Article
Acoustics
C. Ebbing, S. Rasmussen, J. Kessler, D. Moster
Summary: This study found that abnormalities of the umbilical cord or placenta are associated with cerebral palsy (CP), regardless of gestational age or sex of the child.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Zifang Wu, Jiawei Nie, Deyuan Wu, Shuangbo Huang, Jianzhao Chen, Huajin Liang, Xiangyu Hao, Li Feng, Hefeng Luo, Chengquan Tan
Summary: The study investigated the effect of adenosine supplementation on placental angiogenesis and the occurrence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in piglets. Adenosine supplementation was found to increase birth weight and placental efficiency, while decreasing the rate of IUGR piglets. The placenta of IUGR piglets showed impaired angiogenesis and down-regulated expression of adenosine A2a receptor (ADORA2A), but adenosine treatment could activate ADORA2A expression and improve placental angiogenesis, ultimately reducing the occurrence of IUGR in piglets.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lina Qi, Jingle Jiang, Ge Yu, Xin Zhang, Xi Qi, Jingfei Zhang, Lili Zhang, Tian Wang
Summary: The study found that daily curcumin supplementation alleviated placental inflammation in rat models of IUGR by inhibiting the NF-kappa B signaling pathway. Curcumin supplementation increased fetal weight and placental total protein levels, normalized changes induced by low protein diet, and regulated levels of serum lipids and inflammatory cytokines.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
L. Larcher, E. Jauniaux, J. Lenzi, R. Ragnedda, D. Morano, M. Valeriani, G. Michelli, A. Farina, E. Contro
Summary: In this prospective cohort study, we found that placental and umbilical cord anomalies are more common in IVF singleton pregnancies compared to spontaneous pregnancies. We also identified oocyte donor fertilization as an additional risk factor for the development of these anomalies. Ultrasound examinations play a crucial role in screening for these anomalies.
Article
Developmental Biology
Jerzy Stanek
Summary: This study examined the relative importance of clinical and umbilical cord risk factors in placental fetal vascular malperfusion. The results showed that compromised umbilical cord was associated with a higher prevalence of FVM and worse clinical outcomes. Clinical conditions without umbilical cord compromise did not increase the rate of FVM.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Sandra Kannampuzha, Madurika Ravichandran, Anirban Goutam Mukherjee, Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari, Kaviyarasi Renu, Balachandar Vellingiri, Mahalaxmi Iyer, Abhijit Dey, Alex George, Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
Summary: Placental complications arising from various risk factors during pregnancy have led to an increased morbidity rate. Disorders related to the placenta, such as pre-eclampsia and intra-uterine growth restriction, are major causes of pregnancy-related complications. Recent studies have identified specific non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in fetal tissues, including the placenta, and their aberrant expression has been linked to disorders like pre-eclampsia. Abnormal expression of ncRNAs, which play a significant role in regulating biological processes in the placenta, can result in complications such as spontaneous pregnancy loss. This review article focuses on the association of ncRNAs (miRNAs, lncRNAs, and CircRNAs) with placental complications and discusses different therapy options based on ncRNAs.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Ester Parraga-Ros, Ursula Alvarez-Martin, Juan Seva, Pilar Coy, Raquel Romar
Summary: This study compares the placental and umbilical cord vascular morphology in pigs born through artificial insemination (AI group) or after transfer of in-vitro-produced (IVP) embryos cultured with or without reproductive fluids. The results show that both placental and umbilical cord vascular phenotypes affect the growth of pigs during the first year of life. The addition of reproductive fluids in IVP-embryos reduces the differences with in vivo-derived animals.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fatemeh Amereh, Nooshin Amjadi, Anoushiravan Mohseni-Bandpei, Siavash Isazadeh, Yadollah Mehrabi, Akbar Eslami, Zahra Naeiji, Mohammad Rafiee
Summary: This study is the first to detect microplastic particles in fresh human placenta and found their presence in both intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) pregnancies and normal pregnancies. The study also observed inverse associations between MPs exposure and birth outcomes.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Philippe Vangrieken, Salwan Al-Nasiry, Aalt Bast, Pieter A. Leermakers, Christy B. M. Tulen, Paul M. H. Schiffers, Frederik J. van Schooten, Alex H. V. Remels
Summary: Preeclamptic placentae exhibit oxidative stress, mitochondrial abnormalities, and inflammation, leading to decreased mitochondrial content and dysregulation of molecular pathways, which may contribute to the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Jessica Schuster, Shi-Bin Cheng, James Padbury, Surendra Sharma
Summary: Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disease of pregnancy with mechanisms centered around abnormal placentation, inadequate spiral-artery remodeling, and deficiency in trophoblast invasion. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are suggested to play a crucial role in pre-eclampsia, potentially influencing immune responses, inflammation, altered angiogenesis, and endothelial dysfunction.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lennart Freise, Rose Yinghan Behncke, Hanna Helene Allerkamp, Tim Henrik Sandermann, Ngoc Hai Chu, Eva Maria Funk, Lukas Jonathan Hondrich, Alina Riedel, Christian Witzel, Nils Rouven Hansmeier, Magdalena Danyel, Alexandra Gellhaus, Ralf Dechend, Rene Haegerling
Summary: The placenta, as the first embryonic organ, plays a vital role in connecting the embryo with the mother for its growth and survival. If the spiral arteries are not properly remodeled, it can lead to severe pregnancy-associated disorders such as pre-eclampsia. Insufficient endovascular trophoblast invasion is a major factor in pre-eclampsia, but the exact underlying processes are complex and still unknown.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nikita P. Joshi, Aditi R. Mane, Akriti S. Sahay, Deepali P. Sundrani, Sadhana R. Joshi, Chittaranjan S. Yajnik
Summary: Maternal nutrient availability and transport through the placenta are essential for fetal development, particularly the transfer of glucose which is crucial for fetal growth and development. Glucose transport across the placenta is influenced by maternal glucose concentrations and mediated by glucose transporter family proteins. Alterations in these transporters can impact fetal growth and body composition, potentially leading to future metabolic risks for the baby.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jingjing Liu, Yuduo Wu, Hairui Sun, Xiaowei Liu, Xiaoyan Gu, Ying Zhao, Ye Zhang, Jiancheng Han, Yihua He
Summary: This study characterizes the abnormal changes in placental DNA methylation associated with conotruncal heart defects (CTDs) and identifies potential epigenetic biomarkers for CTDs detection.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Xueju Wang, Luyao Li, Pengbo Yuan, Yangyu Zhao, Yuan Wei
Summary: This study evaluated the placental characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins with proximate umbilical cord insertion (PCI). The results showed significant differences in birthweight discordance, artery-artery and vein-vein anastomoses, and placental territory distribution between MCDA twins with and without PCI. These findings suggest that PCI may be indicative of a more even distribution of placental territory between MCDA fetuses.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Michelle Broekhuizen, Rene de Vries, Marja A. W. Smits, Willem A. Dik, Sam Schoenmakers, Birgit C. P. Koch, Daphne Merkus, Irwin K. M. Reiss, A. H. Jan Danser, Sinno H. P. Simons, Emilie Hitzerd
Summary: This study investigated the placental transfer, vascular effects, and anti-inflammatory actions of pentoxifylline in healthy and pre-eclamptic human placentas. The results showed that while pentoxifylline had beneficial effects on vasodilation and inflammation in healthy placentas, these effects were not retained in pre-eclamptic placentas. This limits the application of pentoxifylline in the treatment of pre-eclampsia, but it may still have value for other placenta-related disorders.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Samantha J. Mitchell, Georgia Ngo, Kimberly A. Maurel, Junichi Hasegawa, Tatsuya Arakaki, Yaakov Melcer, Ron Maymon, Francoise Vendittelli, Alireza A. Shamshirsaz, Hadi Erfani, Scott A. Shainker, Antonio F. Saad, Marjorie C. Treadwell, Ashley S. Roman, Joanne L. Stone, Daniel L. Rolnik
Summary: Prolonging pregnancies until 36 weeks' gestation seems to be safe and beneficial in otherwise uncomplicated pregnancies with antenatally diagnosed vasa previa.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Yuriko Iwahata, Junichi Hasegawa, Chika Homma, Hideyuki Iwahata, Natsumi Furuya, Haruhiro Kondo, Nao Suzuki
Summary: This retrospective case-control study evaluated the impact of perinatal factors closely related to the development of neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in preterm infants. The results showed that clinical chorioamnionitis was strongly associated with IVH in premature infants born before 30 weeks of gestation, while exposure to magnesium sulfate suggested a neuroprotective effect against IVH.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Acoustics
Junichi Hasegawa, Natsumi Furuya, Masatomo Doi, Junki Koike, Chika Homma, Mayumi Nieda, Yoko Nishimura, Nao Suzuki
Summary: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) pathologies affect the thin tissues between the placenta and the uterine myometrium. Histopathology is needed for diagnosis, and ultrasound evaluation combined with histopathological analysis can improve accuracy and management during the perinatal period.
ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Junichi Hasegawa, Masahiro Nakao, Tomoaki Ikeda, Satoshi Toyokawa, Emi Jojima, Shoji Satoh, Kiyotake Ichizuka, Nanako Tamiya, Akihito Nakai, Keiya Fujimori, Tsugio Maeda, Satoru Takeda, Hideaki Suzuki, Shigeru Ueda, Mitsutoshi Iwashita, Tsuyomu Ikenoue
Summary: The aim of this study was to clarify fetal heart rate (FHR) evolution patterns in infants with cerebral palsy (CP) according to different types of umbilical cord complications. The results showed that the persistent non-reassuring pattern was more frequent in cases with coexistent antenatal umbilical cord complications. In addition, the prolonged deceleration was more significant in cases with umbilical cord prolapse and cases with antenatal cord complications.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Reiko Suzuki, Natsumi Furuya, Junichi Hasegawa, Chika Homma, Yuriko Iwahata, Nao Suzuki
Summary: This article presents a case report of ultrasound pathological findings of placental abruption (PA) detected using superb microvascular imaging (SMI). SMI can contribute to a more accurate PA diagnosis that may lead to timely administration of obstetric intervention.
TAIWANESE JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Junichi Hasegawa, Hiroaki Tanaka, Shinji Katsuragi, Masafumi Nii, Akihiko Sekizawa, Isamu Ishiwata, Tomoaki Ikeda
Summary: This study found that there have been no maternal deaths due to GAS-TSS reported in Japan after the COVID-19 pandemic, which may be attributed to the widespread use of facemasks and frequent disinfection among the Japanese population. It is recommended to continue wearing facemasks and practicing frequent disinfection during pregnancy to prevent various infectious diseases, including serious GAS infections.
JOURNAL OF MATERNAL-FETAL & NEONATAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Toshiaki Yasuoka, Noriyuki Iwama, Kuniaki Ota, Junichi Hasegawa, Hirohito Metoki, Masatoshi Saito, Takashi Sugiyama, Nao Suzuki
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the pregnancy outcomes of female cancer survivors in Japan and found that cancer survivors had poorer pregnancy outcomes compared to women without a history of malignant tumors.
JOURNAL OF MATERNAL-FETAL & NEONATAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Tatsuya Arakaki, Junichi Hasegawa, Akihiko Sekizawa, Tomoaki Ikeda, Isamu Ishiwata, Katsuyuki Kinoshita
Summary: This study found that severe COVID-19 in pregnant women is associated with gestational age and maternal age, and the rate of preterm birth due to infection is significantly higher in severe cases.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Chika Homma, Junichi Hasegawa, Yoko Nishimura, Natsumi Furuya, Masamitsu Nakamura, Nao Suzuki
Summary: This study investigated whether the declaration of an emergency state in Japan due to COVID-19 affected maternal transports and preterm birth rates. The findings showed that the declaration of emergency state led to a decrease in maternal transport due to preterm labor, but did not affect the actual rate of preterm delivery.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Tomomi Matsushita, Tatsuya Arakaki, Akihiko Sekizawa, Junichi Hasegawa, Hiroaki Tanaka, Shinji Katsuragi, Masahiko Nakata, Takeshi Murakoshi, Tomoaki Ikeda, Isamu Ishiwata
Summary: This study examined the characteristics of maternal deaths due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and the quality of care provided to patients in Japan. The findings revealed that aortic dissection was the leading cause of death, followed by peripartum cardiomyopathy and pulmonary hypertension. Early symptoms often occurred during the prenatal period, emphasizing the importance of risk assessment, patient awareness, and a multidisciplinary team approach to improve maternal care.
JOURNAL OF MATERNAL-FETAL & NEONATAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Masahiro Nakao, Yukiko Nanba, Asumi Okumura, Junichi Hasegawa, Satoshi Toyokawa, Kiyotake Ichizuka, Naohiro Kanayama, Shoji Satoh, Nanako Tamiya, Akihito Nakai, Keiya Fujimori, Tsugio Maeda, Hideaki Suzuki, Mitsutoshi Iwashita, Akira Oka, Tomoaki Ikeda
OBSTETRICAL & GYNECOLOGICAL SURVEY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Junichi Hasegawa, Yoko Nishimura, Shota Saji
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ULTRASONICS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Koji Hashii, Junichi Hasegawa, Tomoyuki Yamashita, Hiroaki Tanaka, Atsushi Sakurai, Osamu Samura, Akihiko Sekizawa, Tomoaki Ikeda, Isamu Ishiwata
Summary: This article provides an overview of J-CIMELS and its simulation program, which has successfully reduced maternal mortality in Japan. The project analyzed the tendency for obstetricians to delay their response to maternal deterioration and emphasized the importance of monitoring vital signs to predict deterioration. The J-MELS simulation program has significantly improved obstetric care providers' practices and reduced the incidence of obstetric hemorrhage in Japan.
JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Natsumi Furuya, Junichi Hasegawa, Shota Saji, Chika Homma, Yoko Nishimura, Nao Suzuki
Summary: This study investigated the predictive value of obstetric findings in using PGE2 vaginal inserts for cervical ripening, and compared the optimal method of cervical ripening between PGE2 vaginal inserts and/or cervical dilators. The results showed that PGE2 vaginal inserts were effective when the uterine cervical os was at least 2 cm in diameter. In cases of extremely immature cervical ripening, it was feasible to use PGE2 vaginal inserts before mechanical cervical dilatation.
JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Shota Saji, Junichi Hasegawa, Junki Koike, Misato Takatsuki, Natsumi Furuya, Nao Suzuki
Summary: Fetal Vascular Malperfusion is a pathological condition that affects the fetal circulation, leading to microthrombi formation and organ damage, resulting in cerebral palsy. This condition also has adverse effects on the placenta, causing fetal growth restriction and hypoxia.
