Placenta Of Pregnant Women Research Articles

The essential and toxic effects of trace elements in the biological tissues of pregnant women and newborn babies (an ecologically unfavourable region)

Ecological conditions in the Urals are unfavorable. In the Sverdlovsk region, every second pregnancy and in Y ekaterinburg every third pregnancy burdened of obstetric and gynecologic pathology. It makes us pay a special attention to the reasons of the increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. The aim of the research was to estimate the levels of macro and trace elements: Fe, Ca, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni of 156 pregnant women and their newborn babies inhabiting an industrial city, where the environment is polluted with heavy metal compounds. It was found that the women had low indices of ecological valency, pregnancy complication and break of reproductive functions (hestoses, anemia, threat pregnancy interruption). Inspection of cases revealed chronic hypoxia (81.2%), Fe-defi ciency anemia (50.4%), gestosis (29.9%), extragenital diseases of infectious infl ammatory character (65%), chronic pyelonephritis (18.8%), hypertension (13.7%). All inspected women (megacity) had higher levels of trace elements: Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni in the placenta tissue (p < 0.05) and the defi ciency of the essential elements Mn, Mg and Fe (p < 0.01). Higher levels of Cu, Cd, Pb were observed in the blood serum. The newborn babies had higher levels of Cu and Pb in the blood serum. Direct correlations were marked between Cd in the megacity environment and in placenta of pregnant women (R = 0.86, p = 0.041). Average correlation was marked between Pb in the megacity environment and placenta of pregnant women (R = 0.34; p = 0.038). A strong reverse correlation was observed between heavy metals in the city environment (Cu, Zn, Pb) and body mass of newborn (R = ‐0.98; R = ‐0.98; R = ‐0.80 respectively, p = 0.034). Reverse correlation was marked between Cd and the fetal growth (R = ‐0.79; p = 0.037). We marked absence of signifi cant distinctions between the basic and the control group in Cd levels in the blood of healthy newborn babies (0.003 ± 0.001 and 0.002 ± 0.001 mkg/mL, respectively). This evidenced about active barrier function of placenta of healthy women. Signifi cant quantities of Pb were marked in the blood serum of newborn. Barrier function of placenta for Pb was not noted. The placenta passes Cu and Zn to the blood of newborn. The combined effect of macro- and microelements through the system mother‐placenta‐newborn is unfavorable for the fetus. Preg nant women (megacity) ‐ a group of high risk by the prenatal development (intra-uterine hypoxia and the fetal growth restriction) ‐ and their newborn babies were at risk of developing pathologies provoked by the tran splacental ability of toxic elements.

Expression profiles of IL-10, TNF-a, and SOCS3 in placenta of pregnant women with intrahepatic cholestasis

To detect the expression profiles of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), interleukin (IL)-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) in the placenta of women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and determine the clinical significance of the differential expressions. Placentas were collected from 37 ICP gravidas who delivered through cesarean section at the First Teaching Hospital of Xingjiang Medical University from October 2010 to May 2011 and from 35 healthy pregnant women (controls). SOCS3, TNF-a, and IL-10 protein levels were detected by immunoblotting and the Envision immunohistochemical method. TNF-a and IL-10 expression was detected in placentas of both groups, and was present mainly in the cytoplasm of trophoeytes. IL-10 expression was obviously lower in the ICP placentas than in the control placentas; meanwhile, TNF-a expression was obviously higher than in the control placentas (Z=-2.63, P less than 0.01). SOCS3 protein was significantly more abundant in the control placentas than in the ICP placentas. Furthermore, SOCS3 and IL-10 placental expressions were positively correlated (r=0.494, P less than 0.01), but there was a negative correlation between SOCS3 and TNF-a placental expressions (r=-0.472, P less than 0.01). In ICP, an increase of the type 1 cytokine, TNF-a, is associated with decreases of the type 2 cytokine, IL-10, and of SOCS3, which may reduce the secretion of IL-10. Furthermore, SOCS3 may contribute to ICP pathogenesis by modulating the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance.

Lipid-proteinic interaction in erythrocytie and placental membranes in women with insulin resistance

Disturbances of erythrocyte and placental membrane functiond have been studied in placenta of pregnant women with obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. The results of this study demonstrate significant metabolic impairments in women with insulin resistance. Changes in lipid spectrum of erythrocyte membranes and decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes obviously contribute to the development of fetoplacental insufficiency. This changes point to necessity of the antioxidant therapy in pregnant women with obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and its Receptors in the Placenta of Pregnant Women with Obesity

Comparative morphological study of placentas from women with obesity and normal body weight was performed. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3) was detected by immunohistochemical methods. Nonbranching angiogenesis predominated in the placentas from obese women. Immunohistochemical analysis showed reduced intensity of the reaction to VEGF in the syncytiotrophoblast and vascular endothelium of stem villi and enhanced VEGF expression in non-villous cytotrophoblast and endothelial cells of capillaries of mature intermediate and terminal villi; reduced expression of VEGFR-1 and increased levels of VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 in the studied structures were also noted.

The possible mechanism of preterm birth associated with periodontopathic Porphyromonas gingivalis

Previous studies have shown that Porphyromonas gingivalis is found in the amniotic fluid and placentae of pregnant women with some obstetric diseases. However, the biological effects of P. gingivalis on intrauterine tissues remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of P. gingivalis in chorionic tissues from hospitalized high-risk pregnant women, and the effects of P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide on the production of proinflammatory molecules in human chorion-derived cells. Twenty-three subjects were selected from Japanese hospitalized high-risk pregnant women. The presence of P. gingivalis in chorionic tissues was analyzed by PCR. Cultured chorion-derived cells or Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2) gene-silenced chorion-derived cells were stimulated with P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide. Real-time PCR was performed to evaluate TLR-2 and Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) mRNA expression in the cells. Levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 in culture supernatants of the chorion-derived cells were measured by ELISA. P. gingivalis DNA was detected in chorionic tissues from two women with threatened preterm labor, two with multiple pregnancy and two with placenta previa. Stimulation of chorion-derived cells with P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide significantly increased TLR-2 mRNA expression, whereas TLR-4 mRNA expression was not changed. P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide induced interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 production in chorion-derived cells, but the P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide-induced interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 production was reduced in TLR-2 gene-silenced chorion-derived cells. Our results suggest that P. gingivalis can be detected in chorionic tissues of hospitalized high-risk pregnant women, and that P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide induces interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 production via TLR-2 in chorion-derived cells.

Alkaline Phosphatase and Acid Phosphatase Activity in Blood Serum, Amniotic Fluid and Placenta of Pregnant Women in Ninavah Governorate

The present study included estimation of the alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase activity in 60 samples of blood, amniotic fluid and placenta of pregnant women which entered labouring unit in Al-Batol teaching hospital in Ninavah Governorate whose ages between 17-40 years, the data were collected using special questionnaire form. The results showed a significant increase in the activity of alkaline phosphotase and acid phosphotase in blood serum, amniotic fluid and placenta in both age groups 21-30 and 31-40 years, while there was significant change in age group 17-20 years, compared with control group. The results also showed a significant increase in the enzymes activity in blood serum, amniotic fluid and placenta of hypertensive and diabetic pregnant women compared with control group.

A Positive Correlation between Hydrogen Peroxide and Soluble TNF-Alpha Receptor 2 Early in Maternal Blood and At Term in Placenta of Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia

Objectives. We hypothesized that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and soluble TNF-α receptor 2 (sTNF-R2) co-play a role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Methods. Correlation of H2O2 and sTNF-R2 was assessed in vivo in maternal blood and placenta, and in vitro in cytotrophoblasts culture. Results. We showed a positive correlation between increased levels of H2O2 and sTNF-R2 early at 10–15 gestational weeks and at term in maternal serum, and in placenta of women with preeclampsia. Our in vitro experiments showed that H2O2 induced the placental synthesis of sTNF-R2. Conclusion. We propose to consider H2O2 and sTNF-R2 as potential biomarkers in predicting preeclampsia.

Homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B12 levels in maternal and umbilical cord plasma and homocysteine levels in placenta in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia

The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal and fetal serum levels of homocysteine, folic acid, vitamin B12 and placental tissue levels of homocysteine and their association with severity of pre-eclampsia. A case-control study, performed by a single center, included 26 pregnant women with mild pre-eclampsia, 26 pregnant women with severe pre-eclampsia and 26 healthy pregnant women. Maternal blood was collected before delivery and fetal blood was collected from the umbilical cord at delivery. Placental tissue samples were obtained after delivery of placenta. Homocysteine, folic acid, vitamin B12 levels in serum and homocysteine levels in placental tissue homogenates were analyzed by immunochemiluminescent assay. Homocysteine levels in both maternal and fetal serum were significantly higher in the severe pre-eclampsia group compared to mild pre-eclampsia and control groups. However, homocysteine levels in both maternal and fetal serum were not significantly different between mild pre-eclampsia and control groups. No significant differences were observed in folic acid and vitamin B12 levels in both maternal and fetal serum between the groups. Homocysteine levels in placental tissue homogenates were too low to be measured in the three groups (<2 µmol/l). Maternal and fetal serum homocysteine levels were found to be significantly higher in severe pre-eclampsia group compared to mild pre-eclampsia and control groups suggesting that elevated serum levels of homocysteine might be associated with severity of pre-eclampsia. On the other hand it seems like elevated serum homocysteine levels were not associated with deficiency of folic acid and vitamin B12.

Expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 and its significance in human placenta with pregnant intrahepatic cholestasis

To detect the expression and significance of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3(SOCS3) in the placentas of pregnant women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Totally, 44 ICP gravidas, including 21 severe ICP and 23 mild ICP who delivered through cesarean section at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from April 2008 to January 2009, were selected as the ICP group, and another 25 healthy pregnant women were chosen as control. Placentas of the above gravidas were collected and the expression and localization of SOCS3 were determined by immunohistochemical peroxidase streptomyces-avidin link (SP) method (indicated by the percentage of positive cells and average gray scale) and the levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) from placenta homogenation were measured by enzyme linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA). (1) SOCS3 were expressed in placentas of both groups mainly in the intracytoplasma of trophocyte. However, weakly positive, positive, and strongly positive expressions were found in the severe ICP, mild ICP and the control group, respectively. Almost no expression was detected in membrane and nucleus of the trophoblasts. (2) The percentage of SOCS3 positive cells in the severe ICP group was significantly lower than in the control and the mild ICP group, respectively [(0.15 ± 0.08) % vs (0.69 ± 0.12) % and (0.42 ± 0.09) %, P < 0.01]. The average gay SOCS3 in placental tissue in the severe ICP group was significantly higher than that in control and mild ICP group, respectively (204 ± 7 vs 81 ± 7 and 147 ± 7, P < 0.01). (3) Significant lower level of IL-10 in placenta homogenation was found in the severe ICP group than in the control and mild ICP group [(1.16 ± 0.68) µg/L, vs (1.39 ± 0.08) µg/L and (1.22 ± 0.75) µg/L, P < 0.01]. (4) The opposite results were found in the level of IFN-γ in trophoblasts and the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-10 [severe ICP group: (16.8 ± 0.7) µg/L and 16.02 ± 2.79; control group: (10.5 ± 0.3) µg/L and 8.56 ± 0.14; mild ICP group: (13.4 ± 0.5) µg/L and 8.56 ± 0.14, P < 0.01]. (5) Negative correlation was shown between the percentage of SOCS3 positive cells in trophoblasts and the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-10 (r = -0.685 and -0.702, P < 0.01), and the average gay SOCS3 was positively correlated with the ratio of IFN-γ/IL-10 (r = 0.621 and 0.891, P < 0.01) in both mild and severe ICP group. SOCS3 may participate in the pathogenesis of ICP and its expression may affected by the severity of ICP, and SOCS3 may also play a role in the immunological regulation in ICP patients.

Mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis and related proteins in placenta of pregnant Egyptian women with pre-eclampsia

Apoptosis within the placenta is increased in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia (PE).This study aimed at evaluating the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis in placenta of pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and correlate it with severity and pregnancy outcome . Apoptosis was assessed by measuring DNA fragmentation%,Bcl-2, p53 and caspase-9 in placental tissues from 25 pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia, and 25 placentas of normal pregnancy (NP). DNA fragmentation, p53 and caspase-9, were significantly increased while, Bcl-2 was significantly decreased in the placenta of pre-eclampsia group compared to control. No significant difference between mild and severe pre-eclampsia subgroupsregarding these parameters could be found. DNA fragmentation was negatively correlated with Bcl-2 in PE group. Moreover, DNA fragmentation was negatively correlated with maternal age in both PE and control groups. A significant positive correlation between placental DNA fragmentation and gestational age in the NP group was observed. A significant negative correlation between caspase-9 activity, and fetal weight in PE group was found. It can be concluded that Hypoxia and ischemia induced by pre-eclampsia, up regulate p53 and reduce Bcl-2 expression with activation of caspase-9 and increasing DNA fragmentation in placental tissue. These results implicate the mitochondrial pathway in enhancing apoptosis in preeclamptic placenta and affecting fetal outcome but not the severity.Keywords : Apoptosis, p53, Bcl-2, Caspase-9, Mitochondria,Pre-eclampsia.

Apparent bias for P. falciparum parasites carrying the wild-type pfcrt allele in the placenta

Resistance to chloroquine has been linked to polymorphisms within the pfcrt gene of the human malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Here, we have investigated the prevalence of the pfcrt allele associated with chloroquine resistance in the peripheral blood and the placenta of pregnant women diagnosed with a P. falciparum infection. Our molecular epidemiological data show an unequal distribution with a significant under-representation of parasites carrying the mutated pfcrt allele in the placenta, as compared to the peripheral blood. In comparison, no differences were seen with regard to pfmdr1 polymorphisms of these parasites. Our data suggest a selective disadvantage of the polymorphic and a selective advantage of the wild-type pfcrt haplotype in the placenta, supporting the model that the human host provides various microenvironments that favor genetically distinct P. falciparum populations.

Expression and significance of aquaporin 1 and aquaporin 3 in placenta and fetal membranes of pregnant women with oligohydramnios

Objective To study the expression of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and aquaporin 3 (AQP3) in fetal membranes and placenta in pregnant women with oligohydramnios and to explore their function in the balance of amniotic fluid. Methods Thirty cases of term pregnancy with oligohydramnios were selected as the experimental group and 30 healthy term pregnant women with normal amniotic fluid volume were served as control. The expressions of mRNA and protein of AQP1 and AQP3 in fetal membranes and placenta were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and streptavidi peroxidase immunohistochemiscal staining. Results The expression of AQP1 mRNA in the amnion of the experimental group was 0.31 relative to that of the control group. The expression of AQP1 protein in the amnion of the experimental group was 0.14±0.02, which showed significant decrease when compared with the control (0.25±0.03) (P 0.05). The amount of AQP3 mRNA expressions in amnion and chorion in the experimental group were 0.31 and 0.37 relative to those of the control group, respectively, while 7.36 in the placenta. The expression of the AQP3 protein in the amnion and chorion in the experimental group were 0.18±0.05 and 0.18±0.04, respectively, which showed significant decrease when compared with those in the control group (0. 26±0.03 vs 0.29± 0.06, P<0.05). But the expression of AQP3 protein in the placenta of experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control (0.47±0.09 vs 0.28±0.01, P<0.05). Conclusions The alterations of AQP1 and AQP3 expressions in fetal membrane and placenta in oligohydramniotic women are adaptive response to oligohydramnios. Key words: Aquaporin 1; Aquaporin 3; Oligohydramnios; Placenta; Extraembryonic membranes

Multiple var2csa-Type PfEMP1 Genes Located at Different Chromosomal Loci Occur in Many Plasmodium falciparum Isolates

BackgroundThe var2csa gene encodes a Plasmodium falciparum adhesion receptor which binds chondroitin sulfate A (CSA). This var gene is more conserved than other PfEMP1/var genes and is found in all P. falciparum isolates. In isolates 3D7, FCR3/It4 and HB3, var2csa is transcribed from a sub-telomeric position on the left arm of chromosome 12, but it is not known if this location is conserved in all parasites. Genome sequencing indicates that the var2csa gene is duplicated in HB3, but whether this is true in natural populations is uncertain.Methodology/Principal FindingsTo assess global variation in the VAR2CSA protein, sequence variation in the DBL2X region of var2csa genes in 54 P.falciparum samples was analyzed. Chromosome mapping of var2csa loci was carried out and a quantitative PCR assay was developed to estimate the number of var2csa genes in P.falciparum isolates from the placenta of pregnant women and from the peripheral circulation of other malaria patients. Sequence analysis, gene mapping and copy number quantitation in P.falciparum isolates indicate that there are at least two loci and that both var2csa-like genes can be transcribed. All VAR2CSA DBL2X domains fall into one of two distinct phylogenetic groups possessing one or the other variant of a large (∼26 amino acid) dimorphic motif, but whether either motif variant is linked to a specific locus is not known.Conclusions/SignificanceTwo or more related but distinct var2csa-type PfEMP1/var genes exist in many P. falciparum isolates. One gene is on chromosome 12 but additional var2csa-type genes are on different chromosomes in different isolates. Multiplicity of var2csa genes appears more common in infected placentae than in samples from non-pregnant donors indicating a possible advantage of this genotype in pregnancy associated malaria.

Expression of adipokines and estrogen receptors in adipose tissue and placenta of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus

The purpose of this study was to assess the expression profile of genes with potential role in the development of insulin resistance (adipokines, cytokines/chemokines, estrogen receptors) in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and placenta of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and age-matched women with physiological pregnancy at the time of Caesarean section. qRT-PCR was used for expression analysis of the studied genes. Leptin gene expression in VAT of GDM group was significantly higher relative to control group. Gene expressions of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 were significantly increased, whereas the expressions of genes for estrogen receptors α and β were significantly reduced in SAT of GDM group relative to controls, respectively. We found no significant differences in the expression of any genes of interest ( LEP, RETN, ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2, TNF-α, CD68, IL-6, IL-8, ERα, ERβ) in placentas of women with GDM relative to controls. We conclude that increased expression of leptin in visceral adipose depot together with increased expressions of proinflammatory cytokines and reduced expressions of estrogen receptors in subcutaneous fat may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of GDM.

Plasma and placental nitric oxide levels in women with and without pre-eclampsia living at different altitudes

Objective To investigate the nitric oxide (NO) levels in the plasma and the placentas of pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and women without pre-eclampsia, and to determine the effect of high or low altitude of residence. Methods NO was determined by chemoluminescence and group comparisons were performed. Results Women with pre-eclampsia ( n = 63) had higher plasma NO levels (38.6 ± 17.44 vs 30.6 ± 12.44 µmol/L, P = 0.004) and higher placental NO levels (38.5 ± 17.0 vs 24.3 ± 7.16 ng/mg protein, P < 0.05) compared with women without pre-eclampsia. A similar trend was found when comparisons were made according to altitude of residence. NO levels were significantly higher in the plasma of pre-eclamptic women living at sea level (41.11 ±18.78 vs 28.96 ± 9.57 µmol/L, P = 0.003), and in the placentas of women living at high altitude (39.51 ± 16.98 vs 21.91 ± 6.64 ng/mg protein, P < 0.0001). Conclusion Women with pre-eclampsia had higher plasma and placental NO levels and the differences were associated with altitude of residence.

Expression of placental glucose transporters in pregnant women with abnormal glycometabolism

Objective To investigate the expression of glucose transporters(GLUTs)in placentas of pregnant women with abnormal glyeometabolism,and to explore its effect on glucose transport between mother and fetus and its relation with the birth weight.Methods Placentas of 41 pregnant women with abnormal glycometabolism(7 cases of DM,10 GDM A1,10 GIGT and 14 GDMA2)and 15 normal pregnant women as control were selected.The expression of GLUT1 and GLUT3was detected by immunohistochemistry.The birth weight was measured at delivery.Results GLUT1 was expressed in the syncytiotrophoblasts and cytotrophoblasts,whereas GLUT3 in some endothelial cells.The expressions of GLUT1 and GLUT3 were significantly different among the five groups(P＜0.01).Positive correlation was shown between the GLUT1 expression and the birth weight(rs=0.532,P＜0.01),but not in GLUT3 expression.Conclusions The expression of GLUT1 and GLUT3 in placentas of pregnancy with abnormal glycometabolism is enhanced,and GLUT1 may play a predominant role in the fetal glucose uptake. Key words: Glucose transport proteins,facilitative; Placenta; Pregnancy complications; Glucose metabolism disorders

Ergotamine treatment during pregnancy and a higher rate of low birthweight and preterm birth

Previously the association between oral ergotamine treatment during pregnancy and gestational age at delivery, birthweight, the rate of preterm birth and low birthweight has not been studied. Newborn infants without congenital abnormalities born to mothers with or without ergotamine treatment during pregnancy were evaluated in the population-based data set of the Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities between 1980 and 1996. Of 38,151 newborn infants with medically recorded gestational age and birth weight, 77 were born to mothers who had received ergotamine treatment during pregnancy. A statistically significant decrease was found in the mean gestational age (0.7 weeks) and birth weight (196 g) among exposed relative to unexposed infants, though these differences were not obstetrically significant. However, there was a significant increase in the proportion of low birthweight newborns (16.4% vs. 5.7%) and preterm births (16.4% vs. 9.2%) after the use of ergotamine during pregnancy. The effect of ergotamine was more obvious in male newborn infants, particularly after treatment in the third trimester. The association between low birthweight and/or preterm birth and ergotamine treatment may be connected with the effect of ergotamine on the placenta of pregnant women.

Genome wide identification of parturition associated genes using cdna microarray in the placenta of pregnant women between with labor and without labor

CDNA MICROARRAY IN THE PLACENTA OF PREGNANT WOMEN BETWEEN WITH LABOR AND WITHOUT LABOR JI-YOUN KIM, DONGHYUN CHA, JI-HYEON PARK, JIN-BUM CHANG, SOOK HWAN LEE, WOO-JIN LEE, Pochon CHA University-CHA General Hospital, South Korea, Seoul, South Korea, Tufts University, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul, South Korea, Pochon CHA University-CHA General Hospital, South Korea, OBGY, Seoul, South Korea, Pochon CHA University, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul, South Korea, Digital Genomics, Ltd., South Korea, Seoul, South Korea OBJECTIVE: To compare the gene expression profiles between the placenta with labor and without labor during delivery. STUDY DESIGN: To investigate how the expression of placental specific genes contributes to the mechanisms of parturition, we have analyzed differentially expressed genes using 7 placentas from pregnant women who have undergone cesarean section without labor and 7 placentas with labor. We performed genome-wide expression profiling using high-density oligonucleotide microarrays. The data obtained from 55,000 human genes were normalized and analyzed to identify genes with statistically significant changes in expression. All the analysis was done in FDR (false discovery rate) !0.01. RESULTS: Among the 55,000 genes that were screened in the microarray, 1054 genes in R 3-fold were found to be differentially expressed between the placentas with and without labor. Among these candidates, 860 genes were up-regulated and 194 genes were down-regulated. The up-regulated genes included S100A10, IFIT2, IGLC2, FCGR3A, which are well-known biological markers for parturition. CONCLUSION: The predominant changes in gene expression in labor were genes associated with the inflammatory response. At least one of these genes, has a distinct spatial pattern of expression and appears to be associated with the onset of physiologic labor. Other genes expressed in the placenta with labor may be associated with the pathophysiology of preterm labor.

Stereological Analysis of Mature Human Placenta of Pregnant Women of Different Age

The normal placentas, regular pregnancies and deliveries were structurally examined. The aim of this research was to compare the results and to confirm if there were some difference in the structure of placenta related to the age of pregnant women. We examined 30 human placentas. The examined group of women were divided into two groups: 1) pregnant women 20-35 years old; 2) pregnant women over 35 years old. The stereological method was used. The volume density, absolute volume, the surface density and absolute surface of terminal villi of placentas in younger and older pregnant women were not significantly different. The volume density, absolute volume, the surface density and absolute surface of the other placentas villi in younger pregnant women compared to older ones, were significantly increased (p<0.001). The volume density of fibrinoid of placentas in older pregnant women compared to younger ones was significantly increased (p<0.02). The surface density, absolute volume and absolute surface of fibrinoid in these two examined groups of pregnant women were not significantly different. The volume density of intervillous space of placentas in older pregnant women compared to younger ones was significantly increased (p<0.05). Absolute volumes of intervillous space of placentas in these two examined groups of pregnant women are not significantly different.

Changes in apoptosis and Bcl-2 expression in human hyperglycemic, term placental trophoblast

Apoptosis and its associated regulatory mechanisms are physiological events crucial to the maintenance of placental homeostasis; imbalance of these processes, however, such as occurs under various pathological conditions, may compromise placenta function and, consequently, pregnancy success. Increased apoptosis occurs in the placentas of pregnant women with several developmental disabilities, while increased Bcl-2 expression is generally associated with pregnancy-associated tumors. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that apoptosis-associated disturbs might be involved in the placental physiopathology subjected to different maternal hyperglycemic conditions. Thus, in the present study we investigated and compared the incidence of apoptosis using TUNEL reaction and Bcl-2 expression, in term-placentas of normoglycemic, diabetic and daily hyperglycemic patients. Tissue samples were collected from 37 placentas, being 15 from healthy mothers with normally delivered healthy babies, and 22 from mothers with glucose disturbances. From these latter 22 patients, 10 showed maternal daily hyperglycemia and 12 were clinically diabetics. Both Bcl-2 expression and apoptotic DNA fragmentation were established and quantified in the trophoblasts of healthy mothers. Compared to these reference values, a higher apoptosis index and lower Bcl-2 expression were disclosed in the placentas of the diabetic women, while in the daily hyperglycemic group, values were intermediate between the diabetic and normoglycemic patients. The TUNEL/Bcl-2 index ratio in the placentas varied from 0.02 to 0.09 for pregnant normoglycemic and diabetic women, respectively, revealing a predominance of apoptosis in the diabetic group. Our findings suggest that hyperglycemia may be a key factor evoking apoptosis in the placental trophoblast, and therefore, is relevant to diabetic placenta function.