHP 77.9 ± 51.2 and 20β-DHP 8.7; residual tissues, P 246.3 ± 178.3 and 20α-DHP 54.8 ± 44.5 The average concentrations in placental tissue and in foetal plasma (week 12–18) were as follows (ng/g wet weight tissue or ng/ml plasma): placenta, P 2619. ± 2153.6 and 20α-DHP 461.0 ± 155.9; foetal plasma, P 378.7 ± 231.8 and 20α-DHP 283.0 ± 108.9 These results indicate that some foetal organs contain a high 20α-reductase activity at least during the first half of pregnancy.

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