1
|
Moes E, Kuzawa CW, Edgar HJH. Sex-specific effects of environmental temperature during gestation on fluctuating asymmetry in deciduous teeth. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024:e24944. [PMID: 38623790 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES External environmental heat exposure during gestation impacts the physiology of human development in utero, but evidence for these impacts has not yet been explored in dentition. We examined deciduous teeth for fluctuating asymmetry (FA), a measure of developmental instability, together with gestational environmental temperature data drawn from historical weather statistics. MATERIALS AND METHODS We measured dental casts from the longitudinal Burlington Growth Study, representing 172 participants (ages 3-6 years) with health records. FA was calculated from crown dimensions and intercuspal distances that develop during gestation. Multiple regression separated by sex (nfemale = 81) examined the effects of mean temperatures in each trimester, controlling for birth year. RESULTS In females, increased temperatures during the first trimester are significantly associated with an increase in FA (p = 0.03), specifically during the second and third prenatal months (p = 0.03). There is no relationship between temperature and FA for either sex in the second or third trimesters, when enamel is formed. DISCUSSION Dental instability may be sensitive to temperature in the first trimester in females during the scaffolding of crown shape and size in the earliest stages of tooth formation. Sexual dimorphism in growth investment strategies may explain the differences in results between males and females. Using enduring dental characteristics, these results advance our understanding of the effects of temperature on fetal physiology within a discrete period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Moes
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Department of Physician Assistant Studies, University of St. Francis, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Christopher W Kuzawa
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Heather J H Edgar
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Office of the Medical Investigator, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xodo S, Celante L, Liviero S, Orsaria M, Mariuzzi L, De Luca M, Damante G, Driul L, Cagnacci A, Ferino A, Di Giorgio E, Xodo L, Londero AP. Fetal growth at term and placental oxidative stress in a tissue micro-array model: a histological and immunohistochemistry study. Histochem Cell Biol 2023; 160:293-306. [PMID: 37306741 PMCID: PMC10509069 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02212-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study examines 8-hydroxyguanine (8-oxo-Gua) staining in placental tissue samples based on fetal size at birth as well as its relationships with placental histology and other pregnancy variables. This prospective cohort study included women > 18 years with a singleton pregnancy, a live fetus, fluency in Italian, and delivery at term. A total of 165 pregnancies were included in the study. The nuclear syncytiotrophoblast 8-oxo-Gua staining score in LGA was substantially greater than in late FGR (p < 0.05), although the cytoplasm score was lower in SGA and LGA than in AGA (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a sex-specific pattern of 8-oxo-Gua staining was discovered in single-term placentas, with more oxidative damage found in the nuclei of syncytiotrophoblast cells and stromal and endothelial cells in AGA males compared to AGA females (p < 0.05). Second, the histological pattern of late FGR placentae differed by gender. Finally, a significant correlation (p < 0.05) was found between high-intensity 8-oxo-Gua staining in the cytoplasm of syncytiotrophoblast cells and thrombi in the chorionic plate or villi in males. On the other hand, female fetuses demonstrated a significant connection (p < 0.05) between high-intensity 8-oxo-Gua staining in endothelial and stromal cells and high birthweight MoM values. Our findings indicated a significant variation in the oxidative stress pattern between male and female placentae, implying that fetal growth is regulated differently in the two sexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Xodo
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, DAME, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - Lisa Celante
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, DAME, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Stefania Liviero
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, DAME, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Maria Orsaria
- Institute of Pathology, Academic Hospital "Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Udine", 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Laura Mariuzzi
- Institute of Pathology, DAME, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Matteo De Luca
- Institute of Pathology, Academic Hospital "Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Udine", 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Damante
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Academic Hospital "Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Udine", DAME, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Lorenza Driul
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, DAME, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Angelo Cagnacci
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophtalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Infant Health, University of Genoa, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Annalisa Ferino
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Eros Di Giorgio
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Luigi Xodo
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Ambrogio Pietro Londero
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophtalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Infant Health, University of Genoa, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147, Genova, GE, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Unger HW, Hadiprodjo AJ, Gutman JR, Briand V, Fievet N, Valea I, Tinto H, D'Alessandro U, Landis SH, Ter Kuile F, Ouma P, Oneko M, Mwapasa V, Slutsker L, Terlouw DJ, Kariuki S, Ayisi J, Nahlen B, Desai M, Madanitsa M, Kalilani-Phiri L, Ashorn P, Maleta K, Tshefu-Kitoto A, Mueller I, Stanisic D, Cates J, Van Eijk AM, Ome-Kaius M, Aitken EH, Rogerson SJ. Fetal sex and risk of pregnancy-associated malaria in Plasmodium falciparum-endemic regions: a meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10310. [PMID: 37365258 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37431-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In areas of moderate to intense Plasmodium falciparum transmission, malaria in pregnancy remains a significant cause of low birth weight, stillbirth, and severe anaemia. Previously, fetal sex has been identified to modify the risks of maternal asthma, pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes. One study demonstrated increased risk of placental malaria in women carrying a female fetus. We investigated the association between fetal sex and malaria in pregnancy in 11 pregnancy studies conducted in sub-Saharan African countries and Papua New Guinea through meta-analysis using log binomial regression fitted to a random-effects model. Malaria infection during pregnancy and delivery was assessed using light microscopy, polymerase chain reaction, and histology. Five studies were observational studies and six were randomised controlled trials. Studies varied in terms of gravidity, gestational age at antenatal enrolment and bed net use. Presence of a female fetus was associated with malaria infection at enrolment by light microscopy (risk ratio 1.14 [95% confidence interval 1.04, 1.24]; P = 0.003; n = 11,729). Fetal sex did not associate with malaria infection when other time points or diagnostic methods were used. There is limited evidence that fetal sex influences the risk of malaria infection in pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holger W Unger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Anastasia Jessica Hadiprodjo
- Department of Medicine (RMH), Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Julie R Gutman
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Valerie Briand
- Université de Paris, UMR261, IRD, Paris, France
- Epicentre MSF, Paris, France
| | | | - Innocent Valea
- Unite de Recherche Clinique de Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé-DRCO, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
- Departement de Recherche Clinique, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Halidou Tinto
- Unite de Recherche Clinique de Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé-DRCO, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
- Departement de Recherche Clinique, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Umberto D'Alessandro
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, Gambia
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Feiko Ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Peter Ouma
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Martina Oneko
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Victor Mwapasa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Laurence Slutsker
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases, Center for Malaria Control and Elimination, PATH, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dianne J Terlouw
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Simon Kariuki
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - John Ayisi
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Meghna Desai
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Linda Kalilani-Phiri
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Per Ashorn
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Department for Pediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kenneth Maleta
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Ivo Mueller
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Danielle Stanisic
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Jordan Cates
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anna Maria Van Eijk
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Maria Ome-Kaius
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Elizabeth H Aitken
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Department of Medicine (RMH), Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Griffith JA, Dunn A, DeVallance E, Schafner KJ, Engles KJ, Batchelor TP, Goldsmith WT, Wix K, Hussain S, Bowdridge EC, Nurkiewicz TR. Maternal nano-titanium dioxide inhalation alters fetoplacental outcomes in a sexually dimorphic manner. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2023; 5:1096173. [PMID: 36950144 PMCID: PMC10025460 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1096173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta plays a critical role in nutrient-waste exchange between the maternal and fetal circulations, thus functioning as an interface that profoundly impacts fetal growth and development. The placenta has long been considered an asexual organ, but, due to its embryonic origin it shares the same sex as the fetus. Exposures to toxicant such as diesel exhaust, have been shown to result in sexually dimorphic outcomes like decreased placental mass in exposed females. Therefore, we hypothesize that maternal nano-TiO2 inhalation exposure during gestation alters placental hemodynamics in a sexually dimorphic manner. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed from gestational day 10-19 to nano-TiO2 aerosols (12.17 ± 1.69 mg/m3) or filtered air (sham-control). Dams were euthanized on GD20, and fetal tissue was collected based on fetal sex: whole placentas, placental junctional zone (JZ), and placental labyrinth zone (LZ). Fetal mass, placental mass, and placental zone percent areas were assessed for sex-based differences. Exposed fetal females were significantly smaller compared to their exposed male counterparts (2.65 ± 0.03 g vs 2.78 ± 0.04 g). Nano-TiO2 exposed fetal females had a significantly decreased percent junctional zone area compared to the sham-control females (24.37 ± 1.30% vs 30.39 ± 1.54%). The percent labyrinth zone area was significantly increased for nano-TiO2 females compared to sham-control females (75.63 ± 1.30% vs 69.61 ± 1.54%). Placental flow and hemodynamics were assessed with a variety of vasoactive substances. It was found that nano-TiO2 exposed fetal females only had a significant decrease in outflow pressure in the presence of the thromboxane (TXA2) mimetic, U46619, compared to sham-control fetal females (3.97 ± 1.30 mm Hg vs 9.10 ± 1.07 mm Hg) and nano-TiO2 fetal males (9.96 ± 0.66 mm Hg). Maternal nano-TiO2 inhalation exposure has a greater effect on fetal female mass, placental zone mass and area, and adversely impacts placental vasoreactivity. This may influence the female growth and development later in life, future studies need to further study the impact of maternal nano-TiO2 inhalation exposure on zone specific mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie A. Griffith
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Allison Dunn
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Evan DeVallance
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Kallie J. Schafner
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Kevin J. Engles
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Thomas P. Batchelor
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - William T. Goldsmith
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Kimberley Wix
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Salik Hussain
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Elizabeth C. Bowdridge
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Timothy R. Nurkiewicz
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Center for Inhalation Toxicology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang F, Zhou J, Zhang S, Qin X, Li P, Tao F, Huang K. Impact of pregnancy-related anxiety on preschoolers' emotional and behavioral development: Gender specificity, critical time windows and cumulative effect. J Affect Disord 2023; 323:176-184. [PMID: 36471547 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.11.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies on the gender-specific effect of PrA on children's emotional and behavioral development are limited. Lack of PrA data on the entire pregnancy had caused difficulties in identifying the key time window and cumulative effects. METHODS Based on Ma'anshan Birth Cohort in China, mothers at pregnancy and children followed up to 4 years of age were tested using the PrA questionnaire and the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) 1.5-5. Finally, 1699 mother-child pairs were included in the study and regression models were developed for analysis. RESULTS Children of mothers with PrA are at significantly elevated risk for abnormal mood/behavior at preschool age. Girls seemed to be more sensitive to maternal PrA than boys, mainly manifested in internalizing problems; The third trimester of pregnancy might be a critical time window when maternal PrA affected children's internalizing problems; Longer the duration women had PrA during pregnancy, more possibilities their children would have to develop internalizing and externalizing problems. LIMITATIONS The PrA questionnaire may be different from PrA questionnaires in other countries such as due to different cultural contexts. Findings need to be interpreted with more caution. Factors such as maternal postpartum depression and care practices of nursing staff were not considered. No data were collected on disease as well as caregiver emotional status, which also impacts the reporting and identification of emotional/behavioral problems in children. CONCLUSIONS Gender-specific and cumulative effect of PrA on preschoolers' emotional/behavioral development is observed. The third trimester of pregnancy might be the critical time window.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fu Zhang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle(AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jixing Zhou
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle(AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle(AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiaoyun Qin
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle(AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Peixuan Li
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle(AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle(AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle(AHMU), MOE, Hefei 230032, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Hefei 230032, China; Scientific Research Center in Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China..
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Simmi K, Chetna B, Smiti N, Gurpreet G. Sex-Specific Variations in Vitamin D and Vitamin D Binding Protein (Vdbp) and Flipped Pattern of their Association in Preeclamptic Women with Dyslipidemia. Curr Hypertens Rev 2023; 19:180-186. [PMID: 37587824 DOI: 10.2174/1573402119666230816090148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with preeclampsia frequently have disorders of calcium metabolism during their pregnancies, including hypocalciuria and low vitamin D levels. The link between fetal sex and vitamin D and vitamin D binding protein levels in pregnancy and preeclampsia is not clear. AIM Present study was designed to explore sex-specific variations in vitamin D and vitamin D binding protein levels in maternal and umbilical cord blood samples for age and gestation matched 20 primigravida normotensive and 20 primigravida with preeclampsia with a singleton pregnancy. METHODS Routine investigations, vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), and serum vitamin D in both maternal serum and cord blood were measured in both groups. Association between maternal and cord blood vitamin D levels was highly positive in both cases and control with babies of either sex. RESULTS This association exhibited sexual dimorphism between cord blood vitamin D and vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) suggesting that the occurrence of pregnancy complications differs according to fetal sex with a higher cardiovascular and metabolic load for the mother in the presence of a male fetus. CONCLUSION Vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) measurement along with vitamin D level should be advised in clinical practice for early detection and screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kharb Simmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Bhatotiya Chetna
- Department of Biochemistry, Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Nanda Smiti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Gill Gurpreet
- Department of Biochemistry, Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Than NG, Posta M, Györffy D, Orosz L, Orosz G, Rossi SW, Ambrus-Aikelin G, Szilágyi A, Nagy S, Hupuczi P, Török O, Tarca AL, Erez O, Papp Z, Romero R. Early pathways, biomarkers and four distinct molecular subclasses of preeclampsia: The intersection of clinical, pathological and high dimensional biology studies. Placenta 2022; 125:10-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
8
|
Brislane Á, Steinback CD, Davenport MH. The Nine Month Stress Test: Pregnancy and Exercise - Similarities and Interactions. Can J Cardiol 2021; 37:2014-2025. [PMID: 34534622 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Of all physiological systems, the cardiovascular system takes on the most profound adaptation in pregnancy to support fetal growth and development. The adaptations that arise are systemic and involve structural and functional changes that can be observed at the cerebral, central, peripheral, and microvascular beds. This includes, although is not limited to increased heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac output with negligible change to blood pressure, reductions in vascular resistance and cerebral blood flow velocity, systemic artery enlargement, enhanced endothelial function. All of this takes place to accommodate blood volume expansion and ensure adequate fetal and maternal oxygen delivery. In some instances, the demand placed on the vasculature can manifest as cardiovascular maladaptation and thus, cardiovascular complications can arise. Exercise is recommended in pregnancy because of its powerful ability to reduce the incidence and severity of cardiovascular complications in pregnancy. However, the mechanism by which it acts is poorly understood. The first aim of this review is to describe the systemic adaptations that take place in pregnancy. Secondly, this review aims to describe the influence of exercise on these systemic adaptations. It is anticipated that this review can comprehensively capture the extent of knowledge in this area while identifying areas that warrant further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Áine Brislane
- Program for Pregnancy & Postpartum Health, Neurovascular Health Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Craig D Steinback
- Program for Pregnancy & Postpartum Health, Neurovascular Health Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Margie H Davenport
- Program for Pregnancy & Postpartum Health, Neurovascular Health Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dervis S, Dobson KL, Nagpal TS, Geurts C, Haman F, Adamo KB. Heat loss responses at rest and during exercise in pregnancy: A scoping review. J Therm Biol 2021; 99:103011. [PMID: 34420641 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.103011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The teratogenic risk associated with maternal hyperthermia (i.e., core temperature ≥39.0 °C) has been a crucial motive in understanding thermoregulatory responses in pregnancy. To date, a substantial number of studies have focused on core temperature responses in a wide range of exercise intensities, duration, and ambient temperatures. Fortunately, none have reported core temperatures exceeding 39.0 °C. Nonetheless, there are limited studies that have provided substantial insight into both dry and evaporative heat loss mechanisms involved in facilitating the maintenance of core temperature (≥39.0 °C) during heat stress in pregnant women. The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize the available literature that has assessed heat loss responses in studies of human pregnancy. METHODS A search strategy was developed combining the terms pregnancy, thermoregulation, and adaptation. A systematic search was performed in the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and ProQuest. Studies eligible for inclusion included pregnant women between the ages of 18-40 years old, and at least one measurement of the following: sweating, blood flow, skin temperature, and behavioural responses. Retrieved data were categorized as evaporative (sweating), dry or behavioural heat loss responses and summarized narratively. RESULTS Thirty-three studies were included in this review (twenty-nine measured physiological responses and four measured behavioural responses). Studies suggest that during exercise, evaporative (sweating) and dry (skin blood flow and temperature) heat loss responses increase from early to late pregnancy in addition to greater cardiac output, blood volume and reduced vascular resistance. Behavioural practices related to heat loss responses are also influenced by cultural/religious expectations, personal preferences and sociodemographics. CONCLUSION The findings from this review suggest that pregnancy modifies evaporative (sweating), dry and behavioural heat loss. However, future studies have an opportunity to compare heat loss measurements accounting for gestational weight gain and thermal sensation/comfort scale to associate physiological responses with perceptual responses across pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Dervis
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Kayla Lerher Dobson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Taniya Singh Nagpal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Carla Geurts
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - François Haman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Kristi Bree Adamo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Human Umbilical Cord: Information Mine in Sex-Specific Medicine. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11010052. [PMID: 33451112 PMCID: PMC7828611 DOI: 10.3390/life11010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological differences between sexes should be considered in all stages of research, as sexual dimorphism starts in utero leading to sex-specific fetal programming. In numerous biomedical fields, there is still a lack of stratification by sex despite primary cultured cells retaining memory of the sex and of the donor. The sex of donors in biological research must be known because variations in cells and cellular components can be used as endpoints, biomarkers and/or targets of pharmacological studies. This selective review focuses on the current findings regarding sex differences observed in the umbilical cord, a widely used source of research samples, both in the blood and in the circulating cells, as well as in the different cellular models obtainable from it. Moreover, an overview on sex differences in fetal programming is reported. As it emerges that the sex variable is still often forgotten in experimental models, we suggest that it should be mandatory to adopt sex-oriented research, because only awareness of these issues can lead to innovative research.
Collapse
|
11
|
Beckers KF, Gomes VCL, Crissman KJR, Adams DM, Liu CC, Del Piero F, Butler SD, Sones JL. Cardiometabolic Phenotypic Differences in Male Offspring Born to Obese Preeclamptic-Like BPH/5 Mice. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:636143. [PMID: 34631607 PMCID: PMC8493471 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.636143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy occurring in approximately 10% of women worldwide. While it is life threatening to both the mother and baby, the only effective treatment is delivery of the placenta and fetus, which is often preterm. Maternal obesity is a risk factor for PE, and the effects of both on offspring are long standing with increased incidence of cardiometabolic disease in adulthood. Obese BPH/5 mice spontaneously exhibit excessive gestational weight gain and late-gestational hypertension, similar to women with PE, along with fetal growth restriction and accelerated compensatory growth in female offspring. We hypothesized that BPH/5 male offspring will demonstrate cardiovascular and metabolic phenotypes similar to BPH/5 females. As previously described, BPH/5 females born to ad libitum-fed dams are overweight with hyperphagia and increased subcutaneous, peri-renal, and peri-gonadal white adipose tissue (WAT) and cardiomegaly compared to age-matched adult female controls. In this study, BPH/5 adult male mice have similar body weights and food intake compared to age-matched control mice but have increased inflammatory subcutaneous and peri-renal WAT and signs of cardiovascular disease: left ventricular hypertrophy and hypertension. Therefore, adult male BPH/5 do not completely phenocopy the cardiometabolic profile of female BPH/5 mice. Future investigations are necessary to understand the differences observed in BPH/5 male and female mice as they age. In conclusion, the impact of fetal programming due to PE has a transgenerational effect on both male and female offspring in the BPH/5 mouse model. The maternal obesogenic environment may play a role in PE pregnancy outcomes, including offspring health as they age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kalie F Beckers
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Viviane C L Gomes
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Kassandra J Raven Crissman
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Daniella M Adams
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Chin-Chi Liu
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Fabio Del Piero
- Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Scott D Butler
- Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Jenny L Sones
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Colicino E, Cowell W, Bozack A, Foppa Pedretti N, Joshi A, Niedzwiecki MM, Bollati V, Berin C, Wright RO, Wright RJ. Association between prenatal immune phenotyping and cord blood leukocyte telomere length in the PRISM pregnancy cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 191:110113. [PMID: 32841635 PMCID: PMC7883408 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental exposures including air pollutants, toxic metals, and psychosocial stress have been associated with shorter telomere length (TL) in newborns. These exposures have in turn been linked to an enhanced inflammatory immune response. Increased inflammation during pregnancy may be a central biological pathway linking environmental factors with reduced TL at birth. Approaches that more comprehensively characterize the prenatal inflammatory milieu rather than targeting specific individual cytokines in relation to newborn TL may better elucidate inflammatory mechanisms. METHODS Analyses included 129 mother-child dyads enrolled in the PRogramming of Intergenerational Stress Mechanisms (PRISM) pregnancy cohort. We measured 92 inflammation related proteins during pregnancy in maternal serum using the Olink protein array and quantified cord blood relative leukocyte TL (rLTL) via qPCR. We leveraged a tree-based machine learning algorithm to select the most important inflammatory related proteins jointly associated with rLTL. We then evaluated the combined association between the selected proteins with rLTL using Bayesian Weighted Quantile Sum (BWQS) Regression. Analyses were adjusted for gestational week of serum collection, maternal race/ethnicity, age, and education, and fetal sex. We evaluated major biological function of the identified proteins by using the UniProtKB, a centralized repository of curated functional information. RESULTS Three proteins were negatively and linearly associated with rLTL (CASP8 β: -0.22 p = 0.008, BNGF β: -0.43 p = 0.033, TRANCE β: 0.38 p = 0.004). Results from BWQS regression showed a significant overall decrease in rLTL (β: -0.26 95%CrI: -0.43, -0.07) per quartile increase of the mixture, with CASP8 contributing the greatest weight (CASP8 50%; BNGF 27%, and TRANCE 23%). The identified proteins were involved in the regulation of apoptotic processes and cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS This proteomics approach identifies novel maternal prenatal inflammatory protein biomarkers associated with shortened rLTL in newborns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Colicino
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - W Cowell
- Department of Pediatrics, Kravis Children's Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - A Bozack
- Department of Pediatrics, Kravis Children's Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - N Foppa Pedretti
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - A Joshi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - M M Niedzwiecki
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - C Berin
- Department of Pediatrics, Kravis Children's Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - R O Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Kravis Children's Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - R J Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Kravis Children's Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Modugno F, Fu Z, Jordan SJ, Group A, Chang-Claude J, Fortner RT, Goodman MT, Moysich KB, Schildkraut JM, Berchuck A, Bandera EV, Qin B, Sutphen R, McLaughlin JR, Menon U, Ramus SJ, Gayther SA, Gentry-Maharaj A, Karpinskyj C, Pearce CL, Wu AH, Risch HA, Webb PM. Offspring sex and risk of epithelial ovarian cancer: a multinational pooled analysis of 12 case-control studies. Eur J Epidemiol 2020; 35:1025-1042. [PMID: 32959149 PMCID: PMC7981786 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-020-00682-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
While childbearing protects against risk of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), few studies have explored the impact on maternal EOC risk of sex of offspring, which may affect the maternal environment during pregnancy. We performed a pooled analysis among parous participants from 12 case-controls studies comprising 6872 EOC patients and 9101 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using multivariable logistic regression for case-control associations and polytomous logistic regression for histotype-specific associations, all adjusted for potential confounders. In general, no associations were found between offspring sex and EOC risk. However, compared to bearing only female offspring, bearing one or more male offspring was associated with increased risk of mucinous EOC (OR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.01-2.07), which appeared to be limited to women reporting menarche before age 13 compared to later menarche (OR = 1.71 vs 0.99; P-interaction = 0.02). Bearing increasing numbers of male offspring was associated with greater risks of mucinous tumors (OR = 1.31, 1.84, 2.31, for 1, 2 and 3 or more male offspring, respectively; trend-p = 0.005). Stratifying by hormonally-associated conditions suggested that compared to bearing all female offspring, bearing a male offspring was associated with lower risk of endometrioid cancer among women with a history of adult acne, hirsutism, or polycystic ovary syndrome (OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.28-0.83) but with higher risk among women without any of those conditions (OR = 1.64 95% CI = 1.14-2.34; P-interaction = 0.003). Offspring sex influences the childbearing-EOC risk relationship for specific histotypes and conditions. These findings support the differing etiologic origins of EOC histotypes and highlight the importance of EOC histotype-specific epidemiologic studies. These findings also suggest the need to better understand how pregnancy affects EOC risk.
Collapse
Grants
- R03 CA092776 NCI NIH HHS
- 191. 211 and 182 Cancer Council NSW
- PPD/RPCI.07 Ovarian Cancer Research Fund
- K22 CA138563 NCI NIH HHS
- R01 CA080742 NCI NIH HHS
- NIH-K07 CA095666, R01-CA83918, NIH-K22-CA138563, P30CA072720 NCI NIH HHS
- K07 CA080668 NCI NIH HHS
- R01-CA58598, N01-CN-55424 and N01-PC-67001 NIH HHS
- P01CA17054, P30CA14089, R01CA61132, N01PC67010, R03CA113148, R03CA115195, N01CN025403, NIH HHS
- 6613-1415-53 National Health Research and Development Program, Health Canada
- R01 CA076016 NCI NIH HHS
- R03 CA110797 NCI NIH HHS
- R01 CA063682 NCI NIH HHS
- K07 CA095666 NCI NIH HHS
- AOCS Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
- R01 CA126841 NCI NIH HHS
- R01-CA074850; R01-CA080742 NIH HHS
- K07-CA080668,R01-CA95023, MO1-RR000056 R01-CA126841 NCI NIH HHS
- N01 CN025403 NCI NIH HHS
- N01 PC067010 NCI NIH HHS
- R01 CA106414 NCI NIH HHS
- 00-01389V-20170, 2II0200 California Cancer Research Program
- M01 RR000056 NCRR NIH HHS
- P30 CA072720 NCI NIH HHS
- R01 CA095023 NCI NIH HHS
- 199600, 400413 and 105 400281 National Health & Medical Research Council of Australia
- R21 CA095113 NCI NIH HHS
- R03 CA113148 NCI NIH HHS
- R01 CA058598 NCI NIH HHS
- MC_UU_12023/20 Medical Research Council
- R01 CA074850 NCI NIH HHS
- R01 CA063678 NCI NIH HHS
- MR_UU_12023 MRF
- R01 CA063678 and R01 CA063682 NIH HHS
- 01 GB 9401 German Federal Ministry of Education and Research
- P30 CA014089 NCI NIH HHS
- R01 CA083918 NCI NIH HHS
- R03 CA115195 NCI NIH HHS
- R03 CA115214 NCI NIH HHS
- DAMD17-02-1-0669 DOD Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program
- R01-CA074850; R01-CA080742); Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute
- DAMD17-01-1- 104 0729 Medical Research and Materiel Command
- P01 CA017054 NCI NIH HHS
- R13 CA110770 NCI NIH HHS
- R01-CA76016 NIH HHS
- R01-CA106414-A2 NIH HHS
- CRTG-00-196-01-CCE American Cancer Society
- DAMD17-98-1-8659 DOD Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesmary Modugno
- Womens Cancer Research Center, Magee-Womens Research Institute and Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, Suite 2130, 300 Halket Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
| | - Zhuxuan Fu
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Susan J Jordan
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Aocs Group
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Center, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Jenny Chang-Claude
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Cancer Epidemiology Group, University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Renée T Fortner
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marc T Goodman
- Cancer Prevention and Genetics Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Kirsten B Moysich
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Joellen M Schildkraut
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Box 800717, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Andrew Berchuck
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC 3079, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Elisa V Bandera
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - Bo Qin
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
| | - Rebecca Sutphen
- Epidemiology Center, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - John R McLaughlin
- Public Health Ontario, Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M5T3L9, Canada
| | - Usha Menon
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK
| | - Susan J Ramus
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of NSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of NSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Simon A Gayther
- Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics and the Cedars Sinai Genomics Core, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Aleksandra Gentry-Maharaj
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK
| | - Chloe Karpinskyj
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK
| | - Celeste L Pearce
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Anna H Wu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Harvey A Risch
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Penelope M Webb
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Thompson LP, Turan S, Aberdeen GW. Sex differences and the effects of intrauterine hypoxia on growth and in vivo heart function of fetal guinea pigs. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2020; 319:R243-R254. [PMID: 32639864 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00249.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We hypothesized that the physiological adaptations of the fetus in response to chronic intrauterine hypoxia depend on its sex and the gestational age of exposure. Pregnant guinea pigs were exposed to room air (normoxia, NMX) or 10.5% O2 (hypoxia, HPX) at either 25 days (early onset) or 50 days (late onset) of gestation until term (~65 days). We evaluated the effects of HPX on hemodynamic and cardiac function indices using Doppler ultrasound and determined sex-related differences in near-term fetuses. Indices of uterine/umbilical artery pulsatility (PI index) and fetal heart systolic and diastolic function [Tei index and passive filling (E-wave) to filling due to atrial contraction (A-wave) (E/A ratios), respectively] were measured in utero and fetal body (FBW) and organ weights measured from extracted fetuses. Both early- and late-onset HPX decreased FBW in both males and females, had no effect on placenta weights, and increased placenta weight-to-FBW ratios. Early- but not late-onset HPX increased uterine artery PI, but neither HPX condition affected umbilical artery PI. Early-onset HPX increased left ventricle E/A ratios in both males and females, whereas late-onset HPX increased the right ventricle E/A ratio in females only. Hypoxia had no effect on the Tei index in either sex. Early- and late-onset HPX induce placental insufficiency and fetal growth restriction and increase diastolic filling depending on the sex, with female fetuses having a greater capacity than males to compensate for intrauterine hypoxia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loren P Thompson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shifa Turan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Graham W Aberdeen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Independent influences of maternal obesity and fetal sex on maternal cardiovascular adaptation to pregnancy: a prospective cohort study. Int J Obes (Lond) 2020; 44:2246-2255. [PMID: 32541920 PMCID: PMC7577853 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-020-0627-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background/Objectives Successful pregnancy requires the de novo creation of low-resistance utero-placental and feto-placental circulations and incomplete remodeling of this vasculature can lead to maternal or fetal compromise. Maternal BMI and fetal sex are known to influence vascular compliance and placental development, but it is unknown if these are independent or synergistic effects. Here we aim to investigate the impact of maternal obesity, fetal sex, and any interaction thereof on maternal cardiovascular adaptation to pregnancy, by assessing the physiological drop of uterine artery doppler pulsatility (UtA-PI) and umbilical artery doppler pulsatility index (UA-PI) over gestation. Subjects/Methods Nulliparous women with a singleton pregnancy participating in a prospective cohort study (n = 4212) underwent serial UtA-PI and UA-PI measurements at 20-, 28- and 36-weeks gestation. Linear mixed regression models were employed to investigate the influence of maternal BMI, fetal sex and interactions thereof on the magnitude of change in UtA-PI and UA-PI. Results Throughout gestation, UtA-PI was higher for male fetuses and UA-PI was higher for female fetuses. The physiological drop of UtA-PI was significantly smaller in overweight (change −24.3% [95%CI −22.3, −26.2]) and obese women (change −21.3% [−18.3, −24.3]), compared to normal-weight women (change −25.7% [−24.3, −27.0]) but did not differ by fetal sex. The physiological drop in UA-PI was greater for female than male fetuses (–32.5% [−31.5, −33.5] vs. −30.7% [−29.8, −31.7]) but did not differ by maternal BMI. No interactions between maternal BMI and fetal sex were found. Conclusions Maternal cardiovascular adaptation to pregnancy is independently associated with maternal BMI and fetal sex. Our results imply sexual dimorphism in both maternal cardiovascular adaptation and feto-placental resistance.
Collapse
|
16
|
Shinohara S, Hirata S, Suzuki K. Association between infertility treatment and intrauterine growth: a multilevel analysis in a retrospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e033675. [PMID: 32350010 PMCID: PMC7213845 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify intrauterine growth differences according to infertility treatment compared with spontaneous conception and to describe intrauterine growth trajectories. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING A single primary and tertiary medical centre in Japan. PARTICIPANTS This study included singleton pregnant women with prenatal check-ups and delivery at the University of Yamanashi Hospital between 1 July 2012 and 30 September 2017. Patients were divided into four groups: spontaneous conception, infertility treatment without assisted reproductive technology (ART), fresh-embryo transfer and frozen embryo transfer (FET). INTERVENTIONS Differences in intrauterine growth according to the infertility treatment, including ART, and birth weight were evaluated. Multilevel analysis was employed to evaluate intrauterine growth trajectories stratified by the sex of the offspring. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE Estimated fetal weight (EFW) assessed by ultrasound examination. RESULTS We assessed data from 37 239 prenatal examination results from 2377 pregnant women (spontaneous conception, n=1764; infertility treatment without ART, n=171; fresh-embryo transfer, n=112; and FET, n=330) in the final analysis. Multilevel analysis was adjusted for gestation duration, gestation period, parity, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, type of infertility treatment, maternal age, smoking status, placenta previa, thyroid disease, gestational diabetes mellitus and the interaction between each potential confounding factor and gestation duration. In male fetuses, the interaction between FET and gestational duration (estimate: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.67) significantly affected the EFW. Similarly, in female fetuses, FET (estimate: -69.85; 95% CI: -112.09 to -27.61) and the interaction between FET and gestation duration (estimate: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.87) significantly affected the EFW. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that FET affects intrauterine growth trajectory from the second trimester to term, particularly in female fetuses. Our findings require further prospective research to examine the effect of infertility treatment on fetal growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Shinohara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamanashi Daigaku Igakubu, Chuo, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Shuji Hirata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamanashi Daigaku Igakubu, Chuo, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Kohta Suzuki
- Department of Health and Psychosocial Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tamayev L, Schreiber L, Marciano A, Bar J, Kovo M. Are there gender-specific differences in pregnancy outcome and placental abnormalities of pregnancies complicated with small for gestational age? Arch Gynecol Obstet 2020; 301:1147-1151. [PMID: 32239281 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-020-05514-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adaptations to pathological intrauterine environment might differ in relation to fetal gender. We aimed to study sex-specific differences in placental pathology of pregnancies complicated by small for gestational age (SGA). METHODS The medical records and placental histology reports of all neonates with a birth-weight ≤ 10th percentile, born between 24 and 42 weeks of gestation, during 2010-2018, were reviewed. Composite neonatal outcome was defined as one or more of early following complications: neonatal sepsis, blood transfusion, phototherapy, respiratory morbidity, cerebral morbidity, necrotizing enterocolitis, or death. Results were compared between the male and female groups of neonates. Placental lesions were classified into maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion (MVM and FVM) lesions, maternal and fetal inflammatory responses (MIR and FIR), and villitis of unknown etiology (VUE). RESULTS The male SGA group (n = 380) and the female SGA group (n = 363) did not differ in regard to maternal age, BMI, smoking, associated pregnancy complications, gestational age, and mode of delivery. Neonates in the SGA male group had increased birth-weight and increased respiratory morbidity as compared to the female SGA group (p = 0.007, p = 0.005, respectively). There was no between-group differences in the rate of placental lesions. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, male gender (aOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.05-2.30, p = 0.025), FIR (aOR 4.83, 95% CI 1.07-13.66, p = 0.003), and VUE (aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.03-3.47, p = 0.04), were found to be independently associated with adverse composite neonatal outcome. DISCUSSION Male gender as well as placental FIR and VUE are independently associated with adverse neonatal outcome in SGA neonates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liliya Tamayev
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 5, 58100, Holon, Israel.
| | - Letizia Schreiber
- Departments of Pathology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Adi Marciano
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 5, 58100, Holon, Israel
| | - Jacob Bar
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 5, 58100, Holon, Israel
| | - Michal Kovo
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 5, 58100, Holon, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wynne-Edwards KE, Lee K, Zhou R, Edwards HE. Sex differences in substrates and clearance products of cortisol and corticosterone synthesis in full-term human umbilical circulation without labor: Substrate depletion matches synthesis in males, but not females. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 109:104381. [PMID: 31442935 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal impacts on the hypothalamus- pituitary-adrenal axis affect health throughout later life and the impacts on developing males and females often differ. The female fetus at full-term (sampled as scheduled Caesarian section without antecedent labor) both receives more cortisol in umbilical venous blood and adds more cortisol to umbilical arterial circulation than the male. The current study was designed to expand our knowledge of sex-specific, fetal, adrenal steroid synthesis and clearance pathways. METHODS Paired, full-term, arterial and venous umbilical cord samples were taken at the time of scheduled Caesarian delivery (N = 53, 33 male). Adrenal glucocorticoids (cortisol, corticosterone), cortisol precursor steroids (17-hydroxyprogesterone, 11-deoxycortisol), and cortisol and corticosterone metabolites (cortisone and 11-dehydrocorticosterone), as well as gonadal steroids (testosterone and androstenedione), were quantified by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS Both sexes preferentially added corticosterone. Males added more testosterone than females. The female fetus had higher umbilical cord (arterial and venous) concentrations of cortisol, as well as higher total steroid molarity summed across the six adrenal steroids, than males. Depletion of substrate pools of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, 11-deoxycortisol, and cortisone could account for only 20% of net female cortisol synthesis. In contrast, increased fetal synthesis of cortisol was balanced by equivalent molar depletion of substrate pools when the fetus was male. CONCLUSIONS Preferential fetal corticosterone synthesis in both sexes, and higher concentrations of cortisol in females were confirmed. Differences in adrenal steroidogenesis pathway function in full-term males and females might underlie antenatal programming of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in later life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Wynne-Edwards
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Kovid Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Ruokun Zhou
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Heather E Edwards
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rahman A, Munisamy S, Ghaffar NA, Mahmood NZ, Rasool AHG. Impaired microvascular reactivity in gestational diabetes is associated with altered glycemic parameters. Microcirculation 2018; 26:e12513. [PMID: 30422359 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess microvascular reactivity and glycemic parameters in GDM compared to age and GA matched controls. METHODS This study involved 21 GDM patients and 31 controls. Microvascular reactivity was assessed using LDF and PORH. Microvascular parameters; PORHmax , PORHpeak , and time to peak perfusion (Tp) were recorded after the release of 3 minutes' upper arm occlusion. HOMA-IR was performed to evaluate insulin resistance. RESULTS Average age and GA for subjects were 32.9 years and 29.2 weeks. Mean FBG and a 2-hour postprandial for GDM and controls were 4.87 ± 0.71 vs 3.99 ± 0.59 mmol/L; P < 0.001 and 9.50 ± 1.8 vs 5.67 ± 1.0 mmol/L; P < 0.001. Fasting insulin (13.88 ± 18.9 vs 8.37 ± 11.0 μLU/mL; P = 0.031) and HOMA-IR (3.14 ± 4.6 vs 1.52 ± 2.2; P = 0.004) were higher in GDM. Tp was prolonged in GDM (16.27 ± 4.3 vs 13.86 ± 2.1 seconds; P = 0.011). Positive correlations were seen between Tp and FBG and 2-hour postprandial levels. CONCLUSION Tp was prolonged in GDM compared to age-matched controls, indicating impaired microvascular reactivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aisyah Rahman
- Pharmacology Vascular Laboratory, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Seetha Munisamy
- Pharmacology Vascular Laboratory, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | | | - Nik Zaki Mahmood
- Obstetric & Gynecology Department, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia.,Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Aida H G Rasool
- Pharmacology Vascular Laboratory, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia.,Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yadeta TA, Worku A, Egata G, Seyoum B, Marami D, Berhane Y. Maternal group B Streptococcus recto vaginal colonization increases the odds of stillbirth: evidence from Eastern Ethiopia. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2018; 18:410. [PMID: 30340553 PMCID: PMC6194672 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-018-2044-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes a significant number of stillbirths. Despite this, there is little documented information on the association between stillbirth and pregnant women’s GBS recto vaginal colonization in Sub Saharan Africa. As such, this study was aimed at identifying the association between stillbirth and pregnant women’s GBS recto vaginal colonization in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1688 pregnant women who came for delivery service in Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia between June to October in 2016. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and checklist (which utilize clinical record). Group B streptococcus positivity of the pregnant women was confirmed by culture of recto vaginal swab using selective media. The association between GBS colonization and stillbirth was examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis. A statistical significance was declared at p-value ≤0.05. Results Of the 1688 pregnant women who participated in the study, 144 had stillbirths, representing a prevalence of 8.53% [(95% CI: (7.19, 9.86)]. Group B Streptococcus colonization at birth was detected in 231 women (13.68%; 95% CI 12.04, 15.32). Of these 144 stillbirths 59 (40.97%) were from colonized mothers and 72(59.03%) were from non-colonized mothers. Of these 59 stillbirth from colonized mothers, 32(54.23%) were intrapartum stillbirth, 27(45.77%) were antepartum stillbirth occur before exposed to intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP). After controlling for potential confounders, the odds of having a stillbirth were 8.93 times higher among recto vaginal GBS colonized pregnant women [AOR = 8.93; 95% CI; (5.47, 14.56)]. Conclusions This study demonstrated a significant association between maternal recto vaginal GBS colonization and stillbirth. Efforts to reduce stillbirth need to consider prevention of GBS colonization among pregnant women. Maternal vaccination may provide a feasible strategy to reduce stillbirth due to GBS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tesfaye Assebe Yadeta
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia. .,School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia. .,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia.
| | - Alemayehu Worku
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Gudina Egata
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Berhanu Seyoum
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Dadi Marami
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Yemane Berhane
- Department of Epidemiology, Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kumar S, Gordon GH, Abbott DH, Mishra JS. Androgens in maternal vascular and placental function: implications for preeclampsia pathogenesis. Reproduction 2018; 156:R155-R167. [PMID: 30325182 PMCID: PMC6198264 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adequate maternal vascular adaptations and blood supply to the uterus and placenta are crucial for optimal oxygen and nutrient transport to growing fetuses of eutherian mammals, including humans. Multiple factors contribute to hemodynamics and structuring of placental vasculature essential for term pregnancy with minimal complications. In women, failure to achieve or sustain favorable pregnancy progression is, not surprisingly, associated with high incidence of antenatal complications, including preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. While the pathogenesis of preeclampsia in women remains unknown, a role for androgens is emerging. The relationship between androgens and maternal cardiovascular and placental function deserves particular consideration because testosterone levels in the circulation of preeclamptic women are elevated approximately two- to three-fold and are positively correlated with vascular dysfunction. Preeclampsia is also associated with elevated placental androgen receptor (AR) gene expression. Studies in animal models mimicking the pattern and level of increase of adult female testosterone levels to those found in preeclamptic pregnancies, replicate key features of preeclampsia, including gestational hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, exaggerated vasoconstriction to angiotensin II, reduced spiral artery remodeling, placental hypoxia, decreased nutrient transport and fetal growth restriction. Taken together, these data strongly implicate AR-mediated testosterone action as an important pathway contributing to clinical manifestation of preeclampsia. This review critically addresses this hypothesis, taking into consideration both clinical and preclinical data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sathish Kumar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Geoffrey H Gordon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - David H Abbott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jay S Mishra
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Cogollos L, Garcia-Contreras C, Vazquez-Gomez M, Astiz S, Sanchez-Sanchez R, Gomez-Fidalgo E, Ovilo C, Isabel B, Gonzalez-Bulnes A. Effects of fetal genotype and sex on developmental response to maternal malnutrition. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:1155-1168. [PMID: 27184893 DOI: 10.1071/rd15385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine whether developmental patterns, adiposity level and fatty-acid composition of fetuses exposed to maternal malnutrition are driven by their sex or their genotype, or both, as these may modulate the adaptive response to the intrauterine environment independently of the maternal genotype. We used a single maternal genotype (purebred Iberian (IB) sows), which was inseminated with heterospermic semen (obtained by mixing semen from Iberian and Large White (LW) boars), to obtain four different subsets of fetuses (male and female, purebred (IB×IB) and crossbred (IB×LW)) in Iberian purebred sows. Analysis of fetal phenotypes indicated a better adaptive response of the female offspring, which was modulated by their genotype. When faced with prenatal undernutrition, females prioritised the growth of vital organs (brain, liver, lungs, kidneys and intestine) at the expense of bone and muscle. Moreover, the analysis of fat composition showed a higher availability of essential fatty acids in the female sex than in their male counterparts and also in the Iberian genotype than in crossbred fetuses. These results are of high translational value for understanding ethnic differences in prenatal programming of postnatal health and disease status, and show evidence that prenatal development and metabolic traits are primarily determined by fetal sex and strongly modulated by fetal genotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cogollos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Marta Vazquez-Gomez
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, UCM, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Astiz
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raul Sanchez-Sanchez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ernesto Gomez-Fidalgo
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Ovilo
- Department of Animal Genetics, INIA, Ctra. De A Coruña Km. 7, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Isabel
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, UCM, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Gonzalez-Bulnes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Associations of Maternal Light/Moderate Leisure-Time Walking and Yoga With Offspring Birth Size. J Phys Act Health 2018. [PMID: 29543106 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2017-0187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although perinatal walking and yoga have been associated with decreased risks of pregnancy complications, associations with offspring birth size have been inconsistent. We investigated associations of prepregnancy and early pregnancy leisure-time light/moderate walking and yoga practice with birth size. METHODS Study participants (N = 3687) reported leisure-time physical activity duration (hours per week) in the year before pregnancy and early pregnancy. Birth size was abstracted from medical records. Regression was used to determine mean differences in birth weight, head circumference, and ponderal index. Interaction terms were used to assess effect modification by offspring sex. RESULTS About one-third of women reported light/moderate leisure-time walking and about 10% reported yoga practice. Women in the highest tertile for prepregnancy (mean: 2.9 h/wk; range: 1.4-20 h/wk) or early pregnancy (mean: 5.9 h/wk; range: 3.1-24 h/wk) light/moderate walking had offspring with 0.9 and 1.5 kg/m3 greater ponderal index (95% confidence interval, 0.3 to 1.4 and 0.7 to 2.4, respectively) compared with women who reported no light/moderate walking in the same time period. Light/moderate walking was not associated with birth weight or head circumference. Yoga practice was not associated with birth size. Associations were similar by offspring sex. CONCLUSION Light/moderate leisure-time walking may be associated with greater offspring ponderal index.
Collapse
|
24
|
Agra KF, Pontes IEA, da Silva JR, Figueiroa JN, Clough GF, Alves JGB. Impaired neurovascular reactivity in the microvasculature of pregnant women with preeclampsia. Microcirculation 2017; 24. [DOI: 10.1111/micc.12383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karine Ferreira Agra
- Department of Mother and Child Health; Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira-IMIP; Recife Brazil
| | | | - José Roberto da Silva
- Department of Mother and Child Health; Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira-IMIP; Recife Brazil
| | - José Natal Figueiroa
- Department of Mother and Child Health; Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira-IMIP; Recife Brazil
| | | | - João Guilherme Bezerra Alves
- Department of Mother and Child Health; Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira-IMIP; Recife Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Jaskolka D, Retnakaran R, Zinman B, Kramer CK. Fetal sex and maternal risk of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BJOG 2017; 124:553-560. [PMID: 27315789 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.14163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A preponderance of male fetuses in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia was described over 40 years ago. Since then, however, there has been conflicting evidence in the literature, with some studies supporting a male preponderance, some demonstrating no relationship with fetal sex, and others reporting increased risk in pregnancies bearing females. OBJECTIVES In this context, we sought to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to objectively evaluate the relationship between fetal sex and maternal risk of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. SEARCH STRATEGY Studies from January 1950 to April 2015 were identified from PUBMED and EMBASE. SELECTION CRITERIA This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated 22 articles reporting data on fetal sex and prevalence of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. Pooled estimates of the relative risk (RR) were calculated by random-effects model. MAIN RESULTS Male fetus was considered the exposure and prevalence of maternal pre-eclampsia/eclampsia was the outcome of interest. We identified 534 studies through electronic searches and three studies through manual searches. Twenty-two studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, yielding data on 3 163 735 women. Pooled analyses of these studies showed no association between male fetal sex and maternal risk of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (RR 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.97-1.05); however, a subgroup analysis including only studies that evaluated the non-Asian population (n = 2 931 771 women) demonstrated that male fetal sex was associated with increased maternal risk of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (RR 1.05; 95% CI 1.03-1.06; I2 = 10%; P = 0.33). CONCLUSION Male fetal sex is associated with maternal risk of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia in the non-Asian population. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Fetal sex is associated with maternal risk of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia in the non-Asian population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Jaskolka
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - R Retnakaran
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Leadership Sinai Centre for Diabetes, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - B Zinman
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Leadership Sinai Centre for Diabetes, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - C K Kramer
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Leadership Sinai Centre for Diabetes, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Orlandini C, Torricelli M, Spirito N, Alaimo L, Di Tommaso M, Severi FM, Ragusa A, Petraglia F. Maternal anemia effects during pregnancy on male and female fetuses: are there any differences? J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2016; 30:1704-1708. [DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2016.1222607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Orlandini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy,
| | - Michela Torricelli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy,
| | - Nicoletta Spirito
- Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Ospedale Apuane, Massa Carrara, Italy, and
| | - Lucia Alaimo
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy,
| | - Mariarosaria Di Tommaso
- Department of Health Sciences, Division of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Nursing Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Ragusa
- Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Ospedale Apuane, Massa Carrara, Italy, and
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy,
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
|
28
|
Sun T, Plutynski A, Ward S, Rubin JB. An integrative view on sex differences in brain tumors. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:3323-42. [PMID: 25985759 PMCID: PMC4531141 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1930-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences in human health and disease can range from undetectable to profound. Differences in brain tumor rates and outcome are evident in males and females throughout the world and regardless of age. These observations indicate that fundamental aspects of sex determination can impact the biology of brain tumors. It is likely that optimal personalized approaches to the treatment of male and female brain tumor patients will require recognizing and understanding the ways in which the biology of their tumors can differ. It is our view that sex-specific approaches to brain tumor screening and care will be enhanced by rigorously documenting differences in brain tumor rates and outcomes in males and females, and understanding the developmental and evolutionary origins of sex differences. Here we offer such an integrative perspective on brain tumors. It is our intent to encourage the consideration of sex differences in clinical and basic scientific investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Sun
- />Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, USA
| | - Anya Plutynski
- />Department of Philosophy, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, USA
| | - Stacey Ward
- />Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, USA
| | - Joshua B. Rubin
- />Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, USA
- />Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Ave, St Louis, MO 63110 USA
- />Campus Box 8208, 660 South Euclid Ave, St Louis, MO 63110 USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Broere-Brown ZA, Schalekamp-Timmermans S, Hofman A, Jaddoe V, Steegers E. Fetal sex dependency of maternal vascular adaptation to pregnancy: a prospective population-based cohort study. BJOG 2015; 123:1087-95. [PMID: 26179828 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.13519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate fetal sex dependency of maternal vascular adaptation to pregnancy as assessed by uteroplacental vascular resistance and maternal blood pressure. DESIGN Prospective population-based cohort study. SETTING Rotterdam, the Netherlands. POPULATION In total, 8224 liveborn singleton pregnancies were included. METHODS Maternal vascular adaptation was assessed in all trimesters of pregnancy. Pregnancies were stratified into being either complicated by the placental syndrome (i.e. pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction or preterm birth, n = 1229) or uncomplicated (n = 6995). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES First trimester: blood pressures. Second trimester: blood pressures, pulsatility index of the uterine artery (PI-UtA). Third trimester: blood pressures, PI-UtA, presence of notching in the uterine artery. RESULTS In women carrying a male fetus PI-UtA was higher than in women with a female fetus in the total group (second trimester P < 0.001, third trimester P = 0.005). Effect estimates differed between women with or without the placental syndrome. In the total group, women with a male fetus more often showed notching in the Doppler resistance pattern (odds ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.17-1.72). Different blood pressure patterns were observed between pregnant women with a male fetus and pregnant women with a female fetus and between complicated pregnancies and uncomplicated pregnancies. CONCLUSION Fetal sex is significantly associated with maternal vascular adaptation to pregnancy with differential effects in uncomplicated pregnancies and in pregnancies complicated by the placental syndrome. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Fetal sex is significantly associated with maternal vascular adaptation to pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z A Broere-Brown
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - S Schalekamp-Timmermans
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A Hofman
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Vwv Jaddoe
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Paediatrics, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eap Steegers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Giesbrecht GF, Campbell T, Letourneau N. Sexually dimorphic adaptations in basal maternal stress physiology during pregnancy and implications for fetal development. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 56:168-78. [PMID: 25827961 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
There is clear evidence of reciprocal exchange of information between the mother and fetus during pregnancy but the majority of research in this area has focussed on the fetus as a recipient of signals from the mother. Specifically, physiological signals produced by the maternal stress systems in response to the environment may carry valuable information about the state of the external world. Prenatal stress produces sex-specific adaptations within fetal physiology that have pervasive and long-lasting effects on development. Little is known, however, about the effects of sex-specific fetal signals on maternal adaptations to pregnancy. The current prospective study examined sexually dimorphic adaptations within maternal stress physiology, including the hypothalamic-adrenal-pituitary (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and associations with fetal growth. Using diurnal suites of saliva collected in early and late pregnancy, we demonstrate that basal cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) differ by fetal sex. Women carrying female fetuses displayed greater autonomic arousal and flatter (but more elevated) diurnal cortisol patterns compared to women carrying males. Women with flatter daytime cortisol trajectories and more blunted sAA awakening responses also had infants with lower birth weight. These maternal adaptations are consistent with sexually dimorphic fetal developmental/evolutionary adaptation strategies that favor growth for males and conservation of resources for females. The findings provide new evidence to suggest that the fetus contributes to maternal HPA axis and ANS regulation during pregnancy and that these systems also contribute to the regulation of fetal growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Calgary, 2888 Shaganappi Trail N.W., Calgary, AB, Canada T3B 6A8; Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive N.W., Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 1N4; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute for Child and Maternal Health, Heritage Medical Research Building, 3330 Hospital Drive, N.W., Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4N1.
| | - Tavis Campbell
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive N.W., Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 1N4
| | - Nicole Letourneau
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Calgary, 2888 Shaganappi Trail N.W., Calgary, AB, Canada T3B 6A8; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute for Child and Maternal Health, Heritage Medical Research Building, 3330 Hospital Drive, N.W., Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 4N1; Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive N.W., Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 1N4
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Saif Z, Hodyl NA, Stark MJ, Fuller PJ, Cole T, Lu N, Clifton VL. Expression of eight glucocorticoid receptor isoforms in the human preterm placenta vary with fetal sex and birthweight. Placenta 2015; 36:723-30. [PMID: 25990415 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Administration of betamethasone to women at risk of preterm delivery is known to be associated with reduced fetal growth via alterations in placental function and possibly direct effects on the fetus. The placental glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is central to this response and recent evidence suggests there are numerous isoforms for GR in term placentae. In this study we have questioned whether GR isoform expression varies in preterm placentae in relation to betamethasone exposure, fetal sex and birthweight. METHODS Preterm (24-36 completed weeks of gestation, n = 55) and term placentae (>37 completed weeks of gestation, n = 56) were collected at delivery. Placental GR expression was examined using Western Blot and analysed in relation to gestational age at delivery, fetal sex, birthweight and betamethasone exposure. Data was analysed using non-parametric tests. RESULTS Eight known isoforms of the GR were detected in the preterm placenta and include GRα (94 kDa), GRβ (91 kDa), GRα C (81 kDa) GR P (74 kDa) GR A (65 kDa), GRα D1-3 (50-55 kDa). Expression varied between preterm and term placentae with a greater expression of GRα C in preterm placentae relative to term placentae. The only sex differences in preterm placentae was that GRα D2 expression was higher in males than females. There were no alterations in preterm placental GR expression in association with betamethasone exposure. DISCUSSION GRα C is the isoform involved in glucocorticoid induced apoptosis and suggests that its predominance in preterm placentae may contribute to the pathophysiology of preterm birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z Saif
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - N A Hodyl
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - M J Stark
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - P J Fuller
- Endocrinology, Monash Health, MIMR-PHI Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - T Cole
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - N Lu
- Division of Allergy-Immunology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - V L Clifton
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Enninga EAL, Nevala WK, Creedon DJ, Markovic SN, Holtan SG. Fetal sex-based differences in maternal hormones, angiogenic factors, and immune mediators during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 73:251-62. [PMID: 25091957 PMCID: PMC4317383 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Problem Several pregnancy complications have disparities based on the sex of the fetus. It is unknown whether the sex of the fetus differentially alters the maternal immune milieu, potentially contributing to the observed differences. Method of study Using maternal plasma collected during 38 uncomplicated pregnancies (19 males, 19 females), we compared levels of cytokines, sex hormones, and angiogenic factors throughout gestation and postpartum. Results Male fetal sex was associated with higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines (G-CSF, IL-12p70, IL-21, and IL-33) and angiogenic factors (PlGF and VEGF-A) compared with female fetal sex at multiple timepoints. Female fetal sex was associated with higher levels of regulatory cytokines (IL-5, IL-9, IL-17, and IL-25). IL-27 increased throughout pregnancy regardless of fetal sex. There was no fetal sex-based difference in analyte concentrations at the postpartum measurement. Conclusion Women carrying a male fetus exhibit a more proinflammatory/proangiogenic immune milieu than women carrying a female fetus.
Collapse
|
33
|
Hamlin HJ. Prenatal stress and development: beyond the single cause and effect paradigm. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 96:289-98. [PMID: 24203918 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Our awareness of the causes of stress-induced developmental dysfunction has increased dramatically over the past decade, and it is becoming increasingly clear that a number of factors can have considerable impacts on the developing fetus. Although there is a tendency in investigations of developmental teratogens to attribute specific causes to adverse fetal outcomes, it is important we recognize that for most developmental dysfunctions it is unlikely a single cause, but yet a series of environmental insults combined with genetic predisposition that ultimately leads to a disease state. Nonetheless, a number of developmental teratogens, such as maternal psychological stress and chemical exposures, have been shown to increase the likelihood of developmental defects. These defects can manifest during development, leading to observable birth defects, or could become evident long after birth, even into adulthood. In addition, epigenetic mutations in the germline can alter the phenotype of successive generations through transgenerational inheritance, and in this way environmental factors can alter the developmental outcomes and disease predispositions of future generations. Understanding this complexity is essential to interpretations of causality in the studies of stress-induced developmental dysfunction and needs to be fully considered to more effectively interpret potential outcomes.
Collapse
|
34
|
Myatt L, Muralimanoharan S, Maloyan A. Effect of preeclampsia on placental function: influence of sexual dimorphism, microRNA's and mitochondria. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 814:133-46. [PMID: 25015807 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1031-1_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In pregnancy fetal growth and development occur in a sexually dimorphic manner. Male and female fetuses respond differently to the intrauterine environment with males disproportionately suffering from perinatal morbidity and mortality. We have demonstrated placental dysfunction and sexually dimorphic responses in pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia. Production of cytokines and apoptosis in the male placenta is heightened relative to that of the female placenta. We also find increased expression and stabilization and a sexual dimorphism in expression of the transcription factor HIF-1α, but a defect in binding to the hypoxia response element with corresponding reduced expression of HIF-1α target genes including VEGF and Glut-1. HIF-1α is involved in crosstalk with the redox sensitive transcription factor NFκB in regulation by cytokines, reactive oxygen species and expression of inflammatory genes. We find increased placental expression and DNA binding of NFκB and a sexually dimorphic response suggesting a role for NFκB in placental dysfunction with preeclampsia. Placental mitochondrial complex III activity and complex I and IV expression are reduced and alterations in mitochondrial morphology are found in preeclampsia and are linked to the hypoxamir miR-210. We propose that with severe PE placental HIF-1α is stabilized by excessive ROS, inflammation and relative hypoxia. This increases the expression of miR-210 in the placenta causing repression of mitochondria-associated target genes, potentially leading to mitochondrial and placental dysfunction. This placental dysfunction may lead to a fetal programming effect that results in disease in later life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Myatt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Research, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
O'Neill KE, Tuuli M, Odibo AO, Odem RR, Cooper A. Sex-related growth differences are present but not enhanced in in vitro fertilization pregnancies. Fertil Steril 2013; 101:407-12. [PMID: 24220702 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Revised: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether IVF modifies the effect of fetal sex on growth. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Tertiary care center and related facilities. PATIENT(S) Singleton live births without fetal/maternal comorbidities from fertile women who conceived without the use of assisted reproductive technologies and infertile women who conceived with IVF. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The primary outcome was birth weight (BW). Secondary outcomes were fetal crown-rump length (CRL) in the first trimester, biparietal diameter (BPD), and estimated fetal weight (EFW) in the second trimester. RESULT(S) There were no differences in baseline characteristics between women carrying male fetuses and those carrying female fetuses in either mode of conception. In unadjusted analyses, the male-female differentials in fetal BPD and BW were more pronounced in the IVF cohort than in the unassisted cohort. In multivariable regression analysis, male BPD exceeded female BPD by 0.12 cm, male EFW exceeded female EFW by 12 g, and male BW exceeded female BW by 172 g. IVF did not have a significant effect on BPD but was associated with a 52 g increase in EFW in the midgestation. IVF was associated with an 81-g reduction in BW. IVF did not modify the magnitude of size differences between the sexes in the midgestation or at birth. CONCLUSION(S) Comparable sex-dependent differential growth occurs in unassisted and IVF pregnancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E O'Neill
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. kathleen.o'
| | - Methodius Tuuli
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Anthony O Odibo
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Randall R Odem
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Amber Cooper
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Muralimanoharan S, Maloyan A, Myatt L. Evidence of sexual dimorphism in the placental function with severe preeclampsia. Placenta 2013; 34:1183-9. [PMID: 24140080 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2013.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Revised: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) affects 5-8% of pregnancies and is responsible for 18% of maternal deaths in the US, and for long-term complications in mother and child. PE is an inflammatory state and may influence placental function in a sex-specific manner. We determined if there is a sexual dimorphism in the placental inflammatory and apoptotic responses in preeclamptic pregnancies. Placentas were collected from normotensive and preeclamptic pregnancies with either male or female fetuses (MPE and FPE respectively) after c-section at term with no labor. Expression patterns of markers of inflammation measured by ELISA, as well as hypoxia, apoptosis and angiogenesis markers measured by Western blotting were determined in the placenta. Consistent with previous studies, an increase in inflammation, hypoxia, and apoptotic cell death was observed in PE compared to normotensive pregnancies. Levels of TNFα, IL-6 and IL-8, and HIF-1α were significantly greater, whereas the angiogenic marker VEGF was significantly reduced in MPE vs. FPE. Sexual dimorphism was also observed in the activation of cell death: the number of TUNEL-positive cells, and the expression pro-apoptotic markers PUMA and Bax being higher in MPE vs. FPE. We also found an increase in the levels of protein and DNA-binding activity of NFκB p65 in MPE vs. FPE. In summary, we show here that in preeclamptic pregnancies the placentas of males were associated with significantly higher expression of inflammatory, hypoxia and apoptotic molecules but reduced expression of a pro-angiogenic marker compared to placentas of female fetuses. We propose that the transcription factor NFκB p65 might, at least partially, be involved in sexual dimorphism during PE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Muralimanoharan
- Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Research, Dept of OB/GYN, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Hogg K, Blair JD, von Dadelszen P, Robinson WP. Hypomethylation of the LEP gene in placenta and elevated maternal leptin concentration in early onset pre-eclampsia. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 367:64-73. [PMID: 23274423 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2012.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2012] [Revised: 12/06/2012] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In pre-eclampsia, placental leptin is up-regulated and leptin is elevated in maternal plasma. To investigate potential epigenetic regulation of the leptin (LEP) gene in normal and complicated pregnancy, DNA methylation was assessed at multiple reported regulatory regions in placentae from control pregnancies (n=111), and those complicated by early onset pre-eclampsia (EOPET; arising <34 weeks; n=19), late onset pre-eclampsia (LOPET; arising ≥34 weeks; n=18) and normotensive intrauterine growth restriction (nIUGR; n=13). The LEP promoter was hypomethylated in EOPET, but not LOPET or nIUGR placentae, particularly at CpG sites downstream of the transcription start site (-10.1%; P<0.0001). Maternal plasma leptin was elevated in EOPET and LOPET (P<0.05), but not nIUGR, compared with controls. EOPET cases showed a trend towards biallelic LEP expression rather than skewed allelic expression observed in control placentae, suggesting that loss of normal monoallelic expression at the LEP locus is associated with hypomethylation, leading to increased overall LEP expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Hogg
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Child and Family Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Sykes SD, Pringle KG, Zhou A, Dekker GA, Roberts CT, Lumbers ER. The balance between human maternal plasma angiotensin II and angiotensin 1-7 levels in early gestation pregnancy is influenced by fetal sex. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst 2013; 15:523-31. [DOI: 10.1177/1470320313477174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shane D Sykes
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Australia
- Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kirsty G Pringle
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Ang Zhou
- Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Gustaaf A Dekker
- Robinson Institute, University of Adelaide, Australia
- Women’s and Children’s Division, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Australia
| | | | - Eugenie R Lumbers
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Männistö T, Karumanchi SA, Pouta A, Vääräsmäki M, Mendola P, Miettola S, Surcel HM, Bloigu A, Ruokonen A, Järvelin MR, Hartikainen AL, Suvanto E. Preeclampsia, gestational hypertension and subsequent hypothyroidism. Pregnancy Hypertens 2013; 3:21-27. [PMID: 23439671 PMCID: PMC3578699 DOI: 10.1016/j.preghy.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of preeclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension (GH) on subsequent hypothyroidism. Recent studies suggest that women with PE have increased risk for reduced thyroid function, but the association between PE and GH with overt hypothyroidism has not been examined. STUDY DESIGN: Two prospective population-based cohort studies, the Northern Finland Birth Cohorts 1966 and 1986, followed women who had PE (N=955), GH (N=1449) or were normotensive (N=13531) during pregnancy. Finnish national registers were used to confirm subsequent hypothyroidism. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated hypothyroidism risk when comparing women with PE or GH with normotensive women. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary hypothyroidism during follow-up of 20-40 years. RESULTS: The subsequent prevalence of hypothyroidism was higher among women with PE (4.0%) and GH (4.5%) compared with normotensive women (3.5%), but the risk increase was not significant (aHR for PE 1.13, 95%CI 0.80-1.59 and aHR for GH 1.11, 95%CI 0.85-1.45). Subgroup analysis among nulliparous women revealed a significant association between late PE and subsequent hypothyroidism (aHR 1.82, 95%CI 1.04-3.19). Early or recurrent PE were not associated with hypothyroidism (aHR 0.93, 95%CI 0.46-1.81 and aHR 1.35, 95%CI 0.63-2.88, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, PE or GH during pregnancy was not significantly associated with subsequent hypothyroidism in Finnish women after 20-40 years of follow-up. However, late PE in nulliparous women was associated with a 1.8-fold increased risk of subsequent hypothyroidism, a finding that merits further study in other populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuija Männistö
- Epidemiology Branch, Department of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD-20852, USA
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Oulu, Oulu-90014, Finland
| | - S. Ananth Karumanchi
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA-02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA-02115, USA
| | - Anneli Pouta
- Department of Children, Young, People and Families, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Oulu-90101, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oulu, Oulu-90014, Finland
| | - Marja Vääräsmäki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oulu, Oulu-90014, Finland
| | - Pauline Mendola
- Epidemiology Branch, Department of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD-20852, USA
| | - Satu Miettola
- Department of Children, Young, People and Families, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Oulu-90101, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oulu, Oulu-90014, Finland
| | - Heljä-Marja Surcel
- Department of Children, Young, People and Families, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Oulu-90101, Finland
| | - Aini Bloigu
- Department of Children, Young, People and Families, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Oulu-90101, Finland
| | - Aimo Ruokonen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Oulu, Oulu-90014, Finland
| | - Marjo-Riitta Järvelin
- Department of Children, Young, People and Families, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Oulu-90101, Finland
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of Oulu, Oulu-90014, Finland
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | | | - Eila Suvanto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oulu, Oulu-90014, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Torricelli M, Voltolini C, Vellucci FL, Conti N, Bocchi C, Severi FM, Challis JR, Smith R, Petraglia F. Fetal Gender Effects on Induction of Labor in Postdate Pregnancies. Reprod Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719112462631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Torricelli
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Voltolini
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca L. Vellucci
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Nathalie Conti
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Caterina Bocchi
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Filiberto M. Severi
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - John R. Challis
- Departments of Physiology, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Roger Smith
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Clifton VL, Stark MJ, Osei-Kumah A, Hodyl NA. Review: The feto-placental unit, pregnancy pathology and impact on long term maternal health. Placenta 2011; 33 Suppl:S37-41. [PMID: 22118870 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2011.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2011] [Revised: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 11/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy induces a number of alterations to maternal physiology to accommodate the increased demands made by the developing fetus and placenta. These alterations appear at least in part to be driven by products derived from the feto-placental unit, including microchimeric cells, as well as placental exosomes and microparticles, inducing changes to maternal physiology both during pregnancy and beyond. Further, increasing evidence suggests that some of these alterations are dependent on the sex of the fetus. Pre-eclampsia and asthma represent two common pregnancy complications that have provided valuable insight into how the feto-placental unit influences maternal physiology in a sex-specific manner. Pregnancy-induced alterations in maternal physiology may expose pre-existing subclinical pathologies and provide insight into future maternal health and disease. While most pregnancy-induced alterations to the maternal system are reversed following delivery, some can persist after parturition leading to cardiovascular, metabolic and autoimmune disease and increased risk of early mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V L Clifton
- The Robinson Institute, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Marino M, Masella R, Bulzomi P, Campesi I, Malorni W, Franconi F. Nutrition and human health from a sex-gender perspective. Mol Aspects Med 2011; 32:1-70. [PMID: 21356234 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2011.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2010] [Revised: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 02/18/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nutrition exerts a life-long impact on human health, and the interaction between nutrition and health has been known for centuries. The recent literature has suggested that nutrition could differently influence the health of male and female individuals. Until the last decade of the 20th century, research on women has been neglected, and the results obtained in men have been directly translated to women in both the medicine and nutrition fields. Consequently, most modern guidelines are based on studies predominantly conducted on men. However, there are many sex-gender differences that are the result of multifactorial inputs, including gene repertoires, sex steroid hormones, and environmental factors (e.g., food components). The effects of these different inputs in male and female physiology will be different in different periods of ontogenetic development as well as during pregnancy and the ovarian cycle in females, which are also age dependent. As a result, different strategies have evolved to maintain male and female body homeostasis, which, in turn, implies that there are important differences in the bioavailability, metabolism, distribution, and elimination of foods and beverages in males and females. This article will review some of these differences underlying the impact of food components on the risk of developing diseases from a sex-gender perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Marino
- Department of Biology, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Vlková B, Szemes T, Minárik G, Turňa J, Celec P. Circulating free fetal nucleic acids in maternal plasma and preeclampsia. Med Hypotheses 2010; 74:1030-2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2010.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2010] [Accepted: 01/10/2010] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
|
44
|
Stark MJ, Clifton VL, Wright IMR. Neonates born to mothers with preeclampsia exhibit sex-specific alterations in microvascular function. Pediatr Res 2009; 65:292-5. [PMID: 19391250 DOI: 10.1203/pdr.0b013e318193edf1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to characterize early neonatal microvascular function after preeclamptic pregnancy with respect to infant sex and in utero growth. Peripheral microvascular blood flow was examined prospectively from 6 to 72 h of age using laser Doppler flowmetry in a cohort of term infants of normotensive women and women with late-onset preeclampsia. For male infants, those born to preeclamptic women had greater microvascular blood flow at 6 h (p < 0.05) with no change over time. Male infants of normotensive women exhibited increasing blood flow with time (p = 0.005). Female infants of preeclamptic mothers exhibited similar blood flow at 6 h of age to females of normotensive mothers, followed by significantly greater blood flow by 72 h (p < 0.001). Altered fetal microvascular structure and function in response to maternal preeclampsia may result in sexually dimorphic patterns of fetal growth and account for alterations in neonatal microvascular adaptation after birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Stark
- Mother and Babies Research Centre, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales 2305, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|