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Cao H, Li Z, Jin T, He S, Liu S, Li L, Wang Y, Gong Y, Wang G, Yang F, Dong W. Maslinic acid supplementation prevents di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced apoptosis via PRDX6 in peritubular myoid cells of Chinese forest musk deer. J Environ Sci (China) 2024; 143:47-59. [PMID: 38644023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.07.034] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Chinese forest musk deer (FMD), an endangered species, have exhibited low reproductive rates even in captivity due to stress conditions. Investigation revealed the presence of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), an environmental endocrine disruptor, in the serum and skin of captive FMDs. Feeding FMDs with maslinic acid (MA) has been observed to alleviate the stress response and improve reproductive rates, although the precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the alleviation of DEHP-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in primary peritubular myoid cells (PMCs) through MA intake. Primary PMCs were isolated and exposed to DEHP in vitro. The results demonstrated that DEHP significantly suppressed antioxidant levels and promoted cell apoptosis in primary PMCs. Moreover, interfering with the expression of PRDX6 was found to induce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell apoptosis in primary PMCs. Supplementation with MA significantly upregulated the expression of PRDX6, thereby attenuating DEHP-induced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in primary PMCs. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for mitigating stress levels and enhancing reproductive capacity of in captive FMDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heran Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Zhenpeng Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China; Shaanxi Qiyuan-Times Agri-Tech Development Co. Ltd., Shaanxi 725000, China
| | - Tianqi Jin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China; Biology Research Centre of Qin-Mountains Wildlife, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Shuyang He
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China; Biology Research Centre of Qin-Mountains Wildlife, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Shujuan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Long Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China; Biology Research Centre of Qin-Mountains Wildlife, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China; Biology Research Centre of Qin-Mountains Wildlife, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China; Shaanxi Qiyuan-Times Agri-Tech Development Co. Ltd., Shaanxi 725000, China
| | - Ye Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China; Shaanxi Qiyuan-Times Agri-Tech Development Co. Ltd., Shaanxi 725000, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Shaanxi Qiyuan-Times Agri-Tech Development Co. Ltd., Shaanxi 725000, China
| | - Fangxia Yang
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China; Biology Research Centre of Qin-Mountains Wildlife, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Wuzi Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China; Biology Research Centre of Qin-Mountains Wildlife, Northwest A&F University, Shaanxi 712100, China
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Vrachnis D, Fotiou A, Mantzou A, Pergialiotis V, Antsaklis P, Valsamakis G, Stavros S, Machairiotis N, Iavazzo C, Kanaka-Gantenbein C, Mastorakos G, Drakakis P, Vrachnis N, Antonakopoulos N. Second Trimester Amniotic Fluid Angiotensinogen Levels Linked to Increased Fetal Birth Weight and Shorter Gestational Age in Term Pregnancies. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:206. [PMID: 38398716 PMCID: PMC10890398 DOI: 10.3390/life14020206] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the considerable progress made in recent years in fetal assessment, the etiology of fetal growth disturbances is not as yet well understood. In an effort to enhance our knowledge in this area, we investigated the associations of the amniotic fluid angiotensinogen of the renin-angiotensin system with fetal growth abnormalities. METHODS We collected amniotic fluid samples from 70 pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis during their early second trimester. Birth weight was documented upon delivery, after which the embryos corresponding to the respective amniotic fluid samples were categorized into three groups as follows: small for gestational age (SGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA), and large for gestational age (LGA). Amniotic fluid angiotensinogen levels were determined by using ELISA kits. RESULTS Mean angiotensinogen values were 3885 ng/mL (range: 1625-5375 ng/mL), 4885 ng/mL (range: 1580-8460 ng/mL), and 4670 ng/mL (range: 1995-7250 ng/mL) in the SGA, LGA, and AGA fetuses, respectively. The concentrations in the three groups were not statistically significantly different. Although there were wide discrepancies between the mean values of the subgroups, the large confidence intervals in the three groups negatively affected the statistical analysis. However, multiple regression analysis revealed a statistically significant negative correlation between the angiotensinogen levels and gestational age and a statistically significant positive correlation between the birth weight and angiotensinogen levels. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that fetal growth abnormalities did not correlate with differences in the amniotic fluid levels of angiotensinogen in early second trimester pregnancies. However, increased angiotensinogen levels were found to be consistent with a smaller gestational age at birth and increased BMI of neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionysios Vrachnis
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.V.); (A.F.)
| | - Alexandros Fotiou
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.V.); (A.F.)
| | - Aimilia Mantzou
- Aghia Sophia Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.M.); (C.K.-G.)
| | - Vasilios Pergialiotis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Alexandra Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (V.P.); (P.A.)
| | - Panagiotis Antsaklis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Alexandra Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (V.P.); (P.A.)
| | - George Valsamakis
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Aretaieion Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Sofoklis Stavros
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Attikon Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (N.M.); (P.D.)
| | - Nikolaos Machairiotis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Attikon Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (N.M.); (P.D.)
| | - Christos Iavazzo
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Metaxa Memorial Cancer Hospital of Piraeus, 18537 Piraeus, Greece;
| | - Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein
- Aghia Sophia Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.M.); (C.K.-G.)
| | - George Mastorakos
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Aretaieion Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Petros Drakakis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Attikon Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (N.M.); (P.D.)
| | - Nikolaos Vrachnis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Attikon Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (N.M.); (P.D.)
- Vascular Biology, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Nikolaos Antonakopoulos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Patras, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Patra, Greece
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Vrachnis N, Loukas N, Antonakopoulos N, Maragou N, Kostakis M, Tsakni A, Vrachnis D, Vougiouklaki D, Machairiotis N, Chatzilazarou A, Houhoula D, Sokou R, Stavros S, Drakakis P, Mastorakos G, Iliodromiti Z. Detection and Quantification of Acrylamide in Second Trimester Amniotic Fluid Using a Novel LC-MS/MS Technique to Determine Whether High Acrylamide Content during Pregnancy Is Associated with Fetal Growth. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1425. [PMID: 37998024 PMCID: PMC10669641 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acrylamide, an organic compound, is, chemically speaking, a vinyl-substituted primary amide. It is produced industrially, principally as a precursor to polyacrylamides, for use in such products as plastics and cosmetics. This same compound, however, forms naturally in certain foods, both home-cooked and packaged, especially when prepared at high temperatures. We developed and validated a novel reliable technique for the determination of acrylamide in amniotic fluid. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) is a targeted mass spectrometry (MS) technique which enables the detection and quantification of particular molecules in a complex mixture. Thanks to its throughput, selectivity, and sensitivity, MRM-MS has been identified as offering an alternative to antibody-based studies for the purpose of biomarker verification. Our aim was to investigate the presence of acrylamide in amniotic fluid and, via the MRM-MS technique, to determine whether there is any correlation between maternal exposure to acrylamide, through a woman's diet, and fetal growth. METHODS Our amniotic fluid bank included 40 samples from various fetal growth rates, as objectively denoted by the neonatal weight centile at delivery, while our analytical detection method was based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Acrylamide was determined with reversed phase chromatography and monitoring of two multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions. Quantification was performed using the matrix-matched calibration curve. RESULTS Acrylamide was detected at concentrations between 7.1 and 1468 ng/mL in six out of the total of 40 amniotic fluid samples that were used. Our method limit of detection and quantification was 1.4 ng/mL and 4.6 ng/mL, respectively. The repeatability of our method ranged between 11 and 14%, expressed as relative standard deviation levels between 5 and 100 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS Detection of acrylamide in early second trimester amniotic fluid, for the first time in the literature to our knowledge, raises concerns about fetal health, given that published data on animal studies have attributed a number of birth defects to acrylamide. Our novel LC-MS/MS method for the determination of acrylamide in amniotic fluid proved to be effective and its performance in practice was very accurate, simple, and fast. Validation of the method revealed that the use of a matrix-matched curve is necessary for the quantification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Vrachnis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General University Hospital “Attikon”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece (N.A.); (N.M.); (S.S.); (P.D.)
| | - Nikolaos Loukas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tzaneio General Hospital, 18536 Piraeus, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Antonakopoulos
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General University Hospital “Attikon”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece (N.A.); (N.M.); (S.S.); (P.D.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Patras, Medical School, University of Patras, 26500 Patra, Greece
| | - Niki Maragou
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zographou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (N.M.); (M.K.)
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of West Attica, 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (A.T.); (D.V.); (D.H.)
| | - Marios Kostakis
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zographou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (N.M.); (M.K.)
| | - Aliki Tsakni
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of West Attica, 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (A.T.); (D.V.); (D.H.)
| | - Dionysios Vrachnis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Despina Vougiouklaki
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of West Attica, 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (A.T.); (D.V.); (D.H.)
| | - Nikolaos Machairiotis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General University Hospital “Attikon”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece (N.A.); (N.M.); (S.S.); (P.D.)
| | - Arhodoula Chatzilazarou
- Department of Wine, Vine and Beverage Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Egaleo, Greece;
| | - Dimitra Houhoula
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of West Attica, 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (A.T.); (D.V.); (D.H.)
| | - Rozeta Sokou
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, “Agios Panteleimon” General Hospital of Nikea, 18454 Nikea, Greece;
| | - Sofoklis Stavros
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General University Hospital “Attikon”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece (N.A.); (N.M.); (S.S.); (P.D.)
| | - Peter Drakakis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General University Hospital “Attikon”, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece (N.A.); (N.M.); (S.S.); (P.D.)
| | - George Mastorakos
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Aretaieio Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece;
| | - Zoi Iliodromiti
- Neonatal Department, Aretaieio Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11526 Athens, Greece
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Machairiotis N, Vrachnis D, Antonakopoulos N, Loukas N, Fotiou A, Pergialiotis V, Stavros S, Mantzou A, Maroudias G, Iavazzo C, Kanaka-Gantenbein C, Drakakis P, Troupis T, Vlasis K, Vrachnis N. Detection and Quantification of Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Levels in Early Second Trimester Amniotic Fluid: Investigation into a Possible Correlation with Abnormal Fetal Growth Velocity Patterns. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4131. [PMID: 37373824 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12124131] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal fetal growth is associated with adverse perinatal and long-term outcomes. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these conditions are still to be clarified. Nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) are two neurotrophins that are mainly involved in the neuroprotection process, namely promotion of growth and differentiation, maintenance, and survival of neurons. During pregnancy, they have been correlated with placental development and fetal growth. In this study, we aimed to determine the early 2nd trimester amniotic fluid levels of NGF and NT-3 and to investigate their association with fetal growth. METHODS This is a prospective observational study. A total of 51 amniotic fluid samples were collected from women undergoing amniocentesis early in the second trimester and were stored at -80 °C. Pregnancies were followed up until delivery and birth weight was recorded. Based on birth weight, the amniotic fluid samples were divided into three groups: appropriate for gestational age (AGA), small for gestational age (SGA), and large for gestational age (LGA). NGF and NT-3 levels were determined by using Elisa kits. RESULTS NGF concentrations were similar between the studied groups; median values were 10.15 pg/mL, 10.15 pg/mL, and 9.14 pg/mL in SGA, LGA, and AGA fetuses, respectively. Regarding NT-3, a trend was observed towards increased NT-3 levels as fetal growth velocity decreased; median concentrations were 11.87 pg/mL, 15.9 pg/mL, and 23.5 pg/mL in SGA, AGA, and LGA fetuses, respectively, although the differences among the three groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that fetal growth disturbances do not induce increased or decreased production of NGF and NT-3 in early second trimester amniotic fluid. The trend observed towards increased NT-3 levels as fetal growth velocity decreased shows that there may be a compensatory mechanism in place that operates in conjunction with the brain-sparing effect. Further associations between these two neurotrophins and fetal growth disturbances are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Machairiotis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General University Hospital "Attikon", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Dionysios Vrachnis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Antonakopoulos
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General University Hospital "Attikon", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Patras, Medical School, University of Patras, 26500 Patra, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Loukas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tzaneio General Hospital, 18536 Piraeus, Greece
| | - Alexandros Fotiou
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General University Hospital "Attikon", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasilios Pergialiotis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Sofoklis Stavros
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General University Hospital "Attikon", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Aimilia Mantzou
- First Department of Pediatrics, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Maroudias
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tzaneio General Hospital, 18536 Piraeus, Greece
| | - Christos Iavazzo
- Gynecologic Oncology Department, Metaxa Memorial Cancer Hospital, 18537 Piraeus, Greece
| | - Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein
- First Department of Pediatrics, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Drakakis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General University Hospital "Attikon", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodore Troupis
- Gynecologic Oncology Department, Metaxa Memorial Cancer Hospital, 18537 Piraeus, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Vlasis
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Vrachnis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General University Hospital "Attikon", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
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5
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Loukas N, Vrachnis D, Antonakopoulos N, Pergialiotis V, Mina A, Papoutsis I, Iavazzo C, Fotiou A, Stavros S, Valsamakis G, Vlachadis N, Maroudias G, Mastorakos G, Iliodromiti Z, Drakakis P, Vrachnis N. Prenatal Exposure to Bisphenol A: Is There an Association between Bisphenol A in Second Trimester Amniotic Fluid and Fetal Growth? MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59050882. [PMID: 37241114 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Fetal growth abnormalities increase the risk of negative perinatal and long-term outcomes. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous endocrine-disrupting chemical to which humans may be exposed in a number of ways, such as from the environment, via various consumer products, and through the individual's diet. Since the compound possesses estrogen-mimicking properties and exerts epigenetic and genotoxic effects, it has been associated with harmful effects impacting the entire spectrum of human life, including, vitally, the intrauterine period. We investigated the role of maternal exposure to BPA in abnormal fetal growth velocity, both impaired and excessive. Materials and Methods: Amniotic fluid samples were collected from 35 women who underwent amniocentesis early in the second trimester due to medical reasons. Pregnancies were followed until delivery, and birth weights were recorded. The amniotic fluid samples were subsequently divided into three groups based on fetal birth weight, as follows: AGA (appropriate for gestational age), SGA (small for gestational age), and LGA (large for gestational age). Amniotic fluid BPA levels were determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Results: BPA was detected in 80% (28/35) of our amniotic fluid samples. Median concentration was 281.495 pg/mL and ranged from 108.82 pg/mL to 1605.36 pg/mL. No significant association was observed between the study groups regarding BPA concentration. A significant positive correlation between amniotic fluid BPA concentration and birth weight centile (r = 0.351, p-value = 0.039) was identified. BPA levels were also inversely associated with gestational age in pregnancies at term (between 37 and 41 weeks) (r = -0.365, p-value = 0.031). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that maternal exposure to BPA during the early second trimester of pregnancy can potentially contribute to increased birthweight percentiles and to decreased gestational age in pregnancies at term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Loukas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tzaneio General Hospital, 185 36 Piraeus, Greece
| | - Dionysios Vrachnis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Antonakopoulos
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasilios Pergialiotis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
| | - Areti Mina
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Papoutsis
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Iavazzo
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Metaxa Memorial Cancer Hospital, 185 37 Piraeus, Greece
| | - Alexandros Fotiou
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece
| | - Sofoklis Stavros
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Valsamakis
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Endocrine Unit, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Vlachadis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kalamata General Hospital, 241 00 Kalamata, Greece
| | - Georgios Maroudias
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tzaneio General Hospital, 185 36 Piraeus, Greece
| | - George Mastorakos
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Endocrine Unit, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
| | - Zoi Iliodromiti
- Department of Neonatology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Drakakis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Vrachnis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece
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6
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Vrachnis D, Antonakopoulos N, Fotiou A, Pergialiotis V, Loukas N, Valsamakis G, Iavazzo C, Stavros S, Maroudias G, Panagopoulos P, Vlahos N, Peppa M, Stefos T, Mastorakos G. Is There a Correlation between Apelin and Insulin Concentrations in Early Second Trimester Amniotic Fluid with Fetal Growth Disorders? J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12093166. [PMID: 37176607 PMCID: PMC10179298 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fetal growth disturbances place fetuses at increased risk for perinatal morbidity and mortality. As yet, little is known about the basic pathogenetic mechanisms underlying deranged fetal growth. Apelin is an adipokine with several biological activities. Over the past decade, it has been investigated for its possible role in fetal growth restriction. Most studies have examined apelin concentrations in maternal serum and amniotic fluid in the third trimester or during neonatal life. In this study, apelin concentrations were examined for the first time in early second-trimester fetuses. Another major regulator of tissue growth and metabolism is insulin. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a prospective observational cohort study. We measured apelin and insulin concentrations in the amniotic fluid of 80 pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis in the early second trimester. Amniotic fluid samples were stored in appropriate conditions until delivery. The study groups were then defined, i.e., gestations with different fetal growth patterns (SGA, AGA, and LGA). Measurements were made using ELISA kits. RESULTS Apelin and insulin levels were measured in all 80 samples. The analysis revealed statistically significant differences in apelin concentrations among groups (p = 0.007). Apelin concentrations in large for gestational age (LGA) fetuses were significantly lower compared to those in AGA and SGA fetuses. Insulin concentrations did not differ significantly among groups. CONCLUSIONS A clear trend towards decreasing apelin concentrations as birthweight progressively increased was identified. Amniotic fluid apelin concentrations in the early second trimester may be useful as a predictive factor for determining the risk of a fetus being born LGA. Future studies are expected/needed to corroborate the present findings and should ideally focus on the potential interplay of apelin with other known intrauterine metabolic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionysios Vrachnis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Antonakopoulos
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General University Hospital "Attikon", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Fotiou
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General University Hospital "Attikon", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasilios Pergialiotis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Loukas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tzaneio Hospital, 185 36 Piraeus, Greece
| | - Georgios Valsamakis
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Aretaieio Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Iavazzo
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Metaxa Memorial Cancer Hospital, 185 37 Piraeus, Greece
| | - Sofoklis Stavros
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General University Hospital "Attikon", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Maroudias
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tzaneio Hospital, 185 36 Piraeus, Greece
| | - Periklis Panagopoulos
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General University Hospital "Attikon", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Vlahos
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieio Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
| | - Melpomeni Peppa
- Εndocrine Unit, 2nd Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Research Institute & Diabetes Center, General University Hospital "Attikon", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 124 62 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Stefos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
| | - George Mastorakos
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Aretaieio Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
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A Systematic Review of Bisphenol A from Dietary and Non-Dietary Sources during Pregnancy and Its Possible Connection with Fetal Growth Restriction: Investigating Its Potential Effects and the Window of Fetal Vulnerability. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13072426. [PMID: 34371934 PMCID: PMC8308698 DOI: 10.3390/nu13072426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA), a ubiquitous endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), is increasingly hypothesized to be a factor contributing to changes in fetal growth velocity. BPA exposure may be environmental, occupational, and/or dietary, with canned foods and plastic bottles contributing significantly. Our systematic review aims to evaluate the current literature and to investigate the role of BPA in abnormal fetal growth patterns. A search was conducted in the PubMed and Cochrane databases. A total of 25 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in this systematic review. Eleven of them failed to show a clear relationship between BPA and abnormal fetal growth. The majority of the remaining studies (9/14) found an inverse association of BPA with indicators of fetal growth, whereas three studies suggested increased fetal growth, and two studies produced contradictory findings. Of note, both of the studies that collected a sample (amniotic fluid) directly reflecting BPA concentration in the fetus during the first half of pregnancy revealed an inverse association with birth weight. In conclusion, there is mounting evidence that combined exposure to BPA from dietary and non-dietary sources during pregnancy may contribute to abnormal fetal growth; a tendency towards fetal growth restriction was shown, especially when exposure occurs during the first half.
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