Normal Pregnant Women Research Articles

Electrolyte imbalance and liver function test abnormalities among pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum at Wag-himra zone public hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia, 2023: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundHyperemesis gravidarum affects about 4.8% of pregnant women. It can lead to electrolyte imbalances and liver function disturbances, which may result in pregnancy complications. Despite its prevalence, data on these abnormalities in the study area is scarce. Therefore, the current study investigated these health concerns among HG-affected pregnant women in this region from June to October 2023.MethodA comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 123 study participants. Socio-demographic, clinical, and anthropometric data were collected using structured questionnaires. Blood samples were taken to determine liver function tests and electrolyte levels. Statistical analysis was performed using a one-way ANOVA with a Tuckey post hoc test, Kruskal-Wallis with a Mann–Whitney U test, and binary logistic regression analysis. A p-value of <0.05 with 95% confidence intervals was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe results showed that pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum had significantly higher levels of AST and ALT and lower levels of Na+ and K+ compared to normal pregnant women and non-pregnant women. The abnormalities observed were elevated AST (48.8%), ALT (46.3%), and decreased Na+ (51.2%) and K+ (41.5%). Hyperemesis gravidarum was associated with both electrolyte imbalances and liver function test abnormalities.ConclusionPregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum experience electrolyte imbalances and liver function test abnormalities. Given the marked increase in liver enzymes and decrease in electrolyte levels, the authors recommend routine laboratory testing of liver function and electrolyte parameters for pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum is recommended.

Metabonomics analysis of decidual tissue in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion

ObjectiveThis study aimed to delineate the metabolic differences and identify enriched pathways in the decidual tissue of patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) compared to normal pregnant women. MethodsA cohort of 25 RSA patients and 25 normal pregnant women was recruited for the study. Non-targeted metabolomic analysis of decidual tissue was conducted using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were employed to identify differential metabolites. Pathway enrichment analysis was performed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database to elucidate associated metabolic pathways. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was utilized to assess the expression levels of key proteins related to these pathways, including acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). ResultsA total of 54 metabolites were identified with significant differences between the decidual tissues of RSA patients and normal controls, corresponding to 29 significantly enriched metabolic pathways (P<0.05). The expression of ACSL4 was markedly upregulated, while the expression of GPX4 and IDO were significantly downregulated in RSA patients (P<0.05). ConclusionsThis study elucidates substantial metabolic disruptions in the decidual tissue of RSA patients, identifying 54 differential metabolites and 29 enriched pathways. The altered expression of ACSL4, GPX4, and IDO underscores their potential involvement in the pathogenesis of RSA. These findings provide critical insights into the metabolic mechanisms underlying RSA and suggest promising targets for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

CSPG4 involvement in endometrial decidualization contributes to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a condition of pregnancy in which symptoms of hypertension develop after 20weeks of gestation. it can lead to placental dysfunction, maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. The incidence of PE is increasing, posing a serious threat to the lives of pregnant women and their unborn children. Currently, most of the research on the pathogenesis of PE has focused on placenta, However, maternal decidualization is the basis for placental formation and growth. CSPG4 (Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4) is a transmembrane protein that plays a role in cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. However, its function during decidualization is not yet understood. In this study, we investigated the role of CSPG4 and found that its expression was significantly down-regulated in the decidual tissue of patients with severe PE compared to normal pregnant women. During artificially induced decidualization, CSPG4 expression was significantly increased. Knockdown of CSPG4 by siRNA inhibited decidualization, which, in turn, inhibited the invasion of trophoblast cells. In both pseudopregnant and pregnant mice, endometrial stromal cells proliferated rapidly and Cspg4 expression increased during decidualization. Therefore, we believe that CSPG4 plays a crucial role in the process of decidualization. The defect in decidualization caused by abnormal CSPG4 expression could lead to insufficient trophoblast invasion, ultimately contributing to the occurrence of PE.

Circular RNA circ_0022707 impedes the progression of preeclampsia via the miR-3135b/GHR/PI3K/Akt axis.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe pregnancy complication linked to maternal and fetal health, yet its underlying causes and pathogenesis remain elusive. Circular RNA (circRNA), a form of non-coding RNA, is implicated in the progression of PE; nevertheless, the specific mechanism is not fully elucidated. This study aimed to identify and validate circRNAs that are pivotal in the pathophysiology of PE. Firstly, we constructed a ceRNA network using datasets from the GEO database and identified circ_0022707 as our study target. Then, using qRT-PCR analysis, we validated that circ_0022707 was downregulated in preeclamptic placentas compared to those of normal pregnant women. In situ hybridization assays revealed that circ_0022707 existed in placental villous trophoblast cells. Additionally, Pearson correlation analysis revealed a negative relationship between the expression of circ_0022707 and PE-related indicators (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, along with 24-h proteinuria levels). Furthermore, gain-of-function experiments confirmed that circ_0022707 could promote trophoblast cell proliferation and cell cycle progression while suppressing apoptosis. In vivo experiments using a preeclampsia-like mouse model also demonstrated that circ_0022707 administration could mitigate preeclampsia-like symptoms. Mechanistically, we confirmed that circ_0022707 functions through the miR-3135b/GHR/PI3K/Akt pathway in trophoblast cells. Overall, our study has provided insight into the important function of circ_002707 in the development of PE, enhancing our understanding of the disease's mechanism and proposing a viable therapeutic strategy for PE.

Low-dose aspirin improves blood perfusion of obstetric anticardiolipin syndrome in China.

This study evaluates the endometrial receptivity of obstetric anticardiolipin syndrome (OAPS) patients using various ultrasound indicators and the efficacy of low-dose aspirin (LDA) treatment. This retrospective study recruited patients from Shanghai Ren Ji Hospital, China from January 2022 to December 2023. Doppler parameters of the endometrium and uterine artery blood flow were recorded to assess the endometrial receptivity of OAPS patients compared with normal pregnant women and an other immune diseases group. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to predict the risk of OAPS patients. Doppler parameters of OAPS patients were conducted repeatedly after a 2-month period of treatment with LDA. Compared with normal pregnant women, the OAPS group showed remarkably increased endometrial perfusion resistance (PI, RI, S/D) and uterine artery perfusion resistance (RI and S/D) (P < 0.001) and had good predictive values (area under the curve = 0.806, 0.976, 0.942, 0.902, and 0.901, respectively). The endometrial thickness of the OAPS group was much thinner than that of the normal group (P < 0.001). Uterine blood flow impedance PI showed no difference in both groups (P = 0.68). In comparison to other autoimmune diseases, the OAPS group also showed an increasing trend in the resistance of endometrium and uterine artery blood flow. After LDA treatment, there was an obvious improvement in the endometrial blood flow perfusion in the OAPS group (P < 0.01). Compared with the normal group and other autoimmune diseases, the resistance of endometrial and uterine artery blood flow in the OAPS group was increased significantly. The Doppler index showed the predictive value of OAPS, and it was confirmed that LDA could enhance blood perfusion among OAPS women.

. Predictive Value of Pre-delivery Serum β-human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Fibrinogen, and Homocysteine for Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

Introduction: it was to investigate the relationship between pre-delivery serumβ-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG), fibrinogen (FIB), and homocysteine (HCY) with hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy (HDCP). Materials and Methods: 200 HDCP patients and 150 normal pregnant women were selected as study subjects. Fasting cubital venous blood samples were collected to measure serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), as well as β-HCG, FIB, and HCY levels. Pearson correlation analysis examined relationship between β-HCG, FIB, HCY, and HDCP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis evaluated the predictive value of these indicators for HDCP. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified risk factors (RFs) for HDCP.Results: serum TG, TC, HDL, LDL, FIB,β-HCG, and HCY were greatly elevated in the HDCP group versus control group (CG) (P&lt;0.05). Serumβ-HCG, FIB, and HCY showed notable positive correlations with HDCP (r = 0.935, 0.547, 0.811; P&lt;0.05), and the areas under the ROC curve (AUC) for predicting HDCP based on serum β-HCG, FIB, HCY, and their combination were 0.743, 0.659, 0.801, and 0.886, respectively (P&lt;0.05). Lipid indicators and serum levels of FIB, β-HCG, and HCY were RFs for HDCP.Conclusion:pregnant women with HDCP exhibited markedly elevated serum lipid levels and FIB, β-HCG, and HCY levels before delivery, which can serve as predictive indicators for HDCP.

Evaluation of Thyroid Function and Its Relation to Glycemic Status in Pregnant Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent complication during pregnancy that can lead to adverse outcomes for both the mother and the fetus. It also increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) later in life. Thyroid hormones play an essential role in regulating growth and metabolism and often coexist with diabetes mellitus (DM), affecting glucose metabolism. Pregnant women with GDM frequently exhibit thyroid issues, impacting insulin secretion and beta-cell function. Aim This study aims to assess thyroid function and glycemic status in pregnant women with and without GDM and to evaluate the correlation between thyroid function and glycemic status in pregnant women with GDM. Methods This prospective case-control study was conducted over two months at a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry, India. It included 60 cases (pregnant women with GDM, blood glucose > 140 mg/dL per DIPSI guidelines) and 60 age- and parity-matched controls. Blood samples were collected, centrifuged, and analyzed for blood glucose and serum thyroid levels (FT3, FT4, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)) using the Cobas e-411 autoanalyzer through an electrochemiluminescence assay. Results Serum plasma glucose levels were significantly higher in cases (159.25 ± 16.22 mg/dL) compared to controls (101.6 ± 17.30 mg/dL) (p < 0.05). FT3 levels were higher in cases (3.98 ± 4.18) compared to controls (2.87 ± 0.54) (p = 0.04). The FT3/FT4 ratio was also higher in cases (3.99 ± 4.927) than in controls (2.70 ± 0.58) (p = 0.04). No significant differences were found in FT4 or TSH levels between the groups. Correlation analysis revealed no significant correlations between plasma glucose levels and thyroid function parameters. Conclusion Pregnant women with GDM showed significantly higher plasma glucose levels, FT3 levels, and FT3/FT4 ratio compared to normal pregnant women. These findings suggest an association between altered thyroid function, particularly higher FT3 levels and the FT3/FT4 ratio, and GDM.

Comparison of orexigenic and anorexigenic neuropeptide levels in hyperemesis gravidarum patients with normal pregnant women: A prospective cohort study.

The aim of this study was to determine whether orexigenic neuropeptides, orexin and galanin, and anorexigenic neuropeptides, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), are implicated in hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Fifty pregnant women who had been diagnosed with HG between April 2022 and February 2023 at the Siirt University Faculty of Medicine Training and Research Hospital (tertiary center) were recruited for this study. An equal number of pregnant women without an HG diagnosis were included in the study as the control group. Participants' age, pregnancy history, medical history, thyroid function test results, complete blood count results, and electrolyte levels were recorded, and their orexin, galanin, α-MSH, and CART serum levels were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. No statistically significant differences in orexigenic neuropeptides (orexin and galanin) were observed between the HG and control groups. A statistical difference was found between an anorexigenic neuropeptide (α-MSH) and the control group (P = .012). Based on a receiver operating characteristic analysis, the α-MSH parameter was statistically significant for distinguishing between participants with an HG diagnosis and those without, with a sensitivity of 63.6%, specificity of 65.9%, and cutoff value of 11769.3 pg/mL (P = .012, area under curve: 0.655). Based on the severity classification of ketonuria (ketonuria levels of +1 or +2 were classified as mild, whereas levels of +3 or +4 were classified as moderate to severe), the anorexigenic CART neuropeptide was found to be a statistically significant diagnostic indicator of severe ketonuria (P = .020). α-MSH and CART levels were found to be related in HG patients and in HG patients with severe ketonuria.

Exosomal miR-494 Regulates the Biological Behavior of Trophoblasts by Targeting mTOR in Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion.

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a pregnancy disorder, and trophoblasts are involved in its complex pathogenesis. This study aimed to identify the functional role of exosomal miR-494 in promoting the development of unexplained RSA (uRSA). 15 uRSA tissues and 15 healthy controls were collected to compare the exosomal miR-494 expression. The ultracentrifugation method was used for serum exosome isolation, and exosome characteristics were examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The affection of exosomal miR-494 on HTR-8/SVneo cells were determined by CCK-8, EdU, Wound healing, and Transwell assays. Our findings demonstrated that miR-494 levels were markedly lower in placental tissue and plasma exosomes from patients with uRSA than in normal pregnant women. Furthermore, treatment with miR-494-overexpressing exosomes reduced the viability, invasion, and migration of HTR-8/SVneo cells. In terms of regulation, exosomal miR-494 downregulated mTOR levels in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Mechanism research suggested that exosomal miR-494 reduces the viability, invasion, and migration of trophoblasts by targeting mTOR. Exosomal miR-494 and mTOR are potential predicative biomarkers and therapeutic targets for uRSA patients.

Correlation and clinical significance of placental tissue selectin (E), angiotensin II and its receptors, and oxidized lipid levels in patients with preeclampsia

Background: The purpose was to analyze the levels of placental tissue selectins (E), angiotensin II (AngII) and its receptors (ATRs), and oxidized lipids (malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-isoprostane 2a) in patients with preeclampsia (PE). (8-iso-PGF2a)) correlation and clinical significance. Methods: Select 30 PE pregnant women who were admitted to our hospital from March 2023 to January 2024 as the case group, and select another 30 normal pregnant women who were registered in our hospital during the same period as the health group .The general information of the two groups and placental tissue selectin (E), plasma AngII, ATRs, placental tissue MDA, 8-iso-PGF2a and blood pressure levels (systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP)) were compared. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between the expression of selectin (E), AngII, ATRs, MDA, 8-iso-PGF2a and the levels of SBP and DBP. Linear regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the expression of selectin (E), AngII, ATRs, MDA, 8-iso-PGF2a, SBP, DBP and other indicators and the occurrence of PE. ROC curves were drawn to analyze the value of placental tissue selectin (E), AngII, ATRs, MDA, and 8-iso-PGF2a individually and jointly in predicting the risk of PE. Results The expression of placental tissue selectin (E), AngII, ATRs, MDA, 8-iso-PGF2a and the levels of SBP and DBP in the case group were higher than those in the healthy group (P&lt;0.05). Pearson correlation showed that the expression levels of placental tissue selectin (E), AngII, ATRs, MDA, and 8-iso-PGF2a were positively correlated with SBP and DBP (r&gt;0, P&lt;0.05). Linear regression analysis showed that placental tissue selectin (E), AngII, ATRs, MDA, 8-iso-PGF2a expression and SBP, DBP levels were closely related to the occurrence of PE (P&lt;0.05). The results of drawing the ROC curve showed that the AUCs of placental tissue selectin (E), AngII, ATRs, MDA, and 8-iso-PGF2a expression in predicting the occurrence of PE were 0.854, 0.756, 0.745, 0.885, 0.900, and 0.905 respectively. Conclusion Placenta tissue selectin (E), AngII, ATRs, MDA, and 8-iso-PGF2a are highly expressed in pregnant women with PE. The expression of the above indicators is related to maternal blood pressure levels and the occurrence of PE, and their combination can effectively increase predictive value of the risk of PE.

KLF4 regulates trophoblast function and associates with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion

BackgroundRecurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is defined as two or more consecutive spontaneous abortions before 20 weeks with the same spouse [1]. However, approximately 50% of RSA cases of unknown cause are classified as unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). Potential factors include decreased trophoblast cell migration and invasion, leading to impaired placental implantation and maintenance of the normal maternal-fetal interface. However, the mechanism of this pathogenesis remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the potential role and mechanism of KLF4 in regulating URSA by influencing the invasion and migration ability of trophoblast cells.MethodsWe firstly identified 817 differentially expressed genes by performing a difference analysis of the dataset GSE121950 [2] related to recurrent abortion, and intersected the top 10 genes obtained respectively by the three algorithms: DMNC, MNC, and EPC using Venn Diagram.To detect the expression levels of core genes, villi samples were obtained from normal pregnant women and patients with URSA. RT-qPCR analysis revealed a significant difference in KLF4 mRNA expression and KLF4 was then analyzed. Trophoblast cell lines HTR8 and JEG3 were used to investigate the effect of KLF4 on trophoblastic function. Wound healing and transwell assays was performed to detect the invasion and migration of trophoblast cells. The expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) molecules were detected by RT-qPCR and western blot. Promoter detection and epigenetic modification were detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Molecular nuclear localization was detected by immunofluorescence and subcellular fractionation. Miscarried mice model was used to study the effects of KLF4 on URSA induced by reduced trophoblast invasion and migration.ResultsKLF4 is highly expressed in the villi of patients with URSA. KLF4 inhibits the expression level of H3R2ME2a in trophoblast cells by regulating the transcriptional level and nuclear translocation of PRMT6, thereby inhibiting the possible regulatory mechanism of trophoblastic invasion and providing a potential treatment strategy for URSA in vivo.ConclusionsThe KLF4/PRMT6/H3R2ME2a axis regulates mechanisms associated with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion by regulating trophoblast function.

The association among cancer-antigen-125 and pre-eclampsia and estimated fetal weight: A case-control study.

Although an optimal screening model is still under investigation, pre-eclampsia is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity. The association between cancer-antigen-125 (CA-125) and pre-eclampsia has been discussed in several studies recently. We aimed to determine the association between CA-125 and preeclampsia and estimated fetal weight. This case-control study was performed on 30 pregnant women with pre-eclampsia who were homogenized in terms of age, body mass index, and gestational age with 30 normal pregnant women. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling. The level of CA-125 in blood at the time of termination of pregnancy was measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The urine sample was used to check proteinuria. Blood pressure and pregnancy outcomes were assessed and recorded. The mean serum CA-125 level in study group was considerably higher than control group (p 0.001). Elevating the level of CA-125 has increased the likelihood of pre-eclampsia by 1.5 times. A significant direct correlation was obtained between CA-125 level and the amount of urinary protein (r = 0.605, p 0.001). Also, a significant but negative correlation was obtained between the CA-125 level and the estimated weight of the fetus (r = -0.593, p 0.001). Increasing the serum level of CA-125 with high sensitivity and specificity is significantly associated with the occurrence of pre-eclampsia and estimated fetal weight.

Prevalence of Human Pegivirus Infection during High Risk Pregnancy and its Vertical Transmission to the Newborn

Human Pegivirus (HPgV-1), which was known as hepatitis G virus (HGV) or GB virus C (GBV-C) is a single – stranded positive RNA virus belonging to the genus Pegivirus of Flaviviridae family. Its genomic organization is similar to that of HCV with which it has only 25% homology at the nucleotide level. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of HPgV-1 among high risk pregnant women (with HCV infection or history of previous blood transfusion) and normal pregnant women. In addition to detect the vertical transmission of the virus to their newborns. Thirty term high risk and thirty term normal pregnant females were screened for HPgV-1 RNA using the reverse transcription PCR technique. HPgV-1 was detected in six females among those who have HCV infection (33.3%) and in two females among recipients of blood transfusion (16.6%), also it was detected in one female of the control group (3.3%). The outcome of newborns showed three newborns with HPgV-1 infection out of six born to the females who have both HCV and HPgV-1 infection and one newborn of the infected mother of the control group, however, liver functions of the newborns were in the normal range for age requiring long term follow up.

Anxiety in Pregnancy: Comparing High-Risk and Normal Pregnant Women through the Beck Anxiety Inventory

Aim: Pregnancy is a critical life event that necessitates adaptation to numerous physical and psychological changes. While it often brings positive emotions, it can also induce significant stress and anxiety, especially in high-risk scenarios with potential maternal and fetal health concerns. This study aims to investigate whether there is a difference in anxiety levels between pregnant women under routine obstetric care and those under perinatology care for high-risk pregnancies. Material and Method: This cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Giresun Training and Research Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. Ninety pregnant women aged 18-40 were divided into two groups: 45 women receiving routine obstetric care (Group I) and 45 women receiving perinatology care for high-risk pregnancies (Group II). Data were collected using a 20-question socio-demographic and medical characteristics questionnaire, along with the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results: The study found no significant difference in socio-demographic characteristics such as education, employment, and income status between the two groups (p&gt;0.05). The Beck Anxiety Inventory scores indicated that both groups predominantly experienced low-level anxiety: 82.2% in Group I and 86.7% in Group II. Moderate anxiety was reported by 15.6% of Group I and 11.1% of Group II. Only 2.2% of participants in each group experienced severe anxiety. There was no significant difference in the overall anxiety levels between the two groups (p&gt;0.05), although Group I reported higher heart palpitations (p

Proteomic Analysis Reveals Differential Protein Expression in Placental Tissues of Early-Onset Preeclampsia Patients.

Preeclampsia, a significant cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, remains poorly understood, in terms of its pathogenesis. This study aims to uncover novel and effective biomarkers for preeclampsia by conducting a comparative analysis of differential proteins in placentas from early onset preeclampsia (EOPE) and normal pregnancies. Utilizing tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics, we identified differentially expressed proteins in placental tissues from 15 EOPE patients and 15 normal pregnant women. These proteins were subsequently validated by using parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). Our analysis revealed a total of 59 differentially expressed proteins, with 25 up-regulated and 34 down-regulated proteins in EOPE placental tissues compared to those from normal pregnancies. Validation through PRM confirmed the differential expression of 6 proteins. Our findings suggest these 6 proteins could play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of EOPE, highlighting the potential involvement of the estrogen signaling pathway and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) pathway in the development of preeclampsia. The data were deposited with the ProteomeXchange Consortium via the iProX partner repository with the identifier PXD055025.

Oxidative Stress and Anti-Carbonic Anhydrase Antibody Levels in Early Preeclampsia: A Clinical Investigation

Objective: Preeclampsia (PE) is a dangerous condition that affects 3–5% of pregnancies and has a substantial risk of death and morbidity for both mothers and newborns. The processes behind the etiology of PE are not entirely known, despite the fact that it is the primary cause of illness and death among mothers globally. In order to further understand the correlations between these parameters, this study will look at the levels and presence of anti-carbonicianhydrase (CA) I and II antibodies, total oxidanticapacity (TOC), total antioxidanticapacity (T-AOC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in early PE. Methods: The research analyzed 30 pregnant women with early PE and 30 normal pregnant women as the control group. Serumxlevels of anti-CAiI (pg/mL), anti-CAxII (ng/mL), MDA (nmol/mL), TOS (U/mL), T-AOC (U/mL) were measured and compared between the two groups. Results: Significant variations were noted in the amount of anti-CA I, anti-CA II, MDA, TOS, and T-AOC (both p

Diagnostic value and efficacy evaluation value of transvaginal color doppler ultrasound parameters for uterine scar pregnancy and sub-type after cesarean section

ObjectiveWe aimed to probe the diagnostic value of transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound (TV-CDU) parameters in cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) and CSP sub-types, and the relevant factors affecting patients’ surgical effects.MethodsSeventy-five CSP patients (all requested termination of pregnancy) were selected as the observation group, and 75 normal pregnant women with a history of cesarean section were selected as the control group. All the study subjects underwent TV-CDU and their cesarean scar muscle (CSM) thickness, minimum sagittal muscle thickness and resistance index (RI) of blood flow in the anterior wall of the lower uterine segment were calculated. The diagnostic value of CSM, minimum sagittal muscle thickness, and RI for CSP and CSP sub-types was analyzed. The patients in the observation group were grouped into the effective group and the ineffective group according to whether the surgical treatment was effective or not, and the independent factors affecting CSP efficacy were analyzed.ResultsThe observation group had lower CSM, minimum sagittal muscle thickness and RI than the control group. CSM, RI, and minimum sagittal thickness in patients with type II CSP were lower than those in patients with type I, and these indicators in patients with type III were lower than those in patients with type II. The area under the curve (AUC) of CSM, RI and minimum sagittal muscle thickness in combination for CSP diagnosis and the AUC for CSP sub-types were higher than those of each indicator alone. Gestational sac size and CSM were independent factors affecting CSP treatment.ConclusionChanges in TV-CDU parameters facilitates CSP diagnosis after cesarean section. CSM, minimum sagittal muscle thickness changes, and RI in combination possesses high value for CSP diagnosis and CSP sub-types. Gestational sac size and CSM are independent factors affecting CSP treatment.

Effects of prenatal yoga exercise on hepcidin and ferritin levels in pregnant women

Prenatal yoga is a modification of hatha yoga tailored for pregnant women. This exercise is recommended throughout pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the effect of prenatal yoga exercise on the serum levels of hepcidin and ferritin in pregnant women. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre- and post-test. A total of 134 second-trimester pregnant women participated and were divided into two groups (intervention group = 62, control group = 72). The intervention group received prenatal yoga exercises for 8 weeks (twice a week), while the control group attended only the standard pregnancy class. Each group was further divided into subgroups: anemic pregnant women, normal pregnant women, and overweight pregnant women. Demographic data were obtained through a basic questionnaire, while pre-pregnancy BMI data, obstetric history, and pregnancy examinations were sourced from the KIA book. Serum hepcidin levels significantly decreased in pregnant women who participated in prenatal yoga exercises (p=0.002), with the highest significance observed in overweight pregnant women (p=0.001). The average serum ferritin levels increased in all groups but were not statistically significant (p=0.759). Regular prenatal yoga exercises can reduce serum hepcidin levels in pregnant women, with a significant reduction noted in overweight pregnant women. Ferritin levels might be influenced by iron supplementation.

Evaluation of Regulatory B Cells and Serum IL-10 Concentration in Peripheral Blood of Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Background: Although the role of B cells in normal pregnancy has been recently highlighted, their importance and function are not completely clarified. Until now, some investigations have shown that during pregnancy, regulatory B cells (Breg), a subset of B cells, are one of the key players in immune regulation by both producing IL-10 and cell-cell interactions. Therefore, any decrease in the number or function of these cells may lead to recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize Breg cell frequency and function in women who suffered from RPL in comparison with healthy non-pregnant and pregnant women (under twenty weeks of gestational age) as controls. Method: In this study, peripheral blood samples of women suffering from RPL (n=8), women with normal pregnancy under 20 weeks of gestational age (n=14), and healthy nonpregnant women (n=10) were collected. The frequency of Breg cells (CD19+CD24hiCD38hi) was measured by flow cytometry. The serum level of the IL-10 cytokine, as a marker of Breg cell function, was measured by ELISA. Results: The Percentage of Breg cells in women who suffered from RPL was significantly lower than that of women who had normal pregnancies (P=0.0016). The percentages of Breg cells in women who suffered from RPL were also significantly lower than in non-pregnant women (P=0.0001). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in Breg cell percentages between normal pregnant and non-pregnant women. Evaluation of IL-10 concentration in the serum of women who had participated in this study showed no significant differences between the three groups. Conclusion: Based on our results, the number of Breg cells was significantly lower in RPL women than in healthy non-pregnant and normal-pregnant women, which shows the significance of these cells in the maintenance of normal pregnancy. However, we could not detect significant differences in the serum levels of IL-10, bringing to mind the notion that the beneficial and supportive function of these cells during pregnancy might be independent of IL-10 secretion. by these cells. Thus, screening of Breg cells in women with pregnancy complications, especially RPL, could be helpful for predicting a healthy pregnancy.

Sexual function of overweight pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study.

Overweight and obesity are on the rise worldwide and may affect female sexual function. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sexual function in normal and overweight pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This cross-sectional study was conducted in overweight and normal-weight pregnant women with GDM in Sari, Iran. Data were collected from 2018 to 2021. The demographic data collected from the participants included age, educational level, occupation, gestational age, duration of marriage, number of births, place of residence (city or village), private house, private bedroom, and insurance status. The General Health Questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Enriched Marital Satisfaction questionnaires were used to assess mental health, sexual functioning, and marital satisfaction, respectively. The study included 200 women with GDM. The mean age of the participants was 29.75 (SD = 4.40) years. Among pregnant women with GDM, 56.50% of them had sexual dysfunction based on FSFI. The mean FSFI score in pregnant women with GDM was 25.60 (SD = 3.61). Among the participants, 50.00% had normal body mass index (BMI). There was no significant difference between BMI status and total sexual function score (p > 0.05). The multivariate analysis revealed that marital satisfaction (β = 0.41, p < 0.001) and BMI status (β = -0.15, p = 0.002) were the only factors significantly associated with overall sexual function, explaining 27% of the variance in the total FSFI score. The results of this study showed that there was no significant relationship between sexual dysfunction and obesity in GDM. Considering that the research in this area is very limited and the negative effects of obesity and GDM have been confirmed in many areas, including sexual desire disorder, necessary planning should be done to control these factors.