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Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024: Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a metabolic disorder with altered glucose levels diagnosed in pregnant women. The pathogenesis of GDM is not fully known, but it is...
: Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a metabolic disorder with altered glucose levels diagnosed in pregnant women. The pathogenesis of GDM is not fully known, but it is thought to be caused by impaired insulin production and insulin resistance induced by diabetogenic factors. The placenta may play an important role in the development of GDM. Glucose transporters () are responsible for the delivery of glucose into the foetal circulation. Placental zinc transporters regulate insulin and glucagon secretion, as well as gluconeogenesis and glycolysis. The aim of this study was to investigate the placental expression of , , and in women with GDM. Furthermore, we evaluated whether the expression profiles of these transporters were correlated with clinical parameters. : This study included 26 patients with GDM and 28 patients with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). : The placental expression of was significantly reduced in the GDM group, while the placental expression of , and was significantly upregulated in the GDM group. expression correlated significantly with body mass index (BMI) increase during pregnancy and body mass increase during pregnancy, while expression correlated negatively with BMI at birth. : These results suggest the involvement of GLUT3 and GLUT4, GLUT7 and SLC30A8 in the pathogenesis of GDM.
PubMed: 38930029
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123500 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2024The placenta undergoes morphological and functional adaptations to adverse exposures during pregnancy. The effects ofsuboptimal maternal body mass index (BMI), preterm...
Gestational Age, Infection, and Suboptimal Maternal Prepregnancy BMI Independently Associate with Placental Histopathology in a Cohort of Pregnancies without Major Maternal Comorbidities.
The placenta undergoes morphological and functional adaptations to adverse exposures during pregnancy. The effects ofsuboptimal maternal body mass index (BMI), preterm birth, and infection on placental histopathological phenotypes are not yet well understood, despite the association between these conditions and poor offspring outcomes. We hypothesized that suboptimal maternal prepregnancy BMI and preterm birth (with and without infection) would associate with altered placental maturity and morphometry, and that altered placental maturity would associate with poor birth outcomes. Clinical data and human placentae were collected from 96 pregnancies where mothers were underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese, without other major complications. Placental histopathological characteristics were scored by an anatomical pathologist. Associations between maternal BMI, placental pathology (immaturity and hypermaturity), placental morphometry, and infant outcomes were investigated for term and preterm births with and without infection. : Fetal capillary volumetric proportion was decreased, whereas the villous stromal volumetric proportion was increased in placentae from preterm pregnancies with chorioamnionitis compared to preterm placentae without chorioamnionitis. At term and preterm, pregnancies with maternal overweight and obesity had a high percentage increase in proportion of immature placentae compared to normal weight. Placental maturity did not associate with infant birth outcomes. We observed placental hypermaturity and altered placental morphometry among preterm pregnancies with chorioamnionitis, suggestive of altered placental development, which may inform about pregnancies susceptible to preterm birth and infection. : Our data increase our understanding of how common metabolic exposures and preterm birth, in the absence of other comorbidities or complications, potentially contribute to poor pregnancy outcomes and developmental programming.
PubMed: 38929907
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123378 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Jun 2024This study compared the therapeutic effects of engineered exosomes derived from RAW264.7 cells overexpressing hsa-let-7i-5p (engineered exosomes) to exosomes from human...
Therapeutic Effects of Engineered Exosomes from RAW264.7 Cells Overexpressing hsa-let-7i-5p against Sepsis in Mice-A Comparative Study with Human Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes.
This study compared the therapeutic effects of engineered exosomes derived from RAW264.7 cells overexpressing hsa-let-7i-5p (engineered exosomes) to exosomes from human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hpMSC exosomes) against sepsis-induced acute lung injury. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were divided into lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS plus engineered exosome (LEExo), or LPS plus hpMSC exosome (LMExo) groups, alongside control groups. The results showed that lung injury scores (based on pathohistological characteristics) and the levels of lung function alterations, tissue edema, and leukocyte infiltration in LEExo and LMExo groups were comparable and significantly lower than in the LPS group (all < 0.05). Furthermore, the levels of inflammation (nuclear factor-κB activation, cytokine upregulation), macrophage activation (hypoxia-inducible factor-1α activation, M1 phase polarization), oxidation, and apoptosis were diminished in LEExo and LMExo groups compared to the LPS group (all < 0.05). Inhibition of hsa-let-7i-5p attenuated the therapeutic effects of both engineered and hpMSC exosomes. These findings underscore the potent therapeutic capacity of engineered exosomes enriched with hsa-let-7i-5p and their potential as an alternative to hpMSC exosomes for sepsis treatment. Continued research into the mechanisms of action and optimization of engineered exosomes could pave the way for their future clinical application.
PubMed: 38929840
DOI: 10.3390/jpm14060619 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jun 2024The amniotic membrane is widely used in the treatment of chronic wounds, in toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and in the treatment of burns. In our clinical practice,... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
The amniotic membrane is widely used in the treatment of chronic wounds, in toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and in the treatment of burns. In our clinical practice, we use amniotic dressings on shallow skin wounds caused by burns. Counteracting infections is an important aspect of working with burn wounds. Therefore, the main goals of this work are to demonstrate the usefulness of amniotic membrane soaked in antiseptics for the prevention of wound infections and to compare the antibacterial efficacy of selected variants of allogeneic and xenogeneic amniotic membrane grafts soaked in specific antiseptic agents. The studied material consisted of human and pig placenta. The human and animal amnions were divided in two parts. The first part consisted of amniotic discs placed on rigid mesh discs and preparing the fresh amnion. The second part of the amnion was frozen at a temperature of -80 °C for 24 h. Then, it was radio-sterilized with a dose of 35 kGy. The amniotic discs were placed on rigid mesh to prepare the radiation-sterilized amnion. The amniotic discs were placed in a 12-well plate and immersed in 3 mL of the appropriate antiseptic solutions: Prontosan, Braunol, Borasol, Microdacyn, Octenilin, Sutrisept, and NaCl as a control. The amniotic discs were incubated in antiseptics for 3 h. The microbiological tests were conducted by placing the antiseptic-infused amniotic discs on microbiological media inoculated with hospital strains. The largest average zone of growth inhibition was observed in dressings soaked with Sutrisept, Braunol, and Prontosan. The greatest inhibition of bacterial growth was achieved for radiation-sterilized porcine amnion impregnated with Braunol and Sutrisept, as well as for radiation-sterilized human amnion impregnated with Braunol. Human and porcine amniotic membrane is effective in carrying antiseptics. Radiation-sterilized amnion seems to inhibit the growth of microorganisms better than fresh amnion.
Topics: Amnion; Humans; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Burns; Animals; Swine; Female; Transplantation, Homologous; Transplantation, Heterologous
PubMed: 38929632
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60061015 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The objective of this study was to assess the relationship of ACS with neonatal outcomes among very preterm infants born to mothers with clinical chorioamnionitis in...
The objective of this study was to assess the relationship of ACS with neonatal outcomes among very preterm infants born to mothers with clinical chorioamnionitis in China. This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study. Study participants included infants born at <32 weeks' gestation with clinical chorioamnionitis and registered in the Chinese Neonatal Network from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020. Infants were divided into two groups: any amount of ACS or no administration of ACS. Multivariable generalized linear models using generalized estimating equations were used to assess the association between ACS and neonatal outcomes among the study population. We identified 2193 infants eligible for this study; 1966 (89.6%) infants had received ACS therapy, and 227 (10.4%) had not received any ACS therapy. Among very preterm infants born to mothers with clinical chorioamnionitis, any ACS usage was significantly associated with decreased risks of early death (aRR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32, 0.99) and severe ROP (aRR 0.51, 95% CI 0.28, 0.93) after adjustment for maternal hypertension, gestational age at birth, Caesarean section, being inborn, and administration of systemic antibiotics to the mother within 24 h before birth. In addition, out of the 2193 infants, the placentas of 1931 infants underwent pathological examination with recorded results. Subsequently, 1490 of these cases (77.2%) were diagnosed with histological chorioamnionitis. In 1490 cases of histologic chorioamnionitis, any ACS usage was significantly related to decreased risks of overall mortality (aRR 0.52, 95% CI 0.31, 0.87), severe ROP (aRR 0.47, 95% CI 0.25, 0.97), and respiratory distress syndrome (aRR 0.52, 95% CI 0.31, 0.87). We concluded that any ACS was associated with reduced risks for neonatal early death and severe ROP among very preterm infants born to mothers with clinical chorioamnionitis.
PubMed: 38929259
DOI: 10.3390/children11060680 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024The placenta is a crucial determinant of fetal survival, growth, and development. Deficiency in placental development directly causes intrauterine growth retardation...
The placenta is a crucial determinant of fetal survival, growth, and development. Deficiency in placental development directly causes intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). IUGR can lead to fetal growth restriction and an increase in the mortality rate. The genetic mechanisms underlying IUGR development, however, remain unclear. In the present study, we integrated whole-genome DNA methylation and transcriptomic analyses to determine distinct gene expression patterns in various placental tissues to identify pivotal genes that are implicated with IUGR development. By performing RNA-sequencing analysis, 1487 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 737 upregulated and 750 downregulated genes, were identified in IUGR pigs (H_IUGR) compared with that in normal birth weight pigs (N_IUGR) ( < 0.05); furthermore, 77 miRNAs, 1331 lncRNAs, and 61 circRNAs were differentially expressed. The protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed that among these DEGs, the genes GNGT1, ANXA1, and CDC20 related to cellular developmental processes and blood vessel development were the key genes associated with the development of IUGR. A total of 495,870 differentially methylated regions were identified between the N_IUGR and H_IUGR groups, which included 25,053 differentially methylated genes (DMEs); moreover, the overall methylation level was higher in the H_IUGR group than in the N_IUGR group. Combined analysis showed an inverse correlation between methylation levels and gene expression. A total of 1375 genes involved in developmental processes, tissue development, and immune system regulation exhibited methylation differences in gene expression levels in the promoter regions and gene ontology regions. Five genes, namely, ANXA1, ADM, NRP2, SHH, and SMAD1, with high methylation levels were identified as potential contributors to IUGR development. These findings provide valuable insights that DNA methylation plays a crucial role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression and mammalian development and that DNA-hypermethylated genes contribute to IUGR development in Rongchang pigs.
Topics: Animals; Fetal Growth Retardation; DNA Methylation; Swine; Female; Pregnancy; Placenta; Gene Expression Profiling; Protein Interaction Maps; Epigenesis, Genetic; MicroRNAs; Transcriptome; Gene Regulatory Networks
PubMed: 38928167
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126462 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Neurogenesis is the process by which new brain cells are formed. This crucial event emerges during embryonic life and proceeds in adulthood, and it could be influenced...
Neurogenesis is the process by which new brain cells are formed. This crucial event emerges during embryonic life and proceeds in adulthood, and it could be influenced by environmental pollution. Non-combustion-derived magnetite represents a portion of the coarse particulate matter (PM) contributing to air and water pollution in urban settings. Studies on humans have reported that magnetite and other iron oxides have significant damaging effects at a central level, where these particles accumulate and promote oxidative stress. Similarly, magnetite nanoparticles can cross the placenta and damage the embryo brain during development, but the impact on neurogenesis is still unknown. Furthermore, an abnormal Fe cation concentration in cells and tissues might promote reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and has been associated with multiple neurodegenerative conditions. In the present study, we used zebrafish as an in vivo system to analyze the specific effects of magnetite on embryonic neurogenesis. First, we characterized magnetite using mineralogical and spectroscopic analyses. Embryos treated with magnetite at sub-lethal concentrations showed a dose-response increase in ROS in the brain, which was accompanied by a massive decrease in antioxidant genes (, , , and ). In addition, a higher number of apoptotic cells was observed in embryos treated with magnetite. Next, interestingly, embryos exposed to magnetite displayed a decrease in neural staminal progenitors (, , and markers) and a neuronal marker (). Finally, we observed significative increases in (specific microglia marker) and interleukin-1b (), confirming a status of inflammation in the brain embryos treated with magnetite. Our study represents the very first in vivo evidence concerning the effects of magnetite on brain development.
Topics: Animals; Zebrafish; Neurogenesis; Ferrosoferric Oxide; Embryo, Nonmammalian; Reactive Oxygen Species; Oxidative Stress; Brain; Apoptosis; Magnetite Nanoparticles
PubMed: 38928164
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126459 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Galectin-13 (Gal-13) is predominantly produced by the syncytiotrophoblast, while laeverin is expressed on the outgrowing extravillous trophoblast, and both are thought...
Galectin-13 (Gal-13) is predominantly produced by the syncytiotrophoblast, while laeverin is expressed on the outgrowing extravillous trophoblast, and both are thought to be biomarkers of preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between concentrations of Gal-13 and laeverin measured in maternal serum and amniotic fluid at 16-22 weeks of gestation and the sonographic assessment of the fetoplacental measurements. Fetal biometric data and placental volume and perfusion indices were measured in 62 singleton pregnancies. Serum and amniotic levels of Gal-13 and laeverin levels were measured using a sandwich ELISA. Both amniotic fluid and serum Gal-13 levels expressed a negative correlation to the plasma laeverin level in mid-pregnancy. Serum laeverin level correlated positively with the gestational length at delivery (β = 0.39, < 0.05), while the amniotic laeverin level correlated well with the abdominal circumference of the fetus (β = 0.44, < 0.05). Furthermore, laeverin level in the amnion correlated positively with the estimated fetal weight (β = 0.48, < 0.05) and with the placental volume (β = 0.32, < 0.05). Logistic regression analyses revealed that a higher circulating Gal-13 level represents a slightly significant risk factor (OR: 1.01) for hypertension-related diseases during pregnancy. It is a novelty that laeverin can be detected in the amniotic fluid, and amnion laeverin concentration represents a potential biomarker of fetoplacental growth.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Adult; Galectins; Placenta; Amniotic Fluid; Biomarkers; Pre-Eclampsia; Fetal Development; Gestational Age; Pregnancy Proteins; Metalloproteases
PubMed: 38928055
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126347 -
Cancers Jun 2024Cutaneous malignant melanoma is one of the most common neoplasms among pregnancy-associated cancers (PACs). Risk factors include excessive exposure to ultraviolet... (Review)
Review
Cutaneous malignant melanoma is one of the most common neoplasms among pregnancy-associated cancers (PACs). Risk factors include excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, the presence of benign and dysplastic nevi, and a patient or family history of melanoma. Self-examination and careful inspection of nevi are crucial, especially in the context of their progression over time. Physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, such as the darkening and enlargement of the nevi, delay the diagnosis of CMM. In the fetus, metastases are very rare, and if they do occur, they concern the placenta or fetal tissues. The choice of treatment is influenced by the cancer stage, symptoms, the time of termination of pregnancy, and the patient's decision. Essential procedures which are safe for the fetus are diagnostic biopsy, ultrasound, and the therapeutic excision of the lesion and the affected lymph nodes. Other imaging methods can be used with a safe radiation dose limit of 100 mGy. Immunotherapy and targeted treatments must be carefully considered, because of their possible adverse effects on the fetus. An interdisciplinary approach to the problem of melanoma during pregnancy is necessary, involving doctors of various specialties.
PubMed: 38927879
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122173 -
Genes May 2024It is possible to identify sub-populations of sows in every pig herd that consistently give birth to low birth weight (BW) piglets, irrespective of the litter size. A...
It is possible to identify sub-populations of sows in every pig herd that consistently give birth to low birth weight (BW) piglets, irrespective of the litter size. A previous study from our group demonstrated that placental development is a main factor affecting the litter birth weight phenotype (LBWP) in sows, thereby impacting the BW of entire litters, but the biological and molecular pathways behind this phenomenon are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the differential gene expression in placental tissues at day 30 of gestation between low LBWP (LLBWP) vs. high LBWP (HLBWP) sows from a purebred Large White maternal line. Using mRNA sequencing, we found 45 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in placental tissues of LLBWP and HLBWP sows. Furthermore, (GO) enrichment of upregulated DEGs predicted that there were two biological processes significantly related to cornification and regulation of cell population proliferation. To better understand the molecular interaction between cell proliferation and cornification, we conducted transcriptional factor binding site (TFBS) prediction analysis. The results indicated that a highly significant TFBS was located at the 5' upstream of all four upregulated genes (, , , ), recognized by transcription factors EGR4 and FOSL1. Our findings provide novel insight into how transcriptional regulation of two different biological processes interact in placental tissues of LLBWP sows.
Topics: Animals; Female; Pregnancy; Placenta; Swine; Birth Weight; Transcriptome; Litter Size; Phenotype; Gene Expression Profiling
PubMed: 38927639
DOI: 10.3390/genes15060703