Cord Blood Serum Research Articles

Evaluation of folate concentration in amniotic fluid and maternal and umbilical cord blood during labor.

IntroductionFolate is required for fetal, placental and maternal tissue growth during pregnancy. A decline in maternal circulating folate concentrations and an increase in total homocysteine (a non-specific indicator of folate deficiency) have been observed with the progression of pregnancy. However, the role of folate in the third trimester of pregnancy is not clear and folate status in late pregnancy has not so far been widely analyzed. The main aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to determine the folate concentrations in amniotic fluid and in maternal and umbilical cord blood serum derived during delivery.Material and methodsThis study was conducted on 175 pregnant Polish women (white/Caucasian) aged between 17 and 42 years. Only pregnancies without birth defects were included in this study. Amniotic fluid, maternal serum, and umbilical cord blood samples were collected during vaginal delivery or cesarean section. Folate concentration was determined using a microbiological assay.ResultsStrong correlations were observed between the concentrations of folate in amniotic fluid and maternal serum (rho = 0.67, p < 0.001) and amniotic fluid and cord blood serum (rho = 0.49, p < 0.001) and between maternal serum and cord blood serum (rho = 0.67, p < 0.001). Folate concentrations in amniotic fluid were significantly associated with maternal age (rho = 0.19, p < 0.05). Pre-pregnancy body mass index and maternal weight/neonatal birth weight ratio were independent predictors of folate concentrations in maternal serum (β = 0.33, p < 0.05; β = –0.19, p < 0.05) and amniotic fluid (β = 0.28, p < 0.05; β = –0.19, p < 0.05) in late pregnancy.ConclusionsFolate concentrations in amniotic fluid are associated with maternal and neonatal folate status peripartum in healthy women.

Epitopes of Immunoreactive Proteins of Streptococcus Agalactiae: Enolase, Inosine 5'-Monophosphate Dehydrogenase and Molecular Chaperone GroEL.

Three Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococci, GBS) immunoreactive proteins: enolase (47.4 kDa), inosine 5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) (53 kDa) and molecular chaperone GroEL (57 kDa) were subjected to investigation. Enolase protein was described in our previous paper, whereas IMPDH and GroEL were presented for the first time. The aim of our paper was to provide mapping of specific epitopes, highly reactive with umbilical cord blood serum. Bioinformatic analyses allowed to select 32 most likely epitopes for enolase, 36 peptides for IMPDH and 41 immunoreactive peptides for molecular chaperone GroEL, which were synthesized by PEPSCAN. Ten peptides: two in enolase, one in IMPDH and seven in molecular chaperone GroEL have been identified as potentially highly selective epitopes that can be used as markers in rapid immunological diagnostic tests or constitute a component of an innovative vaccine against GBS infections.

Sperm Aneuploidy in a Birth Cohort of Faroese Men Exposed in Utero to p,p-DDE and PCBs

It is known that sperm aneuploidy contributes to early pregnancy losses, and to congenital abnormalities. Although the causes are unknown, environmental contaminants are suspected. Previously published data on 90 Faroese men showed that organochlorine exposure is associated with sperm disomy. Associations based on cord blood samples from a Faroese birth cohort (n&amp;#61;40) was apparent, but not statistically significant. This study aims to evaluate whether a significant association can be detected with a larger sample size.Serum and semen samples were obtained from 22-year-old men (n&amp;#61;100) who belonged in the birth cohort and participated in Faroe Islands health studies from 2009 to 2010. Serum samples were analyzed for p,p-DDE and major PCB congeners (118, 138, 153, and 180) and adjusted for total lipids. Cord blood and age-14 serum were available and were also analyzed for p,p-DDE and PCBs. Sperm fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for chromosomes X, Y, and 18 was used to determine rates of XX18, XY18, YY18, and total disomy. Multivariable adjusted Poisson models (SAS GENMOD procedure) were used to estimate the relationship between organochlorine exposure and sperm disomy outcomes. The Poisson model was fitted using disomy measures (XX18, YY18, XY18, or total sex chromosome disomy) as the outcome variable, the natural logarithm of the number of sperm counted as the offset variable, the organochlorine exposure of interest as the independent variable. Age, abstinence time, smoking status, log of sperm concentration, motility, and morphology were all potential confounders controlled for in the adjusted analysis. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each model.Because associations between cord blood concentrations of p,p-DDE and PCBs and sperm disomy in adulthood were not consistently significant in the original 40 men, we hypothesize that the addition of 50 men to this original cohort will yield more consistent results.

Validation of Raised Cord Blood Interleukin-16 in Perinatal Asphyxia and Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy in the BiHiVE2 Cohort

The role of inflammation is an important factor in the progression of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). We have previously shown that interleukin-16 (IL-16) is increased in infants with moderate and severe HIE and relates to poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. We aimed to validate IL-16 as a cord blood-based biomarker for HIE and to examine its relationship to long-term outcomes. The study sample consisted of 105 full-term infants who experienced perinatal asphyxia (PA) (with and without an encephalopathy) along with healthy, gestational age-matched newborn controls. Umbilical cord blood serum was processed and biobanked at delivery. Infants were assigned a modified Sarnat score at 24 h. Analysis of IL-16 cytokine cord blood levels was performed using the sandwich-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Cord blood-based IL-16 was increased in infants with PA and HIE relative to controls (p = 0.025). IL-16 was also increased in the HIE group relative to controls (p = 0.042). There was no significant difference in IL-16 across grades of HIE or in those with abnormal outcomes at 2 years of age. This study validates findings that cord blood-based IL-16 levels are increased in infants with PA, including those who go on to develop HIE.

Differential Growth Factor and Interleukin Contribution of Adult Peripheral Blood Serum and Cord Blood Serum as Sources of Topical Eye Drops for Cornea and Ocular Surface Disease

Differential Growth Factor and Interleukin Contribution of Adult Peripheral Blood Serum and Cord Blood Serum as Sources of Topical Eye Drops for Cornea and Ocular Surface Disease

Effect of gestational diabetes mellitus on newborn cholesterol metabolism

Background and aimsImpaired glucose metabolism during pregnancy may associate with changes in fetal cholesterol metabolism. We investigated if gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects newborn cholesterol metabolism as determined by cord blood squalene and non-cholesterol sterols. Furthermore, we examined potential correlations between cord blood and maternal serum non-cholesterol sterols. MethodsPregnant women at risk for GDM (BMI>30 kg/m2) were enrolled from maternity clinics in Finland. GDM was determined from the results of an oral glucose tolerance test. Serum samples were taken in the third trimester of pregnancy, and cord blood samples collected from their newborns at birth. Squalene and non-cholesterol sterols were analyzed from serum and cord blood by gas liquid chromatography. All women with GDM were in good glycaemic control. ResultsThe ratios of squalene and non-cholesterol sterols to cholesterol (100 × μmol/mmol of cholesterol) in cord blood did not differ between the infants born to mothers with GDM (n = 15) or mothers with normal glucose tolerance (n = 13). The ratios of sitosterol and campesterol to cholesterol in the cord blood correlated with the corresponding maternal serum ratios (r = 0.70, p < 0.0001) in both groups. ConclusionsIn obese women under good glycaemic control, GDM did not affect newborn cholesterol metabolism. Cord blood sitosterol and campesterol ratios to cholesterol correlated with the corresponding maternal serum ratios thus potentially reflecting maternal-fetal cholesterol transport.

Comparison of growth factor and interleukin content of adult peripheral blood and cord blood serum eye drops for cornea and ocular surface diseases

IntroductionVarious blood-derived products have been proposed for the topical treatment of ocular surface diseases. The aim of the study was to compare the different content of Growth Factors (GFs) and Interleukins (ILs) in peripheral blood (PB-S) and Cord Blood (CB-S) sera. Materials and methodsSera were obtained from 105 healthy adult donors (PB-S) and 107 umbilical/placental veins at the time of delivery (CB-S). The levels of epithelial-GF (EGF), fibroblast-GF (FGF), platelet-derived-GF (PDGF), insulin-GF (IGF), transforming-GF alpha (TGF-α,) and beta 1-2-3 (TGF-β1-β2-β3), vascular endothelial-GF (VEGF), nerve-GF (NGF), Interleukin (IL)-1β,IL-4,IL-6,IL-10, and IL-13 were assessed by Bio-Plex Protein Array System (Bio-Rad Laboratories, CA, USA). The Mann-Whitney test for unpaired data was applied to compare GFs and ILs levels in the two sources. The associations among each GF/IL level and the obstetric data for CB-S and hematological characteristics for PB-S were also investigated. ResultsThe levels of EGF, TGF-α, TGF-β2, FGF, PDGF, VEGF, NGF, IL-1B, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-13 were significantly higher in CB-S compared to PB-S. Conversely, the levels of IGF-1, IGF-2, and TGF-β1 were significantly higher in PB-S. The female sex and the weight of the child showed a significant association in predicting EGF and PDGF levels. ConclusionA significantly different content in those GFs and ILs was demonstrated in the two blood sources. Since each GF/IL selectively regulates different cellular processes involved in corneal healing, the use of PB-S or CB-S should be chosen on the basis of the cellular mechanism to be promoted in each clinical case.

A Low Glycaemic Index Diet in Pregnancy Induces DNA Methylation Variation in Blood of Newborns: Results from the ROLO Randomised Controlled Trial

The epigenetic profile of the developing fetus is sensitive to environmental influence. Maternal diet has been shown to influence DNA methylation patterns in offspring, but research in humans is limited. We investigated the impact of a low glycaemic index dietary intervention during pregnancy on offspring DNA methylation patterns using a genome-wide methylation approach. Sixty neonates were selected from the ROLO (Randomised cOntrol trial of LOw glycaemic index diet to prevent macrosomia) study: 30 neonates from the low glycaemic index intervention arm and 30 from the control, whose mothers received no specific dietary advice. DNA methylation was investigated in 771,484 CpG sites in free DNA from cord blood serum. Principal component analysis and linear regression were carried out comparing the intervention and control groups. Gene clustering and pathway analysis were also explored. Widespread variation was identified in the newborns exposed to the dietary intervention, accounting for 11% of the total level of DNA methylation variation within the dataset. No association was found with maternal early-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), infant sex, or birthweight. Pathway analysis identified common influences of the intervention on gene clusters plausibly linked to pathways targeted by the intervention, including cardiac and immune functioning. Analysis in 60 additional samples from the ROLO study failed to replicate the original findings. Using a modest-sized discovery sample, we identified preliminary evidence of differential methylation in progeny of mothers exposed to a dietary intervention during pregnancy.

Human Cord Blood Serum-Derived APP α-Secretase Cleavage Activity is Mediated by C1 Complement

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly. In healthy individuals, amyloid precursor protein (APP) is cleaved by α-secretase, generating soluble α-amyloid precursor protein (sAPPα), which contributes neuroprotective functions in the neuronal environment. In contrast, in the neurodegenerative environment of AD patients, amyloid-β-peptide (Aβ) of either 40 or 42 residues are generated by increased activity of β- and γ-secretase. These proteins amalgamate in specific regions of the brain, which disrupts neuronal functions and leads to cognitive impairment. Human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBC) have proven useful as potential immunomodulatory therapies in various models of neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. Our most recent work studied the impact of umbilical cord blood serum (CBS) on modulation of sAPPα production. Heat-sensitive CBS significantly promoted sAPPα production, indicating that heat-sensitive factor(s) play(s) a role in this process. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis was used to determine the molecular source of α-secretase in purified CBS and aged blood serum (AgBS) fraction. Of the proteins identified, the subunits of C1 complex (C1q, C1r, and C1s) and alpha-2-macroglobulin showed significantly greater levels in purified α-CBS fraction (α-CBSF) compared with the AgBS fraction (AgBSF). Specifically, C1 markedly increased sAPPα and alpha-carboxyl-terminal fragment (α-CTF) production in a dose-dependent fashion, whereas C1q alone only minimally increased and C3 did not increase sAPPα production in the absence of sera. Furthermore, C1q markedly increased sAPPα and α-CTF, while decreasing Aβ, in CHO/APPwt cells cultured in the presence of whole sera. These results confirm our initial assumption that APP α-secretase activity in human blood serum is mediated by complement C1, opening a potential therapeutic modality for the future of AD.

Evaluation of soluble concentration Fas and Fas ligand in maternal and cord blood 3rd trimester of pregnancy.

The the study was to estimate the concentrations of antiapoptotic sFas and pro-apoptotic FasL in the serum of pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy and in the cord blood serum of neonates from vein and arteries separately. The correlation could be crucial for evaluation of apoptosis process intensity in placenta and the role of fetal blood circulation system on distribution of sFas and FasL. The study group consisted of 28 pregnant women in physiological pregnancy, between 38- 41 weeks. Vein blood was taken from maternal elbow vein and umbilical cord, separately from vein and arteries. The research was done by sets for sFas and FasL from R&D Systems Elisa kit. In arterial and vein cord blood there were much more lower concentrations of sFas than in maternal blood-arterial cord blood 3351.78 pg/mL, vein cord blood 3351.78 pg/mL versus maternal blood 5769.62 pg/mL (p < 0.001). No differ-ence was found in sFas concentrations between cord arterial and vein blood sera. Statistical difference was found between mean concentration of Fas ligand in maternal blood serum (71.36 pg/mL) and arterial cord blood serum (164.57 pg/mL) p < 0.05 (p = 0.001). Cord arterial blood serum showed much higher concentrations of FasL than maternal blood serum. No difference was found between cord arterial and vein blood sera concentrations of FasL: 164.57 pg/mL vs. 170.00 pg/mL (p = 0.701). Obtained results suggest no influence of sFas and FasL production on fetal organism apoptosis. Lowering of sFas concentration in fetal blood could mean the increase of apoptosis in fetal organism compared to maternal. Higher concentration of FasL in cord blood than in mothers suggests higher apoptosis intensification in fetal circulation and no influence of blood flow across placenta on its concentration.

Different concentration of human cord blood HMGB1 according to delivery and labour: A pilot study

ObjectiveOxidative stress is involved in several maternal conditions characterized both by an increase in free radicals synthesis and a parallel decrease in the antioxidant activity. Parturition induces considerable oxidative stress and many inflammatory mediators, among which HMGB1, are involved from the beginning of pregnancy to the birth of the infant. We evaluated serum cord blood HMGB1 levels in a population of neonates to investigate correlation with mode of delivery, as well as the influence of labour. Setting and patientsThe study subjects were 325 neonates delivered at University Hospital “G. Martino” of Messina over an 18-month period. Following cord separation, venous blood sampling was performed on umbelical cords. ResultsIn the cord venous blood, we found HMGB1 values significantly more elevated in spontaneous vaginal group when compared to elective or emergency caesarean section group. Regarding labour, umbilical cord venous blood HMGB1 levels were significantly higher in the spontaneous and induced labour group, compared to non-labouring women. ConclusionThese results could highlight a possible role of HMGB1 during birth time related to mode of delivery and labour.

Human Umbilical Cord Blood Serum–derived α-Secretase

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related disorder that affects cognition. Our previous studies showed that the neuroprotective fragment of amyloid procurer protein (APP) metabolite, soluble APPα (sAPPα), interferes with β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1, β-secretase) cleavage and reduces amyloid-β (Aβ) generation. In an attempt to identify approaches to restore sAPPα levels, we found that human cord blood serum (CBS) significantly promotes sAPPα production compared with adult blood serum (ABS) and aged blood serum (AgBS) in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing wild-type human APP. Interestingly, CBS selectively mediated the α-secretase cleavage of human neuron-specific recombinant APP695 in a cell-free system independent of tumor necrosis factor-α converting enzyme (TACE; a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 17 [ADAM17]) and ADAM. Subsequently, using 3-step chromatographic separation techniques (i.e., diethylaminoethanol, size-exclusion, and ion-exchange chromatography), we purified and ultimately identified a CBS-specific fraction with enhanced α-secretase catalytic activity (termed αCBSF) and found that αCBSF has more than 3,000-fold increased α-secretase catalytic activity compared with the original pooled CBS. Furthermore, intracerebroventricular injection of αCBSF markedly increased cerebral sAPPα levels together with significant decreases in cerebral Aβ production and abnormal tau (Thr231) phosphorylation compared with the AgBS fraction with enhanced α-secretase activity (AgBSF) treatment in triple transgenic Alzheimer’s disease (3xTg-AD) mice. Moreover, AgBSF administered intraperitoneally to transgenic mice with five familial Alzheimer’s disease mutations (5XFAD) via an osmotic mini pump for 6 weeks (wk) ameliorated β-amyloid plaques and reversed cognitive impairment measures. Together, our results propose the necessity for further study aimed at identification and characterization of α-secretase in CBS for novel and effective AD therapy.

Rubella antibodies in cord blood sera in Portugal: association with maternal age and vaccination status.

This study evaluated the impact of maternal vaccination against rubella on the levels of specific rubella IgG (rIgG) in 198 newborn cord sera samples. Detailed maternal vaccination data were available. Specific rIgG was measured using a commercial enzyme immunoassay. Most mothers (78.8%) had been vaccinated against rubella at least once in their lives. In 15 (7.6%) cord sera samples, the concentration of specific rIgG was below 11 IU/ml, which was classified as seronegative. Statistical analysis using multiple logistic regression (n = 198) showed that newborns of mothers born between 1986 and 1995, and those born to unvaccinated mothers, were more likely to be seronegative (odds ratio (ORs) 5.2 and 4.9, respectively, adjusted for sex and gestational age). For vaccinated mothers (n = 156), those born between 1986 and 1995 were more likely to have seronegative newborns (OR 11.5 adjusting for sex, gestational age and time since last vaccination). Mothers of the 15 (7.6%) seronegative newborns might have been susceptible to rubella during pregnancy. Checking the vaccination status therefore recommended.

Establishing Relationship Between Maternal Sociodemographic Characteristics and Lead in Umbilical Cord Blood Serum

Aim: To find the correlation between the concentration of lead and maternal socio-demographic characteristics like age, living area (urban or rural), housing style (slum type, cemented, or floored), living place (near industry or far from industry), water supply (piped water or direct water from source) and epidemiological characteristics like mother’s occupation, mother’s gestation age, mother’s active smoking habit. Method: A total of 100 umbilical cord blood serum samples were collected from Lala Lajpat Rai Medical College, Meerut and estimation of lead was done using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). This study was conducted between April 2014 and March 2015. Result and conclusions: Data suggested that the percentage of lead is more in cord blood serum samples of mother who are working and are non-housewife and residing in urban area due to exposure to traffic, industries and pollution. The correlation of mother’s working place with lead concentration showed that the mothers who were industrial worker had more lead concentration whereas the level of heavy metal was found elevated in mother’s who are drinking piped water. The data suggested that the mothers who smoked have more lead concentration in comparison to non-smoking mother.

Prenatal Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Isomers Link to Depressed Toxoid Antibody Responses in Early Childhood: Guangzhou Birth Cohort Study

Background/Aim: Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are ubiquitous and persistent environmental chemicals and are suggested to have immunosuppressive effects. Studies indicate that prenatal exposure to PFAS may lead to suppressed immune responses in early life. However, human studies of immune effects are inconsistent. In this study, we aim to assess the association between prenatal exposure of PFASs with isomers and serum antibody concentrations against measles, coxsackievirus A 16 (CA16) and enterovirus 71 (EV71) toxoids in newborn and infant at 3 months. Methods: We recruited 295 pairs of mothers and their infants in Guangzhou Birth Cohort Study, China from July to October 2013. Measles IgG antibody was examined using ELISA assay, neutralizing antibodies titers against CA16, EV71 toxoids were performed in cord blood serum and infant aged 3 months, respectively. A PFAS isomer-specific analysis method based on high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was applied to determine the PFASs and isomers concentration in cord blood serum. Results: For measles antibody, PFOA showed the strongest negative correlations with toxoid antibody concentration in newborn and 3-month infant. A doubling of lnPFOA level (ng/ml) increasing among newborn and 3-m infant was associated with a difference of -24.4% (95% CI: -30.7, -17.5) and -33.3% (95% CI: --43.9, -20.6) in measles antibody concentration, respectively. A doubling ln-unit (ng/ml) increase in total branch PFOS isomers in 3-month infant was associated with higher odds ratio of 1.70 (95%: 1.03, 2.79) and 2.49 (95%, 1.45, 4.28) than that with linear PFOS for falling below a clinically protection level (&lt;1_8 titers) for CA16 and EV71 antibody, respectively. This association was more obvious in boys than in girls. Interestingly, we observed that long-chain PFASs, such as perflouorotetradodecanoic acid (PFDoDA) and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) exposure were negatively associated with measles, CA16 and EV71 antibody level in both newborn and 3-month infant. Conclusions: Elevated prenatal exposures to PFASs, including long-chain PFASs were associated with depressed toxoid antibody response in newborn and infant. Branch isomer shows higher impact on CA16 and EV71 antibody level in 3-month infant for bellowing clinical protection.

Selected maternal, fetal and placental trace element and heavy metal and maternal vitamin levels in preterm deliveries with or without preterm premature rupture of membranes.

To compare maternal, fetal and placental trace element (magnesium, zinc and copper) and heavy metal (cadmium and lead) and maternal vitamin (retinol, α [alpha]-tocopherol, vitamin D3 , 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 ) levels in preterm deliveries with and without preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Sixty-eight patients giving birth preterm were grouped into preterm deliveries with PPROM (n = 35) and without PPROM (n = 33). Following delivery, maternal and umbilical cord blood sera and placental tissue samples were obtained. While magnesium, zinc, copper, cadmium and lead levels were measured in all samples, the levels of retinol, α-tocopherol, vitamin D3 , 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 were measured only in maternal serum. While magnesium level in maternal serum and zinc levels in both maternal and umbilical cord sera were lower, placental magnesium level was higher in preterm deliveries with PPROM (P < 0.01). Umbilical cord serum magnesium, placental tissue zinc and maternal and umbilical cord sera and placental tissue copper, cadmium, and lead levels did not differ between the groups (P > 0.05). In preterm deliveries with PPROM, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and retinol levels were higher, while vitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels were lower in maternal serum (P < 0.05). Maternal serum α-tocopherol levels were similar between the groups. Compared to spontaneous preterm births, PPROM is associated with low maternal serum together with high placental tissue magnesium and low maternal and umbilical cord sera zinc levels. Higher retinol and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and lower vitamin D3 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 maternal serum levels are also evident in these patients.

Pharmacokinetics of amlodipine besylate at delivery and during lactation.

Amlodipine is rarely used in the treatment of pregnant hypertensive women due to limited pharmacokinetic data during pregnancy and the postpartum period. To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of amlodipine besylate in the peri-partum period including quantities of placental passage, breast milk excretion and infant exposure. This was a prospective study of pregnant women who were prescribed 5 mg of amlodipine daily for treatment of chronic hypertension and delivered at term. Cord and maternal blood samples were collected at delivery. On postpartum day 2, six paired maternal plasma and breast milk samples were obtained at 4, 6, 8, 12, 15 and 24 h following amlodipine dosing. Infant plasma samples were collected 24-48 h after delivery. All samples were analyzed for amlodipine concentration. A one compartment, first-order model was used to calculate pharmacokinetic estimates for maternal plasma. Of the 16 patients enrolled in the study, 11 had cord blood and maternal serum collected at delivery, of which only 6 produced sufficient breast milk for sampling. Amlodipine was detected in infant cord blood plasma with a mean concentration of 0.49 ± 0.29 ng/mL compared to mean maternal serum level of 1.27 ± 0.84 ng/mL. Amlodipine concentrations in both in breast milk and infant plasma were undetectable at the lower limit of assay detection (<0.1 ng/mL). In the immediate postpartum period, the amlodipine elimination half-life was 13.7 ± 4.9 h, the area under the curve was 53.4 ± 19.8 ng*h/mL and the peak concentration was 2.0 ± 1.0 ng/mL. Amlodipine does cross the placenta in measurable quantities, but is not detected in breast milk or infant plasma at 24-48 h of life indicating that it is likely safe to use during the peripartum period.

Зміни вмісту окремих цитокінів у сироватці крові псів за хронічного простатиту при використанні сироватки кордової крові

Зміни вмісту окремих цитокінів у сироватці крові псів за хронічного простатиту при використанні сироватки кордової крові

Vitamin A level and related clinical factors in preterm infants

Objective To investigate the association between serum vitamin A levels and clinical factors in preterm infants. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on neonates admitted to Peking University Third Hospital from May 2013 to May 2014. Totally, 89 preterm neonates were recruited (preterm group). Fifty term babies with hyperbilirubinemia were selected as hyperbilirubinemia group and 50 healthy term babies were chosen as control group. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to examine the serum vitamin A concentrations for preterm babies at the age of 2, 7, 14 and 28 days, while those for babies in hyperbilirubinemia group was measured on one week old. Umbilical cord blood serum vitamin A concentrations were determined in control group. t-test, univariate analysis of variance or multiple linear regression was used for statistical analysis. Results (1) In the preterm group, the mean serum vitamin A levels at the age of 2, 7, 14 and 28 days were (0.136±0.060), (0.141±0.047), (0.122±0.053) and (0.134±0.073) mg/L, respectively, while (0.168±0.109) and (0.159±0.049) mg/L in hyperbilirubinemia and the control group. The proportions of vitamin A deficiency (lower than 0.20 mg/L) in preterm babies were 91.2% (62/68), 92.1% (58/63), 91.3% (42/46) and 84% (21/25) at the age of 2, 7, 14 and 28 days respectively. There was no significant difference in serum vitamin A levels between the age of 2 days and the rest in preterms (P>0.05). However, the vitamin A levels in preterm babies at the age of 2 and 7 days were lower than that of control and hyperbilirubinemia group, respectively (t=-2.068 and -1.790, both P 0.05). (3) Multiple factor analysis showed that respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal pneumonia, small for gestational age and maternal hypertensive diserders of pregnancy were associated with serum vitamin A level in early life of newborns (all P<0.05). Conclusion Preterm infants might require sufficient vitamin A supplementation due to low vitamin A level in their first month of life. Small for gestational age, maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, respiratory distress syndrome and neonatal pneumonia are associated with serum vitamin A level in preterm infants. Key words: Vitamin A; Infant, premature

A Simple Method to Isolate and Expand Human Umbilical Cord Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Using Explant Method and Umbilical Cord Blood Serum

Background and ObjectivesMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that can be isolated from umbilical cords and are therapeutically used because of their ability to differentiate into various types of cells, in addition to their immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties. Fetal bovine serum (FBS), considered as the standard additive when isolating and culturing MSCs, has a major limitation related to its animal origin. Here, we employed a simple and economically efficient protocol to isolate MSCs from human umbilical cord tissues without using digestive enzymes and replacing FBS with umbilical cord blood serum (CBS).Methods and ResultsMSCs were isolated by culturing umbilical cord pieces in CBS or FBS supplemented media. Expansion and proliferation kinetics of cells isolated by explant method in the presence of either FBS or CBS were measured, with morphology and multi-differentiation potential of expanded cells characterized by flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence. MSCs maintained morphology, immunophenotyping, multi-differentiation potential, and self-renewal ability, with better proliferation rates for cells cultured in CBS compared to FBS supplement media.ConclusionsWe here present a simple, reliable and efficient method to isolate MSCs from umbilical cord tissues, where cells maintained proliferation, differentiation potential and immunophenotyping properties and could be efficiently expanded for clinical applications.