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Feyaerts D, Marić I, Arck PC, Prins JR, Gomez-Lopez N, Gaudillière B, Stelzer IA. Predicting Spontaneous Preterm Birth Using the Immunome. Clin Perinatol 2024; 51:441-459. [PMID: 38705651 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2024.02.013] [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] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Throughout pregnancy, the maternal peripheral circulation contains valuable information reflecting pregnancy progression, detectable as tightly regulated immune dynamics. Local immune processes at the maternal-fetal interface and other reproductive and non-reproductive tissues are likely to be the pacemakers for this peripheral immune "clock." This cellular immune status of pregnancy can be leveraged for the early risk assessment and prediction of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). Systems immunology approaches to sPTB subtypes and cross-tissue (local and peripheral) interactions, as well as integration of multiple biological data modalities promise to improve our understanding of preterm birth pathobiology and identify potential clinically actionable biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorien Feyaerts
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ivana Marić
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 453 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Petra C Arck
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine and Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jelmer R Prins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Postbus 30.001, 9700RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Brice Gaudillière
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Ina A Stelzer
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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Zhang CXW, Candia AA, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Placental inflammation, oxidative stress, and fetal outcomes in maternal obesity. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024:S1043-2760(24)00031-6. [PMID: 38418281 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.02.002] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
The obesity epidemic has led to a growing body of research investigating the consequences of maternal obesity on pregnancy and offspring health. The placenta, traditionally viewed as a passive intermediary between mother and fetus, is known to play a critical role in modulating the intrauterine environment and fetal development, and we now know that maternal obesity leads to increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and altered placental function. Here, we review recent research exploring the involvement of inflammation and oxidative stress as mechanisms impacting the placenta and fetus during obese pregnancy. Understanding them is crucial for informing strategies that can mitigate the adverse health effects of maternal obesity on offspring development and disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy X W Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alejandro A Candia
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Institute of Health Sciences, University of O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile
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Gerety MK, Kim DK, Carpenter RM, Ma JZ, Chisholm C, Taniuchi M, Islam MO, Pholwat S, Platts-Mills JA, Siraj MS, Billah SM, Haque R, Petri WA. Systemic inflammation, enteropathogenic E. Coli, and micronutrient insufficiencies in the first trimester as possible predictors of preterm birth in rural Bangladesh: a prospective study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:82. [PMID: 38267943 PMCID: PMC10807221 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06266-9] [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] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An incomplete understanding of preterm birth is especially concerning for low-middle income countries, where preterm birth has poorer prognoses. While systemic proinflammatory processes are a reportedly normal component of gestation, excessive inflammation has been demonstrated as a risk factor for preterm birth. There is minimal research on the impact of excessive maternal inflammation in the first trimester on the risk of preterm birth in low-middle income countries specifically. METHODS Pregnant women were enrolled at the rural Bangladesh site of the National Institute of Child Health Global Network Maternal Newborn Health Registry. Serum samples were collected to measure concentrations of the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), and stool samples were collected and analyzed for enteropathogens. We examined associations of maternal markers in the first-trimester with preterm birth using logistic regression models. CRP and AGP were primarily modeled with a composite inflammation predictor. RESULTS Out of 376 singleton births analyzed, 12.5% were preterm. First trimester inflammation was observed in 58.8% of all births, and was significantly associated with increased odds of preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03, 5.16), independent of anemia. Maternal vitamin B12 insufficiency (aOR = 3.33; 95% CI: 1.29, 8.21) and maternal anemia (aOR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.26, 5.17) were also associated with higher odds of preterm birth. Atypical enteropathogenic E. coli detection showed a significant association with elevated AGP levels and was significantly associated with preterm birth (odds ratio [OR] = 2.36; 95% CI: 1.21, 4.57), but not associated with CRP. CONCLUSIONS Inflammation, anemia, and vitamin B12 insufficiency in the first trimester were significantly associated with preterm birth in our cohort from rural Bangladesh. Inflammation and anemia were independent predictors of premature birth in this low-middle income setting where inflammation during gestation was widespread. Further research is needed to identify if infections such as enteropathogenic E. coli are a cause of inflammation in the first trimester, and if intervention for infection would decrease preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan K Gerety
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Debora K Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Rebecca M Carpenter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jennie Z Ma
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Christian Chisholm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Mami Taniuchi
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Md Ohedul Islam
- The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease and Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Suporn Pholwat
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - James A Platts-Mills
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Md Shahjahan Siraj
- The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease and Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sk Masum Billah
- The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease and Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rashidul Haque
- The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease and Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - William A Petri
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Hojeij B, Rousian M, Sinclair KD, Dinnyes A, Steegers-Theunissen RPM, Schoenmakers S. Periconceptional biomarkers for maternal obesity: a systematic review. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2023; 24:139-175. [PMID: 36520252 PMCID: PMC10023635 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09762-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Periconceptional maternal obesity is linked to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Identifying periconceptional biomarkers of pathways affected by maternal obesity can unravel pathophysiologic mechanisms and identify individuals at risk of adverse clinical outcomes. The literature was systematically reviewed to identify periconceptional biomarkers of the endocrine, inflammatory and one-carbon metabolic pathways influenced by maternal obesity. A search was conducted in Embase, Ovid Medline All, Web of Science Core Collection and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases, complemented by manual search in PubMed until December 31st, 2020. Eligible studies were those that measured biomarker(s) in relation to maternal obesity, overweight/obesity or body mass index (BMI) during the periconceptional period (14 weeks preconception until 14 weeks post conception). The ErasmusAGE score was used to assess the quality of included studies. Fifty-one articles were included that evaluated over 40 biomarkers. Endocrine biomarkers associated with maternal obesity included leptin, insulin, thyroid stimulating hormone, adiponectin, progesterone, free T4 and human chorionic gonadotropin. C-reactive protein was associated with obesity as part of the inflammatory pathway, while the associated one-carbon metabolism biomarkers were folate and vitamin B12. BMI was positively associated with leptin, C-reactive protein and insulin resistance, and negatively associated with Free T4, progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin. Concerning the remaining studied biomarkers, strong conclusions could not be established due to limited or contradictory data. Future research should focus on determining the predictive value of the optimal set of biomarkers for their use in clinical settings. The most promising biomarkers include leptin, adiponectin, human chorionic gonadotropin, insulin, progesterone and CRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batoul Hojeij
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015GD, The Netherlands
| | - Melek Rousian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015GD, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin D Sinclair
- School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonnington Campus, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, LE12 6HD, UK
| | - Andras Dinnyes
- BioTalentum Ltd., Godollo, 2100, Hungary
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, 6720, Hungary
- Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Godollo, 2100, Hungary
| | | | - Sam Schoenmakers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, 3015GD, The Netherlands.
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Vidal MS, Lintao RCV, Severino MEL, Tantengco OAG, Menon R. Spontaneous preterm birth: Involvement of multiple feto-maternal tissues and organ systems, differing mechanisms, and pathways. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1015622. [PMID: 36313741 PMCID: PMC9606232 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1015622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Survivors of preterm birth struggle with multitudes of disabilities due to improper in utero programming of various tissues and organ systems contributing to adult-onset diseases at a very early stage of their lives. Therefore, the persistent rates of low birth weight (birth weight < 2,500 grams), as well as rates of neonatal and maternal morbidities and mortalities, need to be addressed. Active research throughout the years has provided us with multiple theories regarding the risk factors, initiators, biomarkers, and clinical manifestations of spontaneous preterm birth. Fetal organs, like the placenta and fetal membranes, and maternal tissues and organs, like the decidua, myometrium, and cervix, have all been shown to uniquely respond to specific exogenous or endogenous risk factors. These uniquely contribute to dynamic changes at the molecular and cellular levels to effect preterm labor pathways leading to delivery. Multiple intervention targets in these different tissues and organs have been successfully tested in preclinical trials to reduce the individual impacts on promoting preterm birth. However, these preclinical trial data have not been effectively translated into developing biomarkers of high-risk individuals for an early diagnosis of the disease. This becomes more evident when examining the current global rate of preterm birth, which remains staggeringly high despite years of research. We postulate that studying each tissue and organ in silos, as how the majority of research has been conducted in the past years, is unlikely to address the network interaction between various systems leading to a synchronized activity during either term or preterm labor and delivery. To address current limitations, this review proposes an integrated approach to studying various tissues and organs involved in the maintenance of normal pregnancy, promotion of normal parturition, and more importantly, contributions towards preterm birth. We also stress the need for biological models that allows for concomitant observation and analysis of interactions, rather than focusing on these tissues and organ in silos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel S. Vidal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ryan C. V. Lintao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Mary Elise L. Severino
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
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Schirmbeck GH, Sizonenko S, Sanches EF. Neuroprotective Role of Lactoferrin during Early Brain Development and Injury through Lifespan. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14142923. [PMID: 35889882 PMCID: PMC9322498 DOI: 10.3390/nu14142923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Early adverse fetal environments can significantly disturb central nervous system (CNS) development and subsequently alter brain maturation. Nutritional status is a major variable to be considered during development and increasing evidence links neonate and preterm infant impaired brain growth with neurological and psychiatric diseases in adulthood. Breastfeeding is one of the main components required for healthy newborn development due to the many "constitutive" elements breastmilk contains. Maternal intake of specific nutrients during lactation may alter milk composition, thus affecting newborn nutrition and, potentially, brain development. Lactoferrin (Lf) is a major protein present in colostrum and the main protein in human milk, which plays an important role in the benefits of breastfeeding during postnatal development. It has been demonstrated that Lf has antimicrobial, as well as anti-inflammatory properties, and is potentially able to reduce the incidence of sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), which are particularly frequent in premature births. The anti-inflammatory effects of Lf can reduce birth-related pathologies by decreasing the release of pro-inflammatory factors and inhibiting premature cervix maturation (also related to commensal microbiome abnormalities) that could contribute to disrupting brain development. Pre-clinical evidence shows that Lf protects the developing brain from neuronal injury, enhances brain connectivity and neurotrophin production, and decreases inflammation in models of perinatal inflammatory challenge, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI). In this context, Lf can provide nutritional support for brain development and cognition and prevent the origin of neuropsychiatric diseases later in life. In this narrative review, we consider the role of certain nutrients during neurodevelopment linking to the latest research on lactoferrin with respect to neonatology. We also discuss new evidence indicating that early neuroprotective pathways modulated by Lf could prevent neurodegeneration through anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Henrique Schirmbeck
- Biochemistry Post-Graduate Program, Biochemistry Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil;
| | - Stéphane Sizonenko
- Division of Child Development and Growth, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Eduardo Farias Sanches
- Division of Child Development and Growth, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland;
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Engen T, Owe KM, Horn J, Sulo G, Næss ØE, Juliusson PB, Morken NH, Egeland GM. Preconception leisure-time physical activity and family history of stroke and myocardial infarction associate with preterm delivery: findings from a Norwegian cohort. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:341. [PMID: 35443622 PMCID: PMC9019953 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preterm birth poses short and long-term health consequences for mothers and offspring including cardiovascular disease sequelae. However, studies evaluating preexisting family history of cardiovascular disease and risk factors, such as physical activity, as they relate prospectively to risk of delivering preterm are lacking. Objectives To evaluate whether preconception past-year weekly leisure-time physical activity or a family history of stroke or of myocardical infarction prior to age 60 years in first degree relatives associated, prospectively, with preterm delivery. Design Cohort study. Baseline data from Cohort Norway (1994–2003) health surveys were linked to the Medical Birth Registry of Norway for identification of all subsequent births (1994–2012). Logistic regression models provided odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for preterm delivery (< 37 weeks gestation); multinomial logistic regression provided OR for early preterm (< 34 weeks) and late preterm (34 through to end of 36 weeks gestation) relative to term deliveries. Results Mean (SD) length of time from baseline health survey participation to delivery was 5.6 (3.5) years. A family history of stroke associated with a 62% greater risk for late preterm deliveries (OR 1.62; CI 1.07–2.47), while a family history of myocardial infarction associated with a 66% greater risk of early preterm deliveries (OR 1.66; CI 1.11–2.49). Sensitivity analyses, removing pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, and stillbirth deliveries, gave similar results. Preconception vigorous physical activity of three or more hours relative to less than 1 h per week associated with increased risk of early preterm delivery (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.01–2.30), but not late or total preterm deliveries. Light physical activity of three or more hours per week relative to less activity prior to pregnancy was not associated with early, late, or total preterm deliveries. Conclusions Results suggest that family history of cardiovascular disease may help identify women at risk for preterm delivery. Further, research is needed regarding preconception and very early pregnancy vigorous physical activity and associated risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tone Engen
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Inndalsveien 28, 5063, Bergen, Norway
| | - Katrine Mari Owe
- Norwegian Research Centre for Women's Health, Oslo University Hospital HF, Riks Hospital, Oslo, Norway and Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Julie Horn
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, NTNU, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway & Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Levanger Hospital, Nord-Trøndelag Hospital Trust, Levanger Hospital, Kirkegata 2, N-7600, Levanger, Norway
| | - Gerhard Sulo
- Centre for Disease Burden, Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway; & Oral Health Centre of Expertise in Western Norway-Vestland, Bergen, Norway
| | - Øyvind Erik Næss
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health & University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway &Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Petur Benedikt Juliusson
- Health Registries Research and Development, Division of Health Data and Digitalization, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Post Box 973 Sentrum, 5808, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nils-Halvdan Morken
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway & Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Grace Margrethe Egeland
- Health Registries Research and Development, Division of Health Data and Digitalization, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Post Box 973 Sentrum, 5808, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
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Exposure to childhood maltreatment and systemic inflammation across pregnancy: The moderating role of depressive symptomatology. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 101:397-409. [PMID: 35131443 PMCID: PMC9615483 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood maltreatment (CM) has long-term consequences for dysregulation of the immune system which is particularly pronounced when mental and physical health sequelae have manifested. Higher proinflammatory state has been shown in non-pregnant state in association with CM as well as with depression, one of the most frequent and pernicious psychiatric sequelae of CM. During pregnancy, however, this association is less clear. Given the important role of maternal inflammatory state during pregnancy for fetal, pregnancy, and birth outcomes, we sought to examine the association between CM and proinflammatory state during pregnancy considering the moderating role of maternal depressive symptoms characterized serially across pregnancy. METHODS A prospective, longitudinal study of 180 healthy pregnant women was conducted with serial assessments in early (12.98 ± 1.71 weeks gestation), mid (20.53 ± 1.38 weeks gestation) and late (30.42 ± 1.4 weeks gestation) pregnancy. Maternal history of CM was assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and the total score was used as an indicator of CM experience. Maternal depressive symptoms were assessed at each pregnancy visit with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 were obtained at each pregnancy visit and combined to a composite maternal proinflammatory score. Linear mixed effects models were employed to assess the association between CTQ score, CES-D score, and proinflammatory score during pregnancy, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS Gestational age was associated with the proinflammatory score (B = 0.02; SE = 0.00; p < .001), indicating an increase in inflammation across gestation. Neither CTQ score nor depressive symptoms were independently associated with the proinflammatory score (ps > 0.28). However, the interaction between CTQ score and depressive symptoms was associated with the proinflammatory score (B = 0.03, SE = 0.01, p < .05), indicating higher inflammation across pregnancy with increasing levels of depressive symptoms during pregnancy in women with higher CTQ scores. Exploratory analyses suggested that this interaction was mainly driven by CTQ subscale scores assessing experiences of abuse rather than neglect. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest a moderating role of maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy on the association of early life stress with inflammation and thus highlight the importance of the timely assessment of both CM exposure and depressive symptoms which might allow for the development of targeted and individualized interventions to impact inflammation during pregnancy and to ameliorate the detrimental long-term effects of CM. The current findings add to a better understanding of the prenatal biological pathways that may underlie intergenerational transmission of maternal CM.
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Kumari D, Garg S, Bhawrani P. Zinc homeostasis in immunity and its association with preterm births. Scand J Immunol 2022; 95:e13142. [PMID: 35007353 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth is among the most common adverse pregnancy outcomes and is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. While trace elements are essential for humans, their specific roles in the prenatal period remain unexplored. Zinc, a ubiquitous element plays a pivotal role in protein synthesis, cell division, nucleic acid metabolism, apoptosis, ageing, reproduction, immunological as well as antioxidant defense mechanism. Although zinc quantities are very small in body tissue, it is involved in every conceivable biochemical pathway which is critical for the performance of various functions necessary to sustain life. Owing to the multifactorial role of zinc, it is not possible to attribute a certain zinc dependent mechanism in pre-term births. Although the effect of zinc deficiency on immunity, its impact on maternal function and health as well as its role in the developing foetus is well documented, much less attention has been given to the understanding of micronutrient zinc homeostasis in immunity and its association with preterm births. Despite extensive research, the pathway by which zinc regulates pregnancy outcomes as well as the function of immune cells in controlling the delivery status (term/ preterm) is still obscure. The present review aims to focus on the understanding of relationship of micronutrient zinc homeostasis in immunity and its association with preterm births.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Kumari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Science & Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan- 302022
| | - Swati Garg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Science & Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan- 302022
| | - Priyanka Bhawrani
- ICMR Project, Mahatma Gandhi University of Medical Science & Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan- 302022
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Pregnancy-Related Extracellular Vesicles Revisited. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083904. [PMID: 33918880 PMCID: PMC8068855 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small vesicles ranging from 20–200 nm to 10 μm in diameter that are discharged and taken in by many different types of cells. Depending on the nature and quantity of their content—which generally includes proteins, lipids as well as microRNAs (miRNAs), messenger-RNA (mRNA), and DNA—these particles can bring about functional modifications in the receiving cells. During pregnancy, placenta and/or fetal-derived EVs have recently been isolated, eliciting interest in discovering their clinical significance. To date, various studies have associated variations in the circulating levels of maternal and fetal EVs and their contents, with complications including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, ultimately leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, EVs have also been identified as messengers and important players in viral infections during pregnancy, as well as in various congenital malformations. Their presence can be detected in the maternal blood from the first trimester and their level increases towards term, thus acting as liquid biopsies that give invaluable insight into the status of the feto-placental unit. However, their exact roles in the metabolic and vascular adaptations associated with physiological and pathological pregnancy is still under investigation. Analyzing peer-reviewed journal articles available in online databases, the purpose of this review is to synthesize current knowledge regarding the utility of quantification of pregnancy related EVs in general and placental EVs in particular as non-invasive evidence of placental dysfunction and adverse pregnancy outcomes, and to develop the current understanding of these particles and their applicability in clinical practice.
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11
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Evolving cervical imaging technologies to predict preterm birth. Semin Immunopathol 2020; 42:385-396. [PMID: 32524180 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00800-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth, defined as delivery at less than 37 weeks' gestation, increases maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality and places heavy financial and emotional burdens on families and society. Although premature cervical remodeling is a major factor in many preterm deliveries, how and why this occurs is poorly understood. This review describes existing and emerging imaging techniques and their advantages and disadvantages in assessing cervical remodeling. Brightness mode (B-mode) ultrasound is used to measure the cervical length, currently the gold standard for determining risk of preterm birth. Several new B-mode ultrasound techniques are being developed, including measuring attenuation, cervical gland area, and the cervical consistency index. Shear wave speed can differentiate between soft (ripe) and firm (unripe) cervices by measuring the speed of ultrasound through a tissue. Elastography provides qualitative information regarding cervical stiffness by compressing the tissue with the ultrasound probe. Raman spectroscopy uses a fiber optic probe to assess the biochemical composition of the cervix throughout pregnancy. Second harmonic generation microscopy uses light to quantify changes in collagen fiber structure and size during cervical maturation. Finally, photoacoustic endoscopy records light-induced sound to determine optical characteristics of cervical tissue. In the long term, a combination of several imaging approaches, combined with consideration of clinical epidemiologic characteristics, will likely be required to accurately predict preterm birth.
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