Rowson, S.Reddy, M.De Guingand, D. L.Langston-Cox, A....
6页
查看更多>>摘要：Introduction: Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT-1), a circulating anti-angiogenic factor that binds and antagonizes placental growth factor (PlGF), appears key to preeclamptic pathophysiology. Two main sFLT-1 splice variants exist: sFLT-1 e15a and sFLT-1 i13. Total sFLT-1/PlGF ratios are increasingly used clinically; we explore whether using placental-specific sFLT-1 e15a improves test performance compared with total sFLT-1 in preeclampsia diagnosis. Methods: Consent was obtained for serum sampling from 96 women with suspected preeclampsia. Total sFLT-1 and PlGF were quantified using the B.R.A.H.M.S Kryptor Compact Plus automated immunoassay platform, and sFLT-1 e15a by custom enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Test performance was then assessed by subsequent diagnosis. Results: Of 96 participants, 32 did not develop preeclampsia, 32 had early-onset (<34 weeks') disease and 32 had late-onset (>= 34 weeks') disease. In those with preeclampsia, median sFLT-1 and sFLT-1 e15a were significantly increased (7361.0 vs 2463.0 pg/mL, and 946.6 vs 305.4 ng/mL respectively; p < 0.001 for both), and PlGF significantly reduced (43.5 vs 154.4 pg/mL; p < 0.001) compared to those without preeclampsia. Those with early-onset, compared to late-onset, preeclampsia chiefly had lower median PlGF levels (16.0 vs 57.3; p < 0.001), which contributed to higher sFLT-1/PlGF and sFLT-1 e15a/PlGF ratios (830.1 vs 86.7, and 109258.9 vs 12608.7 respectively; p < 0.001 for both). Discussion: sFLT-1 e15a performs comparably to total sFLT-1 in women with suspected preeclampsia, however with higher translational burden. Our results support the expanding clinical use of the sFLT-1/PlGF ratio in suspected preeclampsia, particularly early-onset, to assist with disease diagnosis.
Wong, Yin PingCheah, Fook ChoeWong, Kon KenShah, Shamsul Azhar...
9页
查看更多>>摘要：Introduction: Gardnerella vaginalis (GV)-associated bacterial vaginosis is recognised for its detrimental effects on pregnancy resulting in poor obstetric and neonatal outcomes. There is limited knowledge of the effects on placental histomorphology following GV infection in pregnancy. We investigated the effects of GV infection on the placenta, particularly with regards to the syncytiotrophoblasts and vascular development, and related these to neonatal outcomes. Methods: A prospective cohort study involving GV-positive pregnant women presented with abnormal vaginal discharge, with gestational age-matched healthy pregnant women controls. Placental sampling was performed upon delivery and examined histologically. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and hypoxiainducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) mRNA and protein expression were analysed by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry respectively. The standard measures in neonatal outcomes were recorded. Results: Placentas from GV-positive mothers were found to have significant histological evidence of maternal and/or fetal inflammatory response compared with the controls (17/28: 60.7% vs 2/20: 10%) (p = 0.0011). There was an increase in the percentage of syncytial nuclear aggregates (SNAs) per villus (47.4 +/- 11.09%) in placentas from GV-positive mothers (p < 0.0001). VEGF-A was significantly increased in specifically, the villous endothelial cells of placentas with GV infection, but no difference in the immunoexpression of HIF-1 alpha in these cells between groups. However, these were not associated with adverse neonatal outcomes. Discussion: Increased placental VEGF-A expression associated with increased SNAs in pregnant women with GV infection of the genital tract may be an intrauterine response towards placental vascular remodeling, that may also serve as a protective role in moderating birth outcomes.
查看更多>>摘要：Introduction: Fishes of the Syngnathidae family are rare in having male pregnancy: males receive eggs from females and egg development occurs in the male brood pouch that diverged during evolution. The family is divided into two subfamilies: Nerophinae and Syngnathinae. Methods: We compared histologically five types of the brood pouch in Syngnathinae: an open pouch without skinfolds (alligator pipefish); an open pouch with skinfolds (messmate pipefish); a closed pouch with skinfolds (seaweed pipefish); and closed pouches with a sac-like pouch on the tail (pot-bellied seahorse) or within a body cavity (Japanese pygmy seahorse). Results: Histological observations revealed that all the examined species possess vascular egg compartments during the brooding period. The present immunohistochemical study revealed that the pregnant egg compartment epithelium grows thin in both open and closed pouches. The placenta of open and closed pouches is composed of dermis and reticulin fibers, respectively. The closed pouch placenta is a flexible and moist tissue, suitable for substance transport between the father and embryos through the epithelium and blood vessels and responsible for supplying nutrition and removing waste. Discussion: These results suggest that the basic egg incubation structures were established at an early stage of Syngnathinae evolution. On the other hand, it is likely that the innovation of tissue structure, where dermis was replaced with reticular fibers, occurred in closed brood pouches to regulate the pregnant pouch environment. The present study presents the morphological evolutionary pathway of the brood pouch in Syngnathinae, providing a basis for further molecular-level evolutionary studies.
NSTL
Elsevier