Concentrations In Pregnant Women Research Articles

Serum Hydroxysteroid (17beta) dehydrogenase 1 concentration in pregnant women correlates with pregnancy-associated plasma protein a but does not serve as an independent marker for preeclampsia.

Hydroxysteroid (17beta) dehydrogenase 1 (HSD17B1) is a steroid synthetic enzyme expressed in ovarian granulosa cells and placental syncytiotrophoblasts. Here, HSD17B1 serum concentration was measured with a validated immuno assay during pregnancy at three time points (12-14, 18-20 and 26-28weeks of gestation). The concentration increased 2.5-fold (p < 0.0001) and 1.7-fold (p = 0.0019) during the follow-up period for control women and women who later developed preeclampsia (PE), respectively, and a significant difference was observed at weeks 26-28 (p = 0.0266). HSD17B1 concentration at all the three time points positively correlated with serum PAPPA measured at the first time point (first time point r = 0.38, p = 1.1x10-10; second time point r = 0.27, p = 5.9x10-6 and third timepoint r = 0.26, p = 2.3x10-5). No correlation was observed between HSD17B1 and placental growth factor (PLGF). Serum HSD17B1, furthermore, negatively correlated with the mother's weight and body mass index (BMI), mirroring the pattern observed for PAPPA. The univariable logistic regression identified a weak association between HSD17B1 at 26-28weeks and later development of PE (P = 0.04). Also, the best multivariable model obtained using penalized logistic regression with stable iterative variable selection at 26-28weeks included HSD17B1, together with PLGF, PAPPA and the mother's BMI. While the area under the ROC curve of the model was higher than that of the adjusted PLGF, the difference was not statistically significant. In summary, the serum concentration of HSD17B1 correlated with PAPPA, another protein expressed in syncytiotrophoblasts, and with mother's weight and BMI but could not be considered as an independent marker for PE.

Maternal serum vasohibin-1 and vasohibin-2 concentrations in pregnant women diagnosed with late fetal growth restriction or small for gestational age fetus

Aims: Vasohibin 1, a member of the vasohibin family, is an inhibitor of angiogenesis, while vasohibin 2 stimulates angiogenesis. Placental expressions of vasohibins and their relationship with preeclampsia have been investigated, but their effects on intrauterine fetal growth are unknown. In this context, we aimed to investigate the concentrations of vasohibin 1 and 2 in the serum of pregnant women diagnosed with late fetal growth restriction (FGR) or small for gestational age (SGA) in the third trimester. Methods: This prospective non-interventional cohort study was conducted on 81 pregnant women, 26 of whom were diagnosed with late FGR, 28 were SGA, and 27 were healthy controls. Three groups were compared in terms of serum vasohibin 1 and 2 concentrations in the third trimester. Results: Three groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics and gestational age at blood sampling for vasohibin 1 and 2 (p &lt; 0.05). The median vasohibin 1 concentration was determined as 1227.41 ng/mL in the late FGR group, 1311.15 ng/mL in the SGA group, and 1391.38 ng/mL in the control group (p = 0.139). The median vasohibin 2 concentration was determined as 11.24 ng/mL in the late FGR group, 11.86 ng/mL in the SGA group, and 14.34 ng/mL in the control group (p = 0.198). Conclusion: Serum vasohibin 1 and 2 concentrations were found to be similar in pregnant women diagnosed with late FGR and SGA and pregnant women with AGA fetuses. Vasohibin 1 and 2 are involved in the regulation of placental angiogenesis, but their roles in intrauterine fetal growth remain unclear.

Investigation of Serum Cartonectin Concentrations in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus; a Prospective Non-Interventional Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate serum cartonectin concentrations in pregnant women diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). STUDY DESIGN: This prospective non-interventional cohort study was conducted on 176 pregnant women. The study group consisted of 88 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM, and the control group consisted of 88 pregnant women with normal 75-g OGTT results. First, the study and control groups, and then the subgroups were compared in terms of serum cartonectin concentrations. RESULTS: The study and control groups were similar in terms of BMI and gestational age at blood sampling (p=0.599, p=0.854). The study and control groups were similar in terms of median serum cartonectin concentrations (6.28 ng/ml and 7.13 ng/ml, respectively, p=0.165). In the subgroup analysis, the normal weight control group, overweight control group, normal weight study group, and overweight study group were compared in terms of serum cartonectin concentrations. The lowest median cartonectin concentration was detected in the overweight study group, followed by the overweight control group, normal weight study group, and normal weight control group (5.8 ng/ml, 6.5 ng/ml, 6.9 ng/ml, and 8.2 ng/ml, respectively, p=0.235). CONCLUSION: Serum cartonectin concentrations were found to be similar in the GDM and control groups. However, the number of participants in this study is limited to draw a definitive conclusion. Many studies with larger series are needed to reveal whether serum cartonectin is involved in the pathophysiology of GDM.

Sex Steroid Hormone Serum Concentrations in Pregnant Women with Epilepsy in MONEAD (S19.006)

Sex Steroid Hormone Serum Concentrations in Pregnant Women with Epilepsy in MONEAD (S19.006)

What is in common between preeclampsia, HPS70 and medieval headwear? Part II. Serum HSP70 in superimposed preeclampsia: original study

The objective: to investigate serum heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) concentration in pregnant women with chronic hypertension and superimposed preeclampsia. To assess the prospects of using HSP70 as a superimposed preeclampsia predictor.Materials and methods. The original prospective cohort single-center observational study included 105 pregnant women with chronic hypertension and 34 healthy pregnant women as a control group. Serum HSP70 was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The first measurement point of serum HSP70 was at 28 weeks of gestation, the second measurement point was at 36 weeks in case of absence of preeclampsia or at 29-35 weeks in case of preeclampsia. If signs of preeclampsia appeared later than 36 weeks, additional HSP70 measurement was not performed. Statistical analysis was conducted using EZR 1.55 software.Results. In the study group (105 pregnant women with chronic hypertension), after delivery 30 patients had signs of superimposed preeclampsia (superimposed preeclampsia subgroup) and 75 persons had no signs of superimposed preeclampsia (chronic hypertension subgroup). In the control group (34 healthy pregnant women) 3 patients after delivery had preeclampsia signs (preeclampsia subgroup) and another 31 had no signs of preeclampsia (healthy subgroup).Serum HSP70 levels, obtained at the first measurement point (28 weeks) was statistically significantly different between three subgroups: patients with chronic hypertension vs. patients with superimposed preeclampsia (p&lt;0.01), healthy pregnant women vs. chronic hypertension women (p&lt;0.0001), healthy persons vs. superimposed preeclampsia persons (p&lt;0.0001).Serum HSP70 concentrations at the second measurement point (36 weeks, or 29-35 weeks in case of preeclampsia) also had a statistically significant difference for each pair of subgroups (p&lt;0.001). Given the small number of persons in the preeclampsia subgroup (3 women), it was not included in the calculations.No statistically significant difference between serum HSP70 levels in the first and second measurement points was found in healthy pregnant women subgroup. In the subgroup of pregnant women with chronic hypertension without superimposed preeclampsia complications, a statistically significant increased serum HSP70 concentration was found at 36 weeks compared to 28 weeks (p&lt;0.0001). Even bigger growth of HSP70 levels compared to 28 weeks occurred in case of joining preeclampsia to chronic hypertension (p&lt;0.0001).Conclusions. The data suggest an increased concentration of HSP70 in pregnant women with superimposed preeclampsia compared to pregnant women with chronic hypertension of the corresponding term. Thus, it is possible to assume that HSP70 plays a role in superimposed preeclampsia pathogenesis.The increased serum HSP70 levels in pregnant women with chronic hypertension, compared to healthy pregnant women of the corresponding gestational age was determined. Therefore, it can be argued that HSP70 has an influence on the course of chronic hypertension during pregnancy.No statistically significant dependance of serum HSP70 level in healthy pregnant women on gestational age was found. The increase in the level of HSP70 in pregnant women with chronic hypertension with increasing gestational age is most likely due to the progression of hypertensive disorders and/or related conditions. The highest HSP70 increase was observed in pregnant women with chronic hypertension with the addition of preeclampsia.The use of HSP70 as the only predictor of superimposed preeclampsia is not effective, given its non-specificity, but the use of this indicator in combination with other markers is promising and requires further study.

Salivary iodine concentration in pregnant women and its association with iodine status and thyroid function.

There have been no reports on the application of salivary iodine concentration (SIC) in evaluating iodine nutrition in pregnant women. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between SIC and indicators of iodine nutritional status and thyroid function during pregnancy, to investigate whether salivary iodine can be applied to the evaluation of iodine nutritional status in pregnant women, and to provide a reference basis for establishing a normal range of salivary iodine values during pregnancy. Pregnant women were enrolled in the Department of Obstetrics, the people's hospital of Yuncheng Country, Shandong Province, from July 2021 to December 2022, using random cluster sampling. Saliva, urine, and blood samples were collected from pregnant women to assess iodine nutritional status, and venous blood was collected to determine thyroid function. A total of 609 pregnant women were included in this study. The median spot urinary iodine concentration (SUIC) was 261μg/L. The median SIC was 297μg/L. SIC was positively correlated with SUIC (r = 0.46, P < 0.0001), 24-h UIC (r = 0.30, P < 0.0001), 24-h urinary iodine excretion (24-h UIE) (r = 0.41, P < 0.0001), and estimated iodine intake (EII) (r = 0.52, P < 0.0001). After adjusting for confounders, there was a weak correlation between SIC and serum total iodine and serum non-protein-bound iodine (P = 0.02, P = 0.04, respectively). Pregnant women with a SIC < 176μg/L had a higher risk of insufficient iodine status (OR = 2.07, 95% CI 1.35-3.19) and thyroid dysfunction (OR = 2.71, 95% CI 1.18-6.21) compared to those with higher SIC. Those having SIC > 529μg/L were more likely to have excessive iodine status (OR = 2.82, 95% CI 1.81-4.38) and thyroid dysfunction (OR = 3.04, 95% CI 1.36-6.78) than those with lower SIC values. SIC is associated with urinary iodine concentration and thyroid function in pregnant women. SIC < 176μg/L was associated with an increased risk for iodine deficiency and hypothyroxinemia, while SIC > 529μg/L was related to excess and thyrotoxicosis. SIC can be used as a reference indicator for evaluating the iodine nutrition status of pregnant women, but it needs further investigation and verification. NCT04492657(Aug 9, 2022).

Hair cortisol concentrations in pregnant women with bipolar, depressive, or schizophrenic spectrum disorders.

Maternal cortisol levels in pregnancy may support the growth of or adversely affect fetal organs, including the brain. While moderate cortisol levels are essential for fetal development, excessive or prolonged elevations may have negative health consequences for both the mother and the offspring. Little is known about predictors of altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity during pregnancy. This study examined maternal hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy in relation to severe psychopathology. Hair samples were collected from 69 women, 32 with a lifetime diagnosis of severe mental disorders (bipolar I or II disorder, moderate or severe depressive disorder, schizophrenic spectrum disorder), and 37 non-clinical controls. Hair samples were collected during the 3rd trimester, and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used for cortisol assessment. Psychiatric diagnosis and current level of symptomatic functioning were assessed using the structured clinical interview from the DSM-5 and the global assessment of functioning scale. Women with a lifetime diagnosis of severe mental illness had significantly elevated HCC compared to controls. Poorer current symptomatic functioning was also significantly associated with elevated HCC in pregnancy. The implications of alterations in HCC on both maternal and infant health need further study.

Assessment Hemolytic Effect of Lead, Cadmium and Copper on Erythrocytes of Pregnant Women

Background: Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements characterized by their elevated density and atomic weight. These elements are present in varying proportions within the Earth's soil and rock formations, their distribution contingent upon geographical location. Heavy metals, such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, copper, and mercury, have been identified as substances that can adversely affect the reproductive system. These heavy metals are particularly harmful to the developing fetus. Objective: to assess the hemolytic effect of lead cadmium copper on the erythrocytes of pregnant women and study reduced glutathione concentration in pregnant women with anemia compared with healthy pregnant. Material and method: Blood samples were collected from pregnant women around Kirkuk governorate, Iraq. In addition to 30 samples for glutathione estimation (15 from anemia pregnant women and 15 from control). The study concerns the effect of different concentrations of single metal (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100) mM from Pb, (20, 15,10,5, and 1 ) mM from Cd, and (10, 7, 5, 3 and 1) mM from Cu individually on the erythrocytes hemolysis. Also, this study concerns the effect of the combined metals on the hemolysis of erythrocytes, which represent double (Cd: Pb) ,(Pb: Cu) &amp;(Cd: Cu), and triple (Pb:Cd: Cu) metals with different concentrations on erythrocytes hemolysis. Glutathione concentration estimated in three trimesters in pregnant with anemia compared to healthy pregnant Results: The results showed that the hemolysis achieved by accessing the concentration of the metals, with (100) mM pb the range of hemolysis is between (94-96)% of the three trimesters, with (20) mM Cd the range of hemolysis is between (89-99)% of the three trimesters and (10) mM Cu the range of hemolysis is between (65-76)% of 3 trimesters, effect of the metals in first trimester Cd(99%) Pb(94%) Cu(65%), second trimester Cd(97%) Pb( 96\%) Cu(76%) and third trimester Pb(96\%)$&gt;&gt;$Cd(89\%)$&gt;&gt;$Cu(72\%). The levels of GSH that there were indicated non-significant ( p 0.05) difference in all patients and subdivided trimesters compared to the control.

Environmental and genetic predictors of whole blood mercury and selenium concentrations in pregnant women in a UK birth cohort

There is evidence that tissue concentrations of mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) are predicted by numerous dietary, sociodemographic, environmental, and genetic factors. This study aimed to estimate the relative importance of predictors of Hg and Se concentrations in blood samples taken from pregnant women. The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) in the UK measured whole blood Hg and Se concentrations in 3,972 pregnant women. We identified 30 potential predictors of Hg and 24 of Se, which were evaluated using cross-validated random forests to identify the optimal models for predictive power. The relative importance of individual variables was estimated by averaging the added-R2 per predictor. Linkage disequilibrium score regression was used to estimate the variance explained by genotype. A multivariable model of 14 predictors explained 22.4% of Hg variance (95% CI: 13.0 to 37.1), including 6.9% from blood Se and 3.2% from white fish consumption. There were 11 predictors which explained 15.3% of Se variance (CI: 8.9 to 25.9), including 6.4% from blood Hg, 1.3% from blood lead, and 1.3% from oily fish. Measured genetic variation explained 30% of Hg variance (CI: 8.4 to 51.5) and 37.5% of Se (CI: 10.4 to 64.5). A high proportion of Hg and Se variance could be explained from dietary, sociodemographic, metabolic, and genetic factors. Seafood consumption was less predictive of Hg than may be expected and other factors should be considered when determining risk of exposure. There was tentative evidence that genotype is a major contributor to Hg and Se variation, possibly by modifying the efficacy of internal metabolism.

Investigation of Serum Cardiotrophin-1 Concentrations in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

We aimed to investigate cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) concentrations in the serum of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This prospective non-interventional cohort study was conducted with 160 pregnant women who applied to the Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology between October 2022 and May 2023. The GDM group was formed from 80 pregnant women who were diagnosed with GDM according to the 75-g OGTT. The control group consisted of 80 healthy pregnant women who were matched with the GDM group in terms of age and body mass index and had a normal 75-g OGTT result. Two groups were compared in terms of maternal serum CT-1 concentrations. Both groups were similar in terms of demographic features and the gestational week at blood sampling for CT-1 (p>0.05 for each). The mean maternal serum CT-1 concentration was found to be 1420.9 pg/ml in the GDM group, while it was determined as 1455 pg/ml in the control group (p=0.738). When the GDM and control groups were divided into two subgroups, normal weight and overweight according to the participants' BMI, serum CT-1 concentrations were found to be similar in these four groups (p=0.084). When the GDM group was divided into two groups of diet-only and the insulin-using group for blood glucose regulation and compared with the control group, the three groups were also similar in terms of serum CT-1 concentrations (p=0.189). CT-1 is an adipokine involved in the regulation of glucose metabolism and has been suggested to be associated with the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus. In this study, serum CT-1 concentrations were found to be similar in the group with GDM and the group with normal glucose tolerance. Whether CT-1 contributes to the development of GDM is currently unclear and requires further investigation.

Exposure of pregnant women and their children to pyrethroid insecticides in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Pyrethroids are commonly used insecticides in Brazil. Gestational and early childhood exposure to pyrethroids has been linked to adverse health effects, including neurodevelopmental delays, behavioral issues, and endocrine disruption. This study evaluated the exposure of pregnant women and their children to pyrethroid insecticides in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Creatinine-adjusted levels of the pyrethroid metabolites 3-phenoxy benzoic acid (3-PBA) and 4-fluoro-3-phenoxybenzyl acid (4-FPBA) were measured in the urine of 142 pregnant women and their children at birth and in the first, third, and 6th months of life. The geometric mean (GM) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 3-PBA and 4-FPBA urinary concentrations in pregnant women were 0.50 (0.37-0.67) and 0.37 (0.05-2.90) ng/mg, detected in 47.2 and 10.6%, respectively. Urinary concentrations of 3-PBA in the children were 0.18 (0.15-0.23) ng/mg at birth, 0.36 (0.08-1.56) ng/mg at 1-month-old, 0.68 (0.36-1.27) ng/mg at 3-month-old, and 1.36 (0.77-2.42) ng/mg at 6-month-old, and the detection rates were respectively 10.8, 9.4, 20.9, and 20.7%. This study is one of the few that has evaluated the urinary concentrations of pyrethroids in newborns and children in their 1st year of life. The results of this study show that children's exposure to pyrethroids significantly increases after birth.

Sleep disorders and changes in melatonin concentrations in pregnant women with preeclampsia

Melatonin plays a significant role in the development of normal pregnancy, in particular, it contributes to the successful implantation of the fertilized egg, affects the act of childbirth, is actively produced by the trophoblast and placenta, reduces oxidative stress, in particular, with preeclampsia. In addition, melatonin is one of the essential hormones in the protection of the endothelium and stem cells from the oxidant stress. Objective – to study the mechanisms of development, terms of manifestation, and types of sleep disorders, as well as changes in the concentrations of melatonin in the blood of pregnant women with preeclampsia. Material and methods. 50 pregnant women at a mean age of 29.1±3.4 years who had preeclampsia in the 3rd pregnancy trimester were examined (experimental group). All women in the research group had a gestation term of 30-32 weeks of pregnancy. The control group consisted of 33 women with a mean age of 31.2±6.6 years who had an uncomplicated pregnancy. The presence of sleep disorders was established using a questionnaire: pregnant women were asked about the term of pregnancy in which complaints of sleep disorders appeared, the nature of sleep disorders, the frequency of episodes of sleep disorders (how many times a week such a condition was noted), etc. The concentration of melatonin in the venous blood of the examined pregnant women was also determined, for which IBL melatonin ELISA diagnostic kits manufactured by IBL, Germany were used. Blood was taken at 9:00 a.m., on an empty stomach, and all patients were analyzed at the same time of a day. Results and their discussion. The study showed that sleep disorders in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia, which complicates the pregnancy in the 3rd trimester, occurred earlier, compared to women with an uncomplicated course of pregnancy: pregnant women with pre-eclampsia were more likely to notice worsening of sleep, starting from 22-30 weeks of pregnancy (in 26.0 % of cases), while in pregnant women with a physiological course of gestation, similar complaints appeared mainly after 30 weeks. In the third trimester of pregnancy women with preeclampsia were more likely to wake up 2 or more times per night (in 68.0 % of cases) compared to controls (in 23.3 % of cases, p &lt; 0.001) and 3 or more times per night per week (in 54.0 % of cases, in controls – in 16.7 % of cases, p &lt; 0.001), which may be a consequence of a disorder of the function of the pineal gland. Women with preeclampsia were more likely (56.0 % vs. 13.3 % in the control group, p &lt; 0.01) to use gadgets (electronic devices, mainly smartphones) for more than 2 hours after 9:00 p.m., which also negatively affects the function of the pineal gland. In pregnant women whose pregnancy was complicated by preeclampsia in the 3rd trimester, a significant (1.78-fold) decrease in the level of melatonin in venous blood taken at 9 a.m. was observed, compared to women with an uncomplicated pregnancy (p = 0.029). Conclusions. Sleep disorders in pregnant women with preeclampsia occur earlier and are more expressed compared to women with an uncomplicated course of pregnancy. The appearance of complaints of insomnia in the second trimester of pregnancy, in our opinion, can be considered a diagnostic sign of pineal gland dysfunction in preeclampsia. A decrease in the level of melatonin in pregnant women with preeclampsia, established against the background of minimal daily activity of the pineal gland (at 9 a.m.), indicates a decrease in the melatonin-producing function of the placenta which might have an impact on the condition of stem cells of fetus and placenta.

Investigation of serum isthmin 1 concentration in pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus; a case-control study

Objective Isthmin 1 (ISM1) is an adipokine that improves hyperglycemia by increasing glucose uptake in a non-insulin-dependent manner. Studies have shown that ISM is associated with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Based on this, we aimed to investigate serum ISM1 concentrations of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods This case-control study was conducted with 80 pregnant women who applied to the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic of Umraniye Training and Research Hospital between April 2022 and November 2022. While 40 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM according to 75 g OGTT results formed the GDM group, 40 pregnant women with normal OGTT results formed the control group. The two groups were compared in terms of serum ISM1 concentrations. Results Both groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics (p > 0.05). Fasting blood glucose levels, 1st-hour and 2nd-hour blood glucose levels in 75 g OGTT, fasting insulin levels, and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in the GDM group (p > 0.05, for each). Both groups were similar in terms of maternal waist circumference, periumbilical, and epigastric subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness (p > 0.05, for each). Both groups were similar in terms of the gestational week at blood sampling for ISM1 (p = 0.253). The median maternal serum ISM1 concentration was found to be 3243.94 pg/ml in the GDM group, while it was determined as 2785.29 pg/ml in the non-GDM group (p = 0.026). ROC analysis was performed to determine the value of maternal serum ISM1 concentration in predicting GDM. AUC analysis of maternal serum ISM1 for estimation of GDM was 0.645 (p = 0.026, 95% CI = 0.523 − 0.766). The optimal threshold value for maternal serum ISM1 concentration was determined as 3124.41 pg/ml with 62.5% sensitivity and 62.5% specificity. Conclusions Serum ISM1 concentrations were found to be higher in pregnant women with GDM than in healthy controls. Whether or how ISM1 participates in the pathophysiology of GDM remains to be investigated.

FRI491 The Impact Of Insulin Resistance On Thyroid Function In Pregnancy

Abstract Disclosure: M. Trofimiuk-Muldner: None. A.J. Nowak: None. J. Podlewski: None. A. Hubalewska-Dydejczyk: None. The influence of hyperinsulinemia on thyroid function is debatable. Insulin as an anabolic hormone may be responsible for thyroid hypertrophy and nodular development. The interplay between insulin and the function of the pituitary-thyroid axis may influence thyroid tests’ results and their interpretation. This study evaluated the association between thyroid hormones and insulin resistance in pregnant women. The study group was recruited from the Polish National Program for Elimination of Iodine Deficiency, conducted between 2007-2017. We assessed the fasting glucose, insulin levels, thyroid hormones (TSH, FT4, FT3), and ATPO antibodies in 1069 pregnant women (median age 29 years, IQR 6 years). Based on calculated HOMA-IR, participants were stratified into three subgroups HOMA1 (324 women with HOMA-IR &amp;lt; 1), HOMA 2 (570 women with HOMA-IR ≥1&amp; &amp;lt;2.5) and HOMA3 (175 women with HOMA-IR ≥ 2.5). Results: Median (IQR) TSH concentrations were 1.42 (1.33) mIU/L, 1.65 (1.31) mIU/L, and 1.77 (1.29) mIU/L in HOMA1, HOMA2, and HOMA3 subgroups, respectively. Median (IQR) FT4 concentrations were 12.9 (3.0) pmol/L, 12.48 (2.85) pmol/L, and 11.38 (2.8) pmol/L in HOMA1, HOMA2, and HOMA3 subgroups, respectively. Median (IQR) FT3 concentrations were 4.79 (1.75) pmol/L, 4.6 (1.02) pmol/L, and 4.47 (0.88) pmol/L in HOMA1, HOMA2, and HOMA3 subgroups, respectively. Median (IQR) aTPO concentrations were 10 (11.34) IU/L, 11.59 (8.54) IU/L, and 10.15 (7.5) mIU/L in HOMA1, HOMA2, and HOMA3 subgroups, respectively. HOMA1 and HOMA2 subgroups differed significantly in TSH (p=0.026) and FT3concentrations (p=0.001). HOMA2 and HOMA3 subgroups differed significantly in FT4 (p&amp;lt;0.001) and aTPO concentrations (p=0.045). HOMA1 and HOMA3 patients differed in TSH (p=0.001), FT4 (p&amp;lt;0.001), and FT3 (p=0.001) concentrations. aTPO-positivity was not related to HOMA-IR values (mean HOMA-IR in aTPO-positive andaTPO-negative women were 1.63 and 1.80 respectively, p=0.32). Conclusions: Insulin resistance may impact thyroid function in pregnancy independently of thyroid autoimmunity, with higher TSH and lower thyroid hormones concentrations in pregnant women with higher HOMA-IR indices. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Investigation of maternal serum endocan concentrations in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus; a prospective case-control study

Objective We aimed to investigate the maternal serum endocan concentrations in pregnant women diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and to investigate the usability of serum endocan in GDM screening. Methods This prospective case-control study was conducted with 160 pregnant women. The GDM group consisted of 80 pregnant women who had 75 g OGTT between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy and were diagnosed with GDM. The control group consisted of 80 healthy pregnant women who were matched with the GDM group in terms of age and body mass index (BMI) and had a normal 75 g OGTT result. Serum endocan concentrations were evaluated between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation in all participants and the groups were compared in terms of serum endocan concentrations. Results The median maternal serum endocan concentration was found to be significantly higher in the GDM group than in the control group (498 ng/L, and 467 ng/L, respectively, p = 0.024). In the subgroup analysis according to the BMI of the participants, the highest median maternal serum endocan concentration (513 ng/L) was found in the overweight GDM group. ROC analysis was performed to determine the value of maternal serum endocan concentration in predicting GDM. AUC analysis of maternal serum endocan for estimation of GDM was 0.603 (p = 0.024, 95% CI = 0.515 − 0.691). The optimal threshold value for maternal serum endocan concentration was determined as 376 ng/L with 88.75% sensitivity and 32.5% specificity. Conclusion Although serum endocan does not have high enough specificity to be used as an alternative to OGTT in GDM screening between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, we think that it is somehow involved in the pathogenesis of GDM. The contribution of placental endocan expression to the serum concentration and the effect of blood glucose regulation on serum endocan concentration in GDM remain to be investigated.

Comparison of VEGF-A levels in women with threatened abortion, early pregnancy loss and uncomplicated healthy pregnancies

IntroductionTo estimate the possible role of VEGF-A in predicting poor early pregnancy outcomes including threatened abortion and early pregnancy loss. MethodsWe conducted a prospective case-control study with three groups of pregnant women diagnosed with threatened abortion, early pregnancy loss, and uncomplicated healthy pregnancies between 01 March 2023 and 15 March 2023. Maternal serum VEGF-A concentration was measured using the Sandwich-ELISA method in accordance to the commercial kit's instructions. There were 30 patients in each 3 group and the gestational age of the patients was between 6 and 14 weeks. The Kruskal-Wallis test was performed for comparing the median values between the groups. Mann-Whitney U test was conducted for pairwise comparisons. ResultsVEGF-A levels were compared between 3 groups and a statistically significant difference was found (p = 0.007). There was a moderately significant correlation between VEGF-A levels and poor early pregnancy outcomes. For poor early pregnancy outcomes, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.64–0.85). The best balance of sensitivity/specificity in ROC curves was 0.60 (63.3% sensitivity, 74.3% specificity). DiscussionIn conclusion, this study pointed out the increased VEGF concentrations in pregnant women with threatened miscarriage and early pregnancy loss.VEGF-A may be a potential biomarker for the indication of poor early pregnancy outcomes.

Investigation of Serum Amphiregulin Concentrations in Pregnant Women Diagnosed with Isolated Fetal Growth Restriction in the Third Trimester.

We aimed to investigate serum amphiregulin (AREG) concentrations in pregnant women with isolated fetal growth restriction (FGR) in the third trimester. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 90 pregnant women who applied to the Umraniye Training and Research Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic between January 2022 and May 2022. The FGR group consisted of 45 pregnant women diagnosed with FGR in the third trimester, and the control group consisted of 45 healthy pregnant women matched with the FGR group in terms of age and body mass index (BMI). Demographic characteristics, ultrasound findings, and neonatal outcomes were noted. As a primary outcome, the two groups were compared for maternal serum AREG concentrations. Both groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics (p>0.05). While fetal BPD, AC, and FL measurements in the group diagnosed with FGR were significantly lower than in the control group, umbilical artery Doppler PI and S/D were higher (p=0.000, for all). Gestational age at birth, newborn birth weight, birth height, and 1-minute Apgar score were significantly lower and the NICU admission rate was higher in the FGR group (p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.027, p=0.011 respectively). Gestational age at blood sampling for AREG was similar in both groups (p=0.869). While maternal serum AREG concentration was 969.39 ng/L in the FGR group, it was 795.20 ng/L in the control group (p=0.018). AUC analysis of AREG for estimation of FGR in ROC analysis was 0.57 (p<0.247, 95% CI=0.44-0.69). The optimal threshold value for FGR estimation of maternal serum AREG concentration was determined as 874.03 ng/L with 55% sensitivity and 55% specificity. High maternal serum AREG concentrations appear to be associated with isolated FGR in the third trimester. The pathways through which AREG modulates fetal growth remain to be investigated.

Maternal, neonatal, pregnancy outcome characteristics of pregnant women with high plasma cell-free DNA concentration in non-invasive prenatal screening: a retrospective analysis.

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a useful biomarker in various clinical contexts. Herein, we aimed to identify maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes associated with a failed NIPS test due to high cfDNA concentrations. A retrospective study of cases with high plasma cfDNA concentration in pregnant women in which NIPS test was performed (from 174,318 cases). We reported the detection of 126 cases (118 with complete clinical information) in which the high amount of cfDNA did not allow the performance of NIPS and study the possible causes of this result. 622 (0.35%) of 174,318 pregnant women had failed the NIPS test, including 126 (20.3%) cases with high plasma cfDNA concentrations. The failed NIPS due to high plasma cfDNA concentrations was associated with maternal diseases and treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). Further follow-up of the 118 pregnant women in the case group revealed that the pregnancy outcomes included 31 premature deliveries, 21 abortions. The cfDNA concentrations of pregnant women with preterm deliveries were 1.15 (0.89, 1.84), which differed significantly from those who had full-term deliveries. Among pregnant women with high cfDNA concentrations, systemic autoimmune diseases, pregnancy complications and LMWH were associated with increased incidence of failed NIPS test. High maternal cfDNA concentrations may not be associated with chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. However, they should be alerted to the possibility of preterm births and stillbirths. Further clinical studies on pregnant women with high cfDNA concentrations are required.

Investigation of serum afamin concentration in pregnant women diagnosed with late fetal growth restriction or small for gestational age fetus

Objective To investigate the afamin concentration in the serum of pregnant women diagnosed with late fetal growth restriction (FGR) or small for gestational age (SGA) in the third trimester. Methods This prospective case-control study was conducted on 126 pregnant women, 42 of whom were diagnosed with late FGR in the third trimester, 43 were SGA, and 41 were healthy controls. The groups were compared in terms of maternal serum afamin concentrations. Results Three groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics and gestational age at blood sampling for afamin (p < .05). The median afamin concentration was determined as 199 ng/mL in the late FGR group, 153 ng/mL in the SGA group, and 108 ng/mL in the control group (p = .000). In the post-hoc analysis, while maternal serum afamin concentrations were found to be significantly higher in the late FGR group and SGA group compared to the control group but, this significance could not be shown between the FGR group and the SGA group (p = .00001, p = .005, p = .137, respectively). In the ROC analysis, the optimal cutoff value of serum afamin concentration to predict late FGR was determined as 141 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 66.6% and a specificity of 85.3%. Conclusions The serum afamin concentration in the third trimester was found to be higher in pregnant women with late FGR compared to the SGA and control groups. Although afamin is seen as a promising molecule in the clinical prediction of late FGR, this needs to be supported by large series of studies.

Early changes in S100B maternal blood levels can predict fetal intrauterine growth restriction.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) represents one of the main causes of perinatal mortality and morbidity. Nowadays, IUGR early diagnosis is mandatory in order to limit the occurrence of multiorgan failure, especially the brain. Therefore, we investigated whether longitudinal S100B assessment in maternal blood could be a trustable predictor of IUGR. We conducted a prospective study in 480 pregnancies (IUGR: n=40; small for gestational age, SGA: n=40; controls: n=400) in whom S100B was measured at three predetermined monitoring time-points (T1: 8-18 GA; T2: 19-23 GA; T3: 24-28 GA). Lower S100B in IUGR fetuses than SGA and controls (p<0.05, for all) at T1-T3. Receiver operating characteristic curve showed that S100B at T1 was the best predictor of IUGR (sensitivity: 100 %; specificity: 81.4 %) than T2, T3. The early lower S100B concentration in pregnant women lately complicated by IUGR support the notion that non-invasive early IUGR diagnosis and monitoring is becoming feasible. Results open the way to further studies aimed at diagnosing and monitoring fetal/maternal diseases at earliest time.