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Peng T, Cui J, Ni Z, Tang Y, Cao X, Li S, Cheng X, Huang J. Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 regulates CYP27A1-induced myometrial contraction during preterm labor. Mol Hum Reprod 2024; 30:gaae016. [PMID: 38704863 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaae016] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Persistent and intense uterine contraction is a risk factor for preterm labor. We previously found that methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), as a target of infection-related microRNA miR-212-3p, may play an inhibitory role in regulating myometrium contraction. However, the molecular mechanisms by which MeCP2 regulates myometrial contraction are still unknown. In this study, we found that MeCP2 protein expression was lower in myometrial specimens obtained from preterm labor cases, compared to those obtained from term labor cases. Herein, using RNA sequence analysis of global gene expression in human uterine smooth muscle cells (HUSMCs) following siMeCP2, we show that MeCP2 silencing caused dysregulation of the cholesterol metabolism pathway. Notably, MeCP2 silencing resulted in the upregulation of CYP27A1, the key enzyme involved in regulating cholesterol homeostasis, in HUSMCs. Methylation-specific PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and dual luciferase reporter gene technology indicated that MeCP2 could bind to the methylated CYP27A1 promoter region and repress its transcription. Administration of siCYP27A1 in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced preterm labor mouse model delayed the onset of preterm labor. Human preterm myometrium and the LPS-induced preterm labor mouse model both showed lower expression of MeCP2 and increased expression of CYP27A1. These results demonstrated that aberrant upregulation of CYP27A1 induced by MeCP2 silencing is one of the mechanisms facilitating inappropriate myometrial contraction. CYP27A1 could be exploited as a novel therapeutic target for preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Peng
- Department of Obstetrics, Changning Maternity & Infant Health Hospital, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayan Cui
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences,Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziyun Ni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences,Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Tang
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojing Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences,Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Sihan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences,Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xixi Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences,Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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Dosani A, Sikdar KC, Kumaran M, Kumaran K, Hyderi A, Benlamri A, Rai B, Singhal N, Lodha A. The paradoxical influence of the COVID-19 lockdown period on different types of preterm births in Alberta: a provincial study. Paediatr Child Health 2024; 29:90-97. [PMID: 38586485 PMCID: PMC10996579 DOI: 10.1093/pch/pxad063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives The objective of this study was to determine if the COVID-19 pandemic impacted different types of preterm birth rates in Alberta, Canada. Methods A population-based, retrospective, cohort study was conducted from March 15, 2015 to December 31, 2020 using provincial data. The primary exposure was the COVID-19 lockdown period, and the primary outcome was the incidence of preterm birth (<37 weeks gestational age). Multivariable analyses in the complete lockdown and overall lockdown (partial and complete lockdown) periods were performed to test the association between the year of birth and preterm birth status and were adjusted for various independent variables. Preterm birth status was adjusted for various confounding factors. Results Following the analysis of n = 41,187 mothers and their singleton infants, we found that the lockdown due to COVID-19 had no impact in reducing the overall preterm birth rate. However, a paradoxical influence was observed with an increase of extremely low preterm births in the overall lockdown period, and a decrease in moderate preterm births during the complete lockdown period. Conclusions The results of this study demonstrated that there was a decrease in moderate and increase in extremely low preterm birth rates as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown. However, the COVID-19 lockdown did not impact the very preterm and late preterm birth rate in Alberta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliyah Dosani
- Faculty of Health, Community and Education, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mount Royal University, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AlbertaCanada
| | - Khokan C Sikdar
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AlbertaCanada
- Surveillance and Reporting, Provincial Population and Public Health, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mahalakshmi Kumaran
- Surveillance and Reporting, Provincial Population and Public Health, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kumar Kumaran
- Surveillance and Reporting, Provincial Population and Public Health, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Abbas Hyderi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Amina Benlamri
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Baldeep Rai
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nalini Singhal
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Abhay Lodha
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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Boachie-Ansah P, Anto BP, Marfo AFA, Dassah ET, Mozu IE, Attakora J. Quality of antenatal care and outcomes of Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy among antenatal attendees: A comparison of urban and periurban health facilities in Ghana. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294327. [PMID: 38039304 PMCID: PMC10691682 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Rural-urban-peri urban disparity assessments on health outcomes have been considered as critical determinants of health and health service outcomes. It is policy relevant in terms of the burden of disease and also provides focus on target interventions. This study aimed to assess the differences in the quality of Ante-natal Care (ANC) and the outcomes of Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy (HDPs) from selected health facilities in Ghana. This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. Data on demographics, proportions of HDPs, quality of ANC and the outcomes of HDPs were collected. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association of the independent variables with the location of the health of facility. A total of 500 pregnant women were included in this study. There were 270 (54%) urban and 230 (46%) peri-urban dwellers. The proportion of HDPs varied with the location of the health facility. Women attending urban health facilities were more likely to be hypertensive (μ2 = 126.4; p<0.001), have chronic hypertension with superimposed pre-eclampsia (p< 0.001), have good quality ANC (μ2 = 41.28; p< 0.001), deliver full term (μ2 = 4.83; p = 0.028), and have excellent knowledge on HDPs (μ2 = 227.65; p< 0.001) compared to women receiving care in peri-urban health facilities. The method of delivery and outcome of birth did not statistically vary amongst the periurban and urban health facilities. There was an increase in the proportion in preterm in urban compared to periurban. The burden of HDPs was high in urban health facilities with high proportion of its mothers receiving quality ANC as well as having excellent knowledge on HDPs compared to mothers receiving care at the periurban health facilities. There is a need to target maternal care interventions to the periurban health facilities to improve obstetric health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Boachie-Ansah
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Berko Panyin Anto
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Afia Frimpomaa Asare Marfo
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Edward Tieru Dassah
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ivan Eduku Mozu
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Joseph Attakora
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Internal Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
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Mocking M, Adu-Bonsaffoh K, Osman KA, Tamma E, Ruiz AM, van Asperen R, Oppong SA, Kleinhout MY, Gyamfi-Bannerman C, Browne JL. Causes, survival rates, and short-term outcomes of preterm births in a tertiary hospital in a low resource setting: An observational cohort study. Front Glob Womens Health 2023; 3:989020. [PMID: 36817873 PMCID: PMC9932588 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.989020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prematurity is the most important cause of death among children under the age of five years. Globally, most preterm births occur in Sub-Saharan Africa. Subsequent prematurity leads to significant neonatal morbidity, mortality and long-term disabilities. This study aimed to determine the causes, survival rates and outcomes of preterm births up to six weeks of corrected age in Ghana. Materials and methods An observational prospective cohort study of infants born preterm was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Accra, Ghana from August 2019 to March 2020. Inclusion was performed within 48 h after birth of surviving infants; multiple pregnancies and stillbirths were excluded. Causes of preterm birth were categorized as spontaneous (including preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes) or provider-initiated (medically indicated birth based on maternal or fetal indications). Survival rates and adverse outcomes were assessed at six weeks of corrected age. Recruitment and follow-up were suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Descriptive statistics and differences between determinants were calculated using Chi-squared tests or Kruskal-Wallis test. Results Of the 758 preterm deliveries, 654 (86.3%) infants were born alive. 179 were enrolled in the cohort and were analyzed. Nine (5%) were extremely preterm [gestational age (GA) < 28 weeks], 40 (22%) very preterm (GA 28-31 weeks), and 130 (73%) moderate to late preterm (GA 32-37 weeks) births. Most deliveries (n = 116, 65%) were provider-initiated, often due to hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (n = 79, 44.1%). Sixty-two infants were followed-up out of which fifty-two survived, presenting a survival rate of 84% (n = 52/62) at six weeks corrected age in this group. Most infants (90%, n = 47/52) experienced complications, predominantly consisted of NICU admission (92%) and interval illnesses (21%) including jaundice and sepsis. Conclusions The incidence of adverse outcomes associated with preterm birth in a tertiary facility with NICU capacity is high. Larger longitudinal studies are needed for an in-depth understanding of the causes and longer-term outcomes of preterm birth, and to identify effective strategies to improve outcomes in resource constrained settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Mocking
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kwame Adu-Bonsaffoh
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana,Correspondence: Kwame Adu-Bonsaffoh kadu-bonsaffoh@@ug.edu.gh
| | - Kwabena A. Osman
- Department of Child Health, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Evelyn Tamma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Alexa M. Ruiz
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ruth van Asperen
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Samuel A. Oppong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, UC San Diego, San Diego CA, United States
| | - Joyce L. Browne
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Adu-Bonsaffoh K, Tamma E, Nwameme AU, Mocking M, Osman KA, Browne JL. Women's lived experiences of preterm birth and neonatal care for premature infants at a tertiary hospital in Ghana: A qualitative study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0001303. [PMID: 36962822 PMCID: PMC10022110 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Preterm birth is a leading cause of death in children under five and a major public concern in Ghana. Women's lived experiences of care following preterm birth in clinical setting represents a viable adjunctive measure to improve the quality of care for premature infants. This qualitative study explored the knowledge and experiences of women who have had preterm birth and the associated challenges in caring for premature infants at a tertiary hospital. A qualitative design using in-depth interviews (IDIs) was conducted among women who experienced preterm birth with surviving infants at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana. A thematic content analysis using the inductive analytic framework was undertaken using Nvivo. Thirty women participated in the study. We observed substantial variation in women's knowledge on preterm birth: some women demonstrated significant understanding of preterm delivery including its causes such as hypertension in pregnancy, and potential complications including neonatal death whilst others had limited knowledge on the condition. Women reported significant social and financial challenges associated with preterm birth that negatively impacted the quality of postnatal care they received. Admission of preterm infants at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) generated enormous psychological and emotional stress on the preterm mothers due to uncertainty associated with the prognosis of their babies, health system challenges and increased cost. Context-specific recommendations to improve the quality of care for prematurely born infants were provided by the affected mothers and include urgent need to expand the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) coverage and more antenatal health education on preterm birth. Mothers of premature infants experienced varied unanticipated challenges during the care for their babies within the hospital setting. While knowledge of preterm birth seems adequate among women, there was a significant gap in the women's expectations of the challenges associated with the care of premature infants of which the majority experience psychosocial, economic and emotional impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwame Adu-Bonsaffoh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
- Holy Care Specialist Hospital, Accra, Ghana
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Adanna Uloaku Nwameme
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Martina Mocking
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kwabena A. Osman
- Department of Child Health, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joyce L. Browne
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Zubaidah Z, Rustina Y, Nurhaeni N, Hastono SP. Experience of Mother on Caring of Children with Low Birth Weight in an Urban Setting, Indonesia: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.8260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Low birth weight is a major public health issue; it causes higher mortality rate among neonatal. Therefore, it is essential for caregivers to know how to save the baby’s life with evidence-based practices at home. The previous studies found that low birth weight mothers had poor awareness caring their babies at home care adequately.
AIM: The objective of the study was to explore experience of mothers on caring for children with low birth weight from an urban setting in a low-middle-income country.
METHODS: This was a descriptive phenomenological approach. This study was conducted in a rural setting in the Semarang region of Indonesia. Ten mothers whose babies with low birth weight had been discharged from the perinatology care unit in a secondary level hospital and resided in Semarang were interviewed in their homes using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed inductively by content analysis.
RESULTS: Twenty mothers aged 20–37 years were interviewed. Most of the babies were moderate to late preterm, and the gestational age at delivery ranged between 33 and 38 weeks gestation, and the birth weights of the babies ranged between 1.4 and 2 kg. Five major themes emerged, which included the psychological response of mothers, sharing information related to the care procedure, breastfeeding, social support, and health-seeking behavior.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that home management of low birth weight babies poses multiple needs and is associated with poor quality of care. Hence, extensive education and identification of other social support systems are needed to augment facility-based care for mothers and their babies.
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Mothers' experiences of caring for preterm babies at home: qualitative insights from an urban setting in a middle-income country. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:395. [PMID: 34016064 PMCID: PMC8136128 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-03872-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preterm delivery is the birth of a baby before 37 weeks of gestation. This global phenomenon is a critical issue of concern especially in developing countries that are resource-constrained when it comes to the management of preterm babies. Complications associated with prematurity contribute significantly to under-five mortality and are linked with feelings of despair, grief, and anxiety among mothers. Methods This was a qualitative descriptive study in an urban setting in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Eleven mothers whose babies had been discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit in a major hospital and resided in Accra were interviewed in their homes using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed inductively by content analysis. Results All the mothers had formal education and the mean maternal age was 27.9 years. The majority of the mothers were multiparous. The gestational age at birth ranged from 32 to 34 weeks and the average birth weight of their babies was 1.61 kg. Four major themes emerged which included: Around the clock care; mothers’ self-perceptions and attitudes of significant others; mothers’ health and wellbeing; and support. Most of the mothers experienced physical exhaustion from the extra demands involved with care, had negative emotions, and unmet social needs. Conclusions The findings indicate that home management of preterm babies poses multiple stressors and is associated with poor psychological and physical wellbeing among mothers. Hence, the need for extensive education and identification of other social support systems to augment facility-based care for mothers and their preterm babies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-03872-9.
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