Normal Healthy Pregnant Women Research Articles

ALT in Preeclampsia

Background: Preeclampsia is the most frequent cause of abnormal liver function test in pregnancy. Women with preeclampsia and raised serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) have chance of greater proteinuria and more maternal complications than those with normal liver function. Objective: The present study was designed to assess the association of serum ALT with preeclampsia. Materials and method: A case control study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College,Dhaka, Bangladesh, from July 2010 to June 2011. From the pregnant women in third trimester of pregnancy attending in Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, 50 diagnosed cases of preeclampsia were selected purposively as cases and 50 normal healthy pregnant women as controls. Serum ALT concentration was measured in all the study subjects. Results: The mean serum ALT concentration in cases and controls were 57.92±20.99 U/L and 15.46±2.66 U/L respectively. The level was significantly higher in cases than that of controls (p=0.001). Conclusion: The study revealed that increased serum ALT concentration is associated with preeclampsia. Delta Med Col J. Jan 2021;9(2): 65-68

A correlation analysis on the postpartum anxiety disorder and influencing factors in puerperae with gestational diabetes mellitus.

The aim of this study is to discuss the postpartum anxiety disorder and influencing factors in puerperae with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to provide a clinical basis for better early identification and intervention of adverse mood. Convenient sampling method was adopted to investigate 205 pregnant women as the observation group and 201 normal healthy pregnant women in the same period as the control group. The self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) was used to investigate and observe the respondents, evaluate the postpartum anxiety status of patients with GDM, and analyze the related influencing factors. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SAS 3.0 software. A proposed P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Patients with GDM had a higher risk than normal maternal anxiety, related to years of education, triglycerides, 1-h postprandial blood glucose, and a history of induced abortion. GDM can lead to the occurrence of postpartum anxiety, and the poor psychological state is not conducive to the maternal and infant health. Early identification and early intervention can reduce the harm caused by anxiety and promote the progress of maternal and infant health and clinical research.

Prospective study on biochemical markers causing recurrent miscarriages in Iraqi women of reproductive age

Objective: To compare the levels of elemental calcium, vitamin D3, malondialdehyde and super oxide dismutaseenzymes in serum of women having recurrent miscarriages with normal healthy pregnant women.Method: The prospective study was conducted at Al-Karkh Maternity Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, and Al-Alawia MaternityHospital, Baghdad, Iraq, from February to August 2022, and comprised adult pregnant women having recurrentmiscarriages without being hypertensive or diabetic in group A and normal healthy pregnant women in control groupB. Blood samples were obtained from all the subjects. Besides, placental tissues were obtained from some membersfrom both the groups. Levels of elemental calcium, vitamin D3, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase enzymesin serum were evaluated and compared between the groups. Malondialdehyde and super oxide dismutase enzymesin the placental tissues were also compared. Data was analysed using SPSS 20.Results: Of the 140 women, 70(50%) were in each of the 2 groups. The overall age range of the sample was 18-43years. Placental tissues were obtained from 40(57.14%) in group A and 30(42.85%) in group B. In group A, miscarriagewas reported in the first trimester in 45(62.3%) cases, 21(30%) in the second trimester and 4(5.7%) in the third trimester.Mean level of serum elemental calcium, vitamin D3, malondialdehyde and super oxide dismutase were significantlydifferent between the groups (p&lt;0.05), and the same was the case with the placental tissues (p&lt;0.05).Conclusion: The causes of recurrent miscarriage in women could be attributed to changes in the levels of elementalcalcium, vitamin D3, super oxide dismutase and malondialdehyde in serum and placental tissues.Keywords: Pregnancy, Abortion, Spontaneous, Malondialdehyde, Cholecalciferol, Placenta, Vitamins, Oxides.

Evaluation of Serum Soluble Endoglin Levels in Pre-eclampsia: A Case-Control Study

Introduction: Soluble Endoglin (sEng) has an anti-angiogenic effect, by inhibiting of Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β1 bond at endoglin receptors and inhibiting vasodilatation. sEng levels increase in Pre-eclampsia (PE) due to hypoxic placenta and there have been possible role of it in the pathogenesis of PE and its therapeutic implications. Aim: To compare serum sEng levels in pre-eclamptic patients (cases) versus control. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was carried out November 2019 to October 2021, in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi. On 40 cases with a singleton pregnancy with diagnosis of PE enrolled as cases and 40 normal healthy pregnant women matched for age and gestational age as controls. sEng was estimated using commercially available Enzyme- Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit. Last uterine (Ut) and Umbilical Artery (UA) doppler findings were noted and sEng levels were compared with doppler studies. The analysis was done using student t-test and Chi-square test. Results: A total of 80 participants were included in the study, 40 in case group (mean age 26.53±4.93 years) and 40 in control group (mean age: 25.35±3.10 years). A total of 21 PE cases were Non Severe PE (NSPE) (52.5%) and 19 were Severe PE (SPE) (47.5%). Early-onset PE was observed in n=11 (28%) and the remaining n=29 (72%) had late-onset PE. sEng was significantly higher in pre-eclamptic women 55.08±21.42 ng/mL as compared to controls 44.15±12.02 ng/mL (p=0.006). Higher levels of sEng were seen in SPE 59.20±28.44 ng/mL vs NSPE 51.36±11.66 ng/mL (p 0.066). sEng levels between early onset PE (50.93±5.89 ng/mL) and late onset PE (56.66±24.84 ng/ ml) (p= 0.832). sEng levels were higher in cases with abnormal Resistance Index (RI) of Ut artery 54.23±6.68 ng/mL than in normal RI of Ut artery 54.23±6.68 ng/mL, though not significant. Abnormal Ut artery RI doppler was seen more in early-onset (n=2, 33%) than in late onset PE (n=1, 7%). Conclusion: PE cases had significantly higher levels of sEng compared to controls. Thus, it can be concluded that, there is a definitive role of sEng in pathogenesis of PE due to its antiangiogenic action.

THE ROLE OF VITAMIN D IN PRE ECLAMPSIA AND ASSOCIATION OF ITS DEFICIENCY WITH SEVERITY OF PRE ECLAMPSIA

Aim: To assess the association of vitamin D status in preeclamptic and normal healthy pregnant women. Materials and Methods: Prospective case control study included 50 women with preeclampsia and 50 normotensive pregnant women. Serum vitamin D estimation was done. Correlation between vitamin D deficiency and preeclampsia was analysed statistically. Results: Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was comparable in both groups. Mean vitamin D level (19.7±2.79 ng/ml) was statistically low in preeclampsia group while in that of control was 24.3±1.89 ng/ml. Severity of vitamin D deficiency correlated with the severity of preeclampsia. Age, parity and BMI were similar in both the groups. No statistically significant difference seen regarding mode of delivery in both the groups. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with preeclampsia. Further studies are needed to document the role of vitamin D supplementation in prevention of preeclampsia.

Evaluation of Cardiac Function of Pregnant Women with High Blood Pressure during Gestation Period and Coupling of Hearts with Peripheral Vessels by Ultrasonic Cardiogram under Artificial Intelligence Algorithm.

The research was aimed at analyzing the value of the optimized eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm-based ultrasound cardiogram images in the diagnosis of pregnant hypertension patients. A total of 145 pregnant women (85 cases suffered from hypertension disease during pregnancy and 60 other normal women were healthy) were selected as the reference to the comparison and analysis of ultrasound cardiac function parameter, common carotid artery parameter, and the coupling relationship between hearts and cervical vessels of pregnant hypertension patients. The results demonstrated ultrasound cardiac function parameter of pregnant hypertension patients as follows. The maximum volume of the left atrium (LAVmax) was 35.65 mm, left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) was 31.07 mm, and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) was 88.73 mm. All the above indexes were obviously higher than those of the normal control group (P < 0.05). Besides, intima-media thickness (IMT) of common carotid artery (465.84 μm), pulse wave velocity (PWV) (8.09 m/s), pressure of turning point 1 from isovolumic contraction phase to ejection phase (PT1) (126.5 mmHg), arterial enhancement pressure (AP) (6.14 mmHg), and arterial pressure enhancement index (8.58%) were all significantly higher than those of the normal control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the correlation between the coupling (E/A) of hearts and carotid artery of pregnant hypertension patients and PWV was not obvious (r = −0.08432, P > 0.05). The results of the research indicated that intima-media inside carotid artery of pregnant hypertension patients thickened obviously, and it became less elastic compared with that of normal healthy pregnant women. What is more, cardiac morphological changes were manifested mainly as the enlargement of the left atrial chamber and the thickening of the interventricular septum. Volume load and blood flow velocity both increased, and left ventricular diastolic function was damaged. XGBoost algorithm-based ultrasound cardiogram images could improve the diagnostic effects of hypertension during pregnancy effectively.

Role of platelet indices in prediction of preeclampsia.

To compare platelet indices in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnants and to investigate the clinical use of these parameters in preeclampsia prediction. This retrospective case- control study included 257 preeclampsia patients and 264 healthy pregnant women as the control group. The groups were compared in terms of platelet count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution range (PDW), plateletcrit (Pct), Pct / MPV ratio and PC / MPV ratio. Between the preeclampsia group and the control group; mean platelet count (227.22 ± 78.58 vs 236.69 ± 64.30), plateletcrit (PCT) (0.21 ± 0.06 vs 0.24 ± 0.27), and platelet distribution width (PDW) (17.11 ± 0.80 vs 17.29 ± 0.82) were not significantly different (p> 0.05). However, MPV values were significantly higher in the preclampsia group compared to the control group (9.66 ± 1.62 and 8.92 ± 1.33, respectively) (p < 0.001). In our study, the optimum cut-off value of MPV was 9.15 with 58.7% sensitivity and 61.7% specificity for the prediction of preeclampsia. Pct/MPV ratio (0.02 ± 0.007 vs 0.027 ± 0.029) ( p = 0.01) and PC/MPV ratio ( 24.63 ± 10.90 vs 27.63 ± 10.24) (p = 0.001) were significantly lower in the preeclampsia group than in the control group. In preeclampsia, changes in platelet functions, destruction and production lead to changes in platelet indices. Compared with normal healthy pregnant women, preeclamptic pregnant women have higher MPV values. In preeclampsia prediction, MPV and PC/MPV ratio are promising as a diagnostic parameter.

A STUDY OF SERUM LEVELS OF 25 (OH)VITAMIN D AND CALCIUM IN PRE-ECLAMPSIA, ECLAMPSIA AND NORMAL HEALTHY PREGNANT WOMEN

BACKGROUND- It is important to know the modiable risk factors related to the occurrence of preeclampsia and eclampsia, which can help in its primary prevention. To study the serum levels of 25(OH)Vitamin-D and OBJECTIVESCalcium in pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, and normal healthy pregnant women. The prospective observational MATERIAL AND METHODS- study was conducted from 2018-2021 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Government Medical College, Northern India. Eighty women were divided into 3 groups: Group A- women with preeclamp sia (30); Group B -women with eclampsia (30); Group C– normal healthy pregnant women (20). Investigations: 1. S.25(OH) VIT D level; 2. S. Calcium level. Results- The mean ± SD levels of vitamin D in women of Group A (preeclampsia) was 21.40 ± 7.11, in Group B (eclampsia) was 16.98 ± 6.62 and in Group C (normal healthy pregnant women) was 37.86 ± 11.34. This data is statistically signicant (P=0.016). The mean ± SD of levels of serum calcium in women of Group A (preeclampsia) was 8.68 ± 0.63, in Group B (eclampsia) was 7.86 ± 0.90 and in Group C (normal healthy pregnant women) was 9.07 ± 0.50. The difference between groups was statistically signicant (P=0.018). Both S. Vitamin D and S. Calc CONCLUSION- ium levels have a negative correlation with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Women having decreased levels of S. Vitamin D and S. Calcium are more prone to develop hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

PREGNANCY OUTCOMES IN WOMEN WITH GESTATIONAL DIABETES COMPARED WITH THE GENERAL OBSTETRIC POPULATION

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most prevalent metabolic disorder during pregnancy. It is described as the vulnerability to impaired glucose tolerance of multiple severities, usually during pregnancy. Objective: To compare pregnancy outcome in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus and pregnant women in general population. Patients and Methods: A prospective non-intervention observational study was conducted in Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Samanoud General Hospital and Private Clinics during the period from October 2017 to October 2020. This study included 200 primigravida singleton pregnant women between 24 weeks and 28 weeks of gestation divided into two equal groups: case group included pregnant women attended for their routine antenatal care and discovered to have gestational diabetes and control group included normal healthy pregnant women attended for their routine antenatal care. Results: Fetal weight was significantly higher among study group than controls. Fetal complications in the form of Large for Gestational Age (LGA), premature, shoulder dystocia, hypoglycemia and hyperbilirubinemia were significantly higher among study group than controls. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission was significantly higher among study group was (14%) than controls (3%). Conclusion: Increased maternal and fetal morbidity is linked with maternity gestational diabetes. Early screening, diagnosis, closer monitoring, and intervention were also important to minimize short and long-term maternal and fetal adverse effects, in particular in populations that are high-risk.

Diagnostic accuracy of maternal serum endothelial-derived nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and its correlation with birth outcomes, in preeclampsia - a case-control study

Introduction and Aim: Pre­eclampsia (PE) results from impaired placentation, leading to placental hypoxia and dysfunction and abnormalities in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-nitric oxide pathway. The present study was undertaken to estimate and compare maternal serum eNOS concentrations in women with PE and normal healthy pregnant women, to know the correlation of eNOS level with severity of PE, to find the best cut-off value for the diagnosis of PE and to study its association of eNOS levels with the birth outcome.&#x0D; Material and Methods: This was a case-control study, conducted at a tertiary care hospital. The study was approved by the Institutional ethics committee. Informed consent was obtained from all the participants. Primigravida (singleton) pregnant women aged 18-35 years, 20 or more weeks of gestation, diagnosed as PE and classified as mild/severe PE based on America college of obstetricians and gynecologists guidelines were selected for the study. eNOS was estimated by the ELISA method. All the participants were visited again to note the outcomes. &#x0D; Results:The maternal serum eNOS in PE was significantly lower than the control group (p=0.019). The best cut-off value was 187.25pg/ml to diagnose PE, area under the ROC curve (AUC) 0.61, sensitivity 95.1%, specificity 37.5% and diagnostic accuracy was 66,67%. Birth outcomes did not have a significant correlation with eNOS.&#x0D; Conclusion: eNOS was significantly lowerer in PE, it can be used as a diagnostic marker with the best cut of value of 187.25 pg/ml.&#x0D;

Sympathovagal imbalance, cardiometabolic risks and hypertension status are linked to depression in women having risk factors for pregnancy-induced hypertension

Background and Aim: Pregnancy is a physiological state in which there are cardiovascular, autonomic, hemodynamic and psychological changes. Increase in incidence of stress and depression in antenatal period has been reported. Autonomic changes in pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and its dysfunction in depression are well documented. However, there is no report of contribution of sympathovagal imbalance (SVI) and cardiometabolic alterations to stress and depression in PIH. Methods: In this case-control study, we assessed and analyzed cardiovascular autonomic functions including heart rate variability (HRV) and cardiometabolic risks (CMR) between pregnant women having risks of PIH (n=62) and normal healthy pregnant women (n=68). The perceived stress scale (PSS-10) and Quality of Life (QoL) were used to evaluate depressive symptoms and perceived stress. The HRV and CMR parameters were correlated with PSS. Multiple regression analysis was performed individually to study their association with PSS. Logistic regression was done to determine the prediction of hypertension/prehypertension status by PSS. Results: There was increase in heart rate and blood pressure, decreased HRV and increased markers of insulin resistance, atherogenic lipid profile, markers of inflammation, oxidative stress and vascular endothelial dysfunction in PIH risk subjects compared to control subjects. Parameters of SVI and decreased cardiovagal modulation and CMR were significantly correlated and associated with PSS. PSS had independent prediction of prehypertension/hypertension status in the study group. Conclusion: Findings of the present study indicate that there is considerable SVI and CMR in PIH. It appears that depression is the major cause of SVI and decreased cardiovagal modulation in PIH, and retrograde inflammation and vascular endothelial dysfunction could be the potential mechanisms of depression mediated SVI in PIH.

A Comparative Study of Hepatic Enzymes Between Preeclampsia and Normal Pregnant Women

Background: Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder, unique to pregnancy that is usually associated with high blood pressure and proteinuria after 20 week of gestation. Abnormal liver function tests occur in 20% to 30% of pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia and are associated with a higher risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcome.&#x0D; Objective: To observe the alteration of hepatic enzymes in preeclampsia.&#x0D; Methods: The present cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College, and Dhaka from July 2015 to June 2016. A total number of one hundred pregnant women in third trimester of pregnancy with or without preeclampsia, attending in the outpatient Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in DMCH, were selected as study subjects. Of them fifty pregnant women in third trimester of pregnancy were with preeclampsia and fifty were normal healthy pregnant women. Estimation of hepatic enzymes like aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and gamma glutamyl transferase were done in both preeclampsia and normal pregnant patients and mean values of the variables were compared between them.&#x0D; Results: The mean serum aspartate transaminase level was significantly higher in preeclampsia compared to normal pregnant woman (32.4 ± 15.4 IU/L vs 24.8 ±11.8 IU/L respectively and p 0.007). Serum alanine transaminase level was also significantly higher in preeclampsia than normal pregnancy (38.1±19.9 IU/L vs 18.8±6.95 IU/L, respectively and p &lt; 0.001). Serum gamma glutamyl transferase was also significantly higher in preeclampsia than normal pregnancy (44.7±19.1 IU/L vs 26.6± 6.0 IU/L p &lt; .001).&#x0D; Conclusions: Hepatic enzymes (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, gamma glutamyl transferase) were increased. So routine assessment of these parameters may helpful to prevent worse outcome of preeclampsia patients.&#x0D; J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 29, No.1, April, 2020, Page 18-22

Predictive value of early second trimester maternal serum cyclophilin A concentrations in women complicated with preeclampsia: a preliminary case–control study

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate cyclophilin A in early second trimester of pregnancy before the onset of preeclampsia. Methods In this prospective case-control study, 51 pregnant women whose serum were collected and stored and who developed preeclampsia in later follow-up and 41 pregnant women as control group were included. Results Maternal serum cyclophilin A levels in the study group who developed preeclampsia in later follow-up were significantly higher than those of normal healthy pregnant women. Conclusion Cyclophilin A may be a valuable predictor for pregnant women who subsequently develop preeclampsia in their pregnancies.

Relationship between dietary inflammatory index, hs-CRP level in the second trimester and neonatal birth weight: a cohort study.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether diet plays a role in the effect of inflammation on birth weight. The normal pre-pregnancy body mass index and healthy single pregnant women without classical inflammatory were recruited at 16-20 weeks of pregnancy and provided blood sample to measure plasma high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level. The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) score was calculated by a three-day 24h recall method, and a cohort of 307 eligible pregnant women was established. According to birth weight, the subjects were divided into three groups: normal birth weight (NBW) group, low birth weight (LBW) group, and high birth weight (HBW) group. The hs-CRP level and DII score were significantly different between NBW and LBW groups. The risk of higher hs-CRP in the pro-inflammatory dietary group was 1.89 times than the control group (95% CI: 1.05, 3.42). The risk of LBW with higher hs-CRP was 3.81 times than normal hs-CRP (95% CI: 1.26, 11.56). The risk of LBW in the pro-inflammatory dietary group was 10.44 times than in the anti-inflammatory dietary group (95%CI: 1.29, 84.61). The pro-inflammatory dietary in the second trimester affects the hs-CRP level, showing a positive correlation. And both of two factors increase the risk of LBW.

Expression of Dual-Specificity Phosphatase 9 in Placenta and Its Relationship with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Introduction The aim of the present study was to examine placental levels of DUSP9 mRNA and protein and to investigate the potential role of DUSP9 in the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods Placental tissues from pregnant women with GDM (n = 17) and normal healthy pregnant women (n = 16) were collected at delivery. The expression of DUSP9 mRNA in placental tissue was analyzed by real-time PCR, while the expression of DUPS9 protein was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and western blot. Differences in the expression levels of DUSP9 mRNA and protein between the two groups were assessed, as well as potential correlations between DUSP9 mRNA expression levels and relevant clinical indicators. Results Blood glucose levels were significantly higher in the GDM group than in the control group, based on an oral glucose tolerance test. DUSP9 protein was expressed in the placental cytotrophoblasts in both groups, and placental levels of DUSP9 protein and mRNA were significantly higher in women with GDM. Placental DUSP9 mRNA levels in all 33 women correlated moderately with delivery gestational week (R = 0.465, P = 0.006), fasting plasma glucose (R = 0.350, P = 0.046), 1-hour postload plasma glucose (R = 0.363, P = 0.038), and 2-hour postload plasma glucose (R = 0.366, P = 0.036), but not with maternal age, preconception body mass index, prenatal body mass index, or neonatal birth weight. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that delivery gestational week was an influence factor of DUSP9 mRNA levels (β1 = 0.026, P < 0.05). Conclusions DUSP9 upregulation in the placenta of GDM pregnant women may promote insulin resistance, which may correlate with the occurrence of GDM. But there is still possibility that DUSP9 upregulation was the results of insulin resistance and/or hyperglycemia. Further research is needed to explore the role of DUSP9 in GDM.

Pregnancy Specific Beta-1 Glycoprotein, Pro- and Anti-inflammatory Cytokines in Eclampsia in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Eclampsia (EC), a human pregnancy–specific-syndrome is the life-threatening occurrence of convulsion (s) in association with signs of preeclampsia (hypertension and proteinura). Eclampsia has remained a significant public health threat, contributing to maternal and prerinatal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. However, the pathogenic mechanism of the disease is not fully understood. Disturbance of the cytokine equilibrium has been accused for many pathological disorders including EC. Thus the aim of this study was to analyze the maternal cytokines and pregnancy specific beta-1 glycoprotein in EC and compared results with those of normal healthy pregnant controls. Enzyme linkedimmunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure levels ofpro-inflammatory cytokines (Tumor necrosis [TNF]-α, and interleukin [IL] -2), anti-inflammatory cytokines [IL-4 and IL-10] and pregnancy specific beta-1 glycoprotein (PSG-1) in the peripheral blood of patients with EC (n=38), normal healthy pregnant women [PC] (n=25) and compared withhealthy non pregnant women controls [NPC] (n=25). Women with malaria and human immunodeficiency virus infections were excluded from the study. The overall results (Mean ±SD) were: TNF-α (2.34 ±0.13 pg/ml) in EC was significantly higher than the mean values (2.25±0.07pg/ml and 2.24±0.10 pg/ml) in PC and NPC respectively. Furthermore, EC had higher TNF-α mean value compared with NPC (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in mean IL-2 value between EC (1.69±0.17 Pg/ml), PC (1.71±0.0.09Pg/ml) and NPC (1.72±0.13Pg/ml) (P>0.05). The mean value of IL-10 was noted to be lower in EC (1.28±0.54Pg/ml) compared with: PC (1.58±0.61 Pg/ml) and NPC (2.06±0.08Pg/ml). No significant difference in IL-4 mean value exist between EC (2.45±0.10 Pg/ml) and NPC (2.45 Pg/ml) (P>0.05) but significant difference exist between EC and NPC (2.40±0.0 6Pg/ml) (P<0.05). The serum PSG-1 levels in EC (2.5±0.11 Pg/ml) and PC (2.5±0.03 Pg/ml) were similar and significantly higher than in NPC (0.06±0.020 Pg/ml) P<0.05. While a pro-inflammatory cytokine environment was demonstrated in EC, and decreased anti-inflammatory reactivity, EC was not associated with low levels of PSG-1. Further research is advocated to discover how anti-inflammatory cytokines could be exploited as a therapeutic agent for women at high risk of EC.

Polymorphism rs1052536 in Base Excision Repair Gene Is a Risk Factor in a High-Risk Area of Neural Tube Defects in China.

BackgroundDNA Base Excision Repair Gene-DNA LigaseIII (LIG3) is an important repair gene in the repair pathway and plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of mitochondria. Rs1052536 and rs3135967 polymorphisms of the gene are associated with lung cancer, keratoconus, and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy. There is no previously published report on the relationship between the polymorphisms and neural tube defects (NTDs).Material/MethodsMass ARRAY iPLEX was used to determine the distribution of the polymorphisms in the case group of 108 NTD pregnant women and a control group of 233 normal healthy pregnant women to examine the relevance of their polymorphisms and NTD occurrence.ResultsThe homozygotes of rs1052536 TT were associated with an increased risk for NTDs than CC (P=0.014, OR=2.31, 95%CI [1.17–4.54]), and variants of rs1052536 T were associated with an increased risk of NTDs (P=0.024, OR=1.50, 95%CI [1.06–2.13]). The stratified analysis showed that TT genotype of rs1052536 increased the risk of anencephaly (P=0.016, OR=2.69, 95%CI [1.18–6.10]) and the T allele significantly increased the risk of cranial NTDs (P=0.033, OR=1.56, 95%CI [1.04–2.35]).ConclusionsRs1052536 in LIG3 gene might be a potential genetic risk factor in a high-risk area of NTDs in China.

Placental expression of retinol-binding protein 4 in patients with preeclampsia

Purpose of investigation: The aim of this study was to investigate retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) expression in the placenta of patients with preeclampsia and in normal pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Materials and Methods: Sixteen patients with preeclampsia and 11 normal healthy pregnant women were included. Placental RBP4 mRNA levels were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and RBP4 protein expression in placental tissues was determined by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence. Results: Placental RBP4 mRNA expression was increased in patients with preeclampsia compared to normal controls. No association was observed between placental RBP4 mRNA expression and maternal body mass index or neonatal weight. Conclusion: Placental RBP4 expression was upregulated in patients with preeclampsia. This result suggested that placental RBP4 may play a role in exaggerated insulin resistance in preeclampsia.

Malondialdehyde levels are higher and glutathione levels are lower in preeclampsia than in normal pregnancies

BackgroundMaternal mortality rate is still a health problem in Indonesia. One major contributor to maternal mortality rate in Indonesia is preeclampsia. One widely accepted theory is that preeclampsia is caused by oxidative stress. Placental hypoxia or ischemia among preeclampsia patients is thought to be the cause of the formation of free radicals such as malondialdehyde (MDA), which decreases endogenous antioxidants such as glutathione (GSH). This study aims to ascertain the difference in plasma malondialdehyde and glutathione levels between healthy and preeclamptic pregnant women.MethodsThis was an observational analytic study of cross sectional design. Research subjects were 30 normal (healthy) pregnant women (NP), and 30 pre-eclamptic pregnant (PE) women. The measurement of plasma MDA and GSH levels was done at the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Sriwijaya University using Sigma-Aldrich MDA and GSH assay kits. Mann Whitney test was used to analyze the data. ResultsSubjects aged &gt;35 years, with age of gestation &gt;35 weeks and multipara was significantly higher in the PE group compared to the NP group (p=0.016; p=0.01 and p=0.36; respectively). MDA level was significantly higher in the PE group than in the NP group (p=0.002). In contrast, GSH level was significantly lower in the PE group than in the NP group (p=0.003).ConclusionMDA and GSH may reflect vascular complications of PE, and the ensuing increases in lipid peroxidation may play important pathogenic roles.

Ultrasound assessment of renal volume in healthy, pregnant women of central India-its correlation with body mass index, parity and gestational age.

Objective: Renal volume changes occurs due to varied physiological changes, especially in the kidneys of pregnant women. For the identification and monitoring of renal disease , renal size is an important factor. No established data is available in the literature for the sonographical nomogram of renal volume in the normal pregnant women in Indian population. To sonographically establish the nomogram of renal volume in the normal healthy pregnant women in central India population. Methods: Renal dimensions including length, width and thickness were measured using ultrasound in 501 normal, healthy pregnant women (mean age:24.7 years).Renal volume was calculated by using the formula volume=length x width x breadth/2. Every pregnant womens age, weight, height and body mass index were recorded. Gestational age and parity were acquired. The correlations between the variables were estimated. Results: A total of 501 normal pregnant women of age ranging from 18 to 38 years with a mean age of 24.7 years took part in the study. Parity ranged from 0 to 4.Body mass index ranged from 13.39 to 36.89. Gestational age ranged from 4 weeks to 40 weeks. The mean renal volume was 104.23 cm3 +_28.18 for left kidney and 105.77 cm3 +/-27.29 for the right kidney with significant positive linear relationship between right renal volume and left renal volume (P value = 0.00). No significant positive linear relationship was observed between the gestational age and either of the kidney volume. Also no significant difference between mean right kidney volume across different parity(P value=0.05) and mean left kidney volume across different parity(P value=0.18) was noted. Conclusion: This study provides data for normal sonographic renal volumes in healthy pregnant women of central India.