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JACC. Advances Jun 2023
PubMed: 38938231
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100403 -
JACC. Advances Jun 2023Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects 8 in 1,000 live births with significant postnatal implications including growth failure, neurodevelopmental delay, and mortality....
BACKGROUND
Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects 8 in 1,000 live births with significant postnatal implications including growth failure, neurodevelopmental delay, and mortality. The placenta develops concomitantly with the fetal heart. High rates of placental pathology and discordant growth in pregnancies affected by CHD highlight the significance of the fetal-placental-cardiac axis.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to characterize the relationship between neonatal birthweight (BW), head circumference, placental weight (PW), and placental pathology in pregnancies affected by CHD. PW:BW provides a surrogate to assess placental efficiency, or nutrient exchange and delivery by the placenta, across CHD phenotypes.
METHODS
Retrospective cohort of 139 live-born singletons with postnatally confirmed CHD with placental pathology. Placental examination, infant BW, head circumference, and CHD categories (septal defects, right-sided defects, left-sided defects, conotruncal anomalies, and others) were included. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, or Kruskall-Wallis tests and multinomial logistic regressions, as appropriate.
RESULTS
Median birthweight and head circumference percentile was 33 and 35, respectively. Placental pathology was documented in 37% of cases. PW to BW ratios were <10th percentile for 78% and <3rd percentile for 54% of the cohort, with no difference between CHD categories ( = 0.39 and = 0.56, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Infants with CHD have preserved BW and head circumferences in the setting of small placentas and increased prevalence of placental pathology, suggesting placental efficiency. Detection of abnormal placental growth could add prenatal diagnostic value. Placental and neonatal discordant growth may allude to a vascular anomaly predisposing fetuses to developing CHD. Further studies are needed to explore fetal nutrient delivery and utilization efficiency.
PubMed: 38938228
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100383 -
Current Topics in Developmental Biology 2024Biomechanics in embryogenesis is a dynamic field intertwining the physical forces and biological processes that shape the first days of a mammalian embryo. From the... (Review)
Review
Biomechanics in embryogenesis is a dynamic field intertwining the physical forces and biological processes that shape the first days of a mammalian embryo. From the first cell fate bifurcation during blastulation to the complex symmetry breaking and tissue remodeling in gastrulation, mechanical cues appear critical in cell fate decisions and tissue patterning. Recent strides in mouse and human embryo culture, stem cell modeling of mammalian embryos, and biomaterial design have shed light on the role of cellular forces, cell polarization, and the extracellular matrix in influencing cell differentiation and morphogenesis. This chapter highlights the essential functions of biophysical mechanisms in blastocyst formation, embryo implantation, and early gastrulation where the interplay between the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix stiffness orchestrates the intricacies of embryogenesis and placenta specification. The advancement of in vitro models like blastoids, gastruloids, and other types of embryoids, has begun to faithfully recapitulate human development stages, offering new avenues for exploring the biophysical underpinnings of early development. The integration of synthetic biology and advanced biomaterials is enhancing the precision with which we can mimic and study these processes. Looking ahead, we emphasize the potential of CRISPR-mediated genomic perturbations coupled with live imaging to uncover new mechanosensitive pathways and the application of engineered biomaterials to fine-tune the mechanical conditions conducive to embryonic development. This synthesis not only bridges the gap between experimental models and in vivo conditions to advancing fundamental developmental biology of mammalian embryogenesis, but also sets the stage for leveraging biomechanical insights to inform regenerative medicine.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Embryonic Development; Embryo, Mammalian; Biomechanical Phenomena
PubMed: 38937030
DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2024.05.001 -
Journal of Neurovirology Jun 2024After the Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic in Brazil, ZIKV infections were linked to damage to the central nervous system (CNS) and congenital anomalies. Due to the virus's...
After the Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic in Brazil, ZIKV infections were linked to damage to the central nervous system (CNS) and congenital anomalies. Due to the virus's ability to cross the placenta and reach brain tissue, its effects become severe, leading to Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) and resulting in neuroinflammation, microglial activation, and secretion of neurotoxic factors. The presence of ZIKV triggers an inadequate fetal immune response, as the fetus only has the protection of maternal antibodies of the Immunoglobulin G (IgG) class, which are the only antibodies capable of crossing the placenta. Because of limited understanding regarding the long term consequences of ZIKV infection and the involvement of maternal antibodies, this study sought to assess the impact of the ZIKV + IgG⁺complex on murine microglial cells. The cells were exposed to ZIKV, IgG antibodies, and the ZIKV + IgG⁺complex for 24 and 72 h. Treatment-induced cytotoxic effects were evaluated using the cell viability assay, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial membrane potential. The findings indicated that IgG antibodies exhibit cytotoxic effects on microglia, whether alone or in the presence of ZIKV, leading to compromised cell viability, disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, and heightened oxidative damage. Our conclusion is that IgG antibodies exert detrimental effects on microglia, triggering their activation and potentially disrupting the creation of a neurotoxic environment. Moreover, the presence of antibodies may correlate with an elevated risk of ZIKV-induced neuroinflammation, contributing to long-term CNS damage.
PubMed: 38935226
DOI: 10.1007/s13365-024-01218-7 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024The utilization of frozen embryo transfer not only enhances reproductive outcomes by elevating the likelihood of live birth and clinical pregnancy but also improves... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
INTRODUCTION
The utilization of frozen embryo transfer not only enhances reproductive outcomes by elevating the likelihood of live birth and clinical pregnancy but also improves safety by mitigating the risks associated with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and multiple pregnancies. There has been an increasing debate in recent years regarding the advisability of making elective frozen embryo transfer the standard practice. Our study aims to determine the optimal choice between fresh and frozen embryo transfer, as well as whether the transfer should occur at the cleavage or blastocyst stage.
METHOD
In this retrospective cohort study conducted in Taiwan, data from the national assisted reproductive technology (ART) database spanning from January 1st, 2013, to December 31st, 2017, were analyzed. The study included 51,762 eligible female participants who underwent ART and embryo transfer. Pregnancy outcomes, maternal complications, and singleton neonatal outcomes were evaluated using the National Health Insurance Database from January 1st, 2013, to December 31st, 2018. Cases were categorized into groups based on whether they underwent fresh or frozen embryo transfers, with further subdivision into cleavage stage and blastocyst stage transfers. Exposure variables encompassed clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, OHSS, pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus (DM), placenta previa, placental abruption, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), gestational age, newborn body weight, and route of delivery.
RESULTS
Frozen blastocyst transfers showed higher rates of clinical pregnancy (CPR) and live births (LBR) compared to fresh blastocyst transfers. Conversely, frozen cleavage stage transfers demonstrated lower rates of clinical pregnancy and live birth compared to fresh cleavage stage transfers. Frozen embryo transfers were associated with reduced risks of OHSS but were linked to a higher risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension compared to fresh embryo transfers. Additionally, frozen embryo transfers were associated with a higher incidence of large for gestational age infants and a lower incidence of small for gestational age infants.
CONCLUSION
The freeze-all strategy may not be suitable for universal application. When embryos can develop to the blastocyst stage, FET is a favorable choice, but embryos can only develop to the cleavage stage, fresh embryo transfer becomes a more reasonable option.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Embryo Transfer; Adult; Retrospective Studies; Cryopreservation; Pregnancy Outcome; Infant, Newborn; Taiwan; Pregnancy Rate; Cohort Studies; Fertilization in Vitro; Live Birth; Blastocyst
PubMed: 38933826
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1400255 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024Hydrogen sulfide (HS) is a gaseous signaling molecule produced in the body by three enzymes: cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) and... (Review)
Review
Hydrogen sulfide (HS) is a gaseous signaling molecule produced in the body by three enzymes: cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST). HS is crucial in various physiological processes associated with female mammalian reproduction. These include estrus cycle, oocyte maturation, oocyte aging, ovulation, embryo transport and early embryo development, the development of the placenta and fetal membranes, pregnancy, and the initiation of labor. Despite the confirmed presence of HS-producing enzymes in all female reproductive tissues, as described in this review, the exact mechanisms of HS action in these tissues remain in most cases unclear. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the knowledge about the presence and effects of HS in these tissues and outline possible signaling pathways that mediate these effects. Understanding these pathways may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies in the field of women's health and perinatal medicine.
PubMed: 38933705
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1378435 -
The Pan African Medical Journal 2024Placenta accreta is a rare but serious placental attachment abnormality. The aim of this study is to analyze the epidemiological, clinical, para-clinical and...
[Placenta accreta: a retrospective descriptive study of 46 patients treated in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the Farhat Hached University Hospital in Sousse, Tunisia].
Placenta accreta is a rare but serious placental attachment abnormality. The aim of this study is to analyze the epidemiological, clinical, para-clinical and evolutionary features of placenta accreta, to investigate the therapeutic management and to assess maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study of patients with histologically confirmed placenta accreta in the obstetrics and gynaecology department of the Farhat Hached University Hospital in Sousse, over a 4-year period from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2019. The epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic and evolutionary data were collected from patients´ medical records and operative reports. In our series, we identified 46 cases of placenta accreta. The average age of our patients was 35±4.61 years. Each of our patients had a scarred uterus. The average term of delivery was 34 weeks of amenorrhoea and the mode of delivery was caesarean section for all our patients. First-line hysterectomy was performed in 40 patients and conservative treatment in 6. Sixteen patients developed maternal complications. No maternal death was observed. Placenta accreta is a rare condition associated with significant maternal and foetal morbidity.
Topics: Humans; Female; Retrospective Studies; Tunisia; Placenta Accreta; Adult; Pregnancy; Hospitals, University; Hysterectomy; Cesarean Section; Young Adult; Infant, Newborn; Conservative Treatment
PubMed: 38933434
DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2024.47.147.38111 -
Viruses Jun 2024Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the leading non-genetic cause of congenital malformation in developed countries, causing significant fetal injury, and in some...
Human Cytomegalovirus Dysregulates Cellular Dual-Specificity Tyrosine Phosphorylation-Regulated Kinases and Sonic Hedgehog Pathway Proteins in Neural Astrocyte and Placental Models.
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the leading non-genetic cause of congenital malformation in developed countries, causing significant fetal injury, and in some cases fetal death. The pathogenetic mechanisms through which this host-specific virus infects then damages both the placenta and the fetal brain are currently ill-defined. We investigated the CMV modulation of key signaling pathway proteins for these organs including dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinases (DYRK) and Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway proteins using human first trimester placental trophoblast (TEV-1) cells, primary human astrocyte (NHA) brain cells, and CMV-infected human placental tissue. Immunofluorescence demonstrated the accumulation and re-localization of SHH proteins in CMV-infected TEV-1 cells with Gli2, Ulk3, and Shh re-localizing to the CMV cytoplasmic virion assembly complex (VAC). In CMV-infected NHA cells, DYRK1A re-localized to the VAC and DYRK1B re-localized to the CMV nuclear replication compartments, and the SHH proteins re-localized with a similar pattern as was observed in TEV-1 cells. Western blot analysis in CMV-infected TEV-1 cells showed the upregulated expression of Rb, Ulk3, and Shh, but not Gli2. In CMV-infected NHA cells, there was an upregulation of DYRK1A, DYRK1B, Gli2, Rb, Ulk3, and Shh. These in vitro monoculture findings are consistent with patterns of protein upregulation and re-localization observed in naturally infected placental tissue and CMV-infected ex vivo placental explant histocultures. This study reveals CMV-induced changes in proteins critical for fetal development, and identifies new potential targets for CMV therapeutic development.
Topics: Humans; Hedgehog Proteins; Cytomegalovirus; Pregnancy; Placenta; Astrocytes; Female; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; Cytomegalovirus Infections; Signal Transduction; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; Phosphorylation; Trophoblasts; Dyrk Kinases; Cell Line; Cells, Cultured
PubMed: 38932210
DOI: 10.3390/v16060918 -
Nutrients Jun 2024Evidence is emerging on the role of maternal diet, gut microbiota, and other lifestyle factors in establishing lifelong health and disease, which are determined by... (Review)
Review
Evidence is emerging on the role of maternal diet, gut microbiota, and other lifestyle factors in establishing lifelong health and disease, which are determined by transgenerationally inherited epigenetic modifications. Understanding epigenetic mechanisms may help identify novel biomarkers for gestation-related exposure, burden, or disease risk. Such biomarkers are essential for developing tools for the early detection of risk factors and exposure levels. It is necessary to establish an exposure threshold due to nutrient deficiencies or other environmental factors that can result in clinically relevant epigenetic alterations that modulate disease risks in the fetus. This narrative review summarizes the latest updates on the roles of maternal nutrients (n-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, vitamins) and gut microbiota on the placental epigenome and its impacts on fetal brain development. This review unravels the potential roles of the functional epigenome for targeted intervention to ensure optimal fetal brain development and its performance in later life.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Fetal Development; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Placenta; Epigenome; Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Epigenesis, Genetic; Nutrients; Polyphenols; Brain; Diet; Fatty Acids, Omega-3
PubMed: 38931215
DOI: 10.3390/nu16121860 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The goal of this study was to clarify the role of capsule size and morphology in the alkaloid yield of poppy. In 2023, two industrial varieties from large-scale...
The goal of this study was to clarify the role of capsule size and morphology in the alkaloid yield of poppy. In 2023, two industrial varieties from large-scale cultivation were investigated. Three classes of capsule size (large, medium, and small) and four organelles (wall, placenta, disc, and thalamus) of the seedless capsule were studied for their mass proportions and alkaloid contents. In 'Meara', large capsules had 41% lower total alkaloid levels than smaller ones. In 'Morgana', there was no difference in total alkaloids between size groups, but large capsules had higher contents of codeine and thebaine. Among the four organelles, the wall represented the largest mass in both varieties (60-67%), while the disc and the thalamus gave the lowest proportions (below 9%). In the variety 'Meara', the highest alkaloid contents appeared in the wall (2.69% d.w.), followed by the placenta, and the other two parts. 'Morgana' accumulated the highest alkaloid content (3.72% d.w.) in the placenta. Morphine follows the trend of the total content, while codeine and thebaine may differ. Accurate information on the accumulation of alkaloids in the generative organs may contribute to increasing effectiveness in target-oriented breeding and optimization of cultivation with an appropriate choice of variety.
PubMed: 38931072
DOI: 10.3390/plants13121640