Placenta Of Pregnant Women Research Articles

The Immunohistochemical and Bioinformatics Analysis of the Placental Expressions of Vascular Cell Adhesion Protein 1 (VCAM-1) and High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) Proteins in Gestational Diabetic Mothers.

We aimed to examine both the expression levels of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) proteins in the placentas of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and control groups by immunohistochemical (IHC) method. An experimental case-control study was conducted, including 40 pregnant women complicated with GDM and 40 healthy pregnant women. Placental tissues obtained following cesarean delivery were subjected to routine tissue monitoring. The placental sections were stained with VCAM-1 and HMGB1 immunostains and subjected to IHC examination under a light microscope. H-score (HS) was used to evaluate the results of IHC staining by semi-quantitative analysis. Pathway analysis in Cytoscape software identified GDM-associated proteins within HMGB1 and VCAM-1 interaction networks, followed by GO analysis to explore associated biological processes. Placental HGMB1 expression was significantly increased in the GDM group compared to the control group (p<0.001). However, placental VCAM-1 expression was found to be statistically similar in GDM and control groups (p=0.584). The shared 19 proteins were identified between HMGB1 and GDM, and 13 between VCAM-1 and GDM, with notable GO biological process terms such as immune system activation for HMGB1 and interleukin-6 regulation for VCAM-1 associated with GDM. We consider that GDM-related inflammation and oxidative stress may contribute to tissue damage and inflammation by increasing placental HMGB1 expression. The blockade of HMGB1 and its receptors might represent a promising therapeutic approach to control inflammation in GDM. Understanding the distinct roles of HMGB1 and VCAM-1 may provide valuable insights for the development of targeted therapies aimed at mitigating the inflammatory processes associated with GDM and improving maternal and fetal outcomes.

Investigation of Aquaporin Molecules in the Placentas of Pregnant Women with Premature Rupture of Membranes

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of Aquaporin 3 (AQP3) in placentas of pregnant women with premature rupture of membrane (PROM) and to explore AQP3-related interactors and signaling pathways using in silico approaches. Material and Method: Placental samples from 21 healthy (control) pregnant women and 21 pregnant women diagnosed with PROM were processed for routine histological tissue preparation. Sections were immunostained with AQP3 and analyzed under light microscope via ImageJ software. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of AQP3 was constructed with Cytoscape (version 3.10.2). Nodal centrality indexes (degree, closeness and betweenness) were computed through CentiScaPe plugin. The Enrichr tool was utilized to perform pathway enrichment analysis for 15 central genes. Results: AQP3 immune activity was significantly decreased in the plasma membrane of the trophoblastic cell layer of the PROM group compared to control group. According to network centrality analysis, AQP subfamily proteins predominantly play central roles in the AQP3 network; Major Intrinsic Protein of Lens Fiber (MIP), Glycerol-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase 2 (GPD2), Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (GAPDH), Glycerol Kinase 2 (GK2), GK, and Actin Beta (ACTB) with additional central interactors including proteins. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) signaling pathway was obtained as the most significantly enriched pathway. Conclusion: Alterations in AQP3 expression level in the PROM group compared with the control group may contribute to disturbances in water transport and cellular homeostasis in placental tissues and in silico potential interaction between AQP3 expression and PPAR signaling suggest the role of AQP3 in cell metabolism in PROM.

Evaluation of mitochondrial health in the placentas of pregnant women with obesity

Evaluation of mitochondrial health in the placentas of pregnant women with obesity

Micro/Nanoplastic Exposure on Placental Health and Adverse Pregnancy Risks: Novel Assessment System Based upon Targeted Risk Assessment Environmental Chemicals Strategy.

Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs), as emerging pollutants, have been detected in both the maternal and fetal sides of the placenta in pregnant women, and their reproductive toxicity has been demonstrated in in vivo and in vitro experimental models. The Targeted Risk Assessment of Environmental Chemicals (TRAEC) strategy has been innovatively devised to facilitate valid risk assessment, encompassing a comprehensive evaluation of reliability, correlation, outcome fitness, and integrity across four dimensions based on the included published evidence and our own findings. This study serves as an application case of TRAEC, with 40 items of research evidence on the toxicity of MNPs to the placenta, which were rigorously screened and incorporated into the final scoring system. The final score for this TRAEC case study is 5.63, suggesting a moderate-to-low risk of reproductive toxicity associated with MNPs in the placenta, which may potentially increase with decreasing particle size. It is essential to emphasize that the findings also report original data from assays indicating that exposure to high-dose groups (100 μg/mL, 200 μg/mL) of 50 nm and 200 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) induces HTR8/SVneo cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis, which lead to reproductive toxicity in the placenta by disrupting mitochondrial function. Overall, this study employed the TRAEC strategy to provide comprehensive insight into the potential reproductive health effects of ubiquitous MNPs.

Histopathologic Changes in the Placenta of Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia

Objective: The placenta plays a key role in the development of pre-eclampsia. Knowledge of the histopathologic changes in the preeclamptic placenta will improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, which may contribute to the development of timely interventions, prevention strategies or treatment options. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the histopathologic changes in the placentas of pre-eclampsia patients. Material and Methods: This study was conducted between May 01, 2023, and January 31, 2024, at tertiary hospital. A total of 30 pregnancies were included in the study, 15 with preeclampsia and 15 that were otherwise normal pregnancies. After delivery by cesarean section, the placentas of these patients were taken to the Department of Histology and Embryology examined histologically by staining with hematoxylin-eosin. Results: Compared to the control group, the placentas of the pre-eclampsia patients showed a more degeneration of the villi, hemorrhage in the intervillous area, the presence of immune cells, vasodilation, and congestion. In addition, there were more fibrinoid accumulations and more syncytial knots in the placentas of the pre-eclampsia patients. Conclusion: There were histologic differences between the placenta of pre-eclampsia patients and the control group. The studies that search the precursor markers leading to these histopathologic changes are necessary to improve our understanding of preeclampsia and to develop further strategies such as treatment options and prevention strategies. Keywords: Preeclampsia, hematoxylin-eosin staining, histopathologic examination

Histopathological changes in the placentas of pregnant women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Objectives: Placental damage might be the primary underlying cause of the high rates of fetal adverse outcomes in cases with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Histopathological changes were considered to be associated with GDM in the literature. However, there are also studies showing no changes in the placenta in some gestational diabetic women. The pathophysiology of these placental alterations remains elusive. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the histopathological changes in the placentas of patients with GDM and compare them with the placentas of the healthy control group.&#x0D; Material and methods: This experimental non-randomized case-control study was conducted with 40 GDM patients and 40 healthy pregnant women at Dicle University Faculty of Medicine between March 2023 and December 2023. Placental tissues obtained following cesarean delivery were subjected to routine tissue processing. Placental samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and examined histopathologically using a light microscope.&#x0D; Results: When histopathological findings were compared between the GDM and control groups, villous degeneration, congestion in blood vessels, fibrinoid accumulation, inflammation and intervillous hemorrhage were higher in the GDM group than in the control group (p&lt;0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: The intricate relationship between GDM and placental pathology underscores the profound impact of metabolic changes on placental structure and function throughout pregnancy. Understanding these pathological changes is crucial for elucidating the progression of GDM and its implications for maternal and fetal health, highlighting the importance of comprehensive placental analysis in managing pregnancies complicated by GDM.&#x0D; Keywords: Gestational diabetes, hematoxylin-eosin staining, histopathological examination

Uterine Arteries Resistance in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Mellitus Type 1, Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, and Uncomplicated Pregnancies.

The examination of the uterine arteries using Doppler in the first trimester of pregnancy serves as a valuable tool for evaluating the uteroplacental circulation. Diabetes mellitus is associated with altered placental implantation and pregnancy-related pathologies, such as preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to compare the uterine arteries' pulsatility indices (UtA PI) in women with diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1), diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and uncomplicated pregnancies. This was a retrospective case-control trial including pregnant women with DM1, DM2, GDM, and uncomplicated pregnancies, presenting for first-trimester ultrasound screening in two tertiary university hospitals between 2013 and 2023. The first-trimester UtA pulsatility index (PI), expressed in multiples of medians (MoMs), was compared between the four groups. Out of 15,638 pregnant women, 58 women with DM1, 67 women with DM2, 65 women with GDM, and 65 women with uncomplicated pregnancies were included. The mean UtA PI were 1.00 ± 0.26 MoMs, 1.04 ± 0.32 MoMs, 1.02 ± 0.31 MoMs, and 1.08 ± 0.33 MoMs in pregnant women with DM1, DM2, GDM, and uncomplicated pregnancies, respectively (p > 0.05). Potential alterations in the implantation of the placenta in pregnant women with diabetes were not displayed in the first-trimester pulsatility indices of the uterine arteries, as there were no changes between the groups.

Histological Alterations in Placentas of Pregnant Women with SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Single-Center Case Series.

This study aimed to investigate the histopathological changes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in placentas. A case series of anatomopathological analysis was conducted on the placentas of pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 who delivered between March and December 2020 at Santo Amaro Hospital (HSA) in Salvador, Brazil. Out of the 29 placentas examined, the median weight was 423.0 (IQR: 385.0-521.0) g. Among them, 58.3% (n = 14) had inadequate weight relative to the newborn's weight. The histopathological findings revealed that 86.2% (n = 25) of the placentas had poorly defined lobes, and the fetal and maternal surface color was normal in 89.7% (n = 26) and 93.1% (n = 27), respectively. Additionally, 51.7% (n = 15) of the umbilical cords displayed hypercoiling. The most frequent microscopic finding was infarction, present in 35.3% (n = 6) of the cases, followed by 11.8% (n = 2) for each of chorioamnionitis, chronic villitis, focal perivillositis, and laminar necrosis. Analysis of the umbilical cords identified 23.5% (n = 4) cases of intervillous thrombosis, while amnion analysis showed 13.8% (n = 4) cases of squamous metaplasia. Extraplacental membrane examination revealed fibrin deposition in 93.1% (n = 27) of the cases, necrosis in 62.0% (n = 18), calcifications in 51.7% (n = 15), cysts in 37.9% (n = 11), neutrophilic exudate in 17.2% (n = 5), thrombosis in 13.7% (n = 4), and delayed placental maturation in 6.9% (n = 2). All analyzed placentas exhibited histopathological changes, primarily vascular and inflammatory, which indicate SARS-CoV-2 infection in term pregnancies. These alterations could be associated with impaired placental function, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and prematurity. However, further prospective studies are required to validate the type, prevalence, and prognosis of each of these changes.

Investigation of the Sox-9 and Caspase-6 Immune Activity in Placentas of Pregnant Women with GDM

Aim: In this study, we investigated the immunohistochemical staining of Sox-9 and Caspase-6 expression in placentas of pregnant woman with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Material and Methods: Placentas of 20 healthy and 20 women with GDM were processed for routine histological tissue processing. The biochemical and clinical parameters of patients were recorded. Placentas were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Sox-9 and Caspase-6 immunostaining. Results: In control group, Sox-9 expression was negative in decidual and connective cells and endothelial cells. In GDM group, Sox-9 expression was increased especially in the decidual cells. For the Caspase-6 expression, Caspase-6 reaction was mainly in maternal region in control group. In GDM group, Caspase-6 reaction was increased in decidual cells, in endothelial cells and in the syncytial nodes. Conclusion: Expression of Sox-9 transformed the decidua cells and lead to apoptotic pathway via Caspase-6 expression.

Effectof the CYBA C242T Polymorphism on Preeclampsia Pathogenesis in the Chinese Population.

Although the mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE) have not been entirely clarified, oxidative stress is thought to be its leading cause. As a major component responsible for reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during oxidative stress, p22phox, encoded by CYBA, is an essential subunit of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. The aim of this study was to investigate whether CYBA expression and its polymorphism are associated with PE. Expression of CYBA was analysed in placentas from PE and control groups, as well as in HTR-8/SVneo cells stimulated with CoCl2 and TNF-α. Then, the CYBA C242T polymorphism in 1184 patients with PE and 1421 healthy controls was genotyped using the TaqMan probe, and the different distributions identified were confirmed by a case‒control association study. Expression of CYBA mRNA and protein in the placenta of pregnant women with PE was significantly increased compared to controls. Expression of CYBA mRNA was also increased in HTR-8/SVneo cells collected after 24h of separate stimulation with cobalt chloride and TNF-α. There was no significant difference in the distribution of the C242T locus genotype and CYBA allele frequency between the case group and control group (P > 0.05). CYBA may play a role in the pathogenesis of oxidative stress in PE, in which it may function by cooperating with the TNF-α-related inflammatory pathway. Although no discrepant distribution of the CYBA C242T polymorphism in the Chinese population was detected, it is necessary to examine multiple CYBA SNPs in diverse populations and perform functional experiments to gain further insights into its pathogenesis.

P-523 3D Sw71 blastocyst-like model and its validation by primary trophoblasts

Abstract Study question Are the in vitro developed 3D-Sw71 blastocyst-like model and the primary trophoblast 3D model interchangeable? Summary answer We confirmed that 3D-Sw71 model can be successfully replaced by 3D primary trophoblast model. What is known already Overcoming the challenges and ethical considerations of manipulating human embryos, researchers use cell lines to resemble blastocyst morphology and behavior. We have constructed 3D-Sw71 blastocyst-like model from non-cancerous trophoblast cell line. Like human blastocyst, our Sw71 spheroids undergo compactization and cavitation, have similar shape and size and attach to endometrial epithelium, invade extracellular matrix and migrate between endometrial stromal cells. Models’Sw71 cells have the hybrid epithelial-mesenchymal phenotype of the extravillous trophoblasts (EVT), important for building functional placenta. 3D-Sw71 models have the unique invariant HLA-profile of EVTs (HLA-G+, HLA-C+) providing tolerogenic maternal-embryo immune recognition. Sw71-2D and 3D -cultures produced CD63-positive exosomes. Study design, size, duration To validate our models in vivo, we performed direct comparison between 3D Sw71 spheroids and analogous spheroids built from isolated primary chorion-derived trophoblasts (1st trimester of pregnancy). The comparison was done in context of the following criteria: generation/ differentiation, morphology (shape, size), function, invariant HLA profile, presence of hybrid phenotype and exosomes secretion. For each condition of validation at least 3 independent experiments were conducted. Participants/materials, setting, methods 3D-Sw71 spheroids were constructed from Sw71 cells and 3D primary trophoblasts spheroids – from trophoblasts from placenta of pregnant women, directed to elective early pregnancy termination. Trophoblast cells were isolated by enzymes treatment and Percoll gradient separation. The generation and migration of the spheroids was monitored by live cells imaging and EMT and HLA molecules were detected by FACS and immunocytochemistry. The exosomes isolated by ultrafiltration were characterized by TEM, dot-blot analysis and immunogold staining. Main results and the role of chance From pure trophoblast cultures (&amp;gt; 80%, assessed by FACS) were generated long-lived clones, cells from which were used for 3D primary trophoblasts spheroids construction. Our results showed that in both 3D culture settings we obtained stable, round shaped, multilayered and relatively symmetric spheroid structures followed by compaction (12–24 h) and formation of single differentiated spheroid (24-48 h) with an intact periphery and easy to manipulate. The primary trophoblasts 3D spheroids resemble 3D blastocyst-like structures in shape and size. Primary trophoblast spheroids migrated successfully in the same time frame as 3D in vitro blastocyst-like structure (BLS), (48 hours). The trophoblasts cells of the primary 3D spheroids have hybrid phenotype (Vim+Ck7+) as Sw71 cells of 3D-Sw71 BLS. These expressed the invariant HLA-G and -C molecules as well. The HLA molecules were proven also in situ in early human placenta by IHC. Sw71 and primary trophoblasts secrete exosomes, proven by TEM as 20-120 nm EV, positive for CD63 (exclusive exosome marker). In conclusion, 3D-Sw71 blastocyst-like structure represent a valuable model for in vitro trophoblast and implantation studies as well as trophoblasts-immune cells interactions. Limitations, reasons for caution Primary trophoblasts cultures have limited viability, which makes difficulty to perform more than three independent experiments for all conditions. In general, manually transferring 3D spheroids to new media conditions is very laborious, time-consuming and not amenable to high-throughput screenings. Wider implications of the findings Mimicking the implanting embryo has huge implications for a plethora of studies, such as toxicity and drug screens, development of implantation-promoting compounds. 3D-Sw71 model has a potential to integrate additional components such as immune cells, endothelial cells/vessels and bioengineered in vitro models of the uterine wall/glands to uncover human implantation. Trial registration number not applicable

Assessment of Tissue Expression of the Oxytocin-Vasopressin Pathway in the Placenta of Women with a First-Episode Psychosis during Pregnancy.

Psychosis refers to a mental health condition characterized by a loss of touch with reality, comprising delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thought, disorganized behavior, catatonia, and negative symptoms. A first-episode psychosis (FEP) is a rare condition that can trigger adverse outcomes both for the mother and newborn. Previously, we demonstrated the existence of histopathological changes in the placenta of pregnant women who suffer an FEP in pregnancy. Altered levels of oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) have been detected in patients who manifested an FEP, whereas abnormal placental expression of these hormones and their receptors (OXTR and AVPR1A) has been proven in different obstetric complications. However, the precise role and expression of these components in the placenta of women after an FEP have not been studied yet. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to analyze the gene and protein expression, using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC), of OXT, OXTR, AVP, and AVPR1a in the placental tissue of pregnant women after an FEP in comparison to pregnant women without any health complication (HC-PW). Our results showed increased gene and protein expression of OXT, AVP, OXTR, and AVPR1A in the placental tissue of pregnant women who suffer an FEP. Therefore, our study suggests that an FEP during pregnancy may be associated with an abnormal paracrine/endocrine activity of the placenta, which can negatively affect the maternofetal wellbeing. Nevertheless, additional research is required to validate our findings and ascertain any potential implications of the observed alterations.

The Role of Annexin A1 in DNA Damage Response in Placental Cells: Impact on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

The functions of annexin A1 (ANXA1), which is expressed on membranes and in cytoplasmic granules, have been fully described. Nonetheless, the role of this protein in protecting against DNA damage in the nucleus is still emerging and requires further investigation. Here, we investigated the involvement of ANXA1 in the DNA damage response in placental cells. Placenta was collected from ANXA1 knockout mice (AnxA1-/-) and pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The placental morphology and ANXA1 expression, which are related to the modulation of cellular response markers in the presence of DNA damage, were analyzed. The total area of AnxA1-/- placenta was smaller due to a reduced labyrinth zone, enhanced DNA damage, and impaired base excision repair (BER) enzymes, which resulted in the induction of apoptosis in the labyrinthine and junctional layers. The placentas of pregnant women with GDM showed reduced expression of AnxA1 in the villous compartment, increased DNA damage, apoptosis, and a reduction of enzymes involved in the BER pathway. Our translational data provide valuable insights into the possible involvement of ANXA1 in the response of placental cells to oxidative DNA damage and represent an advancement in investigations into the mechanisms involved in placental biology.

Article Review on Histopathologic Features of Placenta and Adverse Outcome in Pregnant Women with COVID-19 Positive

<i>Introduction:</i> The placenta is the highly specialized organ of pregnancy that supports the normal growth and development of the fetus. During intrauterine fetal life placenta is the main metabolic, respiratory, excretory, and endocrine organ. Histologic features of normal placenta are differing according to the trimester of pregnancy. COVID-19 infection affects placenta and fetal membrane. Pregnant women with COVID-19 positive result in placental hyperfusion defects in maternal vessels and oxygenation in the intervillous space affecting perinatal outcome. <i>Methods:</i> Systematic reviews, meta-analysis, cross sectional and cohort studies were obtained through searches on PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, Google Scholar, library genesis, Scopus and Web of Science. Key words used for searching are “placenta”, “COVID-19”, “placenta development”, and “placenta histopathology”. <i>Result: </i>Total of 16 articles were included in this review. Many articles are reviewed whether the COVID-19 affects placenta histology and pregnancy adverse outcome in intrauterine life. Finally article which fulfills inclusion criteria are identified and reviewed. Review indicated that histopathologic features of placenta and adverse pregnancy outcome in COVID-19 confirmed pregnant women briefly. <i>Conclusion: </i>COVID-19 affects the placenta during pregnancy. Histopathologic findings of placenta in pregnant women with confirmed COVID-19 positive are fibrin deposition, micro classification, thrombus, avascular villi, infraction, and villous edema. Most common pregnancy adverse outcome are preterm birth, miscarriage and still birth.

THE LEVEL OF TROPHOBLAST HORMONES IN EARLY PREMATURE TERMS OF GESTATION

Abstract. The trophoblast hormones of the chorionic villi (CV) of the placenta play a signifi cant role in the processes of formation of structures and functions of the fetus. Disorders of microcirculation also lead to disturbances in metabolism and oxygenation, which causes fetal distress. Microcirculation disorders also aff ect the hormone- producing function of the placental complex. Disorders of fetoplacental blood fl ow at the beginning of the second trimester lead to a drop in the synthesis of hormones by half compared to the norm and the appearance of clinical manifestations of placental dysfunction. There is a pronounced drop in the hormoneproducing function of the placenta in pregnant women with miscarriage and disorders in the mother- placentafetus system at 30-32 weeks, which confi rms the failure of compensation of the placental system.The purpose. The aim of the study was to quantitatively establish the concentration of chorionic gonadotropin and placental lactogen in the trophoblast of the chorionic villi of the placenta in the early stages of pregnancy in pregnant women with miscarriage in order to understand the pathogenesis of placental insu ffi ciency in the fi rst trimester of pregnancy.Research material and methods. The immunohistochemical quantitative investigations of hormones of trophoblast of chorial villi were made at early stages of pregnancy (5-12 weeks). The material of spontaneous miscarriages of 5-12 weeks of gestation was studied (28 observations – the main group). The material of abortions from practically healthy women for social reasons (16 cases) served as a control. Scientifi c studies passed the bioethics commission, no violations were found. Scientifi c research passed the bioethics commission, no violations were found (protocol N 4 dated December 16, 2021). Standard methods of mathematical analysis using Student’s and Fisher’s criteria, standard and specialized computer programs were used for statistical processing of the obtained data. Pairwise correlation indicators were used to study the nature and degree of relationship between various parameters.Results and their discussion. It was established that the signifi cant fl uctuations of the «optical density» indicator in relation to the content of CHT in the trophoblast of HC in the main group are actually caused by two types of pathology, one of which is accompanied by a decrease in the concentration of CHT (13 observations – main group A), and the other – on the contrary, by its increase (15 observations – main group B).It was established that in principle may developed two types of placental (villous) insu ffi ciency, and the common sings of its are decreased of vascularization of chorial villi. The fi rst type is described as decreased concentration of chorionic gonadotropin and placental lactogen in the trophoblast, morphological sings of slowdown of development of chorial villi with increasing formation of cytotrophoblast of chorial villi. The second type show itself increasing of concentration of this hormones in the trophoblast and decreasing of processes of formation of cytotrophoblast of chorial villi.Conclusions. Both variants of the described pathology in relation to CHT and PLH (lower and higher concentration of them in the trophoblast of HC) in combination with a certain morphological picture, in our opinion, are the molecular and structural basis of the two types of placental (villous) insu ffi ciency in the early stages of gestation, respectively.

Clinical characteristics and placental pathology analysis of 14 cases of pregnancy with aortic dissection/aortic aneurysm

Objective: To investigate the pathological changes of placenta in pregnant women with aortic dissection/aneurysm and their relationship with clinical features. Methods: The placental samples of 14 pregnant women with aortic dissection/aneurysm diagnosed from January 2012 to October 2021 and 10 normal placental samples of pregnant women from January 2021 to December 2021 at Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, China were selected. Routine H&E staining and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze the histological features under light microscope. The clinical data were also analyzed. Results: The age of 14 pregnant patients with aortic dissection/aneurysm for placental examination ranged from 22 to 38 years (median, 28 years). The gestational ages ranged from 22 to 39 weeks (median, 34 weeks). The pregnancy of second trimester was noted in 2 cases, and the third trimester in 12 cases. All cases were singleton pregnancy. Seven cases were Stanford type A aortic dissection, 6 cases were Stanford type B aortic dissection, and one case was aortic root aneurysm. Four of the pregnant women underwent aortic dissection surgery after caesarean section, three underwent caesarean section after aortic dissection surgery, and seven underwent both caesarean section and aortic dissection procedures. Among the newborns, 2 cases were full-term birth, and 12 cases were premature birth. Twelve cases had alive newborns, and 2 cases stillbirths. Fetal/placental weight ratio (FPR)<10th percentile was in 5 cases and FPR>90th percentile in one case. Compared with the normal group, accelerated villus maturation and distal villus dysplasia were more frequently found in pregnancy with aortic dissection group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in villi infarction and decidua vascular lesions between the two groups (P>0.05), nor was there correlation between the type of aortic dissection and distal villus dysplasia and accelerated villus maturation of placentas (P>0.05). The number of villous interstitial blood vessels in the placentas of pregnancy with aortic dissection group was significantly fewer than that in the normal control group (P<0.01). Conclusions: There are considerable pathological changes in the placentas of pregnant women with aortic dissection/aneurysm. The main histological features are accelerated villus maturation and distal villus dysplasia, which are manifestations of villous ischemia and hypoxia, and also a part of the placental pathological manifestations of maternal vascular dysperfusion.

Pesticides exposure in pregnant Argentinian women: Potential relations with the residence areas and the anthropometric neonate parameters

Intrauterine environment is the first chemical exposure scenario in life, through transplacental transfer. In this study, the aim was to determine concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and selected current use pesticides in the placentas of pregnant women from Argentina. Socio-demographic information, the mother's lifestyle and neonatal characteristics were also analysed and related to pesticides residue concentrations. Thus, 85 placentas were collected at birth, from an area of intensive fruit production for the international market, in Patagonia Argentina. Concentrations of 23 pesticides including, trifluralin (herbicide), the fungicides chlorothalonil and HCB, and the insecticides chlorpyrifos, HCHs, endosulfans, DDTs, chlordanes, heptachlors, drins and metoxichlor, were determined by GC-ECD and GC-MS. Results were first analysed all together and then grouped by their residential settings, in urban and rural groups. Total mean pesticide concentration was 582.6 ± 1034.4 ng/g lw, where DDTs (325.9 ± 950.3 ng/g lw) and chlorpyrifos (188.4 ± 365.4 ng/g lw) showed a high contribution. Pesticide levels found exceeded those reported in low, middle and high income countries from Europe, Asia and Africa. In general, pesticides concentrations were not associated with neonatal anthropometric parameters. When the results were analysed by residence place, significantly higher concentrations of total pesticides and chlorpyrifos (Mann Whitney test p = 0.0003 and p = 0.032, respectively) were observed in placentas collected from mothers living in rural settings compared to urban areas. Rural pregnant women presented the highest pesticide burden (5.9 μg), where DDTs and chlorpyrifos were the major constituents. These results suggested that all pregnant women are highly exposed to complex pesticide mixtures, including banned OCPs and the widely used chlorpyrifos. Based on the pesticide concentrations found, our results warn of possible health impacts from prenatal exposure through transplacental transfer. This is one of the first reports of both chlorpyrifos and chlorothalonil concentrations in placental tissue, and contributes to the knowledge of current pesticide exposure in Argentina.

Expression of Glucose Transporters 1 and 3 in the Placenta of Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

The annual prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus-characterized by an increase in blood glucose in pregnant women-has been increasing worldwide. The goal of this study was to evaluate the expression of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3) in the placenta of women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Sixty-five placentas from women admitted to the King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were analyzed; 34 and 31 placentas were from healthy pregnant women and women with gestational diabetes, respectively. The expressions of GLUT1 and GLUT3 were assessed using RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical methods. The degree of apoptosis in the placental villi was estimated via a TUNEL assay. The results of the protein expression assays and immunohistochemical staining showed that the levels of GLUT1 and GLUT3 were significantly higher in the placentas of pregnant women with gestational diabetes than those in the placentas of healthy pregnant women. In addition, the findings showed an increase in apoptosis in the placenta of pregnant women with gestational diabetes compared to that in the placenta of healthy pregnant women. However, the results of gene expression assays showed no significant difference between the two groups. Based on these results, we conclude that gestational diabetes mellitus leads to an increased incidence of apoptosis in the placental villi and alters the level of GLUT1 and GLUT3 protein expressions in the placenta of women with gestational diabetes. Understanding the conditions in which the fetus develops in the womb of a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes may help researchers understand the underlying causes of the development of chronic diseases later in life.

Role of cited-1 and caspase-6 expression in HELLP syndrome.

In this study, we investigated the immunohistochemical staining of cited-1 and caspase-6 expression in the placentas of pregnant women with HELLP syndrome. Placentas of 20 normotensive patients and 20 women with HELLP syndrome were processed for routine histological tissue processing. The biochemical and clinical parameters of patients were recorded. Placentas were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and cited-1 and caspase-6 immunostaining. Placentas of normotensive patients showed normal histology. Placentas of women with HELLP syndrome showed degenerated cells, hyalinization and vacuolization. Cited-1 expression was negative in normotensive group; however, it was increased in HELLP group, especially in decidual cells, endothelial cells and other placental cells. Caspase-6 expression was negative in placental structures of normotensive groups. However, it was intense in decidual cells, vacuolar and hyalinized areas, inflammatory cells and connective tissue cells in HELLP group. Cited-1 and caspase-6 are a marker in determining the severity of HELLP syndrome.

МОРФОФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНЫЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ ПЛАЦЕНТЫ ПРИ ТУБЕРКУЛЁЗЕ ВО ВРЕМЯ БЕРЕМЕННОСТИ

Objective: To study the morphology of the placenta in pregnant women with TB Methods: The morphology of the 26 placentas was evaluated in this study, out of which 15 were from women with various forms and localizations of TB (main group), while 11 were from healthy pregnant women (control group). The placentas were evaluated macroscopically. Central and peripheral zones of the placenta and umbilical cord were sampled and embedded in paraffin. Histological slides were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and examined using an Olympus CX-21 microscope with a Universal Infinity Optical System (UIS2). Results: Women in the main group were significantly more commonly underweight (p&lt;0.01) compared to the control group. They also showed a significantly higher frequency of decompensated chronic placental insufficiency (PI), increased share of immature intermediate differentiated villi, dystrophic and degenerative changes in the placenta (foci of dystrophic calcification, afunctional syncytial nodules), and circulatory disorders (ischemic necrosis, fibrinoid in the intervillous space). Foci of calcification and infarctions in the villi embedded in fibrinoid were also significantly more common in the main group. Compensatory changes included pronounced angiomatosis, hypervascularization of villi, an increase in the number of terminal villi, the formation of synticiocapillary membranes, and functional syncytial nodules Conclusion: TB in pregnant women leads to morphological and functional changes in the placenta (delayed villous maturation, disorders of the uteroplacental circulation) and the development of more severe forms of chronic PI. The compensatory changes in the placenta might not sustain the required level of its blood supply, which results in deterioration of the perinatal outcomes (intrauterine growth restriction – IUGR).