Cord Blood Serum Samples Research Articles

Association between maternal and cord blood thyroid hormones, and urine iodine concentration with fetal growth.

We planned to evaluate the association of fetal and maternal thyroid hormones and maternal iodine status with neonates' anthropometric parameters. In this cross-sectional study, levels of thyrotropin were measured in maternal serum in the first trimester of pregnancy, and thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxin (fT4) were measured in cord blood serum samples at birth. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) levels in random urine samples of mothers were measured in the third trimester of pregnancy. The relationship between UIC and thyroid hormone levels of mothers with neonates' anthropometric birth parameters of neonates was evaluated. One hundred eighty-eight mother-newborn pairs completed the study. Mean (SD) of cord blood TSH (CB-TSH), cord blood-free thyroxin (CB-FT4) values, and maternal TSH (M-TSH) levels were 8.8 (7.3) mIU/L, 1.01 (0.2) ng/dL, and 2.2 (0.9) mIU/L, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, there was a positive significant association between female neonate length and maternal TSH and log log-transformed CB TSH (LN_CB-TSH) (p<0.05). Median UIC (Q1-Q3) was 157 (53-241) μg/L, and there was no association between birth weight, birth length, and head circumferences of neonates and mothers' UIC (p>0.05). We found a positive correlation between maternal TSH in the first trimester of pregnancy and the birth length of newborns, and a negative correlation was observed between CB-TSH and birth length in girls, but it did not provide conclusive evidence for the relationship between maternal and neonatal thyroid hormone levels and birth weight. There was no association between maternal UIC levels in the third trimester and birth anthropometric parameters.

Comparison of Maternal and Neonatal Antibody Levels After COVID-19 Vaccination vs SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Pregnant persons are at an increased risk of severe COVID-19 from SARS-CoV-2 infection, and COVID-19 vaccination is currently recommended during pregnancy. To ascertain the association of vaccine type, time from vaccination, gestational age at delivery, and pregnancy complications with placental transfer of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. This cohort study was conducted in Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and included births at the study site between August 9, 2020, and April 25, 2021. Maternal and cord blood serum samples were available for antibody level measurements for maternal-neonatal dyads. SARS-CoV-2 infection vs COVID-19 vaccination. IgG antibodies to the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were measured by quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antibody concentrations and transplacental transfer ratios were measured after SARS-CoV-2 infection or receipt of COVID-19 vaccines. A total of 585 maternal-newborn dyads (median [IQR] maternal age, 31 [26-35] years; median [IQR] gestational age, 39 [38-40] weeks) with maternal IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 detected at the time of delivery were included. IgG was detected in cord blood from 557 of 585 newborns (95.2%). Among 169 vaccinated persons without SARS-CoV-2 infection, the interval from first dose of vaccine to delivery ranged from 12 to 122 days. The geometric mean IgG level among 169 vaccine recipients was significantly higher than that measured in 408 persons after infection (33.88 [95% CI, 27.64-41.53] arbitrary U/mL vs 2.80 [95% CI, 2.50-3.13] arbitrary U/mL). Geometric mean IgG levels were higher after vaccination with the mRNA-1273 (Moderna) vaccine compared with the BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) vaccine (53.74 [95% CI, 40.49-71.33] arbitrary U/mL vs 25.45 [95% CI, 19.17-33.79] arbitrary U/mL; P < .001). Placental transfer ratios were lower after vaccination compared with after infection (0.80 [95% CI, 0.68-0.93] vs 1.06 [95% CI, 0.98-1.14]; P < .001) but were similar between the mRNA vaccines (mRNA-1273: 0.70 [95% CI, 0.55-0.90]; BNT162b2: 0.85 [95% CI, 0.69-1.06]; P = .25). Time from infection or vaccination to delivery was associated with transfer ratio in models that included gestational age at delivery and maternal hypertensive disorders, diabetes, and obesity. Placental antibody transfer was detectable as early as 26 weeks' gestation. Transfer ratio that was higher than 1.0 was present for 48 of 51 (94.1%) births at 36 weeks' gestation or later by 8 weeks after vaccination. This study found that maternal and cord blood IgG antibody levels were higher after COVID-19 vaccination compared with after SARS-CoV-2 infection, with slightly lower placental transfer ratios after vaccination than after infection. The findings suggest that time from infection or vaccination to delivery was the most important factor in transfer efficiency.

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Iron Deficiency in Twin and Singleton Newborns.

Iron deficiency (ID) in utero and in infancy can cause irreversible neurocognitive damage. Iron status is not routinely tested at birth, so the burden of neonatal ID in the United States is unknown. Infants born from twin or higher-order pregnancies may be at elevated risk of inadequate nutrient endowment at birth. The present study sought to compare the burden of neonatal ID in cord blood serum samples from twin (n = 54) and singleton pregnancies (n = 24). Iron status (serum ferritin (SF), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), hepcidin) and inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)) biomarker concentrations were measured by immunoassay. The prevalence of ID (SF < 76 ng/mL) among twins was 21% (23/108) and among singletons 20% (5/24). Gestational age at birth, maternal race and infant sex predicted SF levels. Maternal anemia (hemoglobin < 11 g/dL) was observed in 40% of mothers but was not associated with neonatal iron biomarkers. More research is needed to identify risk factors and regulatory mechanisms for inadequate fetal iron accrual to identify higher risk pregnancies and neonates for screening and intervention.

Angiopoietin-Like 8 in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Reduced Levels in Third Trimester Maternal Serum and Placenta, Increased Levels in Cord Blood Serum.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) poses a significant health risk to pregnant women, and thus exploring the potential underlying mechanism is highly desirable. The aim of the study was to compare maternal serum, cord blood serum, and placental angiopoietin-like 8 (ANGPTL8) levels in the third trimester of pregnancy in women with and without gestational diabetes and explore the potential underlying mechanism. A total of 42 pregnant women (23 with GDM and 19 with normal glucose tolerance (NGT)) along with 29 age-matched non-pregnant healthy females were enrolled. All pregnant subjects were in the late third trimester. Maternal serum and cord blood serum ANGPTL8 levels were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the protein levels of ANGPTL8 in placentas were assessed with western blotting. The associations between maternal serum and cord blood serum ANGPTL8 levels and metabolic parameters were investigated with the Spearman correlation analysis. Significantly lower levels of maternal serum and placental ANGPTL8 levels were observed in GDM patients compared to NGT pregnant women, while remarkably higher ANGPTL8 levels were present in the cord blood serum samples. The maternal serum ANGPTL8 level was positively correlated with BMI, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and AUC for OGTT and birthweight. Additionally, the cord blood serum ANGPTL8 level was positively correlated with insulin and the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance. Both maternal serum and cord blood serum ANGPTL8 levels seemed to correlate with GDM and has the potential to be used as a biomarker for GDM and birthweight prediction.

Relationship between viral load, infection-to-delivery interval and mother-to-child transfer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo investigate the association of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) viral load and infection‐to‐delivery interval with maternal and cord serum concentrations of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies and transplacental transfer ratio in pregnant women with active or recovered SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.MethodsThis was a prospective case series of consecutive pregnant women with laboratory‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection between 27 March 2020 and 24 January 2021. We collected information regarding deep throat saliva or nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) test results, serial cycle threshold (Ct) values at and after diagnosis, demographic, clinical and outcome data, and neonatal NPS RT‐PCR results. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of IgG and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 was performed in maternal and cord blood serum samples obtained at delivery. Correlation of maternal Ct values, infection‐to‐delivery interval, infection duration and viral load area under the curve (AUC) with gestational age (GA) at diagnosis, maternal and cord serum IgG concentrations and transplacental transfer ratio of IgG were evaluated using Pearson's correlation.ResultsTwenty pregnant women who consented to participate and who had delivered their babies by 31 January 2021 were included in the study, comprising 14 who had recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and six with active infection at delivery. The median GA at clinical manifestation was 32.7 (range, 11.9–39.4) weeks. The median infection‐to‐delivery interval and infection duration were 41.5 (range, 2–187) days and 10.0 (range, 1–48) days, respectively. The median GA at delivery was 39.1 (range, 32.4–40.7) weeks and the median seroconversion interval was 14 (range, 1–19) days. Of 13 neonates born to seropositive mothers with recovered infection at delivery, 12 tested positive for anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG. All neonatal NPS samples were negative for SARS‐CoV‐2 and all cord sera tested negative for IgM. The median transplacental transfer ratio of IgG was 1.3 (interquartile range, 0.9–1.6). There was a negative correlation between infection‐to‐delivery interval and anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG concentrations in maternal (r = –0.6693, P = 0.0087) and cord (r = –0.6554, P = 0.0068) serum and a positive correlation between IgG concentration in maternal serum and viral load AUC (r = 0.5109, P = 0.0310). A negative correlation was observed between transfer ratio and viral load AUC (r = –0.4757, P = 0.0409).ConclusionsIn pregnant women who have recovered from COVID‐19, anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG concentrations at delivery increased with increasing viral load during infection and decreased with increasing infection‐to‐delivery interval. The median transplacental transfer ratio of IgG was 1.3 and it decreased with increasing viral load during infection. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

SERUM GLP-2 is Increased in Association with Excess Gestational Weight Gain.

Obesity in pregnancy bears unique maternal and fetal risks. Obesity has also been associated with chronic inflammation, including elevated serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Higher serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels have been implicated in driving this inflammation, a phenomenon called metabolic endotoxemia (ME). GLP-2, a proglucagon-derived peptide, is believed to be integral in maintaining the integrity of the intestine in the face of LPS-mediated endotoxemia. We hypothesized that obesity and/or excess weight gain in pregnancy would be associated with an increase in maternal and neonatal markers of ME, as well as GLP-2. Paired maternal and neonatal (cord blood) serum samples (n = 159) were obtained from our pregnancy biobank repository. Serum levels of LPS, endotoxin core antibody-immunoglobulin M (EndoCAb-IgM), and GLP-2 were measured by ELISA. IL-6 and TNF-α were measured using a Milliplex assay. Results were stratified by maternal body mass index (BMI), maternal diabetes, and gestational weight gain (GWG). Maternal IL-6 is significantly decreased in the obese, diabetic cohort compared with the nonobese, nondiabetic cohorts (95.28 vs. 99.48 pg/mL, p = 0.047), whereas GLP-2 is significantly increased (1.92 vs. 2.89 ng/mL, p = 0.026). Neonatal TNF-α is significantly decreased in the obese cohort compared with the nonobese cohort (12.43 vs. 13.93 pg/mL, p = 0.044). Maternal GLP-2 is significantly increased in women with excess GWG compared with those with normal GWG (2.27 vs. 1.48 ng/mL, p = 0.014). We further found that neonatal IL-6 and TNF-α are negatively correlated with maternal BMI (-0.186, p = 0.036 and -0.179, p = 0.044, respectively) and that maternal and neonatal IL-6 showed a positive correlation (0.348, p < 0.001). Although we observed altered levels of markers of inflammation (IL-6 and TNF-α) with maternal obesity and diabetes, no changes in LPS or endoCAb-IgM were observed. We hypothesize that the increased GLP-2 levels in maternal serum in association with excess GWG may protect against ME in pregnancy. · Maternal serum levels of GLP-2, a proglucagon-derived peptide, are increased in obese, diabetic gravidae.. · Maternal serum GLP-2 levels are also increased in association with excess gestational weight gain compared with normal gestational weight gain.. · GLP-2 may be increased in association with obesity and weight gain to protect against metabolic endotoxemia in pregnancy..

Respiratory syncytial virus seropositivity at birth is associated with adverse neonatal respiratory outcomes.

More than 60 years since the discovery of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the effects of prenatal exposure to this virus remain largely unknown. In this investigation, we sought to find evidence of RSV seroconversion in cord blood and explore its clinical implications for the newborn. Offspring from 22 pregnant women with a history of viral respiratory infection during the third trimester of pregnancy (respiratory viral illness [RVI] group) and 40 controls were enrolled in this study between 1 September 2016 and 31 March 2019. Cord blood sera were tested for anti-RSV antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody assay. RSV seropositivity was defined as the presence of anti-RSV immunoglobulin M (IgM) or immunoglobulin A (IgA), in addition to IgG in cord blood serum at ≥1:20 dilution. Anti-RSV IgG was present in all cord blood serum samples from infants born to RVI mothers (95% confidence interval [CI] = 82%-100%), with 16 samples also having elevated titers for either anti-RSV IgA or IgM (73%; 95% CI = 52%-87%). No controls had evidence of anti-RSV antibodies. Eight (50%) seropositive newborns developed at least one respiratory tract finding, including respiratory distress syndrome (N = 8), respiratory failure (N = 3), and pneumonia (N = 1). RSV seropositive newborns also required more days on oxygen, had leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein (P = .025, P = .047, and P < .001, respectively). This study provides evidence of acute seropositivity against RSV in cord blood of newborns delivered from mothers with a history of upper respiratory tract illness in the third trimester. Cord blood seropositivity for anti-RSV IgA or IgM was associated with adverse clinical and laboratory outcomes in newborns.

Effects of Cord Blood Serum (CBS) on viability of retinal Müller glial cells under in vitro injury.

Oxidative stress and inflammation determine retinal ganglion cell degeneration, leading to retinal impairment and vision loss. Müller glial cells regulate retinal repair under injury, through gliosis. Meanwhile, reactive gliosis can turn in pathological effects, contributing to neurodegeneration. In the present study, we tested whether Cord Blood Serum (CBS), rich of growth factors, might improve the viability of Müller cells under in vitro damage. BDNF, NGF, TGF-α, GDNF and EGF levels were measured in CBS samples by Human Magnetic Luminex Assay. CBS effects were evaluated on rat (rMC-1) and human (MIO-M1) Müller cells, under H2O2 and IL-1β damage. Cells grown with FBS or CBS both at 5% were exposed to stress and analyzed in terms of cell viability, GFAP, IL-6 and TNF-α expression. CBS was also administrated after treatment with K252a, inhibitor of the neurotrophin receptor Trk. Cell viability of rMC-1 and MIO-M1 resulted significantly improved when pretreated with CBS and exposed to H2O2 and IL-1β, in comparison to the standard culture with FBS. Accordingly, the gliosis marker GFAP resulted down-regulated following CBS priming. In parallel, we observed a lower expression of the inflammatory mediators in rMC-1 (TNF-α) and MIO-M1 (IL-6, TNF- α), especially in presence of inflammatory damage. Trk inhibition through K252a administration impaired the effects of CBS under stress conditions on MIO-M1 and rMC-1 viability, not significantly different from FBS condition. CBS is enriched with neurotrophins and its administration to rMC-1 and MIO-M1 attenuates the cytotoxic effects of H2O2 and IL-1β. Moreover, the decrease of the main markers of gliosis and inflammation suggests a promising use of CBS for neuroprotection aims. This study is a preliminary basis that prompts future investigations to deeply explore and confirm the CBS potential.

High binding site occupancy of corticosteroid-binding globulin by progesterone increases fetal free cortisol concentrations

ObjectiveCorticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) binds and transports cortisol in the circulation in high cortisol-binding affinity (haCBG) and low affinity (laCBG) forms, the latter resulting from enzyme cleavage to target cortisol delivery at sites of inflammation. CBG also has substantial progesterone binding affinity, 3-fold less than cortisol. Progesterone and cortisol are important in the maintenance of pregnancy and in fetal development, respectively. The interactions of cortisol, progesterone and CBG affinity forms have not been studied together. We examined the interaction between progesterone and cortisol with CBG during fetal development. Study designA retrospective cohort analysis of 351 neonates born between January and December 2012 at the Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia. Cord blood serum samples were collected immediately following delivery. Clinical data was provided by hospital records. Total cortisol, free cortisol, total progesterone, total CBG and haCBG were measured by immunoassay. ResultsCord blood total and free cortisol, and progesterone concentrations increased with gestational age. Cord blood progesterone concentrations were 100-fold luteal and 10-fold those in late pregnancy maternal circulation. The proportion of haCBG to total CBG was similar to that in healthy non-pregnant adults. However, free cortisol comprised approximately 15% of total cortisol, 3-fold higher than that in adults. ConclusionIn a manner unique to fetal life, very high progesterone concentrations are capable of elevating free cortisol concentrations through competition with cortisol at CBG’s hormone binding site, without altered binding affinity through CBG cleavage or altered CBG hormone-binding affinity. High circulating fetal progesterone concentrations compete for CBG binding with cortisol, leading to a 3-fold increase in the free cortisol fraction in cord blood. Higher free-to-bound cortisol may alter fetal cortisol distribution facilitating cortisol’s roles such as neurodevelopment in concert with dehydroepiandrosterone (sulfate) and lung maturation, or support cortisol action at times of low ambient cortisol. This mechanism may underlie the known association between cortisol, progesterone and CBG, and be relevant principally in the fetal circulation due to the high progesterone concentrations encountered.

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Cord Blood Samples from Neonates in Tehran, Iran

Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the coccidian protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The infection is life-threatening in congenital form because of transmission of the parasite from mother to fetus. In order to investigate the prevalence of congenital toxoplasmosis, the present study was performed for detection of IgG and IgM antibodies in cord blood samples of newborns by ELISA method in Tehran, Iran. This cross-sectional survey was carried out on 1000 cord blood samples collected from Shahid Mostafa Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Iran in 2015. Sera were separated and evaluated for the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii by ELISA method. At the same time, whole cord blood samples were stored at -20 °C for complementary PCR test. From 1000 cord blood serum samples 198 cases (19.8%) were positive for anti T. gondii IgG antibody. IgG positive samples were examined for IgM antibody, among them 1 sample had borderline levels of IgM antibody. PCR was performed for this sample but no positive result was seen. Although congenital toxoplasmosis is of importance, no acute form of infection was seen in pregnant women in this study.

Human Umbilical Cord Blood Serum/Plasma: Cytokine Profile and Prospective Application in Regenerative Medicine.

The concentrations of cytokines and growth factors in human umbilical cord blood serum and plasma samples were measured by multiplex analysis. It was found that in comparison with peripheral blood serum of adult donors, umbilical cord blood serum and plasma contain significantly higher concentrations of the most studied molecules including IL-4, 5, 6, 7, 10 and 15, MCP-1, SCF, and SDF, as well as growth factors directly involved in the processes of regeneration (G-CSF, HGF, PDGF-BB, and VEGF). Thus, umbilical cord blood plasma and especially serum are a rich source of cytokines and growth factors with anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and angiogenic effects and can be used in various fields of regenerative medicine.

Adiponectin levels in maternal serum and umbilical cord blood at birth by mode of delivery: relationship to anthropometric measurements and fetal sex

BackgroundThe rate of cesarean section is increasing worldwide. Adiponectin is a hormone related to anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects; and it′s concentrations may change in response to inflammatory situations including surgical intervention. The aim of the current study was to investigate serum adiponectin levels in maternal and umbilical cord blood according to different modes of delivery and their relationship with anthropometric measurements and fetal sex.MethodsThe study population initially comprised 90 healthy pregnant women referred to the teaching hospital. Eventually, 40 participants in the vaginal delivery group and 35 subjects in the cesarean delivery group were recruited in to the study. Umbilical cord blood and maternal serum samples were analyzed according to the standard protocol from the manufacturer. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS-16 software. P-value < 0.05 was considered as the significance level for all tests.ResultsOur results indicated a significant association between maternal adiponectin and the mode of delivery, with adiponectin levels significantly higher in vaginal delivery compared to cesarean section (P < 0.001). However, no difference was found in umbilical cord blood adiponectin between the two groups (P = 0.51). A significant positive correlation was found between maternal serum adiponectin in the first day after birth and umbilical cord blood adiponectin in the vaginal delivery group (P = 0.007). Nevertheless, this correlation was not statistically significant in the cesarean delivery group (P = 0.62). There was also no significant correlation between fetal sex and anthropometric measurements with maternal adiponectin (P = 0.44) and umbilical cord blood adiponectin (P = 0.86).ConclusionsThe result of the current study revealed that maternal adiponectin concentration was significantly higher in vaginal delivery compared to cesarean section, which might be due to the increased levels of maternal adiponectin release during labor.

Cord blood Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, placental steroidogenic enzyme, and cord blood reproductive hormone

BackgroundPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely used in China, but little is known about the association between prenatal PFASs exposure and fetal reproductive development as well as its potential mechanism. ObjectiveWe investigated the effects of cord blood PFASs on fetal reproductive hormones and its potential mechanism in relation to steroidogenic enzymes. MethodsTen selected PFASs (n = 351) including PFOS, PFOA, PFBS, PFDA, PFDoA, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFOSA, and PFUA, and two reproductive hormones estradiol (E2) (n = 351) and testosterone (T) (n = 349) were measured in 351 cord blood serum samples from a Chinese birth cohort between 2010 and 2013. Three steroidogenic enzymes including P450arom (n = 125), 3β-HSD1 (n = 123), and 17β-HSD1 (n = 116) were measured in 125 placental tissue samples. Linear regression tested the associations between cord blood PFASs and reproductive hormones in cord blood. Mediation analysis assessed the role of placental steroidogenic enzymes between cord blood PFASs and reproductive hormones. ResultsThe positive associations between PFOA, PFHxS and E2 levels, PFOS, PFUA, PFNA and T levels, and PFOS, PFUA and T/E2 ratio were significant. PFUA, PFNA, PFDA, PFHxS, and ∑PFASs were associated with higher P450arom levels. PFHxS was also associated with increased 3β-HSD1 and 17β-HSD1 levels. These associations were more pronounced in females than males when stratified by gender. Furthermore, 17β-HSD1 demonstrated mediating effects in the positive association between cord blood PFHxS and E2 levels in females. ConclusionOur findings suggested the potential impacts of cord blood PFASs on fetal reproductive hormones, in which steroidogenic enzymes may play important roles. These associations were more pronounced in females than males.

Communication of Placental Iron Trafficking Proteins with Maternal and Fetal Iron Regulators

During pregnancy, iron is a primary requisite micronutrient for the developing fetal-placental unit and increased maternal erythrocyte mass expansion. Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy (IDAP) remains a constant public health problem in our country where all of them receive routine iron supplementation.The mechanism involved in iron regulatory pathway across the placenta is more complex and less understood. Here we examined the hematological and biochemical parameters of mother and fetus, placental mRNA and protein expression of iron trafficking proteins in iron replete and deplete pregnant women.Subjects who presented to the department of community health for child birth were screened and consenting patients (age<35 years and a gestational age≥36weeks) were included in the study. Maternal and cord blood samples were collected and a cut placental tissue (~0.5cm) was obtained at the time of delivery. Hematological and biochemical parameters were analysed according to standard methods. Serum ferritin was measured using chemiluminescent immunoassay. Maternal and cord blood serum hepcidin and GDF15 levels were measured using ELISA (DRG Diagnostics and Ray Biotech, respectively). Placental tissue RNA extracted using PARIS kit (Ambion) and cDNA was synthesised using RT2 first strand Kit (QIAGEN). The relative quantification of twenty two genes involved in iron uptake, export, transport and regulation was done using Custom RT2 PCR Array (SA Biosciences, QIAGEN). Western blot analysis was performed for significantly expressed genes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.A total of one hundred and thirty eight pregnant women (n=138) were included in the study; 14 subjects were excluded due to unavailability of either maternal or cord blood serum samples. A cut off of ferritin<30ng/mL was taken to define iron deficiency since all of them were on regular iron supplementation during pregnancy. Of the 124 subjects, 28 subjects had iron deficiency anaemia (Hb<10.5g/dL and Ferritin<30ng/mL) and 52 were iron replete (Hb>10.5g/dL and Ferritin>30ng/mL). Forty four women who did not fulfil either of the criteria were not included for analysis. The demographic, hematological and biochemical parameters of the groups are tabulated (Table.1).In the IDAP, even though the maternal serum ferritin levels were reduced, their fetal ferritin levels did not differ significantly from the control fetuses [IDAP fetuses- 139.8ng/mL, 15.4-300.5 vs Control fetuses - 143.4ng/mL, 13.1-461; p= 0.72]. No significant association was observed between ferritin and hepcidin levels either in the maternal or fetal serum. Interestingly, we found a negative correlation between maternal serum GD15 levels and fetal hepcidin: ferritin ratio (r=-0.439; p=0.025). Placental gene expression and protein expression was further analyzed (Table.2). Significantly higher gene expression of placental IREB2 [p=0.011], and ferroportin [p=0.000] were observed in iron deficient cohort. TP53 and LRP1 mRNA expressions were significantly lower in IDAP [p=0.002 & p=0.000]. Maternal serum ferritin had a significant positive correlation with placental expression of IREB2 (r=0.519; p=0.027) and LRP1 (r=0.470; p=0.049). At the protein level, placental GDF15 protein was significantly elevated in IDAP [p=0.04]. Placental GDF15 and ferroportin (FPN) was positively correlated with fetal ferritin (r=0.626; p=0.017 & r=0.552; p=0.041).Even when the maternal iron stores are low, the fetus gets the priority according to the hierarchy of iron usage. In IDAP, we observed a higher expression of placental ferroportin and transferrin receptor which probably leads to the increased efflux of iron towards fetus. Elevated placental GDF15 and ferroportin may imply that they play a major role in accomplishing iron trafficking and has to be further explored. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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.

Placental and colostral transfer of antibodies reactive with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli intimins α, β, or γ

ObjectiveIntimins are protein adhesins of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) capable of inducing attachment and effacement lesions in enterocytes. Anti‐intimin antibodies are important for the protection from EPEC and EHEC infections because these antibodies inhibit bacterial adhesion and impair the initial step of the pathogenesis. We studied the transfer of maternal anti‐intimin antibodies from healthy Brazilian mothers to their newborns through the placenta and colostrum. MethodsSerum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and secretory immunoglobulin A antibodies against conserved (cons) and variable regions of intimins α (vα), β (vβ), and γ (vγ) were analyzed using an enzyme linked‐immunosorbent assay in the blood and colostrum from 45 healthy women as well as cord blood serum samples from their newborns. ResultsThe concentrations of antibodies reactive with vα intimin were significantly lower than those of anti‐vγ and anti‐cons antibodies in the colostrum samples. IgG serum antibodies reactive with all the subtypes of intimins were transferred to the newborns, but the concentrations of anti‐cons serum antibodies were significantly higher in mothers and newborns than concentrations of antibodies against variable regions. The patterns of IgG transfer from mothers to newborns were similar for all anti‐intimin antibodies. These values are similar to the percentage transference of total IgG. ConclusionsAnti‐intimin antibodies are transferred from mothers to newborns through the placenta, and reinforce the protection provided by breastfeeding against diarrheagenic E. coli infections.

Cord blood screening for congenital infectious diseases and haematological change in Sulaimani Provence.

Aims: to determine the seroprevalence of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-Toxoplasma, anti- Helicobacter pylori antibodies in cord blood serum and to access the usefulness of haematological parameters in diagnosing of toxoplasmosis and H. pylori infection. Toxoplasma gondii specific IgA, IgG and H. pylori specific IgG antibodies were assessed by Chorus enzyme immune assay. 19 out of 70 (27.1%) cord blood serum samples were found positive for anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibody and there was only one (1.4%) positive for IgA. Regarding the detection of specific anti -H. pylori IgG, 30 cord blood samples were tested in which 26 (86.6 %) were found positive and four (13.4%) negative. The positive mean with H. pylori infection was significantly greater than H. pylori-negative mean (88.37 ± 53.69 and 5.8 ± 0.46, respectively, P = 0.005). The comparison of hematological profiles between positive and negative cord blood samples (IgG ≥ 8 and IgG &lt; 4; IgA &gt;1.2 and IgA &lt; 0.8) showed no statistically significant variations in higher and lower value of IgG and IgA titration (P &gt; 0.05).Conclusions: The Results revealed that all the cord blood serum samples were negative for IgA antibodies except one sample (1.4%), indicate that all these newborn infants were rarely infected with congenital toxoplasmosis. Neonates born from H. pylori–infected mother, are provided with a high amount of specific IgG H. Pylori antibodies, which are transferred transplacentally. The complete blood picture (CBC) test shows the non-significant effect of T. gonidii and H. pylori on most of the hematological parameters.

Impact of Cord Blood Vitamin D Level on Early Childhood Caries in Infancy: A Pilot Study

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most frequent chronic diseases among infants and preschool-aged children. Objectives: Our objective was to determine an association between umbilical cord blood 25(OH)D level and early childhood caries. Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at Near East University (NEU) Medical hospital in Cyprus during 2013-2016. All pregnant women followed by NEU gynecology and obstetrics clinic were invited to participate in the study. Cord blood serum samples were collected after birth and analyzed for 25(OH)D levels. Infants underwent dental examinations, and questionnaire information was gathered from parents of infants between 1 and 2 years of age. Results: Among 120 deliveries, 90 mothers accepted to participate and supply cord blood. 40 of them were excluded; therefore, 50 toddlers were recruited to participate (mean age 20.2 ± 3.1 months, male/female: 23/27) and all of them attended the dental and questionnaire evaluations related to participants aged 1 - 2 years. Cord blood 25(OH)D level (mean: 25.6 ± 11.6 ng/mL) was found to be seriously low in 12%, low in 20%, deficient in 28%, and optimal in 40%. 34% of the infants had ECC. Oral hygiene habits and low cord blood level of 25(OH)D were significantly associated with the development of ECC (P = 0.039 and P = 0.002, respectively). Logistic regression analysis revealed that lower cord blood 25(OH)D level was significantly associated with ECC (P = 0.007). Discussion: This study demonstrated the impact of low neonatal 25(OH)D level on the development of ECC. Based on these results, it can be suggested that measuring 25(OH)D levels of mothers during pregnancy can help maintain an optimal maternal and offspring vitamin D level, thereby protecting the infant’s dental health.

Perfluoroalkyl substances with isomer analysis in umbilical cord serum in China.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of widely used chemicals that have been detected in the environment and general population. However, the isomer patterns in human are poorly characterized. Previous studies observed the isomer-specific maternal-fetal transfer of PFASs in human. In our current study, we first examined the profile of PFASs and isomers, including 17 linear PFASs and 10 branched PFOS/PFOA isomers by using isotopic internal standards in umbilical cord serum samples from Guangzhou, China. We collected a total of 321 of cord blood serum samples from July to October in 2013, and analyzed the PFASs concentration with isomer-specific PFASs analysis method. The results showed that 9 out of 17 PFASs (linear PFASs) were detected (>50% detection rate). Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS, median 3.87ng/mL) was the predominant, followed by total PFOS (median 2.99ng/mL) and total PFOA (median 1.23ng/mL) in cord serum. In addition, 1m-, iso-, ∑3+4+5m-PFOS and iso-PFOA were the branched PFASs detected in the current study. The proportion of linear PFOS (n-PFOS) was 75.16% of ∑PFOS which was similar to the proportion of electrochemical fluorination that produces ca. 70% linear PFOS and 30% branched. On the contrary, linear PFOA (n-PFOA) accounted for 98.69% ∑PFOA in cord serum samples. Our finding indicates distinct PFASs and PFOS/PFOA isomer profile in cord serum, suggesting there might be a different exposure pathway and metabolism of PFASs.

Placental and colostral transfer of antibodies reactive with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli intimins α, β, or γ

ObjectiveIntimins are protein adhesins of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and enterohemorrhagic E. coli capable of inducing attachment and effacement lesions in enterocytes. Anti-intimin antibodies are important for the protection from enteropathogenic E. coli and enterohemorrhagic E. coli infections because these antibodies inhibit bacterial adhesion and impair the initial step of the pathogenesis. We studied the transfer of maternal anti-intimin antibodies from healthy Brazilian mothers to their newborns through the placenta and colostrum. MethodsSerum immunoglobulin G and secretory immunoglobulin A antibodies against conserved and variable regions of intimins α, β, and γ were analyzed using an enzyme linked-immunosorbent assay in the blood and colostrum from 45 healthy women as well as cord blood serum samples from their newborns. ResultsThe concentrations of antibodies reactive with α intimin were significantly lower than those of anti-γ and anti-conserved intimin antibodies in the colostrum samples. IgG serum antibodies reactive with all the subtypes of intimins were transferred to the newborns, but the concentrations of anti-conserved intimin serum antibodies were significantly higher in mothers and newborns than concentrations of antibodies against variable regions. The patterns of IgG transfer from mothers to newborns were similar for all anti-intimin antibodies. These values are similar to the percentage transference of total IgG. ConclusionsAnti-intimin antibodies are transferred from mothers to newborns through the placenta, and reinforce the protection provided by breastfeeding against diarrheagenic E. coli infections.