Umbilical Serum Research Articles

Transplacental transfer of perfluorinated and poly-fluorinated substances in maternal-cord serum and association with birth weight: A birth cohort study, China

Although the effects of traditional perfluorinated and polyfluorinated substances (PFASs) exposure have been extensively explored, research on novel PFASs remains limited, and there is a lack of data regarding their placental transfer and fetal impact. Herein, we aimed to examine maternal and fetal PFASs exposure levels, placental transfer efficiency (TTE), and the consequences of prenatal exposure on birth weight. The study included 214 mother-child pairs recruited in Wuxi birth cohort from 2019 to 2021. Twenty-three PFASs were quantified in maternal serum during the second trimester and umbilical serum during delivery. Median concentrations of ∑23PFASs in maternal and cord sera were 9.34 and 6.88 ng/mL, respectively. The novel alternatives exhibited elevated levels of maternal and fetal exposure, such as perfluorovaleric acid (PFPeA, 2.00 ng/mL and 1.66 ng/mL, respectively) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS, 1.77 and 1.14 ng/mL, respectively). With increasing carbon chain length, the TTE of perfluorocarbonic acid (PFCAs) displayed a pattern of initially decreasing before subsequently increasing, with novel alternatives exhibiting a relatively high TTE. Multiple linear regression showed that exposure to perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) and PFPeA in cord serum positively correlated with the birth weight of female infants (β = 231.04 g, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 21.73–440.36; β = 121.26 g, 95% CI: 29.51–213.00). No nonlinear relationship was observed between cord serum PFASs and birth weight. The weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression analysis has reaffirmed that PFPeA and PFBS were predominant contributors to the positive correlation observed between the mixture of PFASs and birth weight. Our findings suggest that novel PFASs may exhibit a heightened susceptibility for transplacental transfer and that exposure to PFBS and PFPeA during pregnancy could be linked to increased birth weight.

BDNF and KISS-1 Levels in Maternal Serum, Umbilical Cord, and Placenta: The Potential Role of Maternal Levels as Effect Biomarker

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and kisspeptin-1 (KISS-1) regulate placental development and fetal growth. The predictive value of maternal serum BDNF and KISS-1 concentrations for placental and umbilical cord levels has not yet been explored. The influence of prenatal lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) exposure and maternal iron status on BDNF and KISS-1 levels is also unclarified and of concern. In a pilot cross-sectional study with 65 mother–newborn pairs, we analyzed maternal and cord serum levels of pro-BDNF, mature BDNF, and KISS-1, BDNF, and KISS-1 gene expression in placenta, Pb and Cd in maternal and umbilical cord blood (erythrocytes), and placenta. We conducted a series of in vitro experiments using human primary trophoblast cells (hTCs) and BeWo cells to verify main findings of the epidemiological analysis. Strong and consistent correlations were observed between maternal serum levels of pro-BDNF, mature BDNF, and KISS-1 and corresponding levels in umbilical serum and placental tissue. Maternal red blood cell Pb levels were inversely correlated with serum and placental KISS-1 levels. Lower expression and release of KISS-1 was also observed in Pb-exposed BeWo cells. In vitro Pb exposure also reduced cellular BDNF levels. Cd-treated BeWo cells showed increased pro-BDNF levels. Low maternal iron status was positively associated with low BDNF levels. Iron-deficient hTCs and BeWo cells showed a consistent decrease in the release of mature BDNF. The correlations between maternal BDNF and KISS-1 levels, placental gene expression, and umbilical cord serum levels, respectively, indicate the strong potential of maternal serum as predictive matrix for BDNF and KISS-1 levels in placentas and fetal sera. Pb exposure and iron status modulate BDNF and KISS-1 levels, but a clear direction of modulations was not evident. The associations need to be confirmed in a larger sample and validated in terms of placental and neurodevelopmental function.

Human Placental LRP5 and Sclerostin are Increased in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Pregnancies.

The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) and its inhibitor sclerostin, are key components of bone metabolism and potential contributors to type 2 diabetes mellitus susceptibility. This study aims at evaluating the expression of placental LRP5 and sclerostin in pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and investigate possible associations with umbilical sclerostin concentrations and clinical outcomes in mothers and their neonates. Twenty-six GDM-mothers and 34 non-GDM mothers of Caucasian origin and their neonates admitted in a gynecology and obstetrics department of a university hospital were included in this study. Demographic data and maternal fasting glucose concentrations (24-28 weeks of gestation) were retrieved from the patients' medical records. Placental LRP5 was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting analysis; placental sclerostin was determined by IHC. Umbilical serum sclerostin concentrations were measured by ELISA. Placental sclerostin IHC intensity values were positively correlated with LRP5 values as detected either by IHC (r = 0.529; P < .001) or Western blotting (r = 0.398; P = .008), with pregestational maternal body mass index values (r = 0.299; P = .043) and with maternal fasting glucose concentrations (r = 0.475; P = .009). Placental sclerostin and LRP5 were significantly greater in GDM compared with non-GDM placentas (histo-score: 65.08 ± 17.09 vs 11.45 ± 2.33, P < .001; 145.53 ± 43.74 vs 202.88 ± 58.65, P < .001; respectively). Sclerostin and LRP5 were detected in human placentas. The overexpression of placental sclerostin and LRP5 values in GDM compared with non-GDM pregnancies, as well as the positive association of placental sclerostin values with pregestational maternal body mass index and maternal fasting glucose concentrations may indicate the development of an adaptive mechanism in face of maternal hyperglycemia.

Distribution of an analgesic palmitoylethanolamide and other N-acylethanolamines in human placental membranes.

Human amniotic and amniochorionic membranes (AM, ACM) represent the most often used grafts accelerating wound healing. Palmitoylethanolamide, oleoylethanolamide and anandamide are endogenous bioactive lipid molecules, generally referred as N-acylethanolamines. They express analgesic, nociceptive, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. We assessed the distribution of these lipid mediators in placental tissues, as they could participate on analgesic and wound healing effect of AM/ACM grafts. Seven placentas were collected after caesarean delivery and fresh samples of AM, ACM, placental disc, umbilical cord, umbilical serum and vernix caseosa, and decontaminated samples (antibiotic solution BASE 128) of AM and ACM have been prepared. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used for N-acylethanolamines analysis. N-acylethanolamines were present in all studied tissues, palmitoylethanolamide being the most abundant and the anandamide the least. For palmitoylethanolamide the maximum average concentration was detected in AM (350.33 ± 239.26 ng/g), while oleoylethanolamide and anandamide were most abundant in placenta (219.08 ± 79.42 ng/g and 30.06 ± 7.77 ng/g, respectively). Low levels of N-acylethanolamines were found in serum and vernix. A significant increase in the levels of N-acylethanolamines (3.1-3.6-fold, P < 0.001) was observed in AM when the tissues were decontaminated using antibiotic solution. The increase in decontaminated ACM was not statistically significant. The presence of N-acylethanolamines, particularly palmitoylethanolamide in AM and ACM allows us to propose these lipid mediators as the likely factors responsible for the anti-hyperalgesic, but also anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective, effects of AM/ACM grafts in wound healing treatment. The increase of N-acylethanolamines levels in AM and ACM after tissue decontamination indicates that tissue processing is an important factor in maintaining the analgesic effect.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in cord serum of newborns and their potential factors

The demonstrated developmental and reproductive toxicity of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), coupled with the increasing production and use of emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) has resulted in progressively higher human exposure levels. This has raised concerns about PFAS exposure levels in the fetus, which is highly susceptible to the potential effects of hazardous environmental chemicals. However, in utero exposure to PFASs and health implications have not been fully characterized in China. To fill this gap, we analyzed 19 PFASs in umbilical cord serum samples (n = 66). Information about the mothers and newborns was obtained through questionnaires. Associations between maternal characteristics and neonatal birth weight and PFAS concentrations were analyzed using nonparametric tests. As results, PFOA was detected in all serum samples. The highest median concentration of PFOS in umbilical serum was 1.092 ng·mL-1, followed by perfluoropentanoic acid (median: 0.633 ng·mL-1). Trifluroacetic acid and perfluoropropanoic acid were detected in cord serum for the first time, and their median concentrations were 0.229 and 0.266 ng·mL-1, respectively. Neonatal birth weight was negatively correlated with long-chain PFOS (r = −0.319, P < 0.05), and the concentrations of perfluoroundecanoic acid and perfluorododecanoic acid were significantly different between the birth weight groups. Maternal age, maternal education, diet, and nutritional supplementation during pregnancy can all affect umbilical serum exposure to PFASs. These results demonstrate that legacy PFASs remain major contributors to the composition of human PFASs, while the concentration levels of emerging short-chain alternatives have increased significantly. Modifying the mother's diet may reduce the risk of intrauterine PFAS exposure. Special attention to exposure to highly novel PFASs and confirmation of potential determinants should be taken as a priority in the plan for risk management and actions in this area.

Hypermagnesemia and feeding intolerance in preterm infants: A cohort study.

Feeding intolerance (FI) is a common clinical problem in preterm infants often caused by some neonatal disorders and drugs, including antenatal exposure to magnesium sulfate (MgSO4 ). To evaluate the association between hypermagnesemia at birth and FI in preterm infants during the first 72 h of life. This was a cohort study conducted with preterm infants aged <34 weeks' gestation. Infants presenting at least two of the following signs were considered as having FI: vomiting, abdominal distension, the need for continuous intermittent feeding, and delayed meconium passage. Hypermagnesemia was characterized by umbilical serum Mg levels > 2.5 mEq/L. A total 251 infants were evaluated. The median birth weight and gestational age were 1390 g (IQR, 1020-1070) and 31 weeks (IQR, 28-32). The FI rate was 17.5%. The exposure rate to MgSO4 was similar in the tolerant and intolerant groups (53.1% × 63.6%; P = 0.204), but hypermagnesemia was more frequent in the FI group (40.9% × 24.2%; P = 0.024). The univariate analysis showed that infants with hypermagnesemia were twofold more likely to present FI (odds ratio [OR], 2.16; 95% CI, 1.09-4.26). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, we found that hypermagnesemia was independently associated with FI (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.06-5.91), as well as maternal diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.07-6.14), Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology-Perinatal Extension II (OR, 1.051; 95% CI, 1.025-1.078), and brain hemorrhage (OR, 3.61; 95% CI, 1.31-9.91). In addition to other factors, hypermagnesemia at birth was independently associated with early FI in preterm infants.

Profiling of exosomal microRNAs expression in umbilical cord blood from normal and preeclampsia patients

BackgroundEpidemiological and experimental studies suggest that preeclampsia has a negative impact on maternity and offspring health. Previous studies report that dysregulation in utero-environment increases risk for elderly disease such as cardiovascular disease. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Specific microRNAs (miRNAs) are packaged in exosomes may regulate microvascular dysfunction in offspring of mothers with preeclampsia. The present study aimed to identify the differential expression profiles of microRNAs in the serum exosomes between patients with preeclampsia and normal pregnancies.MethodsA comprehensive miRNA sequence-based approach was performed to compare exosomes carry miRNAs (Exo-miRNAs) expression levels in umbilical serum between normal and preeclampsia patients. Exosomes were isolated using the ExoQuick precipitation kit. Serum exosomes were then viewed under electron microscopy, and their characteristics determined by western blotting and nanoparticle-tracking analysis. Illumina platform was used to perform sequencing. Bioinformatics analysis was used to explore differentially expressed Exo-miRNAs in umbilical serum.ResultsBased on sequence similarity, 1733 known miRNAs were retrieved. Furthermore, 157 mature miRNAs in serum exosomes were significantly differential expressed between PE and those control groups (P<0.05, log2|FC| > 1). Out, of the 157 miRNAs, 96 were upregulated miRNAs whereas 61 miRNAs were downregulated. The 157 differentially expressed miRNAs targeted 51,424 differentially expressed genes. Functional analysis through KEGG pathway and Gene Ontology results uncovered that target genes of miRNAs with differential expression were significantly linked to several pathways and biological processes.ConclusionThe findings of this study showed differential expression of umbilical serum Exo-miRNAs in normal compared with PE patients, implying that these Exo-miRNAs may associate with microvascular dysfunction in offspring of mothers with preeclampsia.

SERUM ZINC CONCENTRATION OF CORD BLOOD IN TERM NEONATES AT OF HUE UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY HOSPITAL

Background: Zinc is one of the important trace elements involved in many biological functions of the body. Newborns are susceptible to zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency in the mother during pregnancy can affect the status of zinc supply for the fetus. 70% is accumulated in the last trimester of pregnancy, so term neonates, especially premature neonates are at high risk of zinc deficiency. Several studies have shown that neonates zinc intake is related to maternal serum zinc status during pregnancy; there is a relationship between cord blood serum zinc concentration and birth weight, gestational age. Objectives: To investigate the serum zinc concentration of cord blood and examine several related factors. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional description on 244 umbilical cord blood samples from a mother-child pair of term term neonates born at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy during the period from January, 2019 to December, 2019. Results: The median cord blood serum zinc concentration in term neonates was 8.0 (3.8 – 12.0) μmol/l. The rate of zinc deficiency in cord blood was 64.3%. The median umbilical cord blood serum zinc concentration in small for gestational age (SGA) neonates was 2.9 (0.0 – 5.9) μmol/l, in appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates was 8.3 (4.2 – 12.2) μmol/l. 100% of SGA neonates have umbilical cord blood serum zinc deficiency. There is a relationship between cord blood zinc concentration and birth weight and length. There was no association between cord blood serum zinc concentration andsex, risk of neonatal infection, maternal disease, or fetal distress. Conclusion: The rate of zinc deficiency in cord blood is very high at 64.3%. Factors related to umbilical cord blood zinc concentration in term neonates were birth weight and length. Key words: zinc, umbilical cord blood, full-term newborn.

Proteomic analysis of human umbilical cord serum exosomes using mass spectrometry and preliminary study of their biological activities in liver cancer cell lines.

Exosomes are membranous extracellular vesicles 50-100 nm in size, which are involved in cellular communication via the delivery of proteins, lipids and RNA. Emerging evidence shows that exosomes play a critical role in cancer. It has recently been revealed that maternal and umbilical cord serum (UCS)-derived exosomes may enhance endothelial cell proliferation and migration. However, the role of exosomes isolated from the human umbilical cord in cancer development has not been investigated. To explore the potential differences in the composition and function of proteins from umbilical serum exosomes (UEs) and maternal serum exosomes, a proteomic analysis of exosomes was conducted using mass spectrometry and bioinformatics. Moreover, Cell Counting Kit-8 assays and flow cytometry were used to study the biological effects of UEs on liver cancer cell lines. The present study demonstrated that UCS was enriched with proteins involved in extracellular matrix-receptor interactions, which may be closely related to cell metastasis and proliferation. The findings further indicated that exosomes derived from human umbilical serum could inhibit the viability and induce apoptosis of liver cancer cells. This suggests that UCS-derived exosomes may represent potential leads for the development of biotherapy for liver cancer.

Potent antitumor activity of a glutamyltransferase-derived peptide via an activation of oncosis pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still presents poor prognosis with high mortality rate, despite of the improvement in the management. The challenge for precision treatment was due to the fact that little targeted therapeutics are available for HCC. Recent studies show that metabolic and circulating peptides serve as endogenous switches for correcting aberrant cellular plasticity. Here we explored the antitumor activity of low molecular components in human umbilical serum and identified a high abundance peptide VI-13 by peptidome analysis, which was recognized as the part of glutamyltransferase signal peptide. We modified VI-13 by inserting four arginines and obtained an analog peptide VI-17 to improve its solubility. Our analyses showed that the peptide VI-17 induced rapid context-dependent cell death, and exhibited a higher sensitivity on hepatoma cells, which is attenuated by polyethylene glycol but not necrotic inhibitors such as z-VAD-fmk or necrostatin-1. Morphologically, VI-17 induced cell swelling, blebbing and membrane rupture with release of cellular ATP and LDH into extracellular media, which is hallmark of oncotic process. Mechanistically, VI-17 induced cell membrane pore formation, degradation of α-tubulin via influx of calcium ion. These results indicated that the novel peptide VI-17 induced oncosis in HCC cells, which could serve as a promising lead for development of therapeutic intervention of HCC.

Analysis of growth kinetics and colony-forming unit efficiency of human dental pulp stem cells cultured in different media and supplements

Dental tissues are considered as ideal autologous sources of multipotent stem cells. Presently, human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are largely being isolated and expanded in media containing fetal bovine serum (FBS). However, the use of FBS has limitations due to its animal origin. Therefore, the present study evaluated the morphology, proliferation rate, population doubling time (PDT) and colony-forming unit fibroblast (CFU-F) efficiency of DPSCs cultured in animal serum-containing medium (SCM) and serumfree medium (SFM) in addition to serum-free culture conditions by supplementing human blood-derivatives such as platelet lysate (PL), fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and umbilical cord blood serum (UCS) at 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% concentrations. Established DPSCs had spindle-shape during primary culture but acquired characteristic fibroblast-like features when cultured in PL, FFP and UCS. DPSCs in SCM, SFM and PL had significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher proliferative potential than those in UCS and FFP and these observations were supported by PDT values. The CFU efficiency of DPSCs was confirmed in all culture conditions with a slightly varied clonogenic potential in blood-derived components. Based on the growth kinetics and CFU ability, it is concluded that PL could be considered as a suitable alternative to FBS for the ex vivo expansion of DPSCs.

Optimization of Hypoxic Brain Injuries Diagnostics in Full-Term Newborns

The problem of early diagnosis of the central nervous system damage in newborn before the onset of clinical symptoms remains relevant at the present time.The aim of the study was to optimize the hypoxic brain damage diagnosis in full-term newborns by analyzing the concentration of cytokines in the umbilical cord blood.Materials and methods. During the first stage of the study, a prospective analysis of concentrations of interleukins (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10), TNF-α and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in the umbilical cord blood serum of full-term newborns was performed. The second stage of the study included the retrospective analysis of clinical data and instrumental research methods. The main method for diagnosing in the development of hypoxic brain damage in newborns was neurosonography.Results. The development of hypoxic brain damage is evidenced by the concentration of IL-1β over 30.3 pg/ml, IL-4 – over 1.7 pg/ml, IL-6 – over 79.4 pg/ml, IL-8 – over 107.7 pg/ml, NSE – more than 10.3 ng/ml and TNF-α – more than 1.6 pg/ml in umbilical cord blood.Conclusion. The results of the study confirmed that the comprehensive assessment of the cytokines concentration in the umbilical cord blood improves the hypoxic brain damage diagnosis in newborns. Analysis of the level of these markers immediately after the birth will optimize the management tactics of newborns who have undergone hypoxic exposure in antenatal and intranatal period.

Supplementation of EPA and DHA in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background/objective Lower proportions of n-3 PUFAs have been observed in neonates born to diabetic mothers. We aimed to investigate the association between DHA and EPA supplementation during pregnancy complicated with type 1 diabetes on concentration and proportion of fatty acids in maternal and foetal blood. Subjects and methods We conducted a prospective randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of 111 eligible pregnant women with type 1 diabetes and presented the results of 84 (intervention arm and control arm comprised 42 participants each) of them who successfully finished the trial in an academic hospital. The initiation of EPA and DHA supplementation or placebo started at randomization visit on gestational week 11–12. Blood samples were taken on the first (screening) visit to the clinic (1st trimester, between 8th and 10th gestational week, GW), then in the second trimester (19–24th GW) and third trimester (30th–33rd GW). On the delivery day, a blood sample was taken on fasting just before birth. The umbilical vein blood sample was taken shortly after the delivery. Results We found a significant increase in the intervention group when compared the first and the third trimester for n-3 PUFAs concentration, 4.3 mg/L (3.3–7.6): 10.0 mg/L (7.1–13.7), p < .001. In the intervention group, the concentration of DHA in maternal vein serum was 11.4 mg/L (7.7–17.5), and in umbilical vein serum, it was 5.1 mg/L (3.0–7.7), which was significantly higher than that in the control group, maternal vein serum: median 9.2 mg/L(6.0–12.3), p = .03 and umbilical vein serum: median 3.4 mg/L (2.1–5.6), p = .009. Conclusion The increased weight gain in pregnancy and concentration and proportions of DHA, n-3 PUFAs with a decreased proportion of AA, n-6 PUFAs, and AA/DHA ratio in maternal and umbilical vein serum summarize the effect of supplementation with EPA and DHA.

Цитокиновый статус новорожденных детей, матери которых страдают ожирением

Objective. To study the features of the cytokine status of neonates born to obese mothers. Patients and methods. The study included 56 full-term neonates born to mothers with normal body mass index (BMI = 18.5- 24.9 kg/m2) (n = 24) and with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) (n = 32). Both groups had no gender-related differences; there were 60 and 58% of boys, (p &gt; 0.05), 40 and 42% of girls, respectively, (p &gt; 0.05). Levels of TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-18, IL-13, IL-10, and IFN-γ in umbilical cord blood were determined by a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. Compared with children born to mothers with normal BMI, children born to obese mothers had increased levels of TNF-α (4.94 ± 3.55 (n = 24) and 12.75 ± 10.80 (n = 32) pg/mL, respectively) and IFN-γ (7098.14 (n = 24) and 25536.38 ± 9541.82 (n = 32) pg/mL, respectively) in umbilical cord blood serum. Conclusion. Maternal overweight and obesity are associated with increased levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in umbilical cord blood serum in children, which confirms previous observations of immune dysregulation in offspring of obese mothers, providing a potential link with increased incidence of chronic inflammatory diseases and obesity in children. The mechanisms of this effect require further investigation. Key words: maternal obesity, cytokine status, umbilical cord blood, neonates, TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-18, IL-13, IL-10, IFN-γ

Mozart’s Compositions during Pregnancy Increase Newborns’ Umbilical Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factors

Mozart’s Compositions during Pregnancy Increase Newborns’ Umbilical Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factors

The Relationship between Pesticide Exposure and Umbilical Serum IGF-1 Levels and Low-birth Weight: A Case-control Study in Brebes, Indonesia.

Background: Birth weight is very important for long-term physical, mental, health, and brain development. Pesticide exposure is thought to interfere with fetal growth, among others, through disruption of the function of the insulin-like growth hormone-1 (IGF-1) hormone. Objective: To analyze the relationship between exposure to pesticides during pregnancy and low-birth weight (LBW) through the disruption of the IGF-1 hormone. Methods: In a case-control study, babies born with LBW (birth weight <2500 g) and those born later with normal birth weight (≥2500 g) at 2 hospitals in Brebes were chosen as cases and controls, respectively. Maternal pesticide exposure was measured by interview using a questionnaire. Umbilical serum IGF-I level was tested using the ELISA method. Results: There was a significant relationship between pesticide exposure during pregnancy and LBW (OR 6.8; 95% CI 2.0 to 22.9) and low umbilical serum IGF-1 levels (OR 3.6; 95% CI 1.2 to 11.1). There was a significant relationship between low umbilical serum IGF-1 levels and LBW (OR 8.9; 95% CI 2.4 to 32.1). Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between pesticide exposure during pregnancy and LBW through the umbilical serum IGF-1 reduction pathway.

Seroprevalence of Dengue virus among pregnant mothers and their-newborn infants in the southwest of Saudi Arabia

Dengue virus (DENV) is one of the most serious arthropod-borne viruses. This study was performed to investigate the prevalence of the virus in Najran, a city in the south west of Saudi Arabia. Four hundred and ten paired maternal and umbilical serum samples were obtained from mothers and their newborn infants. The samples were tested for the presence of IgG antibodies by ELISA. Anti-DENV IgG antibodies were detected in 31 maternal samples (7.6%), while all newborn samples were negative. All maternal seropositive samples were negative when tested by PCR. These results are further indication that DENV is endemic in Saudi Arabia and enhanced DENV surveillance is necessary.

Deep sequencing of hepatitis B surface antigen gene in the preserved umbilical cords in immunoprophylaxis failure against mother-to-child HBV transmission

BackgroundVaccine escape mutants (VEMs) are one of the causes of breakthrough infections in the mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV). We hypothesized that VEMs existing as minor populations in the maternal blood are associated with breakthrough infections in children. We sought to determine whether VEMs exist as minor populations in the preserved umbilical cords of children with breakthrough infections.Case presentationTwo families (Family 1: three children, Family 2: two children) were enrolled. Despite immunoprophylaxis, a breakthrough infection occurred in two Family 1 children and two Family 2 children. Preserved umbilical cords, serum, and nails were used for the HBV DNA analysis. To detect VEMs, we performed direct and deep sequencing of hepatitis B surface antigen gene. The direct sequencing showed that there were no VEMs in the serum of the children or mother of Family 1 and family 2, but it identified a G145A mutant in the nails of the mother of Family 2. In Family 1, deep sequencing detected a T143S mutant as a minor population (1.7–2.0%) in the umbilical cords and serum of all three children and in the serum of the mother. A T126A mutant was also detected in the umbilical cord (9.2%) and serum (7.0%) of the first-born child of Family 1. In Family 2, the deep sequencing showed no VEMs in the umbilical cords, but it detected D144A (2.5%) and G145A (11.2%) mutants in the serum of the 2nd-born child.ConclusionsVEMs were present as minor populations in the preserved umbilical cords of children with breakthrough infections. The VEMs did not become major populations after the breakthrough infections. The evolution of VEMs from a minor form to a major form might not be a prerequisite for breakthrough infections in mother-to-child transmission.

Adiponectin levels in maternal serum and umbilical cord blood at birth by mode of delivery: relationship to anthropometric measurements and fetal sex

BackgroundThe rate of cesarean section is increasing worldwide. Adiponectin is a hormone related to anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects; and it′s concentrations may change in response to inflammatory situations including surgical intervention. The aim of the current study was to investigate serum adiponectin levels in maternal and umbilical cord blood according to different modes of delivery and their relationship with anthropometric measurements and fetal sex.MethodsThe study population initially comprised 90 healthy pregnant women referred to the teaching hospital. Eventually, 40 participants in the vaginal delivery group and 35 subjects in the cesarean delivery group were recruited in to the study. Umbilical cord blood and maternal serum samples were analyzed according to the standard protocol from the manufacturer. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS-16 software. P-value < 0.05 was considered as the significance level for all tests.ResultsOur results indicated a significant association between maternal adiponectin and the mode of delivery, with adiponectin levels significantly higher in vaginal delivery compared to cesarean section (P < 0.001). However, no difference was found in umbilical cord blood adiponectin between the two groups (P = 0.51). A significant positive correlation was found between maternal serum adiponectin in the first day after birth and umbilical cord blood adiponectin in the vaginal delivery group (P = 0.007). Nevertheless, this correlation was not statistically significant in the cesarean delivery group (P = 0.62). There was also no significant correlation between fetal sex and anthropometric measurements with maternal adiponectin (P = 0.44) and umbilical cord blood adiponectin (P = 0.86).ConclusionsThe result of the current study revealed that maternal adiponectin concentration was significantly higher in vaginal delivery compared to cesarean section, which might be due to the increased levels of maternal adiponectin release during labor.

IgE level in newborn umbilical cord and its relationship with some maternal factors

Background and objectivesAllergic diseases are among major pediatric issues as they are highly prevalent and chronic. Therefore, identification of factors contributing to allergic disease could play a significant role in prevention of these conditions. This study aimed at investigating the IgE level in newborn’s umbilical cord blood and its relationship with some maternal factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 101 mothers and their newborns in Babol, Iran 2016. The samples were selected using non-probability convenience sampling. Information including newborn sex, gravidity, history of allergy before and during pregnancy (asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, hives, food allergy, and drug allergy), family history of allergy among mothers, history of exposure to secondhand smoke and pets, and delivery techniques was recorded. The IgE levels in newborn umbilical cord blood and maternal serum were measured using an IgE kit and ELISA technique.ResultsThe newborns included 53 females (52.5%) and 29 mothers had vaginal birth (28.7%). History of exposure to secondhand smoke was found in 15 samples (14.9%), and 18 participants reported exposure to pets (17.8%). The median IgE levels in newborns and their mothers were 0.41 and 98.6, respectively. In general, IgE level in all newborns was within the normal range, but, it was higher than normal in 15 mothers (14.9%). The IgE level was significantly higher in male newborns than that of the female newborns (p = 0.011). There were no significant differences in the IgE levels of mothers and their newborns on the basis of delivery technique and history of exposure to pets (p > 0.05).ConclusionIn this study, the IgE level in all newborns was within the normal range, and sex was found to be an effective factor in IgE levels.