Whole Period Of Pregnancy Research Articles

A study on intraocular pressure variation in primigravida and multigravida in trimesters of pregnancy and puerperium

To study intraocular pressure variation in primigravida and multigravida in trimesters of pregnancy and puerperium.This is a cross sectional and hospital based study of intraocular pressure (IOP) assessment of 693 female patients of non-pregnant, 1 trimester, 2nd trimester and 3 trimesters of pregnancy and puerperium during routine ocular examination. This study carried out in nine groups of 77 in each group.In primigravida the mean IOP was 14.31 ± 1.78 mmHg, 14.82 ± 2.09 mmHg, 12.86 ± 1.75 mmHg in first, second and third trimesters respectively. In multigravida the mean IOP was 14.38 ±1.97 mmHg, 14.36 ± 2.01 mmHg, 12.71 ± 1.63 mmHg in first, second and third trimesters respectively. In primigravida puerperal period the mean IOP was 14.55 ± 1.88 mmHg and in multigravida puerperal period the mean IOP was 14.04 ± 2.52 mmHg. Mean IOP during whole period of pregnancy was 14.00 ± 1.87 mmHg and 13.81 ± 1.08 mmHg in primigravida and multigravida respectively. Control group IOP was 15.92 ± 2.11 mmHg.There is a trend of decrease of intraocular pressure during pregnancy and comes towards no pregnant level during puerperal period both in primigravida and multigravida. IOP decreased more towards second and third trimester of pregnancy. There was variation of IOP in primigravida and multigravida during pregnancy and puerperium. IOP was significantly low in multigravida than primigravida. The higher IOP in primigravida could be due to antenatal and postnatal anxiety and stress and sleeplessness. Pregnancy related effect on IOP is usual phenomenon and temporary.

Current Status of Research on Diets High in Dietary Fiber for Patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

The purpose of this study is to analyze whether the intake of soluble dietary fiber plays a positive role in regulating the blood glucose level of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus through the comparative analysis of experimental data of the previous researchers and the dietary nutritional data of various countries, and to explore whether supplementing the nutritional combination of high soluble dietary fiber has a positive effect on blood glucose level of patients with diabetes mellitus in the whole period of pregnancy and thus verify whether high soluble dietary fiber has an effective intervention effect or even a therapeutic effect on controlling the blood glucose level of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. The effect of supplementation with highly soluble dietary fiber on the blood glucose level of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus in the whole pregnancy period, so as to verify whether highly soluble dietary fiber has an effective intervention effect or even a therapeutic effect on the control of blood glucose level of gestational diabetes mellitus patients. Compare and contrast with the intake of insoluble dietary fiber, and compare and discuss whether different dietary fibers have different effects on the blood glucose level of gestational diabetes mellitus patients. It also summarizes the current methods of dietary fiber intervention in the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus, and thus provides an outlook on the possible tendencies of future development.

Folic Acid Supplementation during Pregnancy and Its Association with Telomere Length in Children at Four Years: Results from the INMA Birth Cohort Study.

This study examined the association between folic acid supplements (FAs) during different periods of pregnancy and offspring telomere length (TL) at age four in 666 children from the INMA study. FAs were self-reported using food-structured questionnaires during three periods of pregnancy (the first three months of pregnancy, from month fourth onward, and the whole pregnancy). For each period, the average daily dosage of FAs was categorised into (i) <400 μg/d, (ii) ≥400 to 999 μg/d, (iii) ≥1000 to 4999 μg/d, and (iv) ≥5000 μg/d. Leucocyte TL at age four was measured using quantitative PCR methods. Multiple robust linear log-level regression models were used to report the % difference among FA categories. During the first period, and compared with children whose mothers were classified in the reference group (<400 μg/d), children whose mothers took higher dosages of FAs showed shorter TL at age four (≥5000 μg/d). When the first and the second periods were mutually adjusted, children whose mothers self-reported ≥5000 μg/d during the first period of pregnancy had a statistically significant shorter TL than their counterparts (% difference: -7.28% [95% CI: -14.42 to -0.13]). Similar trends were observed for the whole period of pregnancy. When the analysis was stratified by sex, the association was more evident in boys (% difference: -13.5% [95% CI: -23.0 to -4.04]), whereas no association was observed in girls. This study suggests that high dosages of FAs in the first pregnancy period may be associated with a shorter TL in children at age four, particularly among boys. Further studies should confirm these results.

Effect of folic acid supplementation on diminished ovarian reserve: study protocol of a single-centre, open-label, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial

IntroductionThe prevalence of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), a common gynaecological disorder, is approximately 10% across the world. Failure in early diagnosis and treatment may result in continuous decreases in ovarian...

Blood biochemical markers in Saanen goats depending on month of pregnancy

Dairy goat farming is worldwide spread, but the nature of the metabolic changes during pregnancy in highly productive dairy goat is still not clear. Metabolic rate and patterns of changes during pregnancy are a relevant issue for research in goats. The aim of this study was to evaluate blood biochemical markers in Saanen goats depending on month of pregnancy. The research was conducted in North-Western region of Russian Federation, in Saanen goats. The experimental group included 30 pregnant Saanen goats, 1-4 years of age, selected using matched pairs method; control group included 30 non-pregnant Saanen goats, same age. The blood samples were taken 5 times during pregnancy, each month once. Results presented as mean±standard error of the mean. Student's t-test was used after proving normal distribution. Level of significance is labeled as p<0.05. The results are displayed in table 1. After analyzing the received data on protein and nitrogen metabolisms the marked declining dynamic was observed in levels of total protein and protein fractions during the whole period of pregnancy. Also there is a decrease in the total protein concentration in pregnant goats when compare with non-pregnant animals. Blood levels of urea didn't change significantly. In spite of these fluctuations the protein and nitrogen metabolisms markers are within the reference values. Also there is an increase in the creatinine concentration, but the values remain within the reference levels, and this can be associated with a muscle mass increase during the late stages of pregnancy. Concerning mineral metabolism in non-pregnant goats, there is no disturbance was observed. In pregnant animals the decrease of macro- and microelements in blood serum was noted during the whole monitoring period. Some of the microelements values are on the lower reference levels and level of such element as iodine is below reference limit during the last month of pregnancy. When analyzing data on liver function markers, it was noted that toxic liver damage values are increased in pregnant goats and remained elevated during the whole period of pregnancy. These indicators are the activity of liver enzymes, such as aminotransferases, and the total bilirubin concentration. These markers are elevated in pregnant animals. In conclusion it is important to note that after results evaluation there were revealed: hepatic function disturbances due to endogenous intoxication and decreasing of blood serum macro- and microelements values to lower reference range, especially iodine which was below the reference limit. Such shifts are more noticeable by the last month of pregnancy. Also it is significant that the blood serum total protein was decreased which possibly connected with weaking of liver protein-synthesis capacity. The serum iron decrease is also indicating sign of iron deficiency anemia. The results of this studie can be used to assess the metabolism of pregnant goats, as well as to understand the metabolic changes observed during this period of this animal species life.

Immunological status in pregnant goats

In order to form the animal immunity and develop individual immunological features certain environmental conditions and diet are required. These immunological defense specificities are also defined by animal species, gender, age and other personal traits. Such physiological process as pregnancy has a great impact upon the immune system so the immunity assessment and the patterns identification of changes during this period are an important issue of the goat husbandry. The aim of this research was to study immunological features in Saanen goats depending on month of pregnancy. The research was conducted in North-Western region of Russian Federation, in Saanen goats. The experimental group included 30 pregnant Saanen goats, 1-4 years of age, selected using matched pairs method; control group included 30 non-pregnant Saanen goats, same age. The blood samples were taken 5 times during pregnancy, each month once. Results presented as mean±standard error of the mean. Student's t-test was used after proving normal distribution. Level of significance is labeled as p<0.05. The results are displayed in table 1. After analyzing the received data the significant lysozyme activity decreasing during the whole period of pregnancy was detected – the maximum values of this indicator are observed in the 1st month of pregnancy, the minimum in the 5th month of pregnancy. There was a tendency to serum bactericidal activity decrease for the entire period of pregnancy, the maximum values were observed in the 2nd month of pregnancy, the minimum – in the 5th month. The tendencies to phagocytosis indicators reduction were observed as well. It is noticeable that the maximum values for the phagocytosis indicators were noted during the 2nd month of pregnancy, the minimum – during the 5th month of pregnancy. And for the entire period of pregnancy these values were decreased. Concerning the different immunoglobulin classes blood levels the nonlinear dynamics were observed. So, immunoglobulin A during the 2nd month of pregnancy reached minimal values, and during the following months immunoglobulin A concentration increases, reaching a maximum by the 5th month. The differences during this period are significant when compared with the control group. The immunoglobulin M concentration didn't have significant differences during the entire pregnancy between the both groups. The immunoglobulin G concentration was minimal during the 1st month of pregnancy, and in the 2nd and 3rd months, an increase in this indicator in pregnant animals when compare with control group animals was observed. By the 4th month of pregnancy, the immunoglobulin G concentration of was at the maximum level, and in the 5th month of pregnancy a tendency to decrease the concentration was observed. A linear increase in the blood circulating immune complexes concentration was observed during the entire period of pregnancy. The differences were significant. Thus, during the entire pregnancy, the dynamics of humoral immunity markers increasing were observed. Consequently this data is important to be taken into consideration while keeping pregnant goats.

The State of Litter of Pigs in the Conditions of the Complex

The state of litter of large white pigs in industrial conditions was studied. Embryonic mortality is higher during the first 30 days of littering (21.6%) – in the period of histotrophic feeding of fetuses – before the beginning of placental connection formation. whereas during the whole period of pregnancy it is 38.4%. In a number of sows at different periods of littering. the number of corpus luteum and the number of fetuses from the side of the corresponding fertile horn do not coincide. that which indicates the migration of embryos into contralateral horn in the early timing of pregnancy. Fetuses growth rate is higher by the 45-days pregnancy. In the litter of pigs there are normotrophic (full-fledged. large-fetused). hypotrophic (small-weight) and stillborn pigs. There is close inverse relationship (r = -0.98 between fertility and full-fledgeness of piglets в гнездеin the nest. wherein the number of hypotrophic and stillborn ones as the number of newborns in the litter increases has direct positive correlation (r = + 0.98). The more piglets in the litter. the fewer full-fledged ones. and on the contrary. the number of hypotrophic and stillborns is increasing.

PSX-15 Hepatic function characteristics in pregnant Saanen goats depending on month of pregnancy

Abstract In recent economical situation goat farming is a promising field accompanied by high price and demand of goat milk, meat and wool. Saanen goats is a dairy breed, the mean yield per lactation is 600–700 kg (1320–1540 lb). This breed is widespread in North-Western region of Russian Federation. Nowadays the deep research of Saanen goat metabolism in different physiological states is important and relevant. This study is aimed to study blood markers of hepatic function in Saanen goats depending on month of pregnancy. The experiment was conducted in the north-western region of Russian Federation, in laboratory of biochemistry and physiology department, FSBEI of Higher Education «SPbSAVM». The experimental group included 30 pregnant Saanen goats, 1–4 years of age, selected using matched pairs method; control group included 30 non-pregnant Saanen goats, same age. The blood samples were taken 5 times during pregnancy – each month. The blood markers of hepatic function (serum ALT, AST, ALP activity and total bilirubin) were assessed by standard methods. The results are displayed in table 1. After analyzing the received data of hepatic function markers there were revealed signs of hepatic toxic damage in pregnant goats during the whole period of pregnancy. Increase of hepatic enzymes activity (AST, ALT) and total bilirubin blood level in pregnant goats when compare with non-pregnant is also notable. Thus during the whole period of pregnancy there were signs of hepatic function disturbances because of intoxications. This is characterized by hepatic function markers elevation. This endogenic intoxication can potentially lead to hepatic damage. Received data allows taking into consideration preventive measures to minimize endogenic intoxication during the second half of pregnancy in goats.

Association between dietary supplementation during pregnancy and low birth weight: a prospective study

Objective: To explore the association between dietary supplementation during pregnancy and low birth weight. Methods: 11 311 pregnant women who had regularly visited outpatient gynecology clinic of Wuhan Women and Children Medical Center with intention to delivery in the hospital were recruited in the cohort between September 2012 and October 2014. Social-demographic characteristics of pregnant women and spouses, dietary supplementation during pregnancy, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), exercise in the third trimester, work during pregnancy, pregnancy complications and related pregnancy information were collected through self-designed questionnaires, maternal health manuals and medical records. Birth weight of the newborns was measured. Non-conditional multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the correlation between dietary supplementation and low birth weight. Results: 11 311 pregnant women were (28.21±3.70) years old, and they gave birth to 477 low birth weight newborns (4.2%). Iron supplementation during the whole period of pregnancy (OR (95%CI): 0.60 (0.43-0.63)) and folic acid supplementation during the early pregnancy (OR (95%CI): 0.74 (0.60-0.90)) were negatively associated with low birth weight. Conclusion: Supplementation of iron during the whole period of pregnancy and folic acid during the early pregnancy would reduce the risk of low birth weight.

Ocena poziomu lęku u kobiet ciężarnych w kontekście wpływu uwarunkowań biologicznych, medycznych oraz środowiskowo-społecznych*

Anxiety in the perinatal period may lead to serious complications resulting in the pathological course of pregnancy, fear and disturbances of delivery, and postnatal emotional problems. The latter, if unsolved in this period, may contribute to the worsening of relations between partners, between a mother and a child, and within a family. They also deteriorate the psychological well -being of a woman. This thesis was aimed at assessing the occurrence of anxiety in pregnant women throughout each pregnancy trimester, and attempting to explain its biological, medical and social -environmental determinants. The material for this prospective longitudinal study consisted of 181 pregnant residents of Szczecin. Each woman was examined three times during pregnancy, once in each trimester. The research instruments were: a questionnaire of the author’s own design and a standardized instrument – Spielberger’s State -Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). 1. Anxiety level in the course of pregnancy is lowest in the second trimester. 2. In those women who during pregnancy complained of discomfort or worsened mood, and in those who experienced problems with sleeping, higher intensity of anxiety is noted throughout the whole period of pregnancy. 3. Such factors as unintended pregnancy, lack of family support, and disapproval of pregnancy by a partner or the community are associated with suffering from aggravated anxiety in each trimester of pregnancy. 4. Women who have a negative judgement of their housing situation and 􀏐inancial standing are at risk of high levels of anxiety throughout the whole pregnancy. 5. Perinatal education is connected with signi􀏐icantly lesser occurrence of anxiety in each trimester of pregnancy. 6. Failure to have a preventive medical examination prior to pregnancy (woman, man) is related to experiencing signi􀏐icantly higher level of anxiety in the 􀏐irst and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Maternal Nutrition and Birth Weight: Role of Vitamins and Trace Elements

Introduction: Pregnancy is a period of increased metabolic needs. Vitamins, minerals and trace elements are major determinants of the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus. Objective: To evaluate maternal intakes of vitamins and trace elements in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy and assess their effect on birth weight. Materials and methods: A prospective and longitudinal study have been conducted among 226 pregnant women throughout the whole period of pregnancy in the centers of prenatal consultations and follow up in Constantine (Algeria) from December 2013 to June 2016. We analyzed maternal intakes of iron, minerals and vitamins by comparing them to the normally recommended dietary allowances (ANC) and then by multivariate analysis, we studied the correlation between these intakes and birth weight. Statistics were performed using the Statview TM and SPSS software. Results: This study noted the positive effect of some maternal factors on birth weight, such as maternal age, parity, pre-pregnancy BMI and pregnancy term. The average daily intake of minerals (iron, calcium, zinc and magnesium) and vitamins (B9, B1 and E) were below the recommended intakes (ANC). In contrast, average intakes of vitamin C in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy corresponded to the ANC. Only magnesium intakes in the first trimester (p=0.02) and vitamin B9 in third one (p=0.004) were significantly correlated with birth weight. Conclusion: Intakes of trace elements and vitamins in our study population are reduced compared to the ANC. The correction of the pregnant women diet is urgently needed. Thus, promoting quality over quantity to avoid deficiencies in trace elements and vitamins which are harmful to the development and fetal growth.

Оценка влияния препаратов аверсект форте и аверсект комби на эмбриональное развитие крыс

Objective of research: To estimate the effect of new combination drugs Aversect Forte and Aversect Combi on rats. &#x0D; Materials and methods: The present experiment for the evaluation of eventual embyotoxic and teratogenic properties of drugs Aversect Forte and Aversect Combi was conducted on 32 female and 8 male rats based on the current methodological guidelines. Pregnant female rats were divided into 2 experimental and 2 control groups. Drugs were applied between the 7th and the 14th day of pregnancy taking into account the highest sensitivity of embryos towards different types of influence within this time period.&#x0D; Aversect Forte and Aversect Combi were injected to pregnant rats subcutaneously at a dose of 0,3 mg a.i./kg of individual body weight. Rats from the control group received a forming mixture in comparable volume. Within the whole period of pregnancy, we observed the general clinical condition of female rats.&#x0D; Results and discussion: Effects of new domestic preparations Aversect Forte and Aversect Combi on the antenatal development of the rat via subcutaneous injection of preparations to female rats at a dose of 0,3 mg a.i./kg between the 7th and the 14th day of pregnancy were estimated. The test preparations did not cause any external and internal developmental anomalies; indicators of embryo death, mass and dimensions of embryos were at the actual level of control and physiological parameters for that type of animals.

Targeting arachidonic acid pathway to prevent programmed hypertension in maternal fructose-fed male adult rat offspring

Hypertension can be programmed in response to nutritional insults in early life. Maternal high-fructose (HF) intake induced programmed hypertension in adult male offspring, which is associated with renal programming and arachidonic acid metabolism pathway. We examined whether early treatment with a soluble epoxide hydrolase (SEH) inhibitor, 12-(3-adamantan-1-yl-ureido)-dodecanoic acid (AUDA) or 15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-prostagandin J2 (15dPGJ2) can prevent HF-induced programmed hypertension. Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats received regular chow or chow supplemented with fructose (60% diet by weight) during the whole period of pregnancy and lactation. Four groups of male offspring were studied: control, HF, HF+AUDA and HF+15dPGJ2. In HF+AUDA group, mother rats received AUDA 25 mg/L in drinking water during lactation. In the HF+15dPGJ2 group, male offspring received 15dPGJ2 1.5 mg/kg body weight by subcutaneous injection once daily for 1 week after birth. Rats were sacrificed at 12 weeks of age. Maternal HF-induced programmed hypertension is associated with increased renal protein level of SEH and oxidative stress, which early AUDA therapy prevents. Comparison of AUDA and 15dPGJ2 treatments demonstrated that AUDA was more effective in preventing HF-induced programmed hypertension. AUDA therapy increases angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) protein levels and PGE2 levels in adult offspring kidney exposed to maternal HF. 15dPGJ2 therapy increases plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels and decreases L-arginine-to-ADMA ratio. Better understanding of the impact of arachidonic acid pathway, especially inhibition of SEH, on renal programming may aid in developing reprogramming strategy to prevent programmed hypertension in children exposed to antenatal HF intake.

Quantitative morphological changes in the interplacentomal wall of the gravid uterine horn of cattle during pregnancy

BackgroundThe interplacentomal wall of the gravid uterine horn in cattle is the subject of reports dealing mainly with specific aspects of early pregnancy or the peripartal period. Only a very limited number of early and descriptive studies includes the whole period of pregnancy. Thus, there is a gap concerning quantitative morphological data of the uterine wall during pregnancy. We hypothesized that the specific requirements of pregnancy are reflected by significant and characteristic morphologic changes.MethodsInterplacentomal segments of the fetus-bearing horn of the uterus of 47 cows were collected at slaughter, assessed quantitatively by light microscopy, grouped into trimesters (trim), and data were analyzed statistically.ResultsDuring pregnancy there were significant increases (p<0.05) in the measured parameters: heights of the endometrial surface epithelium (31 increased to 46 and 46 μm, in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trim, respectively), glandular epithelium (19.6 to 22.4 and 25.4 μm, respectively), diameters of glands (94 to 166 to 239 μm, respectively) and glandular lumina (56 to 122 to 188 μm, respectively). Volume density of the glandular epithelium did not change, while that of glandular lumina increased significantly (8 to 26 to 40% in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trim, respectively) and of endometrial stroma decreased with ongoing pregnancy (67 to 46 to 37%; p<0.05).Diameters of myometrial smooth muscle cells (MSMC) (9.7 to 12.4 and 12.9 μm, respectively, for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trim; p<0.05), and the volume fraction of myometrial stroma increased (6 to 10 to 13%; p<0.05), while decreases were observed in MSMC nuclear volume density (4.4 and 4.0 to 2.4%; p<0.05). The fraction of MSMC cytoplasm (89 to 85%) and the nucleus:cytoplasm ratio (0.05 to 0.03%) both decreased for the 1st vs. 3rd trim, respectively (p<0.05).ConclusionsThese results indicate that the interplacentomal wall of the gravid uterine horn is subjected to significant morphological changes during pregnancy, underlining the importance of endometrial surface epithelium and of gland hypertrophy for nourishment of the conceptus, of increased myometrial extracellular matrix for uterine tensile strength and of myometrial smooth muscle hypertrophy for expulsion of the fetus at term.

Long-term effects of maternal citrulline supplementation on renal transcriptome prevention of nitric oxide depletion-related programmed hypertension: the impact of gene-nutrient interactions.

Maternal malnutrition can elicit gene expression leading to fetal programming. l-citrulline (CIT) can be converted to l-arginine to generate nitric oxide (NO). We examined whether maternal CIT supplementation can prevent NG-nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester (l-NAME, NO synthase inhibitor)-induced programmed hypertension and examined their effects on the renal transcriptome in male offspring using next generation RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received l-NAME administration at 60mg/kg/day subcutaneously via osmotic minipump during pregnancy alone or with additional 0.25% l-citrulline solution in drinking water during the whole period of pregnancy and lactation. Male offspring were assigned to three groups: control, l-NAME, and l-NAME + CIT. l-NAME exposure induced hypertension in the 12-week-old offspring, which CIT therapy prevented. Identified differentially expressed genes in l-NAME and CIT-treated offspring kidneys, including Guca2b, Hmox1, Hba2, Hba-a2, Dusp1, and Serpine1 are related to regulation of blood pressure (BP) and oxidative stress. In conclusion, our data suggests that the beneficial effects of CIT supplementation are attributed to alterations in expression levels of genes related to BP control and oxidative stress. Our results suggest that early nutritional intervention by CIT has long-term impact on the renal transcriptome to prevent NO depletion-related programmed hypertension. However, our RNA-Seq results might be a secondary phenomenon. The implications of epigenetic regulation at an early stage of programming deserve further clarification.

Maternal citrulline supplementation prevents prenatal N(G)-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced programmed hypertension in rats.

Nitric oxide (NO) deficiency induced by the NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME) resulted in hypertension. L-citrulline (CIT) can be converted to L-arginine to generate NO. We examined whether maternal CIT supplementation can prevent L-NAME-induced programmed hypertension. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to four groups: control, L-NAME, control + citrulline (CIT), and L-NAME + citrulline (L-NAME+CIT). Pregnant rats received L-NAME administration at 60 mg/kg/day subcutaneously during pregnancy alone or with additional 0.25% l-citrulline solution in drinking water during the whole period of pregnancy and lactation. Male offspring were sacrificed at 12 wk of age. L-NAME exposure during pregnancy induces hypertension in the 12-wk-old offspring. Maternal CIT therapy prevented L-NAME-induced programmed hypertension, which was associated with a decreased asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) concentration and an increased L-arginine-to-ADMA ratio in the kidney, increased urinary cGMP levels, and decreased renal protein levels of type 3 sodium hydrogen exchanger (NHE3). Together, our data suggest that the beneficial effects of CIT supplementation are attributed to its ability to increase NO level in the kidney and inhibition of NHE3 expression. Our results suggest that supplementing CIT in pregnant women with NO deficiency can improve fetal development and prevent programmed hypertension.

Melatonin prevents maternal fructose intake-induced programmed hypertension in the offspring: roles of nitric oxide and arachidonic acid metabolites.

Fructose intake has increased globally and is linked to hypertension. Melatonin was reported to prevent hypertension development. In this study, we examined whether maternal high fructose (HF) intake causes programmed hypertension and whether melatonin therapy confers protection against the process, with a focus on the link to epigenetic changes in the kidney using next-generation RNA sequencing (NGS) technology. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received regular chow or chow supplemented with HF (60% diet by weight) alone or with additional 0.01% melatonin in drinking water during the whole period of pregnancy and lactation. Male offspring were assigned to four groups: control, HF, control+melatonin (M), and HF+M. Maternal HF caused increases in blood pressure (BP) in the 12-wk-old offspring. Melatonin therapy blunted the HF-induced programmed hypertension and increased nitric oxide (NO) level in the kidney. The identified differential expressed gene (DEGs) that are related to regulation of BP included Ephx2, Col1a2, Gucy1a3, Npr3, Aqp2, Hba-a2, and Ptgs1. Of which, melatonin therapy inhibited expression and activity of soluble epoxide hydrolase (SEH, Ephx2 gene encoding protein). In addition, we found genes in arachidonic acid metabolism were potentially involved in the HF-induced programmed hypertension and were affected by melatonin therapy. Together, our data suggest that the beneficial effects of melatonin are attributed to its ability to increase NO level in the kidney, epigenetic regulation of genes related to BP control, and inhibition of SEH expression. The roles of DEGs by the NGS in long-term epigenetic changes in the adult offspring kidney require further clarification.

Prevalence of female sexual dysfunction during pregnancy among Egyptian women

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) during pregnancy in a sample of women from Egypt. This prospective cohort study was conducted among pregnant women who presented to the Obstetrics Outpatient Clinic - Suez Canal University Hospital for routine antenatal care between February 2012 and February 2013. The 451 women who completed the study attended during their first trimester with a singleton pregnancy and were in a stable relationship with their partners for the last 6 months. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire during the 4 weeks preceding pregnancy and then in each trimester during the antenatal visits. Prevalence of FSD during pregnancy was estimated to be 68.8%. According to the FSFI, scores of all domains and total score were significantly reduced during the whole period of pregnancy (average 22.5 ± 3.7) compared to the pre-conception period (30.5 ± 5.6). However, there was significant increase of all domains and total score during the second trimester (26.6 ± 3.9) in comparison to the first and third trimesters (22.4 ± 4.1 and 18.6 ± 3.8, respectively). Total FSFI score was found to be positively correlated to pre-conception total FSFI score. However, age, parity and duration of marriage were negatively correlated. FSD is a prevalent problem during pregnancy among Egyptian women. The magnitude of the problem is highest during the third trimester while the second trimester represents the peak of sexual function during pregnancy.

243 IMPACT OF MATERNAL LOW-DOSE ESTRADIOL-17β EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY ON THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF MALE PIG PROGENY

In male developing piglets, low endogenous oestrogenic hormone levels prevail. Sensitive tissues expressing high levels of oestrogen receptors, such as the epididymis, might thus be of specific relevance for early disturbances by estrogenic endocrine disruptors. We have previously shown that distinct concentrations of the natural oestrogen oestradiol-17β (E2) orally applied during the whole period of pregnancy in sows lead to a distinct shift in body composition. Therefore, we aimed at investigating whether prenatal E2 exposure had the potential to program male reproductive organs toward altered semen quality. The E2 treatment groups (n = 4 sows/group) were designed to represent doses of pharmacological relevance (PR; 1000 µg kg–1 of body weight per day), oral no-effect level (10 µg kg–1 of body weight per day), and acceptable daily intake level (0.05 µg kg–1 of body weight per day). Total RNA was extracted from the epididymis of 8-week-old piglet twins (n = 2 per sow). The RNA of littermates was pooled and subjected to microarray analysis (MA) using Agilent Porcine Genome Arrays (Agilent Technologies Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA). Ejaculates of adult male pigs from the control group and the pharmacological group (n = 4) were collected and analysed for quantitative and qualitative parameters by using computer-assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry. In total, 105 transcripts exhibited a significant difference of more than 1.5-fold for at least one of the treatment groups compared with the control group (P &lt; 0.05; FDR 5%). Several transcripts revealed gradually decreasing amounts subject to the dose of E2 exposure. Eight transcripts showed significant differences in all 3 treatment groups compared with the control group. Thirty-two transcripts had reduced abundance in the PR group and the oral no-effect level group, whereas 20 transcripts were downregulated in the PR group only. Semen parameters of adult males did not differ regarding volume and semen concentration, morphology, and membrane integrity. Computer-assisted sperm analysis evaluations did not show differences in motility and other kinematic parameters. Eight weeks after E2 exposure, male prepubertal piglets exhibited significant differences in epididymal messenger RNA transcript abundance subject to an in utero E2 treatment. This points toward possible epigenetic programming of the epididymis. Although the differential transcript abundance indicates a perturbation, normal semen quality was found after adolescence. Either these transcriptional changes are of minor functional importance or flexible mechanisms account for the developmental adaptations. Considering that identical transcripts were regulated in offspring exposed to both pharmacological and very low doses, further investigations of set points obviating long-term adverse consequences are needed.

The impact of intrauterine tobacco exposure on the cerebral mass of the neonate based on the measurement of head circumference

The objective of the study was to assess cerebral mass, based on head circumference measurements in neonates exposed to tobacco smoke in utero, and to determine the relative proportions of the cerebral and body mass. The study included 147 neonates born in the period 2003–2004 at the Princess Anna Mazowiecka University Hospital and admitted to the Neonatal and Intensive Care Department of the Medical University in Warsaw. Subjects were divided into three groups on the basis of maternal status as active, passive, or nonsmokers determined by maternal urinary cotinine concentration and a questionnaire. Neonates whose mothers were active smokers throughout the whole period of pregnancy had a lower head circumference and in consequence a lower cerebral mass significantly more frequently when compared with those whose mothers were nonsmokers, P= 0.002. (Median difference in cerebral mass was 48.27 g.) The risk of lower cerebral mass was 3.9 (1.4–10.8, CI 95%) in the group of neonates whose mothers actively smoked cigarettes during pregnancy. A negative correlation was seen between cerebral mass and maternal urinary cotinine concentration (correlation coefficient r=−23, P= 0.006). The ratio of the cerebral to body mass was similar for neonates in all three groups. Active smoking during pregnancy had a negative effect on the cerebral mass of the neonate, however no such effect was observed in neonates whose mothers were passive smokers. The deficiency in cerebral mass increased with greater smoking intensity. Active smoking by the mother during pregnancy inhibits the growth of the brain as well as that of the body mass of the neonate.