Review
Genetics & Heredity
Eleonora Rubini, Inge M. M. Baijens, Alex Horanszky, Sam Schoenmakers, Kevin D. Sinclair, Melinda Zana, Andras Dinnyes, Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen, Melek Rousian
Summary: The maternal environment during the periconceptional period influences foetal growth and development via epigenetic mechanisms moderated by one-carbon metabolism. Derangements in one-carbon metabolism can increase the risk of embryonic defects and long-term childhood disorders. Maternal folate levels are associated with foetal head size and brain development, with preconceptional folic acid supplement use and specific dietary patterns showing positive effects on foetal head size.
Review
Physiology
Inmaculada Moreno, Antonio Capalbo, Aymara Mas, Tamara Garrido-Gomez, Beatriz Roson, Maurizio Poli, Eva Dimitriadis, Xavier Santamaria, Felipe Vilella, Carlos Simon
Summary: Pregnancy is established during the periconceptional period from blastocyst attachment to placenta formation, significantly impacting the health of both the child and the mother. Advances in understanding the periconceptional space, including the preimplantation human embryo and maternal endometrium, offer opportunities for preventative interventions. This review discusses the role of maternal decidua, the maternal-embryonic interface, the endometrial microbiome, and the myometrium in pregnancy health during the periconceptional period.
PHYSIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sofie K. M. van Zundert, Lenie van Rossem, Sten P. Willemsen, Lindsey van der Meer, Hiske E. Ernst-Smelt
Summary: This study suggests that a higher degree of maternal vulnerability during periconception is associated with reduced embryonic growth in naturally conceived pregnancies, but not in pregnancies conceived through IVF or ICSI.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sofie C. Husen, Nicolina D. H. E. Kemper, Attie T. J. Go, Sten P. Willemsen, Melek Rousian, Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the influence of periconceptional maternal folate status on the size of human embryonic head and brain structures. The results showed U-shaped associations between maternal folate status and head volume and head circumference, but no significant associations with other brain structures.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
An-Katrien Vynckier, Dries Ceulemans, Greet Vanheule, Paulien De Mulder, Mieke Van Den Driessche, Roland Devlieger
Summary: The prevalence of obesity is increasing globally, leading to a rise in bariatric surgeries. However, bariatric surgery can cause micronutrient deficiencies which may have detrimental effects, especially during pregnancy and fetal development. Folate deficiency after bariatric surgery during pregnancy may increase the risk of neural tube defects.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Lisa M. Bodnar, Angela Odoms-Young, Sharon I. Kirkpatrick, Ashley I. Naimi, Julie M. Petersen, Chantel L. Martin
Summary: There is no significant association between experiences of racial discrimination and adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, indicating the need to consider institutional, systemic, and practice factors in addition to interpersonal racism to address inequalities in diet and perinatal health.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Chiara Mando, Silvio Abati, Gaia Maria Anelli, Chiara Favero, Anais Serati, Laura Dioni, Marta Zambon, Benedetta Albetti, Valentina Bollati, Irene Cetin
Summary: This study found that the epigenetic profile in the saliva of obese pregnant women is markedly different from that of normal-weight pregnant women, suggesting the presence of impaired mechanisms and damaged pathways. The characterization of this profile can serve as a promising tool for the identification of obesity-related altered mechanisms and the development of biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy-adverse conditions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rubi Rodriguez-Diaz, Raquel Blanes-Zamora, Rebeca Vaca- Sanchez, Jorge Gomez-Rodriguez, Arturo Hardisson, Dailos Gonzalez-Weller, Angel J. Gutierrez, Soraya Paz, Carmen Rubio, E. Gonzalez-Davila
Summary: Increased levels of metal ions in human seminal fluid have a significant correlation with male fertility. Different metals have different effects on semen parameters and assisted reproductive treatments. Lower iron levels were associated with pathological spermiograms, while higher zinc, calcium, and magnesium levels were associated with normozoospermics. Longer sexual abstinence was correlated with higher zinc and magnesium levels. Lower vanadium levels were associated with higher fertilization rates. Patients who did not reach 100% embryo cleavage rate had higher lead and vanadium values. Lower levels of aluminium and sodium were associated with better blastocyst rates. The implantation rate showed inverse associations with women's age, iron, and calcium content, but positive associations with magnesium and sodium. Positive pregnancy evolution was associated with higher zinc, calcium, potassium, and magnesium levels. This study confirms the positive-negative effects of zinc, iron, calcium, sodium, aluminium, magnesium, vanadium, and lead on reproduction and suggests that the analysis of metals in semen is a new line of study for male fertility with implications on reproductive outcomes.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Batoul Hojeij, Melek Rousian, Kevin D. Sinclair, Andras Dinnyes, Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen, Sam Schoenmakers
Summary: Periconceptional maternal obesity is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Identifying biomarkers of pathways affected by maternal obesity can provide insights into pathophysiological mechanisms and identify individuals at risk of adverse clinical outcomes. This systematic review identified biomarkers in the endocrine, inflammatory, and one-carbon metabolic pathways influenced by maternal obesity.
REVIEWS IN ENDOCRINE & METABOLIC DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sofie van Zundert, Simone van der Padt, Sten Willemsen, Melek Rousian, Mina Mirzaian, Ron van Schaik, Regine Steegers-Theunissen, Lenie van Rossem
Summary: This study investigated the effects of maternal animal and plant protein intake on prenatal growth and birthweight. The results showed that higher maternal animal protein intake was associated with increased embryonic growth and birthweight, while no significant associations were found between maternal plant protein intake and prenatal growth and birthweight.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Gustavo D. A. Gastal, Dragos Scarlet, Maria Melchert, Reinhard Ertl, Christine Aurich
Summary: In embryos created through assisted reproductive techniques, changes in gene expression and DNA methylation due to storage temperature differences may impact embryonic development and viability after transfer. This study demonstrates alterations in gene expression and methylation levels of stored horse embryos compared to fresh embryos, highlighting potential risks of compromising embryo development following short-term storage, regardless of temperature.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Veronique Y. F. Maas, Marjolein Poels, Marije Lamain-de Ruiter, Anneke Kwee, Mireille N. Bekker, Arie Franx, Maria P. H. Koster
Summary: The study indicates that women who quit smoking, maintain a normal body mass index (BMI), and start taking folic acid supplements before conception may reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Longsen Han, Yujia Chen, Ling Li, Chao Ren, Haichao Wang, Xinghan Wu, Juan Ge, Wenjie Shu, Minjian Chen, Qiang Wang
Summary: This study reveals the important role of mtDNA mutation in oocytes in controlling epigenetic reprogramming and gene expression during embryogenesis. Fetal growth retardation and placental dysfunction were observed in post-implantation embryos derived from Polg(m) oocytes. The deficiency in DNA methylation and dysregulation of gene expression were found in Polg(m) oocytes, and cytoplasmic factors were responsible for this epigenetic remodeling deficiency. Additionally, a reduction in alpha-ketoglutarate (alpha KG) level was identified in oocytes from Polg(m) mice. Supplementation of alpha KG restored DNA methylation state and transcriptional activity in Polg(m) embryos, preventing developmental defects.
NATIONAL SCIENCE REVIEW
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Dessie Salilew-Wondim, Dawit Tesfaye, Franca Rings, Eva Held-Hoelker, Dennis Miskel, Marc-Andre Sirard, Ernst Tholen, Karl Schellander, Michael Hoelker
Summary: The study compared the transcriptome profiles of in vivo and in vitro derived bovine blastocysts, revealing the effects of developmental competence and environmental conditions on gene expression outlines. It also identified differentially expressed genes and pathways reflective of developmental capacities, suggesting that transcriptome activity in blastocysts may indicate future success in pregnancy and adaptation to culture environment.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xiaoli Yan, Hongyu Li, Bin Song, Ge Huang, Qing Chang, Dan Wang, Ping Yan
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate whether periconceptional or pregnancy exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination would increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The meta-analysis included four randomized controlled trials and eight cohort studies. The results showed that HPV vaccine exposure in the periconceptional period or during pregnancy did not increase the risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as spontaneous abortion, birth defects, stillbirth, preterm birth, and ectopic pregnancy.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Michael D. Wiese, Mary J. Berry, Pravin Hissaria, Jack R. T. Darby, Janna L. Morrison
Summary: Medical care during COVID-19 pandemic is focusing on developing new therapies, but pregnant women, who are at higher risk, often face exclusion from drug trials due to lack of evidence regarding efficacy and safety for both mother and fetus.
JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dimitra Flouri, Jack R. T. Darby, Stacey L. Holman, Steven K. S. Cho, Catherine G. Dimasi, Sunthara R. Perumal, Sebastien Ourselin, Rosalind Aughwane, Nada Mufti, Christopher K. Macgowan, Mike Seed, Anna L. David, Andrew Melbourne, Janna L. Morrison
Summary: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of fetal blood oxygen saturation (SO2) is important for the clinical management of high-risk pregnancies. A novel MRI method is used to evaluate fetal growth and distinguish between normally grown and FGR fetuses in sheep and humans. A multi-compartment placental MRI model can detect placental SO2 and differentiate between different types of fetuses.
Article
Developmental Biology
Ashley S. Meakin, Marzieh Amirmostofian, Jack Rt Darby, Stacey L. Holman, Janna L. Morrison, Michael D. Wiese
Summary: This study validated an assay to quantify the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in different compartments of the sheep maternal-placental-fetal unit. The results showed that maternal liver had several active CYP enzymes, while placenta and fetal liver had only a few active CYP enzymes. This study provides important insights for studying drug metabolism during pregnancy.
Article
Allergy
J. L. Robinson, K. L. Gatford, C. P. Hurst, V. L. Clifton, J. L. Morrison, M. J. Stark
Summary: Asthma in pregnant women in Australia affects about 17% of pregnancies and is associated with negative perinatal outcomes. Revised guidelines in South Australia aim to improve asthma management during pregnancy based on severity. This study explores whether the revised guidelines have reduced the impact of maternal asthma on adverse perinatal outcomes.
Review
Neurosciences
Catherine G. Dimasi, Jack R. T. Darby, Janna L. Morrison
Summary: Mammalian cardiomyocytes undergo significant maturational changes before and after birth. Immature cardiomyocytes can contribute to cardiac growth through proliferation, allowing the heart to regenerate. However, these changes come at the cost of losing cardiac regenerative capacity, leading to permanent damage in postnatal life. This poses a barrier to developing new treatments for cardiac repair and contributes to heart failure. This review focuses on studying the critical transition period of cardiomyocyte growth, exploring novel factors that may regulate and drive this process, and discussing the potential use of new biomarkers for detecting myocardial infarction and cardiovascular disease.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Selvam Paramasivan, Janna L. Morrison, Mitchell C. Lock, Jack R. T. Darby, Roberto A. Barrero, Paul C. Mills, Pawel Sadowski
Summary: Sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra-mass spectrometry, supported by advanced bioinformatics, provides a comprehensive framework for proteome analysis and biomarker discovery. However, the lack of a generic sample preparation platform for heterogeneous materials from different sources limits its broad application. We developed universal and fully automated workflows using a robotic sample preparation platform, enabling in-depth and reproducible proteome coverage of bovine and ovine specimens. The high correlation between sheep proteomics and transcriptomics datasets validates this development and suggests the potential for various clinical applications across different animal species and disease models.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOME RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Henriette Kuhle, Steven K. S. Cho, Nathaniel Barber, Datta Singh Goolaub, Jack R. T. Darby, Janna L. Morrison, Christoph Haller, Liqun Sun, Mike Seed
Summary: Over the past few decades, advanced imaging techniques have been used to assess cardiovascular physiology and cardiac function in the fetus. Technical development has been necessary to make these assessments feasible in the fetus, while an understanding of the unique physiology of fetal circulation is needed for proper interpretation of the results. This review discusses recent advances in fetal echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance, providing examples of their application in research and clinical settings, as well as future directions for these technologies.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Jack R. T. Darby, Georgia K. Williams, Steven K. S. Cho, Ashley S. Meakin, Stacey L. Holman, Megan Quinn, Michael D. Wiese, Christopher K. Macgowan, Mike Seed, Janna L. Morrison
Summary: Babies born with reduced growth face increased risk of poor outcomes. Current interventions are ineffective in improving fetal growth. Resveratrol treatment increases blood flow and oxygenation in the uterus, but high polyphenol diets may negatively affect fetal hemodynamics. This study assessed the safety of resveratrol as an intervention for fetal growth restriction.
PHYSIOLOGICAL REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Joshua L. Robinson, Kathy L. Gatford, Vicki L. Clifton, Janna L. Morrison, Michael J. Stark
Summary: This scoping review aims to describe the methodology, phenotype, and characteristics of maternal asthma models used in preclinical studies, as well as the measured outcomes in the mother and progeny. The review also aims to identify gaps in knowledge regarding maternal and progeny outcomes following maternal asthma in pregnancy.
JBI EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Mitchell C. Lock, Kimberley J. Botting, Beth J. Allison, Youguo Niu, Sage G. Ford, Michael P. Murphy, Sandra Orgeig, Dino A. Giussani, Janna L. Morrison
Summary: Chronic fetal hypoxemia increases the risk of respiratory complications at birth. Maternal antioxidant therapy has been shown to be protective for fetal growth and cardiovascular development. This study investigated the effects of maternal antenatal treatment with MitoQ on lung development in hypoxic pregnancy in sheep, and found that it promoted fetal pulmonary surfactant maturation and increased expression of key genes involved in lung development.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Brahmdeep S. Saini, Robin Ducas, Jack R. T. Darby, Davide Marini, Liqun Sun, Christopher K. Macgowan, Rory Windrim, John C. Kingdom, Rachel M. Wald, Janna L. Morrison, Mike Seed
Summary: Late gestational supine positioning affects maternal cardiac output and oxygen delivery, but not oxygen consumption in the gravid uterus, fetus, placenta, and lower limbs. Supine mothers have lower cardiac output and oxygen delivery compared to lateral positions, but higher collateral venous return.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jack R. T. Darby, Song Zhang, Stacey L. Holman, Beverly S. Muhlhausler, Caroline McMillen, Janna L. Morrison
Summary: The effects of fetal glucose infusion on cardiac growth and metabolism signaling molecules were evaluated. Results showed that despite increased fetal plasma glucose and insulin concentrations, there were no significant changes in mRNA expression and protein abundance of these molecules.
Article
Neurosciences
Catherine G. Dimasi, Jack R. T. Darby, Steven K. S. Cho, Brahmdeep S. Saini, Stacey L. Holman, Ashley S. Meakin, Michael D. Wiese, Christopher K. Macgowan, Mike Seed, Janna L. Morrison
Summary: Babies born with fetal growth restriction (FGR) have a higher risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases. FGR reduces substrate supply to the fetus, which affects cardiac growth, metabolism, and function. A study using a sheep model of placental restriction found that FGR decreases glucose and fatty acid transporters, as well as mitochondrial numbers and electron transport chain complexes in the fetal heart.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Developmental Biology
Ashley Meakin, Vicki Clifton, Jack Darby, Stacey Holman, Michael Wiese, Janna Morrison
Meeting Abstract
Developmental Biology
Ashley Meakin, Melanie Smith, Janna Morrison, Claire Roberts, Martha Lappas, Stacey Ellery, Olivia Holland, Tony Perkins, Sharon McCracken, Vicki Flenady, Vicki Clifton