Intrauterine Growth Restriction Group Research Articles

Bacillus subtilis alleviates excessive apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in intrauterine growth restriction suckling piglets via the members of Bcl-2 and caspase families.

The intestine is a barrier resisting various stress responses. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can cause damage to the intestinal barrier via destroying the balance of intestinal epithelial cells' proliferation and apoptosis. Bacillus subtilis has been reported to regulate intestinal epithelial cells' proliferation and apoptosis. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine if B. subtilis could regulate intestinal epithelial cells' proliferation and apoptosis in intrauterine growth restriction suckling piglets. Compared with the normal birth weight group, the IUGR group showed greater mean optical density values of Ki-67-positive cells in the ileal crypt (P < 0.05). IUGR resulted in higher ability of proliferation and apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells, by upregulation of the messenger RNA (mRNA) or proteins expression of leucine rich repeat containing G protein coupled receptor 5, Caspase-3, Caspase-7, β-catenin, cyclinD1, B-cell lymphoma-2 associated agonist of cell death, and BCL2 associated X (P < 0.05), and downregulation of the mRNA or protein expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 and B-cell lymphoma-2-like 1 (P < 0.05). However, B. subtilis supplementation decreased the mRNA or proteins expression of leucine rich repeat containing G protein coupled receptor 5, SPARC related modular calcium binding 2, tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 19, cyclinD1, Caspase-7, β-catenin, B-cell lymphoma-2 associated agonist of cell death, and Caspase-3 (P < 0.05), and increased the mRNA expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (P < 0.05). IUGR led to excessive apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells, which induced compensatory proliferation. However, B. subtilis treatment prevented intestinal epithelial cells of IUGR suckling piglets from excessive apoptosis. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bias in the prenatal lung measurements in fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia with intrauterine growth restriction.

The failure of a fetus to develop to its full potential due to maternal or placental factors is known as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Fetal head growth is usually preserved in that situation producing a potential discordance between head and body size. Our goal is to discover if IUGR has an impact on the prenatal ultrasound measurements taken to assess pulmonary development in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). A retrospective chart review (IRB#2017-6361) was performed on all prenatally diagnosed CDH patients from 2007 to 2016. Patient demographics, fetal and neonatal anthropometric measurements, and fetal lung parameters were the main subjects of the data that were gathered. Fetal growth was assessed by the curves based on US data by Olsen etal. and by Peleg etal. Of 147 CDH patients, 19 (12.9 %) patients were diagnosed with IUGR before the 30th gestational week while there were 20 (13.6 %) patients after the 30th gestational week. Patients with IUGR and the observed-to-expected lung-to-head ratio (O/E LHR) less than 25 % had better survival rates both to discharge and date compared to non IUGR group (p=0.226, OR 2.25 95 % CI 0.60-1.08 and p=0.175, OR 2.40 95 % CI 0.66-1.17, respectively). Moreover, the ECMO need of the patients who had IUGR and O/E LHR less than 25 % was significantly less than the patients without IUGR (38.5 vs. 80.0 %, p=0.005). This study confirms that the intrauterine measurements to predict pulmonary hypoplasia in CDH patients are misleading in the presence of IUGR and cause an overestimation.

Comparative study of pluripotency-related gene expression in Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (UC-MSC) from IUGR, SGA and normally grown fetuses

Background and Objectives: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is worldwide a public health problem. IUGR-born individuals acquire epigenetic “thrifty-phenotype” gene adaptations, according to the “Barker hypothesis” and are more susceptible to develop metabolic related diseases. Small for Gestational Age (SGA) fetuses consist of a transitional group between IUGR and normally grown fetuses (Appropriate for Gestational Age, AGA). Currently, there is limited information in the literature whether IUGR or SGA status affects the pluripotency of the Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell (UC-MSC) with respect to gene expression at various stages of cell culture. Materials and Methods: In this study, we investigated stemness marker expression in UC-MSCs derived from twenty-one AGA, IUGR, and SGA fetuses. The relative expression of key genes involved in stemness, pluripotency, and cell proliferation, namely IGF2BP1, CMYC, GLI1, P21, NANOG, OCT4, and SOX2, was assessed in UC-MSCs at passages P0 and P1 using flow cytometry and quantitative PCR. Results: We found lower median expression levels of IGF2BP1 in IUGR group (P=0.044) and P21 in SGA group (P=0.024) at P0 compared to control group. GLI1 and OCT4 exhibited reduced expression at P1 in the IUGR group (P=0.0434 and P=0.0343 respectively) compared to AGA. NANOG median expression differed statistically between CONTROL and IUGR group in P0 (P=0.034) and P1 (P=0.0205). No significant changes were noted for SOX2 and CMYC median expression among the various groups in P0 and P1. Conclusion: The comparative analysis of stemness marker expression among UC-MSCs from these three different sources is a novel descriptive aspect of our study, adding a new perspective to the existing literature.

Uteroplacental insufficiency decreases leptin expression and impairs lung development in growth-restricted newborn rats.

The study aimed to analyze the effect of uteroplacental insufficiency (UPI) on leptin expression and lung development of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) rats. On day 17 of pregnancy, time-dated Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into either an IUGR group or a control group. Uteroplacental insufficiency surgery (IUGR) and sham surgery (control) were conducted. Offspring rats were spontaneously delivered on day 22 of pregnancy. On postnatal days 0 and 7, rats' pups were selected at random from the control and IUGR groups. Blood was withdrawn from the heart to determine leptin levels. The right lung was obtained for leptin and leptin receptor levels, immunohistochemistry, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), western blot, and metabolomic analyses. UPI-induced IUGR decreased leptin expression and impaired lung development, causing decreased surface area and volume in offspring. This results in lower body weight, decreased serum leptin levels, lung leptin and leptin receptor levels, alveolar space, PCNA, and increased alveolar wall volume fraction in IUGR offspring rats. The IUGR group found significant relationships between serum leptin, radial alveolar count, von Willebrand Factor, and metabolites. Leptin may contribute to UPI-induced lung development during the postnatal period, suggesting supplementation as a potential treatment. The neonatal rats with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) caused by uteroplacental insufficiency (UPI) showed decreased leptin expression and impaired lung development. UPI-induced IUGR significantly decreased surface area and volume in lung offspring. This is a novel study that investigates leptin expression and lung development in neonatal rats with IUGR caused by UPI. If our findings translate to IUGR infants, leptin may contribute to UPI-induced lung development during the postnatal period, suggesting supplementation as a potential treatment.

Association between intrauterine fetal growth restriction and ABO blood groups at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Saudi Arabia: Retrospective study.

To investigate the potential association between ABO blood groups and intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR) among pregnant women who delivered at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This is a retrospective cohort study analyzed the medical records of pregnant women who delivered at KAUH and had postnatal follow-up visits. Missing data were completed by conducting phone interviews with patients. A total of 436 patients with a mean age of 31.2±5.5 years were included in the study. 50.7% of the women had blood type O, 28.4% had blood type A, 16.5% had blood type B, and 4.4% had blood type AB. The majority (94.7%) tested positive for the Rhesus antigen. Although statistically significant, women with blood groups AB and B exhibited higher rates of IUGR (31.6%, and 27.8%, respectively) compared to those with blood groups A and O, who had lower rates of IUGR (26.6%, and 24%, respectively). Our study results showed that women with blood groups AB and B had slightly higher rates of IUGR than those with A and O, who had lower rates of IUGR. A larger study comparing blood group O to other groups may provide more insight into the relationship between ABO blood groups and IUGR.

Intrauterine growth restriction alters kidney metabolism at the end of nephrogenesis

BackgroundThis study investigated the effect of uteroplacental insufficiency (UPI) on renal development by detecting metabolic alterations in the kidneys of rats with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).MethodsOn gestational day 17, pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were selected and allocated randomly to either the IUGR group or the control group. The IUGR group received a protocol involving the closure of bilateral uterine vessels, while the control group underwent a sham surgery. The rat pups were delivered on gestational day 22 by natural means. Pups were randomly recruited from both the control and IUGR groups on the seventh day after birth. The kidneys were surgically removed to conduct Western blot and metabolomic analyses.ResultsIUGR was produced by UPI, as evidenced by the significantly lower body weights of the pups with IUGR compared to the control pups on postnatal day 7. UPI significantly increased the levels of cleaved caspase-3 (p < 0.05) and BAX/Bcl-2 (p < 0.01) in the pups with IUGR. Ten metabolites exhibited statistically significant differences between the groups (q < 0.05). Metabolic pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated statistically significant variations between the groups in the metabolism related to fructose and mannose, amino and nucleotide sugars, and inositol phosphate.ConclusionsUPI alters kidney metabolism in growth-restricted newborn rats and induces renal apoptosis. The results of our study have the potential to provide new insights into biomarkers and metabolic pathways that are involved in the kidney changes generated by IUGR.

Immediate Outcome of Intrauterine Growth Restricted Infants

Background: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is one of the major public health issues in developing countries like Bangladesh. IUGR has got significant importance due to its approach towards post neonatal, infant and childhood mortality and morbidity. Objective: To identify immediate outcome of IUGR infants. Methods: This case control study was conducted in department of Neonatology at BSMMU, Dhaka from August 2015 to July 2016, where 98 newborns in the NICU during study period were the study population. All the IUGR babies were labeled as case (Group- A), n=49 and the babies of the same gestational age were labeled as control (Group-B), n=49. The outcome was observed by the caution and careful NICU follow up of the baby. After collection, data were entered into a personal computer and were edited, analyzed, plotted in graphs and tables. Data were analyzed by chi square test, Mann Whitney U tests, using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20. P values less than 0.05 (95% CI) were considered statistically significant. Result: During the study in case group, hypoglycemia (p=0.007) &amp; hyperbilirubinemia (P=&lt;0.001) were statistically significant complication. Length of hospital stay was more (P=0.001) in IUGR group which was also significant. Death was more in IUGR than AGA group. Conclusion: From our result, we can conclud e that Hypoglycemia and hyperbilirubinemia were significant complication of IUGR babies. IUGR babies had longer hospital stay than AGA babies. Death were more in IUGR babies but was not statistically significant. Sir Salimullah Med Coll J 2023; 31: 9-12

Characteristics of the left heart structure and function in 86 term neonates with intrauterine growth restriction

To study the left heart structure and functional characteristics of term neonates with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). This study included 86 term neonates with IUGR admitted to the Neonatal Ward of Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2019 to January 2022 as the IUGR group, as well as randomly selected 86 term neonates without IUGR born during the same period as the non-IUGR group. The clinical data and echocardiographic data were compared between the two groups. The analysis of left heart structure and function showed that compared with the non-IUGR group, the IUGR group had significantly lower left ventricular mass, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, left atrial diameter, end-diastolic interventricular septal thickness, left ventricular posterior wall thickness, left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular end-systolic volume, and stroke volume (P<0.05) and significantly higher ratio of end-diastolic interventricular septal thickness to left ventricular posterior wall thickness, proportion of neonates with a mitral peak E/A ratio of ≥1, and cardiac index (P<0.05). The Spearman correlation analysis suggested that stroke volume was positively correlated with birth weight and body surface area (rs=0.241 and 0.241 respectively; P<0.05) and that the ratio of end-diastolic interventricular septal thickness to left ventricular posterior wall thickness was negatively correlated with birth weight and body surface area (rs=-0.229 and -0.225 respectively; P<0.05). The left ventricular systolic function of neonates with IUGR is not significantly different from that of neonates without IUGR. However, the ventricular septum is thicker in neonates with IUGR. This change is negatively correlated with birth weight and body surface area. The left ventricular diastolic function may be impaired in neonates with IUGR.

Fetal brain volumes and neurodevelopmental outcome of intrauterine growth restricted fetuses

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the correlation of MRI measured fetal brain volumetrics with long-term neurodevelopmental outcome, among intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) and apparently healthy fetuses. Study designA historical cohort study at a single tertiary referral medical center during 6 years period, of fetuses diagnosed with IUGR due to placental insufficiency, and apparently healthy fetuses, who had fetal brain MRI scan. The volumes of the supratentorial brain region, both hemispheres and the cerebellum were measured by 3D MRI semi-automated volume measurements. The cerebellar to supratentorial ratio (CER/ST) was calculated. Volumes were plotted on normal growth curves. 17 IUGR fetuses, and 53 apparently healthy fetuses adhered to participate in the VABS-II questionnaire, evaluating neurodevelopmental outcome. Results70 patients (mean age at conducting VABS-II questionnaire 4.4 ± 2.1 years, 38 males) were evaluated. Among fetuses born in a gestational age of 36 weeks or later, IUGR fetuses demonstrated a significantly larger number of abnormal results in the VABS-II communication domain (p =.049). No significant differences were found in other domains or in overall neurodevelopmental outcome. The CER/ST ratio correlated with the overall neurodevelopmental outcome of the total study population (r = 0.40, p <.001), and of the IUGR group separately (ρ = 0.58, p =.02). ConclusionCER/ST ratio measured using fetal brain MRI was found to be correlated with long term neurodevelopmental outcome. This result may aid in clinical interpretation of biometric data obtained by fetal brain MRI, linking it with long term neurodevelopmental outcome.

Assessment of Infantile Psychomotor Development Status in 6 and 12-Month-Old IUGR Infants: A Historical Cohort Study

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is responsible for different post-natal adverse outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the post-natal psychomotor development status in 6 and 12-month-old IUGR infants who received early preventive interventions. A historical cohort study was done at an Iranian Hospital (2019). The case group included one-year-old infants with a history of IUGR at birth. This group was visited every 2 months to evaluate their growth and neurodevelopmental status. Their parents had also received some training to improve their infant's sensory and motor skills. The control group comprised one-year-old healthy infants with a history of appropriate for gestational age (AGA) at birth. Data related to psychomotor developmental indices based on the ASQ questionnaire at 6 and 12-month for both groups was extracted from subjects' records. Infants' psychomotor development status was compared between groups. Forty-one infants with a history of IUGR and 43 healthy control infants were included in this study. There were significant differences between 2 groups associated with abnormalities in all evaluated psychomotor skills, including gross motor (P=0.014), problem-solving ability (P=0.049), communication (P=0.031), fine motor (P=0.016) and personal-social (P=0.016) at 6 months. After one year of family-based interventions for the case group, significant differences between groups were notable in only fine motor (P=0.016) and personal-social skills (P=0.031). At 12 months, the psychomotor disorders related to gross motor, problem-solving ability, and communication were significantly alleviated in the IUGR group. Early preventive family-based interventions can improve the neurodevelopmental outcomes in 12-month-old IUGR infants.

Resveratrol Reverses Endothelial Colony-Forming Cell Dysfunction in Adulthood in a Rat Model of Intrauterine Growth Restriction.

Individuals born after intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Endothelial dysfunction plays a role in the pathogenesis of CVDs; and endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) have been identified as key factors in endothelial repair. In a rat model of IUGR induced by a maternal low-protein diet, we observed an altered functionality of ECFCs in 6-month-old males, which was associated with arterial hypertension related to oxidative stress and stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS). Resveratrol (R), a polyphenol compound, was found to improve cardiovascular function. In this study, we investigated whether resveratrol could reverse ECFC dysfunctions in the IUGR group. ECFCs were isolated from IUGR and control (CTRL) males and were treated with R (1 μM) or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) for 48 h. In the IUGR-ECFCs, R increased proliferation (5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation, p < 0.001) and improved capillary-like outgrowth sprout formation (in Matrigel), nitric oxide (NO) production (fluorescent dye, p < 0.01), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression (immunofluorescence, p < 0.001). In addition, R decreased oxidative stress with reduced superoxide anion production (fluorescent dye, p < 0.001); increased Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase expression (Western blot, p < 0.05); and reversed SIPS with decreased beta-galactosidase activity (p < 0.001), and decreased p16ink4a (p < 0.05) and increased Sirtuin-1 (p < 0.05) expressions (Western blot). No effects of R were observed in the CTRL-ECFCs. These results suggest that R reverses long-term ECFC dysfunctions related to IUGR.

Omega-3 polygenic score protects against altered eating behavior in intrauterine growth-restricted children.

Alterations in eating behavior are common in infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR); omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) could provide protection. We hypothesized that those born IUGR with a genetic background associated with increased production of omega-3-PUFA will have more adaptive eating behaviors during childhood. IUGR/non-IUGR classified infants from MAVAN and GUSTO cohorts were included at the age of 4 and 5 years, respectively. Their parents reported child's eating behaviors using the child eating behavior questionnaire-CEBQ. Based on the GWAS on serum PUFA (Coltell 2020), three polygenic scores were calculated. Significant interactions between IUGR and polygenic score for omega-3-PUFA on emotional overeating (β = -0.15, P = 0.049 GUSTO) and between IUGR and polygenic score for omega-6/omega-3-PUFA on desire to drink (β = 0.35, P = 0.044 MAVAN), pro-intake/anti-intake ratio (β = 0.10, P = 0.042 MAVAN), and emotional overeating (β = 0.16, P = 0.043 GUSTO) were found. Only in IUGR, a higher polygenic score for omega-3-PUFA associated with lower emotional overeating, while a higher polygenic score for omega-6/omega-3-PUFA ratio was associated with a higher desire to drink, emotional overeating, and pro-intake/anti-intake. Only in IUGR, the genetic background for higher omega-3-PUFA is associated with protection against altered eating behavior, while the genetic score for a higher omega-6/omega-3-PUFA ratio is associated with altered eating behavior. A genetic background related to a higher polygenic score for omega-3 PUFA protected infants born IUGR against eating behavior alterations, while a higher polygenic score for omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratio increased the risk of having eating behavior alterations only in infants born IUGR, irrespective of their adiposity in childhood. Genetic individual differences modify the effect of being born IUGR on eating outcomes, increasing the vulnerability/resilience to eating disorders in IUGR group and likely contributing to their risk for developing metabolic diseases later in life.

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress Markers in Relation APGAR Scores to in Egyptian Newborns with Intrauterine Growth Retardation

The study aimed to estimate the status of oxidative stress markers in neonates of both sexes born 37- 41with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) comparing them to healthy convenient for gestational. The study included 44 Egyptian neonates with IUGR of both sexes and 45 neonates of both sexes with appropriate for gestational age. In both groups the neonates were delivered vaginally without any assisted vaginal delivery to mothers without known medical conditions affecting placental sufficiency. Malondialdehyde (MDA, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and paraoxonase-1(PON1) were measured. Obstetric data including mode of delivery, instrumental delivery and gestational age at delivery by ultrasound Neonatal assessment including gestational age by new Ballard, sex of neonate, weight, head circumference, APGAR score at 1 and 5 minutes, length, full general &amp; systemic examinations of newborn. The activity of MDA was increased, whilelevels of TAC and PON1 were significantly lower in IUGR than controls. APGAR score at both 1 min and 5 min and Ballard were significantly decreased in the IUGR group. Mean birth weight, length, maternal gestational age and head circumference of IUGR cases were decreased than control. APGAR scores were negatively correlated with MDA. In conclusion oxidative stress associated with IUGR newborns and antioxidants during pregnancy may be advised. Oxidative stress markers might have early prediction value for diagnosis of these conditions and probable pharmacological intervention with antioxidants may improve the pregnancy conditions.

Evaluation of maternal serum sestrin-2 levels in intrauterine growth restriction.

Sestrin-2 (SESN2) is a antioxidant protein that can be activated by a number of conditions, including DNA damage and hypoxia. Our objective was to evaluate maternal serum SESN2 levels in patients with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and its association with adverse perinatal outcomes. This prospective study included a total of 87 pregnant women admitted to our tertiary care center between 2018 August and 2019 July. The study group consisted of a total of 44 patients who had been diagnosed with IUGR. Forty-three low-risk and gestational age-matched pregnant women were taken as control group. Demographic data, maternal serum SESN2 levels, and maternal-neonatal outcomes were evaluated. SESN2 levels were analyzed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and compared between groups. Maternal serum SESN2 levels were significantly higher in the IUGR group compared to control group (22.38ng/ml vs. 13.0ng/ml, p < 0.001). In correlation analysis, a negative significant correlation was found between SESN2 levels and gestational week at delivery (r = - 0.387, p < 0.001). The ideal cut-off value for detecting IUGR was 9.5ng/ml, and the area under the curve was 0.719 (95%CI: 0.610-0.827). Birth interval, gestational week at birth, birth weight, and 1-5-min Apgar scores were lower in the IUGR group (p < 0.001). Maternal serum SESN2 levels are elevated in IUGR and are associated with adverse neonatal outcome. Considering that SESN2 is involved in pathogenesis, it can be used as a new marker for the evaluation of IUGR.

Determination of maternal serum pro-inflammatory cytokine changes in intrauterine growth restriction.

To evaluate maternal serum inflammatory marker changes in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) pregnancies. 50 healthy pregnant women and 50 patients diagnosed with IUGR were enrolled. Maternal serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 levels were measured before delivery and neonatal outcomes were evaluated. Birth weight, Apgar scores, and cord blood gas pH were lower in the IUGR group (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.006, respectively). While the levels of ESR, hsCRP, IL-6, and TNF-α were higher, the IL-10 level was found to be lower in the IUGR group (p<0.001, p=0.033, p<0.001, p=0.004 and p<0.001, respectively). As ESR, hsCRP, and IL-6 levels increased, birth weight, Apgar scores, and cord blood gas pH decreased (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.02, p=0.002, p=0.001, p=0.03, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.02, respectively). As TNF-α level increased, only birth weight and Apgar score at the 1st minute decreased (p=0.006 and p=0.048, respectively). As IL-10 level decreased, birth weight, Apgar scores, and cord blood gas pH decreased (p<0.001 for all). IL-6 (>3.2 pg/ml) had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100% and NPV of 100%. While birth weight, Apgar score and cord blood pH decreased in IUGR cases, ESR, hsCRP, IL-6 and TNF-α levels increased. Combined measurement of these markers can be used for the diagnosis of IUGR.

Diagnostic models for the detection of intrauterine growth restriction and placental insufficiency severity based on magnetic resonance imaging of the placenta.

We aimed to provide diagnostic models based on different parameters of placental magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), as well as the severity of placental insufficiency. We included 44 foetuses with appropriate weight for gestational age (AGA) and 46 foetuses with documented IUGR, defined as the estimated foetal weight (EFW) below the 10th centile. Using Doppler ultrasound, IUGR cases were divided into 2 groups: 1) IUGR with severity signs: EFW < 3rd centile, or cerebroplacental ratio < 5th centile, or abnormal umbilical/uterine artery pulsatility index; and 2) non-severe IUGR without any of this criterion. For all these participants, placental MRI was performed in the third gestational trimester, and its parameters were compared between AGA and IUGR, as well as between the severe and non-severe IUGR groups. Two diagnostic models consisting of significant predictors were developed, and their performance was investigated with accuracy metrics. The severity signs were detected in 25 (54.3%) IUGR cases. The diagnostic model for the differentiation of IUGR from AGA revealed an acceptable performance (area under the curve [AUC] of 0.749) and consisted of 2 variables: 1) the largest size of infarct ≥ 25 mm (odds ratio [OR] = 5.01, p = 0.001), and 2) thickness : volume ratio ≥ 0.043 (OR = 3.76, p = 0.027); while, the logistic regression model for detection of the severity signs was even better, with AUC = 0.862, and comprised of 2 predictors: 1) placental infarct percent ≥ 10% (OR = 26.73, p = 0.004), and 2) placental globular shape (OR = 5.40, p = 0.034). Placental MRI parameters can differentiate IUGR from AGA, and more precisely, assess the severity of placental insufficiency in IUGR foetuses.

A Comparative Ultrasonographic Study of Fetal Biometric Parameters of Normal Fetus versus Intrauterine Growth Restriction Fetus during the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Abstract Introduction: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a well-known complex issue in obstetrics that can lead to significant fetal or neonatal complications, both in the short and long term. This ultrasonographic study was undertaken to compare the growth and development of the normal fetus versus IUGR fetus, during the third trimester of pregnancy in Meghalaya, Northeastern India. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, analytical ultrasonographic study done on pregnant women in the third trimester from May 2021 to October 2022 at North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, Shillong. Forty-two pregnant women (twenty-one each from normal and IUGR fetuses) were observed from the 28th week of gestation until delivery. Ultrasonographic fetal biometric parameters (FBPs) such as biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference (AC), femur length, and estimated fetal weight were used to study fetal growth and development. The weight and length of the newborn were recorded. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to identify the association between IUGR and FBPs as well as birth weight and length. Results: Among the FBPs, only AC parameter was statistically associated with IUGR status (P &lt; 0.05). Birth weight and birth length were significantly lower in the IUGR group compared to the normal group (P &lt; 0.001 for both). Conclusions: Among the FBPs, AC may be better suited to compare fetal growth and development between normal and IUGR fetuses during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Pituitary-Gland-Based Genes Participates in Intrauterine Growth Restriction in Piglets.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a major problem associated with piglet growth performance. The incidence of IUGR is widespread in Rongchang pigs. The pituitary gland is important for regulating growth and metabolism, and research has identified genes associated with growth and development. The pituitary gland of newborn piglets with normal birth weight (NBW group, n = 3) and (IUGR group, n = 3) was collected for transcriptome analysis. A total of 323 differentially expression genes (DEGs) were identified (|log2(fold-change)| > 1 and q value < 0.05), of which 223 were upregulated and 100 were downregulated. Gene Ontology (GO) functional and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses showed that the DEGs were mainly related to the extracellular matrix, regulation of the multicellular organismal process, tissue development and angiogenesis, which participate in the growth and immune response in IUGR piglets. Moreover, 7 DEGs including IGF2, THBS1, ITGA1, ITGA8, EPSTI1, FOSB, and UCP2 were associated with growth and immune response. Furthermore, based on the interaction network analysis of the DEGs, two genes, IGF2 and THBS1, participated in cell proliferation, embryonic development and angiogenesis. IGF2 and THBS1 were also the main genes participating in the IUGR. This study identified the core genes involved in IUGR in piglets and provided a reference for exploring the effect of the pituitary gland on piglet growth.

A Low Dose of Ouabain Alters the Metabolic Profile of Adult Rats Experiencing Intrauterine Growth Restriction in a Sex-Specific Manner.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic diseases. The pancreas of fetuses with IUGR is usually characterized by pancreatic dysplasia and reduced levels of insulin secretion caused by the diminished replication of β-cells. Previous studies showed that a low dose of ouabain could reduce the apoptosis of embryonic nephric cells during IUGR and partially restore the number of nephrons at birth. The rescued kidneys functioned well and decreased the prevalence of hypertension. Thus, we hypothesized that ouabain could rescue pancreatic development during IUGR and reduce the morbidity of T2DM and metabolic diseases. Maternal malnutrition was used to induce the IUGR model, and then a low dose of ouabain was administered to rats with IUGR during pregnancy. Throughout the experiment, we monitored the pattern of weight increase and evaluated the metabolic parameters in the offspring in different stages. Male, but not female, offspring in the IUGR group presented catch-up growth. Ouabain could benefit the impaired glucose tolerance of male offspring; however, this desirable effect was eliminated by aging. The insulin sensitivity was significantly impaired in male offspring with IUGR, but it was improved by ouabain, even during old age. However, in the female offspring, low birth weight appeared to be a beneficial factor even in old age; administering ouabain exacerbated these favorable effects. Our data suggested that IUGR influenced glucose metabolism in a sex-specific manner and ouabain treatment during pregnancy exerted strongly contrasting effects in male and female rats.

Comparing neonatal outcome of late preterm: Intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) average for gestational age infants

Comparing Neonatal outcome of late preterm -Intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) vs Average for Gestational age (AGA) infants.Background: Individuals who had IUGR experience a range of poorer developmental outcomes, encompassing cognitive, socioemotional, and behavioral domains, compared with individuals who were born appropriate for gestational age (AGA).The primary aim was to evaluate neonatal outcome in late preterm IUGR and SGA infants and comparing them.Methods: Out of 3256 total live births, late preterm births are 341(10.4%). Incidence of IUGR in late preterm infants is 71/341(2.15%) and AGA is 170/341(8.25%). We analysed 100 singleton pregnancies, 50 infants with birth weight less than 10th percentile, control group with 50 infants with birth weight between 11-89 percentile at 34-36+6 weeks gestational age. The control group consisted of spontaneous preterm delivery at the same gestational age.Birth weight percentiles were based on the standard growth curve of Alexander et al. Results: There was a significant difference in mean birth weight between the two groups (IUGR: 1720g and AGA: 2495g). The frequency of cesarean sections was 64% in the IUGR group and 26% in the AGA group. 3 neonates of the IUGR group and one of the AGA infants presented Apgar scores <7 at 5 minutes. The length of stay of the newborn in the nursery, as well as the need for and duration of hospitalization in the NICU, differed significantly between the two groups. TTN, Neonatal sepsis and hyperbilirubinemia didnot differ between groups but phototherapy required for IUGR group is more.Conclusion: Late-preterm IUGR infants present a significantly higher risk of neonatal complications and a significantly longer NICU and hospital stay when compared to late-preterm AGA infants.