Serum Of Pregnant Women Research Articles

Blood serum of pregnant women for feeding premature babies. Siegmund (Zbl. F. Gyn., 1933, "No. 3)

Blood serum of pregnant women for feeding premature babies. Siеgmund (Zbl. F. Gyn., 1933, "No. 3) used the serum of pregnant women when feeding premature babies with good results.

Research Advances in the Roles of Circular RNAs in Pathophysiology and Early Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) refers to different degrees of glucose tolerance abnormalities that occur during pregnancy or are discovered for the first time, which can have a serious impact on the mother and the offspring. The screening of GDM mainly relies on the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24–28 weeks of gestation. The early diagnosis and intervention of GDM can greatly improve adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, molecular markers for early prediction and diagnosis of GDM are currently lacking. Therefore, looking for GDM-specific early diagnostic markers has important clinical significance for the prevention and treatment of GDM and the management of subsequent maternal health. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a new type of non-coding RNA. Recent studies have found that circRNAs were involved in the occurrence and development of malignant tumors, metabolic diseases, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, etc., and could be used as the molecular marker for early diagnosis. Our previous research showed that circRNAs are differentially expressed in serum of GDM pregnant women in the second and third trimester, placental tissues during cesarean delivery, and cord blood. However, the mechanism of circular RNA in GDM still remains unclear. This article focuses on related circRNAs involved in insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction, speculating on the possible role of circRNAs in the pathophysiology of GDM under the current research context, and has the potential to serve as early molecular markers for the diagnosis of GDM.

Pilot study of changes in the level of piRNA in plasma and serum in women at different stages of physiological pregnancy

Aim. To study changes in the level of piRNA in plasma and serum of pregnant women at different stages of gestation.Material and Methods. A total of 42 samples of plasma and blood serum were obtained from seven women with physiological singleton pregnancy without obstetric and gynecological pathology. The study was carried out at three time points corresponding to 8–13, 18–25, and 30–35 weeks of pregnancy, respectively. To assess the spectrum and levels of piRNA by the NGS method, whole genome sequencing of small RNAs was carried out. Sequencing data analysis was performed using the GeneGlobe Data Analysis Center web application. Differential expression was assessed using the DESeq2 R package.Results and Discussion. The piRNA contents among all small RNAs were 2.29%, 2.61%, and 4.16% in plasma and 7.29%, 7.02%, and 10.82% in serum during the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. The contents of the following piRNAs increased in blood plasma from the first to the third trimester: piR 000765, piR 020326, piR 019825, piR 020497, piR 015026, piR 001312, and piR 017716. The study showed that the levels of piR 000765, piR 020326, piR 019825, piR 015026, piR 020497, piR 001312, piR 017716, and piR 004153 were significantly higher in serum compared with the corresponding values in plasma whereas the content of only one molecule, piR 018849, was higher in plasma.Conclusion. This pilot work created a basis for understanding the processes of piRNA expression in plasma and serum of pregnant women and can become the foundation for the search for biomarkers of various complications in pregnancy.

Measuring the Level of Some Trace Elements in the Serum and Placentae of Pregnant Women Infected with Toxoplasmosis

The current study deals with Toxoplasmosis and the relation of the parasite causing it (Toxoplasma gondii), its impact on the levels of trace elements in the serum and placentae of some pregnant women infected with compared to non-infected who are considered a control group. Several trace elements, which included the Selenium (Se), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Ferrous (Fe), Magnesium (Mg) and Manganese (Mn) were measured, the study was conducted on a sample of (450) women, 225 of them were not infected with Toxoplasmosis and 225 were infected, 24 placenta of non-infected women and 18 of infected women. Results showed that there was a significant increase in the levels of Se, Cu, Zn and Mg in the pregnant women serum who are infected with Toxoplasmosis, while there was an insignificant decrease in the level of Fe throughout the period of pregnancy for the in the serum of the infected pregnant women. The correlation between the infection and the period of pregnancy showed a significant increase in the levels of Se and Zn during the (3-6 months) period of pregnancy, a significant increase in the levels of Cu and Mg and insignificant increase in Mn level during the (6-9 months) period of pregnancy and on the other hand the level of Fe decreased. Moreover, results showed a significant increase in Se, Fe and Mg levels during the (6-9 months) period of pregnancy and insignificant increase in Cu level during the (6-9 months) period of pregnancy. The levels of Zn and Mn decreased during the pregnancy period in the placentas of the infected women.

Iron metabolism disorder and oxidative damage levels in placenta are involved in preeclampsia

IntroductionTo explore the role of ferritin in placenta, serum and umbilical cord blood of pregnant women and the changes of oxidative stress injury as well as cell apoptosis in placenta in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE).Material and methodsSixty pregnant women with severe PE were assigned into early-onset and late-onset PE group. Another 60 cases of normal late pregnant women with similar gestational weeks were divided into early-onset and late-onset control group. Maternal serum and fetal umbilical cord blood ferritin content was determined by automatic biochemical immunoassay system; mRNA expression levels of ferritin and ferritin heavy chain (FTH) were detected by reverse transcription real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Western Blot was used to detect the relative expression level of ferritin and apoptosis; the contents of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were detected by colorimetry.ResultsSerum uric acid (UA) and creatinine (Cr) levels of PE groups were significantly higher when compared to the controls. The serum ferritin levels in blood sample and umbilical cord blood sample were significantly higher relative to the controls. However, the mRNA and protein levels of ferritin levels in placenta samples were significantly lower compared with the controls. The placental cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2 levels were significantly lower than the early onset PE group. The levels of GSH-Px and MDA in placenta were significantly higher.ConclusionsThese results may assist understanding the pathogenesis of PE and provide potential biomarkers for diagnosis of PE.

Developmental Exposure to a Human-Relevant Polychlorinated Biphenyl Mixture Causes Behavioral Phenotypes That Vary by Sex and Genotype in Juvenile Mice Expressing Human Mutations That Modulate Neuronal Calcium.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are putative environmental risks for neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we tested two hypotheses: (1) developmental exposure to a human-relevant PCB mixture causes behavioral phenotypes relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders; and (2) expression of human mutations that dysregulate neuronal Ca2+ homeostasis influence sensitivity to behavioral effects of developmental PCB exposures. To test these hypotheses, we used mice that expressed a gain-of-function mutation (T4826I) in ryanodine receptor 1 (RYR1), the X-linked fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) CGG repeat expansion or both mutations (double mutant; DM). Transgenic mice and wildtype (WT) mice were exposed to the MARBLES PCB mix at 0, 0.1, 1, and 6 mg/kg/day in the maternal diet throughout gestation and lactation. The MARBLES PCB mix simulates the relative proportions of the 12 most abundant PCB congeners found in the serum of pregnant women at increased risk for having a child with a neurodevelopmental disorder. We assessed ultrasonic vocalizations at postnatal day 7 (P7), spontaneous repetitive behaviors at P25-P30, and sociability at P27-P32. Developmental PCB exposure reduced ultrasonic vocalizations in WT litters in all dose groups, but had no effect on ultrasonic vocalizations in transgenic litters. Developmental PCB exposure significantly increased self-grooming and decreased sociability in WT males in the 0.1 mg/kg dose group, but had no effect on WT females in any dose group. Genotype alone influenced ultrasonic vocalizations, self-grooming and to a lesser extent sociability. Genotype alone also influenced effects of PCBs on sociability. PCB levels in the brain tissue of pups increased in a dose-dependent manner, but within any dose group did not differ between genotypes. In summary, developmental PCB exposure phenocopied social behavior phenotypes observed in mice expressing human mutations that modify intracellular Ca2+ dynamics, and expression of these mutations alleviated PCB effects on ultrasonic vocalizations and repetitive behavior, and modified the dose-response relationships and sex-dependent effects of PCB effects on social behavior. These findings suggest that: (1) developmental PCB exposure causes behavioral phenotypes that vary by sex and genotype; and (2) sex-specific responses to environmental factors may contribute to sex biases in the prevalence and/or severity of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Serum and urine profiles of TGF-β superfamily members in reproductive aged women

BackgroundTGF-β superfamily members are important biomarkers of reproductive health in women desiring fertility and during pregnancy. TGF-β proteins derived from the ovary and/or placenta have been detected in serum in women, but there have been very few attempts to measure them non-invasively, such as in urinary samples, and to compare them to serum concentrations. MethodsWe measured inhibin A, inhibin B, total inhibin, AMH, activin A, activin B, activin AB, follistatin, the GDF-9/BMP-15 complex, and GDF-15 in paired serum and urine samples from healthy reproductive aged women and in pregnant (second trimester) women. ResultsWe detected all hormones in serum in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Inhibin A, total inhibin, activin A, activin AB, follistatin, and GDF-15 were significantly higher in pregnant than in non-pregnant women. GDF-15 was the only hormone consistently detected in urine. We also measured, for the first time, the GDF-9/BMP-15 functional heterodimer and the GDF-15 protein harboring the H202D polymorphism. ConclusionsWe report the successful measurement of the GDF-9/BMP-15 heterodimer (its native form) in serum and the ability to measure GDF-15 non-invasively, in urinary samples. This novel GDF-15 assay also captures the antigen in the presence of a common genetic variant.

Abnormal Circulating Maternal miRNA Expression Is Associated with a Low (

The present pilot study investigates whether an abnormal miRNA profile in NIPT plasma samples can explain the finding of a low cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fetal fraction (cfDNAff) in euploid fetuses and non-obese women. Twelve women who underwent neoBona® NIPT with a normal fetal karyotype were studied. Six with a cfDNAff < 4% were matched with a control group with normal levels of cfDNAff > 4%. Samples were processed using the nanostring nCounter® platform with a panel of 800 miRNAs. Four of the maternal miRNAs, miR-579, miR-612, miR-3144 and miR-6721, had a significant abnormal expression in patients. A data filtering analysis showed that miR-579, miR-612, miR-3144 and miR-6721 targeted 169, 1, 48 and 136 placenta-specific genes, respectively. miR-579, miR-3144 and miR-6721 shared placenta-specific targeted genes involved in trophoblast invasion and migration pathways (IGF2R, PTCD2, SATB2, PLAC8). Moreover, the miRNA target genes encoded proteins localized in the placenta and involved in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia, including chorion-specific transcription factor GCMa, PRG2, Lin-28 Homolog B and IGFBP1. In conclusion, aberrant maternal miRNA expression in circulating plasma could be a source of dysregulating trophoblast invasion and migration and could represent a novel cause of a low cfDNAff in the sera of pregnant women at the time of NIPT analysis.

The role of iron metabolism indicators in predicting gestational diabetes mellitus

Iron (Fe) deficiency and hyperglycaemia are both widely found throughout the world among pregnant women. According to the latest data from the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has increased and reaches 15–20%. Nowadays, there is growing evidence that a link between Fe metabolism and glucose homeostasis exists. The study of changes in the indicators of Fe metabolism in the serum of pregnant women with glucose intolerance and GDM plays an important role in expanding the understanding of the pathogenesis of these conditions. The hypothesis that excess Fe increases the risk of developing GDM has prompted us to review and evaluate the potential relationship between elevated Fe levels and the risk of developing GDM. The aim is to integrate all available data on the correlation between GDM and Fe status in the body. It is increasingly being recognised that excess Fe accumulation in the body is associated with an increased risk of diabetes. There is no available data on the relationship between serum ferritin and GDM in the Russian population, while early identification of the risk of GDM development will be of great importance for its related health effects and prevention. The role of Fe status as a GDM biomarker in high-risk populations is of interest, both for prognostic and diagnostic measures, and for therapeutic interventions. For a better understanding of whether an excess of Fe increases the risk of developing GDM, studies are needed to reveal the role of Fe in the mechanisms of GDM development.

Trimester-Specific Reference Ranges for Saturated, Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Serum of Pregnant Women: A Cohort Study from the ECLIPSES Group.

In the course of pregnancy, increasing importance is being placed on maintaining optimal fatty acid (FA) levels and particularly n-3 PUFAs to ensure correct fetal development. However, reference ranges for FA have been reported in only a few studies. Our objective is to provide quantitative reference intervals for SFAs, MUFAs, and PUFAs (n-6 and n-3) in a large population of healthy pregnant women from a developed country. A prospective study of pregnant women (n = 479) was conducted from the first trimester (T1) to the third trimester (T3). A total of 11 fatty acids were analyzed in serum by gas chromatography mass spectrometry and were expressed as absolute (µmol/L) and relative (percentage of total FA) concentration units. Serum concentrations of SFAs, MUFAs, n-6 PUFAs, n-3 PUFAs, various FA ratios, and the EFA index were determined. The reference intervals (2.5/97.5 percentiles) in absolute values from T1 ranged from 1884.32 to 8802.81 µmol/L for SFAs, from 959.91 to 2979.46 µmol/L for MUFAs, from 2325.77 to 7735.74 µmol/L for n-6 PUFAs, and from 129.01 to 495.58 µmol/L for n-3 PUFAs. These intervals mainly include the values of other studies from European populations. However, reference ranges vary according to some maternal factors. The FA levels proposed, obtained from a large sample of pregnant women, will be a useful tool for assessing the degree of adequacy of FAs in pregnant women and will help to carry out dietary interventions based on certain maternal factors.

Cerebral neurotrophic factor as a predictor of the severity of hypertensive complications in pregnancy

Introduction. We studied the quantitative content of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the serum of pregnant women with hypertensive disorders at 22 to 42 weeks' gestation. A correlation was found between brain plasma neurotrophic factor and the severity of preeclampsia and its complications, such as HELLP syndrome, placental detachment. The increase in BDNF reflects an increase in compensatory restorative functions of the nervous system. Increased brain neurotrophin reserve in severe complications of hypertensive disorders requires further study of the pathogenesis from the standpoint of neuroplasticity, which in turn will improve timely diagnosis and prevention. Purpose of the study — determination of quantitative serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor as a possible predictor of the severity of preeclampsia and its complications. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the basis of the M.A. Tver'e Maternity Hospital, Perm. Eighty-eight pregnant women at 22 to 42 weeks' gestation were examined, 77 of them with hypertensive disorders as chronic arterial hypertension, gestational arterial hypertension, preeclampsia, and HELLP syndrome. The comparison group consisted of 11 healthy pregnant women. The control group included 11 non-pregnant healthy women. Results. The presence of hypertensive complications in pregnancy and their correlation with the quantitative content of serum BDNF was studied. Discussion. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor determined in peripheral blood serum is one of the laboratory indicators that allow to predict the likely manifestations of preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome and reliably determine the severity of these complications. Conclusion. In severe complications of hypertensive disorders a reliable increase of BDNF in blood serum was revealed, which in turn is a diagnostic marker of these conditions.

Analysis of Proteomic Characteristics of Peripheral Blood in Preeclampsia and Study of Changes in Fetal Arterial Doppler Parameters Based on Magnetic Nanoparticles

Background Traditional mass spectrometry detection methods have low detection efficiency for low-abundance proteins, thus limiting the application of proteomic analysis in the diagnosis of preeclampsia. Magnetic nanomaterials have good superparamagnetism and have obvious advantages in the field of biological separation and enrichment. Aim The objective of this study is to explore the value of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in the proteomic analysis of preeclampsia. Materials and Methods 42 patients and 40 normal pregnant women were selected in this study for analysis. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed to evaluate the function of these differential proteins. Proteomic analysis was used to analyze the differential proteins. Color Doppler ultrasound technology was used to detect changes in the blood flow of the fetal umbilical artery and cerebral artery. Results 16 differential proteins in the serum of pregnant women with preeclampsia and normal pregnant women were detected. The 16 proteins are mainly related to angiogenesis and endothelial function proteins, coagulation cascade proteins, placental growth factor, and so on. Biological function analysis revealed that these proteins are mainly enriched in the nuclear factor kB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Moreover, our data suggested that compared with the fetus in the uterus of normal pregnant women, the umbilical artery S/D, PI, and RI of the fetus in preeclampsia were greatly increased, and the cerebral artery S/D, PI, and RI were greatly decreased. Conclusion Biological function analysis revealed that 16 proteins are mainly enriched in the NF-κB signaling pathway. Compared with the normal group, the umbilical artery S/D, PI, and RI of the preeclampsia group were greatly increased, and the cerebral artery S/D, PI, and RI were all greatly reduced. Our findings provided a more comprehensive reference for us to study the mechanism of preeclampsia at the molecular level and also provide data support for the screening of relevant markers for early diagnosis of preeclampsia.

Proteomics Analysis of Serum Proteins in Gestational Diabetes.

Objective The purpose of this study was to screen serum proteins for biomarkers of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to investigate its pathogenesis by analyzing the differences in serum proteomics between pregnant women with GDM and healthy pregnant women. Methods Patients who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from June 2019 to January 2020 were included. According to the medical history and the results of the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), they were divided into the normal pregnant women group and GDM pregnant women group. The serum of two groups of patients was collected. High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to identify differentially expressed serum proteins between pregnant women with GDM and healthy pregnant women, and bioinformatics analysis was then performed on the identified proteins. Results A total of 1152 quantifiable proteins were detected; among them, 15 were upregulated in serum of GDM pregnant women, while 26 were downregulated. The subsequent parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) assay validated the expression levels of 12 out of 41 differentially expressed proteins. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis revealed that the differentially expressed proteins are involved in multiple biological processes and signaling pathways related to the lipid metabolism, glycan degradation, immune response, and platelet aggregation. Conclusions This study identified 41 serum proteins with differential expression between pregnant women with GDM and healthy pregnant women, providing new candidate molecules for elucidating GDM pathogenesis and screening therapeutic targets.

Novel Biomolecules in the Pathogenesis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common metabolic diseases in pregnant women. Its early diagnosis seems to have a significant impact on the developing fetus, the course of delivery, and the neonatal period. It may also affect the later stages of child development and subsequent complications in the mother. Therefore, the crux of the matter is to find a biopredictor capable of singling out women at risk of developing GDM as early as the very start of pregnancy. Apart from the well-known molecules with a proven and clear-cut role in the pathogenesis of GDM, e.g., adiponectin and leptin, a potential role of newer biomolecules is also emphasized. Less popular and less known factors with different mechanisms of action include: galectins, growth differentiation factor-15, chemerin, omentin-1, osteocalcin, resistin, visfatin, vaspin, irisin, apelin, fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), fibroblast growth factor 21, and lipocalin-2. The aim of this review is to present the potential and significance of these 13 less known biomolecules in the pathogenesis of GDM. It seems that high levels of FABP4, low levels of irisin, and high levels of under-carboxylated osteocalcin in the serum of pregnant women can be used as predictive markers in the diagnosis of GDM. Hopefully, future clinical trials will be able to determine which biomolecules have the most potential to predict GDM.

Low Prevalence of HEV Infection and No Associated Risk of HEV Transmission from Mother to Child among Pregnant Women in Vietnam.

Infections with HEV in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are associated with increased rates of preterm birth, miscarriage, and stillbirth. The aim of the present study was to investigate HEV infections in pregnant women and the possibility of mother-to-child transmission, and associated outcomes. A total of 183 pregnant women in their third trimester were recruited and followed until delivery. Anti-HEV IgG and IgM were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and HEV nucleic acids were detected in stool and cord blood samples. HEV genotypes were identified by Sanger sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses were performed. Mother-to-child transmission and associated adverse outcomes were not observed. Only 2% of patients (n = 4/183) tested positive for anti-HEV IgM, and 8% (n = 14/183) tested positive for anti-HEV IgG antibodies. Cord blood (n = 150) analysis showed that there was no IgM detected, while 4% (n = 6/150) tested positive for anti-HEV IgG, which was consistent with mothers testing positive for anti-HEV IgG. Nucleic acid tests for HEV RNA yielded 2% (n = 4/183) from the serum and stool of pregnant women, and none from cord blood. The HEV isolates belonged to the genotype HEV-3a, with 99% homology with humans and 96% with pigs. No association was found between the risk of HEV infection and pregnancy outcomes or HEV transmission from mother to child. HEV-3 infections of zoonotic origin in pregnancy might have eventually resolved without complications.

Long non-coding RNA myocardial infarction associated transcript expression and clinical significance in patients with hypertension during pregnancy.

This study aimed to investigate the expression level of lncRNA myocardial infarction associated transcript (MIAT) in serum of pregnant women with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) and its clinical significance. A total of 135 pregnant women with HDP were selected, including 69 pregnant women with gestational hypertension(GH) and 66 pregnant women with preeclampsia (PE). Sixty-eight normal pregnant women were selected as healthy control group (HC). The expression level of serum MIAT of all subjects was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and the diagnostic value of MIAT for GH was evaluated by constructing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between MIAT and patients' clinical indicators. Logistics regression analysis evaluated the influencing factors of GH development into PE. The level of MIAT in GH group was significantly higher than that in HC group, while MIAT level in PE group was more significantly upregulated than that in GH group and HC group. ROC curve showed that MIAT had the ability to distinguish between GH patients and healthy controls. Pearson correlation coefficient suggested that HOTAIR expression was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DPB). Logistic regression analysis showed that MIAT was an independent influencing factor for the development of GH to PE. The expression of MIAT in serum of HDP patients was increased and positively correlated with the severity of the disease. The abnormal expression of MIAT has certain diagnostic value for GH.

Роль показателей обмена железа в прогнозировании гестационного сахарного диабета

Iron (Fe) deficiency and hyperglycaemia are both widely found throughout the world among pregnant women. According to the latest data from the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has increased and reaches 15–20%. Nowadays, there is growing evidence that a link between Fe metabolism and glucose homeostasis exists. The study of changes in the indicators of Fe metabolism in the serum of pregnant women with glucose intolerance and GDM plays an important role in expanding the understanding of the pathogenesis of these conditions. The hypothesis that excess Fe increases the risk of developing GDM has prompted us to review and evaluate the potential relationship between elevated Fe levels and the risk of developing GDM. The aim is to integrate all available data on the correlation between GDM and Fe status in the body. It is increasingly being recognised that excess Fe accumulation in the body is associated with an increased risk of diabetes. There is no available data on the relationship between serum ferritin and GDM in the Russian population, while early identification of the risk of GDM development will be of great importance for its related health effects and prevention. The role of Fe status as a GDM biomarker in high-risk populations is of interest, both for prognostic and diagnostic measures, and for therapeutic interventions. For a better understanding of whether an excess of Fe increases the risk of developing GDM, studies are needed to reveal the role of Fe in the mechanisms of GDM development.

Characterization of Covid-19 infected pregnant women sera using laboratory indexes, vibrational spectroscopy, and machine learning classifications

Herein, we show differences in blood serum of asymptomatic and symptomatic pregnant women infected with COVID-19 and correlate them with laboratory indexes, ATR FTIR and multivariate machine learning methods. We collected the sera of COVID-19 diagnosed pregnant women, in the second trimester (n = 12), third-trimester (n = 7), and second-trimester with severe symptoms (n = 7) compared to the healthy pregnant (n = 11) women, which makes a total of 37 participants. To assign the accuracy of FTIR spectra regions where peak shifts occurred, the Random Forest algorithm, traditional C5.0 single decision tree algorithm and deep neural network approach were used. We verified the correspondence between the FTIR results and the laboratory indexes such as: the count of peripheral blood cells, biochemical parameters, and coagulation indicators of pregnant women. CH2 scissoring, amide II, amide I vibrations could be used to differentiate the groups. The accuracy calculated by machine learning methods was higher than 90%. We also developed a method based on the dynamics of the absorbance spectra allowing to determine the differences between the spectra of healthy and COVID-19 patients. Laboratory indexes of biochemical parameters associated with COVID-19 validate changes in the total amount of proteins, albumin and lipase.

Evaluation of sFlt-1 and PlGF for predicting preeclampsia in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) levels in the blood of women with various types of diabetes mellitus, depending on the correction method applied, and to determine the prognostic significance of the sFlt-1 / PlGF ratio for predicting the development of preeclampsia in this patient population.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 140 pregnant women who were included in six main study groups: type 1 diabetes mellitus (with or without pregravid preparation), type 2 diabetes mellitus (diet therapy or insulin therapy), and gestational diabetes mellitus (diet therapy or insulin therapy). The comparison groups consisted of pregnant women with preeclampsia and patients without complications of pregnancy. Using electrochemiluminescence analysis, PlGF and sFlt-1 levels in the blood serum were determined twice, at 11+013+6 and 30+033+6 weeks of gestation. Statistical data processing was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics version 23 and GraphPad Prism version 8.0 software packages.&#x0D; RESULTS: In the blood serum of pregnant women with diabetes mellitus in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy, we found an increase in sFlt-1 level and a decrease in PlGF level, as well as an increase in the sFlt-1 / PlGF ratio. These changes were most pronounced in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus without pregravid preparation and with type 2 diabetes mellitus on insulin therapy. In patients with pregestational types of diabetes mellitus, the sFlt-1 / PlGF ratio was a predictor of preeclampsia already in the early stages of pregnancy. Analysis of the ROC curve showed that the threshold sFlt-1 / PlGF ratio for predicting preeclampsia in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus in the first trimester was 32.5 (sensitivity 92.9%, specificity 50.0%) and in the third trimester 71.8 (sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 82.3%) with AUC 0.78 (95% CI 0.680.88) and 0.89 (95% CI 0.830.95), respectively. In the first trimester, the positive and negative predictive values of the sFlt-1 / PlGF ratio as a predictor of preeclampsia in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus were 63.3% and 97.6%, respectively; in the third trimester, 38.9% and 93.6%, respectively.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: Blood level alterations of PlGF and sFlt-1 are characteristic of patients with diabetes mellitus in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. An increase in the sFlt-1 / PlGF ratio is associated with a higher incidence of unfavorable perinatal outcomes in women with impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Determination of the sFlt-1 / PlGF ratio is a valid method for predicting the development or absence of preeclampsia in women with diabetes mellitus.

Dioxin-like activity in serum of Danish and Greenlandic Inuit pregnant women and fetal growth indices

Dioxin-like activity in serum of Danish and Greenlandic Inuit pregnant women and fetal growth indices