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Alsharairi NA, Li L. Gut Microbiota, Inflammation, and Probiotic Supplementation in Fetal Growth Restriction-A Comprehensive Review of Human and Animal Studies. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2239. [PMID: 38137841 PMCID: PMC10745050 DOI: 10.3390/life13122239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a pathological state that represents a fetus's inability to achieve adequate growth during pregnancy. Several maternal, placental, and fetal factors are likely associated with FGR etiology. FGR is linked to severe fetal and neonatal complications, as well as adverse health consequences in adulthood. Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated improved growth in FGR fetuses with promising treatment strategies such as maternal micronutrient, amino acid, and nitric oxide supplementation. Elevated inflammation in pregnant women diagnosed with FGR has been associated with an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Gut microbiota dysbiosis may result in increased FGR-related inflammation. Probiotic treatment may relieve FGR-induced inflammation and improve fetal growth. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the gut microbiota and inflammatory profiles associated with FGR and explore the potential of probiotics in treating FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naser A. Alsharairi
- Heart, Mind and Body Research Group, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Li Li
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Richmond, NSW 2753, Australia;
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Lingam I, Okell J, Maksym K, Spencer R, Peebles D, Buquis G, Ambler G, Morsing E, Ley D, Singer D, Tenorio V, Dyer J, Ginsberg Y, Weissbach T, Huertas-Ceballos A, Marlow N, David A. Neonatal outcomes following early fetal growth restriction: a subgroup analysis of the EVERREST study. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2023; 108:599-606. [PMID: 37185272 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-325285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify the risks of mortality, morbidity and postnatal characteristics associated with extreme preterm fetal growth restriction (EP-FGR). DESIGN The EVERREST (Do e s v ascular endothelial growth factor gene therapy saf e ly imp r ove outcome in seve r e e arly-onset fetal growth re st riction?) prospective multicentre study of women diagnosed with EP-FGR (singleton, estimated fetal weight (EFW) <3rd percentile, <600 g, 20+0-26+6 weeks of gestation). The UK subgroup of EP-FGR infants (<36 weeks) were sex-matched and gestation-matched to appropriate for age (AGA) infants born in University College London Hospital (1:2 design, EFW 25th-75th percentile). SETTING Four tertiary perinatal units (UK, Germany, Spain, Sweden). MAIN OUTCOMES Antenatal and postnatal mortality, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), sepsis, surgically treated necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), treated retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). RESULTS Of 135 mothers recruited with EP-FGR, 42 had a stillbirth or termination of pregnancy (31%) and 93 had live births (69%). Postnatal genetic abnormalities were identified in 7/93 (8%) live births. Mean gestational age at birth was 31.4 weeks (SD 4.6). 54 UK-born preterm EP-FGR infants (<36 weeks) were matched to AGA controls. EP-FGR was associated with increased BPD (43% vs 26%, OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.4 to 9.4, p=0.01), surgical NEC (6% vs 0%, p=0.036) and ROP treatment (11% vs 0%, p=0.001). Mortality was probably higher among FGR infants (9% vs 2%, OR 5.0, 95% CI 1.0 to 25.8, p=0.054). FGR infants more frequently received invasive ventilation (65% vs 50%, OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1 to 6.1, p=0.03), took longer to achieve full feeds and had longer neonatal stays (median difference 6.1 days, 95% CI 3.8 to 8.9 and 19 days, 95% CI 9 to 30 days, respectively, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Mortality following diagnosis of EP-FGR is high. Survivors experience increased neonatal morbidity compared with AGA preterm infants. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02097667.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingran Lingam
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
- Woodland Neonatal Unit, West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Watford, UK
| | - Jade Okell
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Katarzyna Maksym
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Spencer
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Donald Peebles
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gina Buquis
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gareth Ambler
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Eva Morsing
- Department of Paediatrics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - David Ley
- Department of Paediatrics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Dominique Singer
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Violeta Tenorio
- Institut D'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi í Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jade Dyer
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Yuval Ginsberg
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tal Weissbach
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
- Institute of Obstetrical and Gynecological Imaging, Diagnostic Ultrasound Unit, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Angela Huertas-Ceballos
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Neil Marlow
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Anna David
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
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Su EJ. Scaling the EVERREST of severe, early-onset fetal growth restriction. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e173563. [PMID: 37712422 PMCID: PMC10503793 DOI: 10.1172/jci173563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe, early-onset fetal growth restriction is a leading cause of medically indicated preterm birth and substantially increases the risk for perinatal death or disability. No treatments exist to improve fetal growth or safely prolong pregnancy. Furthermore, wide-ranging phenotypes limit the accurate prediction of pregnancy outcome. In this issue of the JCI, Spencer and colleagues combine a discovery-science approach with ultrasound parameters to identify the most discriminative models for predicting either the primary outcome of fetal or neonatal death, or a secondary outcome of death or delivery at 28 weeks of gestation or earlier. Their findings can better individualize patient counseling but, just as compellingly, provide the capacity to identify those pregnancies that are at such considerable risk as to justify enrollment in paradigm-shifting interventional trials that are in the pipeline.
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Zhang C, Guo Y, Yang Y, Du Z, Fan Y, Zhao Y, Yuan S. Oxidative stress on vessels at the maternal-fetal interface for female reproductive system disorders: Update. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1118121. [PMID: 36967779 PMCID: PMC10036807 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1118121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Considerable evidence shows that oxidative stress exists in the pathophysiological process of female reproductive system diseases. At present, there have been many studies on oxidative stress of placenta during pregnancy, especially for preeclampsia. However, studies that directly focus on the effects of oxidative stress on blood vessels at the maternal-fetal interface and their associated possible outcomes are still incomplete and ambiguous. To provide an option for early clinical prediction and therapeutic application of oxidative stress in female reproductive system diseases, this paper briefly describes the composition of the maternal-fetal interface and the molecular mediators produced by oxidative stress, focuses on the sources of oxidative stress and the signaling pathways of oxidative stress at the maternal-fetal interface, expounds the adverse consequences of oxidative stress on blood vessels, and deeply discusses the relationship between oxidative stress and some pregnancy complications and other female reproductive system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenlu Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yaxin Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yan Yang
- School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhaojin Du
- Reproductive Medical Center, Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yunhui Fan
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yin Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- *Correspondence: Yin Zhao, ; Suzhen Yuan,
| | - Suzhen Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- *Correspondence: Yin Zhao, ; Suzhen Yuan,
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The Update of Fetal Growth Restriction Associated with Biomarkers. MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1097/fm9.0000000000000156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Wang D, Wu X, Lu D, Li Y, Zhang P. The Melatonin and Enriched Environment Ameliorated Low Protein-Induced Intrauterine Growth Retardation by IGF-1 And mtor Signaling Pathway and Autophagy Inhibition in Rats. Curr Mol Med 2021; 21:246-256. [PMID: 32713334 DOI: 10.2174/1566524020666200726221735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
CDATA[Aim: The present study investigated whether melatonin (MEL) and enriched environment (EE) might protect against intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) in rats. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to 3 groups: control (C), model (M) and EE+MEL group. Animals were housed in an enriched environment (EE+MEL group) or remained in a standard environment (C group, M group). IUGR rat model was built by feeding a low protein diet during pregnancy. MEL was administered by gavaging. At day 1 post-birth, the baseline characteristics and serum biochemical parameters, morphology of liver and small intestine, enzyme activities, and mRNA expression levels of fetal rats were determined. The autophagy marker LC3 and Beclin1 were determined by western blot analysis. RESULTS EE+MEL markedly improved the baseline characteristics, hepatic and intestinal morphology of IUGR fetuses. In addition, the lactase activities in the fetal intestine were markedly increased by the EE+MEL. The levels of serum somatostatin (SST), Growth hormone (GH), GH releasing hormone (GHRH), Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), triiodothyronine (T3), and tetraiodothyronine (T4) were found to be recovered by EE+MEL. In addition, the EE+MEL significantly ameliorated the mRNA expression of SST, GHRH, and GHRH receptor (GHRHR), GH, GHR, IGF-1, and IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R), IGF binding protein-1 (IGFBP1), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E)-binding protein 1 (4EBP1) in fetuses. In IUGR fetal livers, LC3 and Beclin1 were found to be increased at birth, while LC3 and Beclin1 were observed to be significantly decreased in the EE+MEL group. CONCLUSION EE+MEL could improve fetal rats' baseline characteristics, serum biochemical parameters, birth weight, intestinal and hepatic morphology and enzyme activities. These effects could be explained by the activation of the IGF-1/IGFBP1 and IGF-1/mTOR/S6K1/4EBP1 signaling pathway and autophagy inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wang
- College of Human Kinesiology, Shenyang Sport University, 36 Jinqiansong East Road Sujiatun District, Shenyang, 110102, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- Department of basic medical, HE's University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110163, China
| | - Dan Lu
- College of clinical, HE's University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110163, China
| | - Yan Li
- Experimental Teaching Center of Pharmacology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang , Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of basic medical, HE's University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110163, China
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Maternal Melatonin Deficiency Leads to Endocrine Pathologies in Children in Early Ontogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042058. [PMID: 33669686 PMCID: PMC7922827 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The review summarizes the results of experimental and clinical studies aimed at elucidating the causes and pathophysiological mechanisms of the development of endocrine pathology in children. The modern data on the role of epigenetic influences in the early ontogenesis of unfavorable factors that violate the patterns of the formation of regulatory mechanisms during periods of critical development of fetal organs and systems and contribute to the delayed development of pathological conditions are considered. The mechanisms of the participation of melatonin in the regulation of metabolic processes and the key role of maternal melatonin in the formation of the circadian system of regulation in the fetus and in the protection of the genetic program of its morphofunctional development during pregnancy complications are presented. Melatonin, by controlling DNA methylation and histone modification, prevents changes in gene expression that are directly related to the programming of endocrine pathology in offspring. Deficiency and absence of the circadian rhythm of maternal melatonin underlies violations of the genetic program for the development of hormonal and metabolic regulatory mechanisms of the functional systems of the child, which determines the programming and implementation of endocrine pathology in early ontogenesis, contributing to its development in later life. The significance of this factor in the pathophysiological mechanisms of endocrine disorders determines a new approach to risk assessment and timely prevention of offspring diseases even at the stage of family planning.
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9
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Colson A, Sonveaux P, Debiève F, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Adaptations of the human placenta to hypoxia: opportunities for interventions in fetal growth restriction. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:531-569. [PMID: 33377492 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is the functional interface between the mother and the fetus during pregnancy, and a critical determinant of fetal growth and life-long health. In the first trimester, it develops under a low-oxygen environment, which is essential for the conceptus who has little defense against reactive oxygen species produced during oxidative metabolism. However, failure of invasive trophoblasts to sufficiently remodel uterine arteries toward dilated vessels by the end of the first trimester can lead to reduced/intermittent blood flow, persistent hypoxia and oxidative stress in the placenta with consequences for fetal growth. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is observed in ∼10% of pregnancies and is frequently seen in association with other pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia (PE). FGR is one of the main challenges for obstetricians and pediatricians, as smaller fetuses have greater perinatal risks of morbidity and mortality and postnatal risks of neurodevelopmental and cardio-metabolic disorders. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this review was to examine the importance of placental responses to changing oxygen environments during abnormal pregnancy in terms of cellular, molecular and functional changes in order to highlight new therapeutic pathways, and to pinpoint approaches aimed at enhancing oxygen supply and/or mitigating oxidative stress in the placenta as a mean of optimizing fetal growth. SEARCH METHODS An extensive online search of peer-reviewed articles using PubMed was performed with combinations of search terms including pregnancy, placenta, trophoblast, oxygen, hypoxia, high altitude, FGR and PE (last updated in May 2020). OUTCOMES Trophoblast differentiation and placental establishment are governed by oxygen availability/hypoxia in early pregnancy. The placental response to late gestational hypoxia includes changes in syncytialization, mitochondrial functions, endoplasmic reticulum stress, hormone production, nutrient handling and angiogenic factor secretion. The nature of these changes depends on the extent of hypoxia, with some responses appearing adaptive and others appearing detrimental to the placental support of fetal growth. Emerging approaches that aim to increase placental oxygen supply and/or reduce the impacts of excessive oxidative stress are promising for their potential to prevent/treat FGR. WIDER IMPLICATIONS There are many risks and challenges of intervening during pregnancy that must be considered. The establishment of human trophoblast stem cell lines and organoids will allow further mechanistic studies of the effects of hypoxia and may lead to advanced screening of drugs for use in pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency/hypoxia. Since no treatments are currently available, a better understanding of placental adaptations to hypoxia would help to develop therapies or repurpose drugs to optimize placental function and fetal growth, with life-long benefits to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Colson
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Pole of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Sonveaux
- Pole of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Debiève
- Pole of Obstetrics, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Bailey B, Euser AG, Bol KA, Julian CG, Moore LG. High-altitude residence alters blood-pressure course and increases hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 35:1264-1271. [PMID: 32228111 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1745181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: To determine whether the full spectrum of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) - comprising gestational hypertension; preeclampsia with or without severe features; eclampsia; and Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets (HELLP) Syndrome - is increased at high (≥2500 m, 8250 ft) compared with lower altitudes in Colorado independent of maternal background characteristics, and if so their relationship to neonatal well-being.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using statewide birth-certificate data to compare the frequency of gestational hypertension, preeclampsia (with or without severe features), eclampsia, HELLP Syndrome, or all HDP combined in 617,958 Colorado women who lived at high vs. low altitude (<2500 m) and delivered during the 10-year period, 2007-2016. We also compared blood-pressure changes longitudinally during pregnancy and the frequency of HDP in 454 high (>2500 m)- vs. low (<1700 m)-altitude Colorado residents delivering in 2013 and 2014, and matched for maternal risk factors. Data were compared between altitudes using t-tests or chi-square, and by multiple or logistic regression analyses to adjust for risk factors and predict specific hypertensive or neonatal complications.Results: Statewide, high-altitude residence increased the frequency of each HDP disorder separately or all combined by 33%. High-altitude women studied longitudinally also had more HDP accompanied by higher blood pressures throughout pregnancy. The frequency of low birth weight infants (<2500 g), 5-min Apgar scores <7, and NICU admissions were also greater at high than low altitudes statewide, with the latter being accounted for by the increased incidence of HDP.Conclusions: Residence at high altitude constitutes a risk factor for HDP and recommends increased clinical surveillance. The increased incidence also makes high altitude a natural laboratory for evaluating the efficacy of predictive biomarkers or new therapies for HDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Bailey
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Anna G Euser
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kirk A Bol
- Center for Health and Environmental Data, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Colleen G Julian
- Division of Personalized Medicine and Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Lorna G Moore
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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González-Fernández D, Pons EDC, Rueda D, Sinisterra OT, Murillo E, Scott ME, Koski KG. Identification of High-Risk Pregnancies in a Remote Setting Using Ambulatory Blood Pressure: The MINDI Cohort. Front Public Health 2020; 8:86. [PMID: 32292772 PMCID: PMC7121149 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ambulatory blood pressure is a potential tool for early detection of complications during pregnancy, but its utility in impoverished settings has not been assessed. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine whether maternal infections, nutrient deficiencies and inflammation (MINDI) were associated with four measures of maternal blood pressure (BP) and to determine their association with symphysis-fundal-height (SFH). Methods: Environmental and dietary factors, intake of iron and a multiple-nutrient supplement (MNS), markers of inflammation, protein, anemia, folate, vitamins B12, A and D status, and urogenital, skin, oral and intestinal nematode infections were measured in indigenous pregnant Panamanian women. Stepwise multiple linear and logistic regression models explored determinants of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), hypotension (SBP < 100 and DBP < 60), mean arterial pressure (MAP), elevated MAP (eMAP), and pulse pressure (PP). Associations of BP with intestinal nematodes and with SFH Z scores (≥16 wk) were also explored. Results: Despite absence of high SBP or DBP, 11.2% of women had eMAP. Furthermore, 24.1% had hypotension. Linear regression showed that hookworm infection was associated with higher SBP (P = 0.049), DBP (P = 0.046), and MAP (P = 0.016), whereas Ascaris was associated with lower DBP (P = 0.018) and MAP (P = 0.028). Trichomonas was also associated with lower SBP (P < 0.0001) and MAP (P = 0.009). The presence of Trichuris (OR: 6.7, 95% CI 1.0-44.5) and folic acid deficiency (OR: 6.9, 95% CI 1.4-33.8) were associated with increased odds of eMAP. The odds of low BP was higher in the presence of Ascaris (OR: 3.63 ± 2.28, P = 0.040), but odds were lowered by MNS (OR: 0.35 ± 0.11, P = 0.001), more intake of animal-source foods/wk (OR: 0.7, 95% CI 0.5-0.9) and by higher concentrations of IL-17 (OR: 0.87 ± 0.05, P = 0.016). Conclusion: MINDI were bi-directionally associated with blood pressure indicators. In this MINDI cohort, infections, nutrients and cytokines both raised, and lowered BP indices. The presence of eMAP identified pregnant women at risk of hypertension whereas low PP was associated with lower SFH. Therefore, MAP and PP may help in detecting women at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in settings with limited access to technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris González-Fernández
- School of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University (Macdonald Campus), Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada
| | | | - Delfina Rueda
- "Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé" Health Region, Ministry of Health, San Félix, Panama
| | | | - Enrique Murillo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Panama, Panama City, Panama
| | - Marilyn E Scott
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada
| | - Kristine G Koski
- School of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University (Macdonald Campus), Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada
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Chassen S, Jansson T. Complex, coordinated and highly regulated changes in placental signaling and nutrient transport capacity in IUGR. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165373. [PMID: 30684642 PMCID: PMC6650384 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The most common cause of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in the developed world is placental insufficiency, a concept often used synonymously with reduced utero-placental and umbilical blood flows. However, placental insufficiency and IUGR are associated with complex, coordinated and highly regulated changes in placental signaling and nutrient transport including inhibition of insulin and mTOR signaling and down-regulation of specific amino acid transporters, Na+/K+-ATPase, the Na+/H+-exchanger, folate and lactate transporters. In contrast, placental glucose transport capacity is unaltered and Ca2+-ATPase activity and the expression of proteins involved in placental lipid transport are increased in IUGR. These findings are not entirely consistent with the traditional view that the placenta is dysfunctional in IUGR, but rather suggest that the placenta adapts to reduce fetal growth in response to an inability of the mother to allocate resources to the fetus. This new model has implications for the understanding of the mechanisms underpinning IUGR and for the development of intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Chassen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA.
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Cnattingius S, Kramer MS, Norman M, Ludvigsson JF, Fang F, Lu D. Keep it in the family: comparing perinatal risks in small-for-gestational-age infants based on population vs within-sibling designs. Int J Epidemiol 2020; 48:297-306. [PMID: 30239740 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyy196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth is commonly used as a proxy for fetal growth restriction, but also includes constitutionally small infants. Genetic factors account for almost half of the risk of SGA birth. We estimated perinatal risks of SGA birth using both population-based and within-sibling analyses, where the latter by design controls for shared genetic factors and maternal environmental factors that are constant across pregnancies. METHODS This was a prospective nationwide cohort study of 2 616 974 singleton infants born in Sweden between January 1987 and December 2012, of whom 1 885 924 were full siblings. We estimated associations between severe or moderate SGA (<3rd percentile and 3rd to <10th percentiles, respectively) and risks of stillbirth, neonatal mortality and morbidity, using both population-based and within-sibling analyses. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated in stillbirth analyses, whereas relative risks (RRs) were used for analyses of neonatal outcomes. RESULTS Compared with non-SGA births (>10th percentile), the HR (95% CI) of stillbirth was 18.5 (95% CI 17.4-19.5) among severe SGA births in the population analysis and 22.5 (95% CI 18.7-27.1) in the within-sibling analysis. In non-malformed infants, RRs for neonatal mortality in moderate and severe SGA infants were similarly increased in both population and within-sibling analyses. In term non-malformed infants (≥37 weeks), SGA-related RRs of several neonatal morbidities were higher in within-sibling than in population analyses. CONCLUSIONS Perinatal risks associated with fetal growth restriction are more accurately estimated from analyses of SGA in which genetic factors are accounted for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Cnattingius
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm Sweden
| | - Michael S Kramer
- Departments of Pediatrics and of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University Faculty of Medicine, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mikael Norman
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neonatalogy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas F Ludvigsson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Pediatrics, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Donghao Lu
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
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14
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Prayer D, Deprest J. The use of MRI in fetal conditions amenable for antenatal management. Prenat Diagn 2020; 40:3-5. [PMID: 31860748 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Prayer
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Neuroradiology and Musculoskeletal Radiology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan Deprest
- Clinical Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, and Academic Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Leuven, Belgium.,Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
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15
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Malhotra A, Sepehrizadeh T, Dhollander T, Wright D, Castillo-Melendez M, Sutherland AE, Pham Y, Ditchfield M, Polglase GR, de Veer M, Jenkin G, Pannek K, Shishegar R, Miller SL. Advanced MRI analysis to detect white matter brain injury in growth restricted newborn lambs. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2019; 24:101991. [PMID: 31473545 PMCID: PMC6728876 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2019.101991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a serious pregnancy complication associated with increased risk of adverse neurodevelopment and neuromorbidity. Current imaging techniques, including conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are not sensitive enough to detect subtle structural abnormalities in the FGR brain. We examined whether advanced MRI analysis techniques have the capacity to detect brain injury (particularly white matter injury) caused by chronic hypoxia-induced fetal growth restriction in newborn preterm lambs. Methods Surgery was undertaken in twin bearing pregnant ewes at 88–90 days gestation (term = 150 days) to induce FGR in one fetus. At 127 days gestation (~32 weeks human brain development), FGR and control (appropriate for gestational age, AGA) lambs were delivered by caesarean section, intubated and ventilated. Conventional and advanced brain imaging was conducted within the first two hours of life using a 3T MRI scanner. T1-weighted (T1w) and T2-weighted (T2w) structural imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and diffusion MRI (dMRI) data were acquired. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) modelling and analysis of dMRI data included the following regions of interest (ROIs): subcortical white matter, periventricular white matter, cerebellum, hippocampus, corpus callosum and thalamus. Fixel-based analysis of 3-tissue constrained spherical deconvolution (CSD) of the dMRI data was performed and compared between FGR and AGA lambs. Lambs were euthanised immediately after the scans and brain histology performed in the regions of interest to correlate with imaging. Results FGR and AGA lamb (body weight, mean (SD): 2.2(0.5) vs. 3.3(0.3) kg, p = .002) MRI brain scans were analysed. There were no statistically significant differences observed between the groups in conventional T1w, T2w or MRS brain data. Mean, axial and radial diffusivity, and fractional anisotropy indices obtained from DTI modelling also did not show any statistically significant differences between groups in the ROIs. Fixel-based analysis of 3-tissue CSD, however, did reveal a decrease in fibre cross-section (FC, p < .05) but not in fibre density (FD) or combined fibre density and cross-section (FDC) in FGR vs. AGA lamb brains. The specific tracts that showed a decrease in FC were in the regions of the periventricular white matter, hippocampus and cerebellar white matter, and were supported by histological evidence of white matter hypomyelination and disorganisation in corresponding FGR lamb brain regions. Conclusions The neuropathology associated with FGR in neonatal preterm lambs is subtle and imaging detection may require advanced MRI and tract-based analysis techniques. Fixel-based analysis of 3-tissue CSD demonstrates that the preterm neonatal FGR brain shows evidence of macrostructural (cross-sectional) deficits in white matter subsequent to altered antenatal development. These findings can inform analysis of similar brain pathology in neonatal infants. FGR brain injury can be subtle, and not easily detected on conventional imaging. Fixel-based analysis showed differences in fibre content of FGR lamb brain tracts. Histological stain confirmed myelination deficits in corresponding brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul Malhotra
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia.
| | | | - Thijs Dhollander
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia; The Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David Wright
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Australia
| | - Margie Castillo-Melendez
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Amy E Sutherland
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Yen Pham
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Graeme R Polglase
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael de Veer
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Graham Jenkin
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kerstin Pannek
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Rosita Shishegar
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; The Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suzanne L Miller
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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16
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Hromadnikova I, Dvorakova L, Kotlabova K, Krofta L. The Prediction of Gestational Hypertension, Preeclampsia and Fetal Growth Restriction via the First Trimester Screening of Plasma Exosomal C19MC microRNAs. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20122972. [PMID: 31216670 PMCID: PMC6627682 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20122972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to verify if quantification of placental specific C19MC microRNAs in plasma exosomes would be able to differentiate during the early stages of gestation between patients subsequently developing pregnancy-related complications and women with the normal course of gestation and if this differentiation would lead to the improvement of the diagnostical potential. The retrospective study on singleton Caucasian pregnancies was performed within 6/2011-2/2019. The case control study, nested in a cohort, involved women that later developed GH (n = 57), PE (n = 43), FGR (n = 63), and 102 controls. Maternal plasma exosome profiling was performed with the selection of C19MC microRNAs with diagnostical potential only (miR-516b-5p, miR-517-5p, miR-518b, miR-520a-5p, miR-520h, and miR-525-5p) using real-time RT-PCR. The down-regulation of miR-517-5p, miR-520a-5p, and miR-525-5p was observed in patients with later occurrence of GH and PE. Maternal plasma exosomal profiling of selected C19MC microRNAs also revealed a novel down-regulated biomarker during the first trimester of gestation (miR-520a-5p) for women destinated to develop FGR. First trimester circulating plasma exosomes possess the identical C19MC microRNA expression profile as placental tissues derived from patients with GH, PE and FGR after labor. The predictive accuracy of first trimester C19MC microRNA screening (miR-517-5p, miR-520a-5p, and miR-525-5p) for the diagnosis of GH and PE was significantly higher in the case of expression profiling of maternal plasma exosomes compared to expression profiling of the whole maternal plasma samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Hromadnikova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Cell Pathology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Lenka Dvorakova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Cell Pathology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Katerina Kotlabova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Cell Pathology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 10000 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Ladislav Krofta
- Institute for the Care of the Mother and Child, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 14700 Prague, Czech Republic.
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17
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Brain KL, Allison BJ, Niu Y, Cross CM, Itani N, Kane AD, Herrera EA, Skeffington KL, Botting KJ, Giussani DA. Intervention against hypertension in the next generation programmed by developmental hypoxia. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e2006552. [PMID: 30668572 PMCID: PMC6342530 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2006552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence derived from human clinical studies and experimental animal models shows a causal relationship between adverse pregnancy and increased cardiovascular disease in the adult offspring. However, translational studies isolating mechanisms to design intervention are lacking. Sheep and humans share similar precocial developmental milestones in cardiovascular anatomy and physiology. We tested the hypothesis in sheep that maternal treatment with antioxidants protects against fetal growth restriction and programmed hypertension in adulthood in gestation complicated by chronic fetal hypoxia, the most common adverse consequence in human pregnancy. Using bespoke isobaric chambers, chronically catheterized sheep carrying singletons underwent normoxia or hypoxia (10% oxygen [O2]) ± vitamin C treatment (maternal 200 mg.kg-1 IV daily) for the last third of gestation. In one cohort, the maternal arterial blood gas status, the value at which 50% of the maternal hemoglobin is saturated with oxygen (P50), nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, oxidative stress, and antioxidant capacity were determined. In another, naturally delivered offspring were raised under normoxia until early adulthood (9 months). Lambs were chronically instrumented and cardiovascular function tested in vivo. Following euthanasia, femoral arterial segments were isolated and endothelial function determined by wire myography. Hypoxic pregnancy induced fetal growth restriction and fetal oxidative stress. At adulthood, it programmed hypertension by enhancing vasoconstrictor reactivity and impairing NO-independent endothelial function. Maternal vitamin C in hypoxic pregnancy improved transplacental oxygenation and enhanced fetal antioxidant capacity while increasing NO bioavailability, offsetting constrictor hyper-reactivity and replenishing endothelial function in the adult offspring. These discoveries provide novel insight into mechanisms and interventions against fetal growth restriction and adult-onset programmed hypertension in an animal model of complicated pregnancy in a species of similar temporal developmental milestones to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty L. Brain
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Beth J. Allison
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Youguo Niu
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cambridge Cardiovascular Strategic Research Initiative, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christine M. Cross
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nozomi Itani
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D. Kane
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Emilio A. Herrera
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Katie L. Skeffington
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kimberley J. Botting
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cambridge Cardiovascular Strategic Research Initiative, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Dino A. Giussani
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cambridge Cardiovascular Strategic Research Initiative, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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