Normal Gestation Research Articles

Reactive oxygen species mediated placental oxidative stress, mitochondrial content, and cell cycle progression through mitogen-activated protein kinases in intrauterine growth restricted pigs

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) remains a significant obstacle in pig production; however, information regarding the relationship between reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced placental dysfunction and IUGR is still unknown. This study aimed to explore the placental redox status, mitochondrial content, cellular progression, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in IUGR. Placental tissues were collected from normal intrauterine gestation (NIUG) and IUGR fetuses at delivery. Compared with the NIUG, placental ROS production, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage were increased in IUGR. Placental mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content and mtDNA-encoded gene expression decreased in IUGR. Moreover, p21 phosphorylation increased, cyclin E expression decreased in IUGR cases, which showed senescence characteristics. Analysis of signaling pathways showed that the ERK1/2 phosphorylation increased whereas the p38 and JNK phosphorylation decreased in IUGR. In cultured porcine trophectoderm (pTr) cells, exogenous H2O2 increased intracellular ROS production, decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Cell cycle distribution was found to arrest in S and G2/M phases. Our findings suggested that IUGR was associated with greater placental ROS and oxidative injury, which might be a factor that resulted in lower mitochondrial content, microvilli loss and senescence, and activation of MAPK pathways.

A3348 PIH and its effects on Pregnancy & Placental Morphology

Objectives: PIH results in placental dysfunction. PIH in women can lead to abruption placentae, organ failure and cerebrovascular events while their fetuses have an increased risk of intrauterine growth retardation as well as IUD. This study analyses the role of PIH in bringing about the histomorphological changes in Placenta and subsequently maternal and fetal effects. Methods: The study was carried out over a 3 year period from Jan 2014-Feb 2017 in a tertiary care hospital as an observational case-control study. Two groups were formed each with 120 patients, one included the women diagnosed PIH while the other contained women with normal gestation. In order to assess the morphological parameters, placental specimens from term gestations (37–42 weeks) as well as from normal full term gestations were studied. Results: The study consisted of 120 normotensive women and equal number of women with PIH. Out of the latter group 79 were Hypertensive, 28 had preeclampsia and 13 were cases of eclampsia. 12% of the cases were found to have liver infarcts while 5% had renal failure, another 5% got postpartum haemorrhage. No maternal mortality was recorded in this study. 42 cases resulted in premature delivery while 11 intrauterine deaths were documented. IUGR caused low birth weight in majority of the cases at 38%. PIH cases had a mean placental weight of 407 g, much lesser than that of the control group placenta. Placental specimens from PIH group were observed with multifocal infarcts, fibrinoid necrosis, and retroplacental clots. Conclusion: The major role players remain preeclampsia and eclampsia on the maternal and foetal outcome. The fetomaternal complications and mortality can be minimized through regular antenatal checkups, multi-disciplinary treatment, timing of delivery and swift perinatal management.

2D USS of the pelvic floor in the 3rd trimester versus mode of delivery

ObjectiveBiomechanics of pelvic floor muscles is becoming an important field of research in understanding a complex process of labour. Current evidence indicates that the levator ani stretches to allow passage of the fetus through the birth canal. We sought to identify properties of the functional female pelvic floor during pregnancy that could help to predict the mode of delivery, especially in women who underwent caesarean section in the past. MethodsA single centre prospective cohort study of pregnant women in the 3rd trimester attending antenatal clinic. Participants were categorised into three groups: 1. nulliparous, 2. previous one vaginal delivery and 3. previous one caesarean section who chose a trial of labour in their current pregnancy. All women underwent ultrasonographic evaluation of their pelvic floor muscles. Distensibility and the mode of delivery were assessed in participants’ current pregnancies. The primary outcome was the mode of delivery. ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis. Results133 women were included: 55 nulliparous, 52 primiparous (previous one vaginal birth), and 26 primiparous (previous one LSCS and planned for vaginal delivery after caesarean (VBAC)). Participants were scanned at an average gestation of 32 weeks. The inter-observer reliability test for puborectalis distensibility was good (kappa 0.75).Overall, women who delivered vaginally had a more distensible puborectalis muscle than those who delivered by emergency LSCS regardless of their previous type of delivery. Women who underwent a successful VBAC had less distensible pelvic floor muscles compared to their nulliparous and primiparous counterparts (who delivered vaginally in the past). ConclusionThese results support our basic conceptual theory of puborectalis muscle distensibility influencing the mode of delivery and endorse application of dynamic pelvic floor ultrasound in future studies. We identified measurable differences in the functional female pelvic anatomy aiding a better understanding of physiology of the labour. There are trends towards lesser distensibility in women who delivered by LSCS.

415. Medication use in gestational diabetes

Introduction In the United Arab Emirates,the prevalence of Gestational Diabetes is reported as 28–37% using the IADPSG criteria for diagnosis. In our hospital the population has a 39% occurrence of Gestational Diabetes. Those diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes are commenced on a Diabetic Diet and advised to increase their physical activity as the first step in their management. If glycaemic control is not achieved medication is prescribed. A choice of Insulin versus Metformin is given. Objectives Determining the proportion of women requiring medication for Gestational Diabetes. Documenting the medication used in the majority of cases and the dosage required. Methods Retrospective case note analysis using the electronic medical records of all women with Gestational Diabetes delivered in Corniche Hospital from 1st January 2014–31st December 2015. Results A total of 1,481 women were identified as having Gestational Diabetes during the study period. The proportion of women managed with a Diabetic Diet was 45%, while those who required medication to optimize glycaemic control was 55%. Of which 87% commenced Metformin, and 14% required additional insulin. Also, 13% were on Insulin alone as they declined Metformin or could not tolerate it due to side effects. Characteristics of this population were an average age of 33 years, multiparity and a BMI more than 30. The average gestation at which medication was offered was 28 weeks. Pregnancy outcomes of all these groups were similar. Conclusions As the demographics of our pregnant population change to incorporate an increasing maternal age, increased parity and a higher BMI. The requirement for medication use in Gestational Diabetes will continue to increase.

A preliminary investigation of the effects of labour inducing plant, Cissampelos mucronata, on the outcomes of pregnancy using rat models.

The use of traditional remedies in pregnancy has been associated with bad obstetric outcomes including uterine rupture and foetal distress. These outcomes may ultimately lead to maternal and child mortality or morbidity. Few studies have been done to measure the effects of various herbs in pregnant women or a developing fetus. This study investigated the effects of the commonly used labour inducing plant, Cissampelos mucronata, on pregnancy outcomes using a rat model. Pregnant female rats were divided into 3 groups of 10 each. The first group was the control. The second group was treated with the aqueous extract of Cissampelos mucronata at mid-pregnancy. The third group was treated with Cissampelos mucronata close to full term. All the groups were left to give birth and outcomes were recorded. Rats treated at mid-term had significantly low number of pups when compared to the control group as well as the close to term treated group (4.1 ± 0.54 vs. 6.4 ± 0.60; 6.2± 0.56). The mid-term treated rats had pups with significantly lower body weight when compared to the control and the close to term treated groups (3.73 ± 0.36g vs. 5.37 ± 0.16g; 4.27 ± 0.1g). The average gestation period was significantly short in the mid-term treated group when compared to the control and the close to term treated groups (18.16 ± 0.50 days vs. 20.40 ± 0.44 days; 20.12 ± 0.37 days). There were no uterus ruptures observed in all study groups 3 days after delivery. Administration of Cissampelos mucronata during pregnancy leads to early induction of labour.

Doppler evaluation of umbilical artery during normal gestation in sheep.

Throughout gestation, changes in foetal umbilical cord Doppler parameters in ewes were detected. Doppler ultrasonography of the umbilical artery was performed weekly starting at 18weeks before parturition until birth. In the foetal umbilical artery (UA), systolic peak velocity (SPV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), increased (p for within-subjects effect <0.001) while pulsatility index (PI) resistance index (RI) decreased (p for within-subjects effect <0.001) with the progress of pregnancy. A linear trend was found on all patterns (p<0.001). In particular, the EDV values increased significantly (p<0.05) with respect to previous weeks, at weeks 16, 11, 10, 7, and 1 before parturition. The SPV values increased significantly (p<0.05), with respect to previous observations, at weeks 11, 10, and 7 before parturition. Finally, the PI and RI decreased significantly (p<0.05) only at week 7 before parturition. The increased velocities and reduced resistance index suggest a progressive increment in blood flow to the foetus towards the end of pregnancy. Foetal and utero-placental vascular parameters can be reliably evaluated using high-frequency ultrasound.

Sexual dimorphism and reproductive behavior in the Brazilian scorpionTityus pusillus(Scorpiones, Buthidae)

AbstractWe studied sexual dimorphism (SD) and reproductive behavior in the litter‐dwelling scorpion,Tityus pusillus. SD was determined by measuring seven body structure attributes (prosoma, mesosoma, and metasoma lengths, and pedipalp chelae and metasomal segment V lengths and widths) in 634 individuals (211 males and 423 females) from the Arachnological Collection of the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco. Reproductive behavior was observed in 55 couples during nocturnal activity observations conducted in the laboratory. In addition, we evaluated gestation time, hemispermatophore replacement, and sequential courtship. Individuals ofT. pusillusexhibited typical reproductive behavior, with a short courtship time (averaging 10±5 min). Males only accepted new partners at least 48 h after first mating, suggesting that this period may be necessary for hemispermatophore production. Females did not accept new partners for 24–48 h after their first mating. The average gestation period was 85±12 d, ranging 60–100 d. Our results showed a more complex picture of SD than previously described for this species, including features characteristic of both sexual size dimorphism (SSD) and sexual body component dimorphism in scorpions. In general, considering the relatively large size of the prosoma and mesosoma inT. pusillus, it seems reasonable to conclude that female‐biased SSD exists in the species, and that male‐biased sexual body component dimorphism is evident in the metasoma and chelae.

CA125 serum levels in Correlation with Preeclampsia severity

Back ground: PET a disease of theories of unknown particular cause characterized by hypertensive disorder, protein excretion in urine that additionally could be accompanied or not by organ dysfunction. CA125 is an antigen measured by radioimmunoassay. Its physiological and molecular significance in obstetric diseases is not fully clarified most research trials are made on this antigen in obstetric research field to explore and investigate its role as a marker in various diseases. Aim: The current research was performed to evaluate and correlate the correlation between CA125 serum level in normal gestations and gestations affected by PET. Methodology: The current research study is composed of 300 singleton gestations. The study subjects were divided into 3 research groups: control research group (n = 100), mild PET research group (n = 100) and severe PET research group (n = 100). The three research groups were statistically alike as regards variables such as maternal age, gestational age and BMI.The research study was conducted at a private hospital in Jeddah, KSA, United Doctors Hospital. over 3 years from April 2014 to April 2017. Results: The current research study results displayed that no statistical significant difference existed between the research study groups concerning age, BMI, parity, smoking, GA and serum creatinine. On the other hand SBP, DBP, serum urea, serum CA125, urine protein, and NICU admission were statistically significantly lowest in control research group followed by mild PET research group and statistically significantly highest in severe PET research group. Interestingly it has been revealed in the current research findings that platelets count was statistically significantly lowest in severe PET research group with no statistically significant difference between control and mild groups. The current research study have evaluated in addition diagnostic performance of laboratory investigations performed between research study groups displayed the following Serum BUN, serum CA125 and proteinuria had statistically significant high diagnostic performance and features in discriminating between PET from normal (highest in urine protein).On the other hand Serum BUN had statistically significant moderate diagnostic performance and features , whereas serum CA125 and urine protein had statistically significant high diagnostic performance and features in discriminating severe from mild PET (highest in urine protein). Conclusion: Our research group came to the conclusion that serum CA125 level in maternal serum is directly correlated to PET presence and its degree of severity i.e CA-125 is a Biological marker mirroring the disease severity .Additionally it has the privilege of being. More readily available and considered less costly in comparison to other biological markers, It could be used as a screening tool for PET. However larger sample size should be considered in future research studies and consideration should be made for ethnic and racial difference that could aid in future met analysis performance.

Isoform-Specific Compensation of Cyclooxygenase (Ptgs) Genes during Implantation and Late-Stage Pregnancy

The participation of cyclooxygenase (COX) in embryo implantation and parturition has been studied extensively. However, the distinct role of the two COX isoforms in these processes still remains unclear. Using three characterized mouse lines where the Ptgs1 and Ptgs2 genes substitute for one another, this study focused on the reproductive significance of their distinct roles and potential biological substitution. In both non-gravid and gravid uteri, the knock-in COX-2 is expressed constitutively, whereas the knock-in COX-1 is slightly induced in early implantation. The delayed onset of parturition previously found in COX-1 null mice was corrected by COX-2 exchange in COX-2>COX-1 mice, with normal term pregnancy, gestation length and litter size. In contrast, loss of native COX-2 in COX-1>COX-2 mice resulted in severely impaired reproductive functions. Knock-in COX-1 failed to substitute for the loss of COX-2 in COX-1>COX-2 mice during implantation, indicating that COX-1 may be replaced by COX-2, but not vice versa. A panel of prostaglandins detected in uterus and ovary demonstrates that prostaglandin biosynthesis preferentially depends on native COX-1, but not COX-2. More interestingly, preferential compensations by the COX isoforms were sustained despite weak dependency on their role in prostaglandin biosynthesis in the uterus and ovary.

Descriptive Research: Variation of Acceleration Time/Ejection Time Index of the Trunk of the Pulmonary Arteries Due to the Lung Maturation Effect of Corticosteroids on Preterm Fetus. Clínica Humanitaria, 2016

BACKGROUND: Premature birth represents an important public health problem worldwide and especially in developing countries. In Ecuador (2014), the infant mortality rate reached 8.35 deaths per 1 000 births and their main causes were newborns respiratory distress and gestation period short-term disorders. METHODS: This is an observational longitudinal descriptive research; it was performed in a convenience sample that included 26 singlet on pregnant women between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation. They also were on risk of preterm delivery and had indication of lung maturation with corticosteroids. Information of the fetal pulmonary arteries flow was collected to determine the effect of corticosteroids in pulmonary maturation. RESULTS: Mean age was 25.64 years and had an average gestation of 31.2 weeks. Most common diseases were preterm labor threat (72 %) and premature rupture of membranes (13.9 %). There was a statistically significant difference between the values of Acceleration Time / Ejection Time indexes before and after lung maturation (0.272 ms vs. 0.310 ms respectively; P &lt; 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Comparison of Acceleration Time / Ejection Time indexes from the trunk of the pulmonary arteries before and after lung maturation evidenced an important significant difference. The findings suggest that pulmonary maturation with corticosteroids is effective to improve the pulmonary arteries flow of preterm fetus.

Evidence of oxidative stress-induced senescence in mature, post-mature and pathological human placentas

IntroductionPremature ageing has been implicated in placental dysfunction. Senescence can be activated by oxidative stress, a key intermediary in the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia. We examined senescence markers across normal gestation, and in pathological and post-mature pregnancies. Inducers of oxidative stress were used to mimic senescence changes in term explants. MethodsPlacental samples were collected with ethical approval and informed consent: first and second trimester samples from surgical terminations; term and pre-term controls, and early-onset pre-eclampsia samples from caesarean deliveries. Paraffin and EM blocks of post-mature placentas were from an archival collection. Term explants were subjected to hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Resultsp21 was increased significantly in term homogenates compared to first and second trimester samples, and was significantly higher in PE compared to term controls. Immunostaining revealed nuclear localisation of p21 and phosphorylated histone γH2AX in syncytiotrophoblast, with abundant foci in pathological and post-mature placentas. Abnormal nuclear appearances were observed in post-mature placentas. Sudan-Black-B staining demonstrated abundant lipofuscin, an aggregate of oxidised proteins, lipids and metals, in post-mature and pathological placentas. The percentage of nuclei positive for 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxy-guanosine, a marker of oxidised DNA/RNA, was increased in pathological placentas compared to age-matched controls. These changes could be mimicked by challenge with HR or H2O2. DiscussionSenescence markers increase in normal placentas with gestational age, and are exaggerated in post-mature and pathological cases. Oxidative stress triggers equivalent changes in explants, and may precipitate senescence in vivo. The consequent pro-inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype may contribute to the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia.

Productive and reproductive performances of Sheep at field level of Rajshahi and Mymensingh District of Bangladesh

This study was undertaken to assess the reproductive performances of sheep at field level of Rajshahi and Mymensingh district of Bangladesh during January to December, 2016. A total of 52 farms (26 each in Rajshahi and Mymensingh) were selected for determining the reproductive parameters of ewes. Ewe lambs in Mymensingh reached puberty at significantly (P&lt;0.03) younger age (186.9±18.4 days) than in Rajshihi (199.9±24.9 days). The average age at first pregnancy was 201.4±20.0 days in two regions. Similarly, the ewes in Mymensingh was lambing at significantly (P&lt;0.002) early age than ewes in Rajshahi (356.0±6.8 days vs. 372.7±27.8 days). The observed duration of oestrus at Rajshahi and Mymensingh was 36.0±6.7 hrs and 36.0±7.3 hrs, respectively. The gestation length varied from 145 to 150 days. The average gestation length was 147.9±3.4 days in two regions. The gestation length was not significant (P˃0.05) in the ewes between Rajshahi and Mymensingh (148.7±3.4 and 147.1±3.2 days; respectively). The pooled over litter size was 1.6±0.2 in two regions. However, there was no significant (P&gt;0.05) difference in litter size of ewes in Rajshahi and Mymensingh region (1.7±0.2 vs. 1.6±0.2). The pooled lambing interval was 193.9±21.7 days in two regions. Mean birth weights of lambs, weaning weight and mature weight were 1.7±0.6 vs. 1.3±0.1 kg; 8.9±2.7 vs. 6.9±1.0 kg and 24.9±7.3 vs. 19.4±2.7 kg in Rajshahi and Mymensingh, respectively. These reproductive parameters were significantly higher (P&lt;0.001) in Rajshahi compared with in Mymensingh. The reproductive parameters are almost similar between confined and the traditional management system if the farms are well managed.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2018, 4(1): 63-68

Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Mouse Uterus and Human Myometrium During Pregnancy, Labor, and Preterm Labor

Uterine extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling occurs throughout pregnancy and at parturition. Imbalanced availability of key mediators in ECM degradation, namely, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), is implicated in the pathogenesis of preterm labor (PTL). Examine the expression of MMPs and their inhibitors TIMPs in (a) the mouse uterus throughout normal gestation, at labor, and during inflammation-induced PTL and (b) the human term and preterm myometrium. The expression of Mmp-2/9/3/10 and Timp-1/2 was determined in the uterus of C57BL/6 mice (n = 6/group) during pregnancy (on days (d) 5, 8, 12, 15, 17, and 18), at normal labor, and during lipopolysaccharide-induced PTL (n = 6/group). The expression of MMP-10 and TIMP-1 was determined in human term and preterm myometrium before the onset of labor (TNL, n = 7; PTNL, n = 7) and during active labor (TL, n = 8; PTL, n = 8). Gene expression and tissue localization were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Mmp-10 was higher during murine labor (53-fold vs early pregnancy) in contrast to Mmp-2/3/9 and Timp-1, the expression of which reached a nadir at labor ( P < .001 vs d5 [ Mmp-2/ 9] or P < .05 vs d8 [ Mmp-3 and Timp-1]). The Mmp-3/10 and Timp-1 were localized to the uterine epithelium and stroma/myometrium. In the human myometrium, TIMP-1 messenger RNA was higher and MMP-10 was lower in TL versus TNL ( P < .05), PTL ( P < .001), and PTNL ( P < .001). MMP-10 and TIMP-1 were localized to the myometrial smooth muscle cells, interstitial fibroblasts, and inflammatory cells. These data implicate MMP-3, TIMP-1, and MMP-10 in the uterine ECM remodeling during physiological and pathological parturition.

Evaluation of placental vascularization indices in monochorionic diamniotic and dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies

ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate and compare placental vascularization indices between monochorionic-diamniotic, dichorionic-diamniotic normal twin pregnancies, and normal singular pregnancies. We hypothesized that there is correlation between placental three-dimensional power Doppler vascularization indices and birth weight in case of twin pregnancies, and that normal singular pregnancies have higher placental vascularization indices than normal twin pregnancies. Study designPlacental three-dimensional power Doppler vascularization indices, such as vascularization index, flow index, and vascularization-flow index were measured in monochorionic-diamniotic (N = 15) and dichorionic-diamniotic (N = 36) normal twin pregnancies, and in normal singular (N = 109) pregnancies. Correlations were analyzed between vascularization indices, and birth weight, APGAR score, umbilical pH, umbilical venous bicarbonate, lactate, and base excess. ResultsVascularization indices and birth weight were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in normal singular gestations (vascularization index = 10.36, flow index = 46.08, vascularization-flow index = 4.08, average birth weight = 3377 g at 38.2 weeks average gestational age) compared to monochorionic-diamniotic and dichorionic-diamniotic normal twin pregnancies. No significant differences were found in vascularization indices between monochorionic-diamniotic and dichorionic-diamniotic normal twins. There were no significant differences in APGAR score, umbilical pH, umbilical venous bicarbonate, lactate, and base excess between groups examined (p < 0.01). We found strong linear correlations between placental vascularization indices and birth weight in both twin groups. ConclusionPlacental three-dimensional power Doppler vascularization indices seem appropriate for predicting birth weight in monochorionic-diamniotic and dichorionic-diamniotic normal twin pregnancies. Our pilot study revealed reference values for vascularization indices in case of twin pregnancies examined.

Placental Exosomes During Gestation: Liquid Biopsies Carrying Signals for the Regulation of Human Parturition.

Parturition is defined as the action or process of giving birth to offspring. Normal term human parturition ensues following the maturation of fetal organ systems typically between 37 and 40 weeks of gestation. Our conventional understanding of how parturition initiation is signaled revolves around feto-maternal immune and endocrine changes occurring in the intrauterine cavity. These changes in turn correlate with the sequence of fetal growth and development. These important physiological changes also result in homeostatic imbalances which result in heightened inflammatory signaling. This disrupts the maintenance of pregnancy, thus leading to laborrelated changes. However, the precise mechanisms of the signaling cascades that lead to the initiation of parturition remain unclear, although exosomes may be a mediator of this process. Exosomes are a subtype of extracellular vesicles characterised by their endocytic origin. This involves the trafficking of intraluminal vesicles into multivesicular bodies (MVB) and then exocytosis via the plasmatic membranes. Exosomes are highly stable nanovesicles that are released by a wide range of cells and organs including the human placenta and fetal membranes. Interestingly, exosomes from placental origin have been uncovered in maternal circulation across gestation. In addition, their concentration is higher in pregnancies with complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. In normal gestation, the concentration of placental exosomes in maternal circulation correlates with placental weight at third trimester. The role of placental exosomes across gestation has not been fully elucidated, although recent studies suggest that placental exosomes are involved in maternal-fetal inmmuno-tolerance, maternal systemic inflammation and nutrient transport. The content of exosomes is of particular importance, encompassing a large range of molecules such as mRNA, miRNAs, DNA, lipids, cell-surface receptors, and protein mediators. These can in turn interact with either adjacent or distal cells to reprogram their phenotype and regulate their function. Many of the pro-parturition proinflammatory mediators reach maternal compartments from the fetal side via circulation, but major impediments remain, such as degradation at various levels and limited halflife in circulation. Recent findings suggest that a more effective mode of communication and signal transport is through exosomes, where signals are protected and will not succumb to degradation. Thus, understanding how exosomes regulate key events throughout pregnancy and parturition will provide an opportunity to understand the mechanisms involved in the maternal and fetal metabolic adaptations during normal and pathological pregnancies. Subsequently, this will assist in identifying those pregnancies at risk of developing complications. This may also allow more appropriate modifications of their clinical management. This review will hence examine the current body of data to summarise our understanding of how signaling pathways lead to the beginning of parturition. In addition, we propose that extracellular vesicles, namely exosomes, may be an integral component of these signaling events by transporting specific signals to prepare the maternal physiology to initiate parturition. Understanding these signals and their mechanisms in normal term pregnancies can provide insight into pathological activation of these signals, which can cause spontaneous preterm parturition. Hence, this review expands on our knowledge of exosomes as professional carriers of fetal signals to instigate human parturition.

Reproductivity of captive wild bactrian camels (camelus, przewalskii, 1878)

Wild camel is the endangered native species of Central Asia that are found only in the western north of China, and Trans Altai Gobi of Mongolia. In this article was written that the reproductivity of captive wild bactrian camels based on the result and analysis developed at the research center for “Captive Wild camel breeding center”located near administration of Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area “A” part, between 1992 -2015. A gestation age, birth repetition and birth time of female captive wild camels at the breeding center under semi-captive condition have been observed and analysed. According to the research, captive wild camel birth time is started from the last 10 days of March and it finished at the last 10 days of May. Most extensive birth time is April. Captive male wild camel at the breeding center starting to mate at the beginning of January, and finished at the end of February. Therefore, an average gestation period of captive female camels is 400-440 days. However, sometimes, it can fluctuated due to age, fattening, and climate condition. But also birth date of female camels may different because of sex of calf.

Correlation Between Placental Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Protein Expression Throughout Gestation in Normal Human Pregnancy.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), specifically MMP-9 plays a role in human placentation. The enzyme confers an invasive ability to cytotrophoblasts and degrades the endometrial matrix as the cells infiltrate the decidua to keep up with placental growth. Since tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) can induce the synthesis of MMP-9, we investigated the patterns of changes in and correlation between placental villous MMP-9 and TNF-α expressions throughout normal human gestation. Placentas were obtained from 179 normal pregnant women who underwent elective abortion or term delivery. Chorionic villi isolated from placental samples were grouped as first, second, and third trimester (70/7-130/7, 131/7-236/7, and 370/7-424/7 weeks, respectively). Chorionic villous TNF-α and MMP-9 proteins were assayed using enzyme immunoassay kits. There were significant differences in MMP-9 and TNF-α protein expressions among the trimester groups ( P = .001). The MMP-9 protein increased progressively with an increase in gestational age (GA), but TNF-α peaked in the second trimester. Within each trimester group, we searched for the effects of variation of GA in days on the 2 variables. A significant positive correlation between MMP-9 and GA was noted in the first trimester ( r = 0.364, P = .005). No other comparisons were significant. When GA was controlled for, partial correlation revealed a significant positive correlation between TNF-α and MMP-9 only in the second trimester ( r = 0.300, P = .018). We hypothesize that the TNF-α peak and the positive correlation between TNF-α and MMP-9 in the second trimester of normal human gestation could contribute toward a successful pregnancy outcome.

Accuracy, User Acceptability, and Safety Evaluation for the FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System When Used by Pregnant Women with Diabetes.

Background: Accuracy of the FreeStyle Libre™ Flash Glucose Monitoring System has not been evaluated in pregnant women with diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine accuracy (compared to self-monitoring of blood glucose [SMBG]), clinical safety, and acceptability of the FreeStyle Libre System when used at home by this population.Materials and Methods: Seventy-four participants, with type 1 (T1D, n = 24), type 2 (T2D, n = 11), or gestational (n = 39) diabetes, were enrolled across 13 sites (9 in United Kingdom, 4 in Austria). Average gestation was 26.6 ± 6.8 weeks (mean ± standard deviation), age was 30.5 ± 5.1 years, diabetes duration was 13.1 ± 7.3 years for T1D and 3.2 ± 2.5 years for T2D, and 49/74 (66.2%) used insulin to manage their diabetes. Sensors were worn for up to 14 days. Sensor glucose values (masked) were compared with capillary SMBG values (made at least 4 times/day).Results: Clinical accuracy of sensor results versus SMBG results was demonstrated, with 88.1% and 99.8% of results within Zone A and Zones A and B of the Consensus Error Grid, respectively. Overall mean absolute relative difference was 11.8%. Sensor accuracy was unaffected by the type of diabetes, the stage of pregnancy, whether insulin was used, age or body mass index. User questionnaires indicated high levels of satisfaction with sensor wear, system use, and comparison to SMBG. There were no unanticipated device-related adverse events.Conclusions: Good agreement was demonstrated between the FreeStyle Libre System and SMBG. Accuracy of the system was unaffected by patient characteristics, indicating that the system is safe and accurate to use by pregnant women with diabetes.

BEE HONEY, ROYAL JELLY AND PROPOLIS FOR THE PREVENTION OF PRETERM LABOR

Abstract Background: In-vitro work showed that bee honey (BH) and royal jelly (RJ) had improvement on the mechanical performance of fetal membranes. Propolisis is known for its anti-infection properties. Consequently, we tested the possible prophylactic effect of these products against preterm labor (PL). Methods: Fifty-nine gravidas with history of recurrent PL were quasi-randomly assigned into 2 groups: group I (30 women) received daily ingestion of 20 ml of cotton-trifolium BH, 400 mg propolis and 2 grams of RJ from the 15th gestation week until the onset of labor or completion of 38 weeks' gestation; group II (29 women) served as controls. Primary outcomes assessed were: 1) incidence of PL, and, 2) gestation age at birth. Secondary outcomes were: 1) ultrasonic evidence of cervical changes of threatening PL, and, 2) total leukocyte count and C-reactive protein. Results: Twenty-two pregnancies of group I went to term as compared to 13 of controls (75.9 %, 44.8%; P< 0.01). Average gestation weeks at birth were 36.3 and 31.1 (P<0.01 %). Cervical ultrasonographic signs of PL threat were elicited in 11 and 19 cases of groups I and II respectively (36.7, 65.5%; P<0.01). High leukocyte counts and C-reactive protein were found in 10 and 15 women of cases and controls respectively (33.3, 51.7%; P < 0.05). Conclusion: Bee honey, royal jelly and propolis may be effective for reducing the risk of PL. Further studies are required to elucidate the possible mechanisms and the best application route.

The relationship between qh+ and recurrent spontaneous abortion

Objective: To study the relationship between qh+ and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Design: Experimental study using human samples. Setting: University-affiliated hospital. Materials and Methods: Eight hundred sixty couples (1,720 cases) with RSA were taken as the RSA group and 871 sterile couples (1,742 cases) with a normal gestation history who came for consultation regarding oviduct factors were taken as the normal group. Intervention(s): The chromosome was collected from peripheral blood of patients. By analyzing the karyotypes of 860 couples (1,720 cases) with RSA and 871 sterile couples (1,742 cases) with a normal gestation history who underwent a consultation purely for oviduct factors. Results: One hundred ninety-three cases of chromosome polymorphisms were diagnosed in the RSA group, with a detection rate of 11.22%, among which 81 cases of qh+ were detected, with a detection rate of 4.71% (81/1720). These cases accounted for 41.97% of the cases of chromosome polymorphisms. The detection rate of chromosome polymorphisms in the normal group was 2.41% (42/1742). Comparison of the two indicates the statistical significance (p Conclusions: Chromosome polymorphism qh+ is related to RSA, which could provide theoretical foundations for genetic counseling and sound child rearing.