scholarly journals Longitudinal Changes In Maternal Circulating Micrornas As Potential Biomarkers of Specific Events During Healthy Pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika Chavira-Suárez ◽  
Alma Lilia Hernández-Olvera ◽  
Mariana Flores-Torres ◽  
Karen Rubí Celaya-Cruz ◽  
Sofía Gitler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Fetal Growth ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Maternal Circulation ◽  
Fetal Sex ◽  
Circulating Micrornas ◽  
Healthy Pregnancy ◽  
Mirnas Expression

Abstract Background: Novel high-resolution tools for pregnancy monitoring, including early detection of prenatal disorders, are needed. Changes in circulating microRNAs (c-miRNAs) during pregnancy could potentially inform about the functional status of the mother, the placenta and/or the fetus. However, whether c-miRNA profiles actually reflect distinct pregnancy-specific events at all stages remains unclear.Methods: Longitudinal large-scale RNAseq c-miRNA profiles at early, middle and late pregnancy, and after birth derived from eight women with healthy term pregnancies (n=32 plasma samples) were compared against corresponding circulating profiles derived from age-matched non-pregnant women (n=10). Data of fetal sex and growth indicators obtained during pregnancy evolution of the same women, were used to identify specific c-miRNA correlates in circulation.Results: 1449 c-miRNAs were detected in circulation in both pregnant and non-pregnant women with only 48 c-miRNAs differentially expressed relative to non-pregnant controls in at least one of the four studied stages (FDR<0.05). Surprisingly, c-miRNA subpopulations with reported prominent expression in various pregnancy-associated compartments (placenta, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord plasma and breast milk) were found collectively under-expressed in maternal circulation throughout pregnancy (p<0.05). Furthermore, we found a bias in global miRNAs expression in direct association with fetal sex right from the first trimester, in addition to a specific c-miRNA signature of fetal growth (R = 0.7, p < 0.01).Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the existence of temporal changes in c-miRNAs populations associated to distinct aspects of pregnancy, including correlates of placental function and lactation, as well as fetal gender and growth, revealing a wider potential of c-miRNAs as biomarkers of specific aspects of maternal health and fetal growth.

scholarly journals Longitudinal changes in maternal circulating microRNAs as potential biomarkers of specific events during healthy pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika Chavira-Suárez ◽  
Alma Lilia Hernández-Olvera ◽  
Mariana Flores-Torres ◽  
Karen Rubí Celaya-Cruz ◽  
Sofía Gitler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Fetal Growth ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Maternal Circulation ◽  
Fetal Sex ◽  
Circulating Micrornas ◽  
Healthy Pregnancy ◽  
Mirnas Expression

Abstract BackgroundNovel high-resolution tools for pregnancy monitoring, including early detection of prenatal disorders, are needed. Changes in circulating microRNAs (c-miRNAs) during pregnancy could potentially inform about the functional status of the mother, the placenta and/or the fetus. However, whether c-miRNA profiles actually reflect distinct pregnancy-specific events at all stages remains unclear.MethodsLongitudinal large-scale RNAseq c-miRNA profiles at early, middle and late pregnancy, and after birth derived from eight women with healthy term pregnancies (n = 32 plasma samples) were compared against corresponding circulating profiles derived from age-matched non-pregnant women (n = 10). Data of fetal sex and growth indicators obtained during pregnancy evolution of the same women, were used to identify specific c-miRNA correlates in circulation.Results1449 c-miRNAs were detected in circulation in both pregnant and non-pregnant women with only 48 c-miRNAs differentially expressed relative to non-pregnant controls in at least one of the four studied stages (FDR < 0.05). Surprisingly, c-miRNA subpopulations with reported prominent expression in various pregnancy-associated compartments (placenta, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord plasma and breast milk) were found collectively under-expressed in maternal circulation throughout pregnancy (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we found a bias in global miRNAs expression in direct association with fetal sex right from the first trimester, in addition to a specific c-miRNA signature of fetal growth (R = 0.7, p < 0.01).ConclusionOur results demonstrate the existence of temporal changes in c-miRNAs populations associated to distinct aspects of pregnancy, including correlates of placental function and lactation, as well as fetal gender and growth, revealing a wider potential of c-miRNAs as biomarkers of specific aspects of maternal health and fetal growth.

scholarly journals Symptomatic Early Congenital Syphilis: A Common but Forgotten Disease

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Machiraju Vasudeva Murali ◽  
Cherukuri Nirmala ◽  
Jampana Venkateswara Rao
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Congenital Syphilis ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Antenatal Visit ◽  
Perinatal Morbidity ◽  
Infected Mother ◽  
The World

Congenital syphilis is a severe, disabling infection often with grave consequences seen in infants. It occurs due to the transmission of the disease from an infected mother to the unborn infant through the placenta. This long forgotten disease continues to affect pregnant women resulting in perinatal morbidity and mortality. The continuing prevalence of this disease reveals the failure of control measures established for its prevention. We put forth a case of symptomatic congenital syphilis presenting with skeletal manifestations at birth, a rare finding in literature. The report stresses upon the importance of implementing the World Health Organization's recommendation that all pregnant women should be screened for syphilis in the first antenatal visit in the first trimester and again in the late pregnancy.

scholarly journals Determining fetal sex in pregnancy with reference to pregnant women behavior in late pregnancy

2015 ◽  
Vol 125 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-89
Author(s):  
Dorota Robak-Chołubek ◽  
Gustaw Chołubek ◽  
Ewa Piróg
Keyword(s):  
Sex Determination ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Unborn Child ◽  
Fetal Sex ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Emotional Level ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Introduction. Pregnant women often create their own image of a child. The ultrasound is able to model and modify this picture. The image of the unborn child develops along with the process of creating the space for the baby on the psychological and emotional level and is continued after the delivery. Aim. The authors of the study made an attempt to evaluate the influence of fetal sex determination during ultrasound in pregnancy on emotional and ‘practical’ experiencing late pregnancy - after the 28th week of its duration. Material and methods. The study included 200 pregnant women. Qualification criteria for the research was the declared awareness of fetal sex confirmed by ultrasound. Among others, factors influencing decision to determine fetal sex, emotional bond with the unborn child after identifying the sex, as well as preparation for birth regarding prognosticated sex were assessed. Results. Nearly all pregnant women wanted to find out the fetal sex, usually claiming that they did so out of curiosity. After they did it, about 2/3 of them stated that the emotional bond with the baby increased and the vast majority of women started preparing layettes for their future babies. Conclusions. Determination of fetal sex during ultrasound improves the relationship between the mother and her future baby. It also enables the woman to prepare for childbirth considering its sex by the purchase of clothes, pram and preparation of layette or baby’s room

Circulating maternal cytokines influence fetal growth in pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis

2012 ◽  
Vol 72 (12) ◽  
pp. 1995-2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florentien D O de Steenwinkel ◽  
Anita C S Hokken-Koelega ◽  
Yaël A de Man ◽  
Y B de Rijke ◽  
Maria A J de Ridder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Fetal Growth ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Maternal Serum ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Lower Birth Weight ◽  
Cytokine Levels

BackgroundHigh rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity during pregnancy is associated with a lower birth weight. Active RA is characterised by high circulating levels of cytokines, which can mediate placental growth and remodelling.ObjectivesTo assess the influence of maternal serum cytokine levels on birth weight in RA pregnancy.MethodsThis study is embedded in the PARA Study, a prospective study on RA and pregnancy. In the present study, 161 pregnant women with RA and 32 healthy pregnant women were studied. The main outcome measures were birth weight SD score (birth weight SDS) in relation to maternal serum levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) at three different time points: preconception and during the first and third trimester. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the corresponding cytokine genes were also studied.ResultsDuring the first trimester, IL-10 was detectable in 16% of patients with RA, IL-6 in 71%, and TNFα in all patients with RA. Mean birth weight SDS of children born to mothers with RA was higher when IL-10 level was high compared with low (difference=0.75; p=0.04), and lower when IL-6 was high compared with low (difference=0.50; p<0.01) in the first trimester. No correlation was seen at the other time points studied or with TNFα. Cytokine levels were not related to their corresponding SNPs.ConclusionsMaternal IL-10 and IL-6 levels are associated with fetal growth in RA. In the first trimester, high IL-10 levels are associated with higher birth weight SDS, and high IL-6 levels are associated with lower birth weight SDS, even after correction for disease activity.

scholarly journals Nutrition During Pregnancy: Findings from the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies – Singleton Cohort

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie N Hinkle ◽  
Cuilin Zhang ◽  
Katherine L Grantz ◽  
Anthony Sciscione ◽  
Deborah A Wing ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Fetal Growth ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Third Trimester ◽  
Growth Studies ◽  
Race Ethnicity

Abstract Background Accumulating evidence indicates that maternal diets are important for optimizing maternal and offspring health. Existing research lacks comprehensive profiles of maternal diets throughout pregnancy, especially in a racially/ethnically diverse obstetrical population. Objective To characterize diets in a longitudinal U.S. pregnancy cohort by trimester, race/ethnicity, and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). Methods Data were obtained from pregnant women in the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies - Singleton cohort (2009–2013). A Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) at 8–13 weeks gestation assessed periconception and first trimester diet (n = 1615). Automated, self-administered, 24-hour dietary recalls targeted at 16–22, 24–29, 30–33, and 34–37 weeks gestation assessed second and third trimester diets (n = 1817 women/6791 recalls). Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI) assessed diet quality (i.e., adherence to U.S. Dietary Guidelines). Variations in weighted energy-adjusted means for foods and nutrients were examined by trimester, self-identified race/ethnicity, and self-reported pre-pregnancy BMI. Results Mean (95% confidence interval) HEI was 65.9 (64.9,67.0) during periconception to first trimester assessed with an FFQ, and 51.6 (50.8,52.4) and 51.5 (50.7,52.3) during the second trimester and third trimester, respectively, assessed using 24-hour recalls. No significant differences were observed between second and third trimester in macronutrients, micronutrients, foods, or HEI components (P ≥ 0.05). Periconception to first trimester HEI was highest among Asian/Pacific Islander [67.2 (65.9,68.6)] and lowest among non-Hispanic Black [58.7 (57.5,60.0)] women and highest among women with normal weight [67.2 (66.1,68.4)] and lowest among women with obesity [63.5 (62.1,64.9)]. Similar rankings were observed in the second/third trimesters. Conclusions Most pregnant women in this cohort reported dietary intakes that, on average, did not meet U.S. Dietary Guidelines for non-pregnant individuals. Also, diet differed across race/ethnic groups and by pre-pregnancy BMI with lowest overall dietary quality in all trimesters among non-Hispanic Black women and women with obesity. No meaningful changes in dietary intake were observed between the second and third trimesters.

scholarly journals Serosurvey of anti-Toxocara antibodies and risk factors in adolescent and adult pregnant women of southeastern Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. e0009571
Author(s):  
Priscila de Oliveira Azevedo ◽  
Susana Zevallos Lescano ◽  
Rogério Giuffrida ◽  
Louise Bach Kmetiuk ◽  
Andrea Pires dos Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Soil P

Toxocariasis is worldwide endemic parasitic anthropozoonosis with high risk to those in in vulnerable populations and particularly during pregnancy and childhood. Although the prevalence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies has been extensively studied, risk factors of pregnant women of different ages remains to be established. This study was designed to i) assess the presence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in pregnant women that presented to the public health system in a city of southeastern Brazil, and ii) determine the risk factors for toxocariasis in adolescent and adult pregnant women. This cross-sectional study included 280 pregnant women (71 aged up to and including 17 years [adolescents] and 209 aged 18 years and older [adults]). Pregnant women voluntarily agreed to complete a socioeconomic questionnaire and provide serum samples. Anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies were screened by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to assess the risks for toxocariasis. Overall, 20.7% of pregnant women were seropositive (33.8% of adolescents and 16.3% of adults). Prevalence in pregnant adolescents was 2.6-fold higher than in adults (Odds ration [OR]: 2.63; 95% CI: 1.42–4.86, p = 0.003). Multivariate analysis revealed that contact with soil (p = 0.01; OR = 4.76) and being in the first trimester of pregnancy (p = 0.03; OR = 0.17) had significantly greater risk of toxocariasis for adolescents, and attainment of elementary through middle school education level (p = 0.05; OR = 8.33) was a risk factor in adult pregnant women. Toxocariasis is likely underreported and neglected in adolescent pregnant women; this age group should always be monitored for toxocariasis and correspondent clinical signs, particularly at late pregnancy.

scholarly journals Iron Status from Early Through Late Pregnancy and Neonatal Anthropometric Measures: Friend or Foe?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1003-1003
Author(s):  
Anisa Holloman ◽  
Jing Wu ◽  
Mengying Li ◽  
Shristi Rawal ◽  
Ellen Francis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iron Deficiency ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Fetal Growth ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Iron Status ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Maternal Iron ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Objectives Although iron status in pregnancy is an important factor for fetal growth, associations between maternal iron status and neonatal size are highly conflicting. Further, studies with longitudinal measures of iron status in pregnancy are scarce. This study investigated maternal iron status from early through late pregnancy using comprehensive measures of iron biomarkers (ferritin, hepcidin, soluble transferrin receptor [sTfR], and sTfR: ferritin ratio) in relation to neonatal size. Methods This study included 321 pregnant women without major chronic conditions before pregnancy who were enrolled in the NICHD Fetal Growth Study- Singletons (n = 2802). Plasma iron biomarkers (i.e., ferritin, sTfR, hepcidin) were measured at 4 visits (10–14, 15–26, 23–31, and 33–39 gestational weeks [GW]). We used linear and Poisson regression models adjusted for covariates including pre-pregnancy BMI and C-reactive protein to estimate the association of tertiles (T) of iron biomarkers and clinically defined iron status with neonatal anthropometry, such as birthweight (BW), risk of large and small-for-gestational age (LGA, SGA) and macrosomia. Results Iron deficiency (i.e., ferritin &lt;12 ug/L) at 10–14 GW was related to increased risk of macrosomia and LGA; adjusted RR (95% confidence interval (CI)) were 3.64 (1.45, 9.17), and 14.2 (5.49, 36.4), respectively. At 15–26 GW, iron deficiency was also related to increased risk of LGA with a RR of 3.58 (1.13, 11.4). In contrast, at 33–39 GW, iron deficiency was related to lower risk of macrosomia with a RR of 0.06 (0.01, 0.36). The CIs were wide, largely due to small sample size of macrosomia cases. In addition, at 10–14 GW, lower iron status (indicated by higher sTfR levels) was related to greater BW; highest vs. lowest T mean BW was 3385 g vs. 3251 g with an adjusted p-value for difference &lt;0.05. Conclusions Our findings among U.S. pregnant women without major chronic conditions before pregnancy suggest that the relation of maternal iron status to neonatal size may vary by gestational age and lower iron status in early pregnancy is generally related to heavier neonates. Funding Sources Intramural Research Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)/National Institutes of Health (NIH).

RASSF1a Is Applicable as Universal Fetal Identifier in RQ-PCR-Based Non-Invasive Prenatal Genotyping Assays

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 289-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aicha Ait Soussan ◽  
Bernadette Bossers ◽  
Ahmed Tissoudali ◽  
Godelieve C Page-Christiaens ◽  
Masja de Haas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prenatal Diagnosis ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Methylation Pattern ◽  
Restriction Enzyme Digestion ◽  
Maternal Circulation ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Fetal Dna ◽  
Cell Free Fetal Dna ◽  
Double Digestion

Abstract The existence of cell free fetal DNA, derived from apoptotic syncytiotrophoblasts, in the maternal circulation during pregnancy has opened new possibilities of non-invasive prenatal diagnosis, such as fetal RhD genotyping, prenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies and fetal sexing in X-linked disorders like hemophilia. These diagnostic applications are however hampered by the lack of a generic control marker for circulating fetal DNA, which is especially cumbersome early in pregnancy. Fetal DNA concentration is extremely low and can be less then 5 genome equivalents (geq)/mL in the first trimester. It gradually increases during pregnancy, but greatly varies between women, from 15 to 150 geq/ml at 30th week of pregnancy. A negative test result can therefore be due to lack of fetal DNA in the PCR tube or to absence of the mutation/polymorphism in the fetus. Fetal DNA control assays based on Y-chromosome sequences can be used in only 50% of the pregnancies. We have previously developed a set of RQ-PCRs based on del-ins polymorphisms as fetal identifier, which has been introduced in routine diagnostics. However, in up to 5–10% of cases no suitable paternal marker can be identified and also the workload is considerable. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the promoter of RASSF1A gene is hyper-methylated in the placenta and hypo-methylated in maternal blood cells (Chiu et al., Am J Pathol.2007;170:941). This methylation pattern allows the use of methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme digestion with BSTU1, for detecting the placental, hence fetal-derived hyper-methylated RASSF1A sequences in maternal plasma. We wanted to implement this potential fetal DNA identifier, RASSF1A, in our diagnostic tests. Initial results however showed weak positive results in virtually all male plasmas. This could be due to incomplete digestion of hypo-methylated leukocyte derived DNA or to the presence in plasma of hypermethylated DNA from other sources. To increase the efficiency of digestion we performed a double digestion by adding another enzyme Hha1, which adds two extra restriction sites within the PCR target DNA sequence. Pilot experiments on DNA derived from male plasma showed decreased amplification signals, suggesting that the previously observed weak signals were derived from incompletely digested hypo-methylated DNA. We selected enzymes working in the same buffer. The optimal reaction time and temperature were established (1 hour at 37 °C with 10U of each enzyme). Applying this protocol, no amplification or only spurious amplification with high Ct values (mean Ct value of the positive wells: 43.3) were observed with DNA isolated from 2 ml of plasma obtained from non-pregnant women or male (n=20). In contrast, all samples obtained from pregnant women (n= 20) showed positive amplification signals in all wells tested (n=87, 3 or 5 replicates), with clearly lower Ct values (mean 41.04 ± 1.54) The beta-actin data showed in all samples complete digestion. In conclusion: Our results indicate that a real time PCR assay on RASSF1a sequence can be used as universal fetal identifier for non-invasive fetal genotyping assays, if it is tested after double digestion with BSTU1 and Hha1. It is to be expected that the availability of this control assay will lead to wider implementation of prenatal genotyping assays based on cell-free fetal DNA.

Physiological adaptation in early human pregnancy: adaptation to balance maternal-fetal demands

2006 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracey L Weissgerber ◽  
Larry A Wolfe
Keyword(s):  
Fetal Growth ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Physiological Adaptation ◽  
Maternal Circulation ◽  
Hormone Production ◽  
Waste Products ◽  
Maternal Adaptation ◽  
Maternal Exercise

After conception, the corpus luteum, placenta, and developing embryo release hormones, growth factors, and other substances into the maternal circulation. These substances trigger a cascade of events that transform the functioning of the maternal cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems, which in turn alter the physicochemical determinants of [H+]. Following implantation, maternal adaptations fulfill 4 important functions that support fetal growth. Increased availability of substrates and precursors for fetal-placental metabolism and hormone production is mediated by increases in dietary intake, as well as endocrine changes that increase the availability of glucose and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Transport capacity is enhanced by increases in cardiac output, facilitating the transport of substrates and precursors to the placenta, and fetal waste products to maternal organs for disposal. Maternal-fetal exchange is regulated by the placenta after 10-12 weeks gestation, but it may occur through histiotrophic mechanisms before this time. Disposal of additional waste products (heat, carbon dioxide, and metabolic byproducts) occurs through peripheral vasodilation and increases in skin blood flow, ventilation, and renal filtration. The maternal physiological adaptations described above must meet the combined demands of maternal exercise and fetal growth. More research is needed to formulate evidence-based guidelines for healthy physical activity in early pregnancy.Key words: maternal adaptation, first trimester, exercise, fetal growth and development, hormones.

Nutrition in pregnancy

2010 ◽  
pp. 2079-2084
Author(s):  
David J. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Hyperemesis Gravidarum ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Healthy Development ◽  
Balanced Diet ◽  
Healthy Pregnancy ◽  
Nutritional Advice ◽  
Maternal Adaptation ◽  
Access To Food ◽  
Sea Fish

Nutritional requirements for healthy pregnancy vary according to a woman’s prepregnancy nutritional state and her access to food during pregnancy: there is no unifying nutritional advice that is appropriate for all pregnant women throughout the world, or even within nations. The well-nourished mother—maternal adaptation to pregnancy requires few dietary changes during pregnancy. She should eat one or two portions of sea fish per week to -ensure intake of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids sufficient to provide at least 200 mg of docosahexaenoic acid per day, which is needed for the healthy development of the fetal central nervous system. Supplemental folic acid (400 µg/day) during the first trimester reduces the risk of neural tube defects, but with this exception extra vitamins and micronutrients are not necessary for well-nourished, healthy pregnant women who eat a balanced diet, and excessive amounts of some micronutrients can actually be harmful to the fetus. Thiamine replacement is essential for women with hyperemesis gravidarum....

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