Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rui Gou, Xiaohong Zhang
Summary: Glucose metabolism is crucial for the survival of living organisms. Glycolysis, a major research area in the field of metabolism, has been extensively studied in cancer and is considered as a potential therapeutic target. However, its role in pregnancy has received limited attention. Recent evidence suggests that the metabolic energy acquisition of blastocysts, trophoblasts, decidua, and tumors share similarities. Carefully controlled glycolysis throughout pregnancy maintains the homeostasis of the maternal-fetal interface and ensures normal gestation. Dysregulated glycolysis at the cellular interactive network can lead to various pregnancy complications.
Article
Physiology
Naixin Xu, Xuanyou Zhou, Weihui Shi, Mujin Ye, Xianling Cao, Songchang Chen, Chenming Xu
Summary: This study sequenced and analyzed plasma miRNAs and placental mRNAs from RPL patients and NP controls, identifying differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs, as well as the regulatory network between related genes and biological processes. These findings suggest that circulating miRNAs may be involved in the pathogenesis of RPL and are potential noninvasive biomarkers for the condition.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Feride Zabitler, Selim Aslan, Isfendiyar Darbaz, Osman Ergene, Sabine Schafer-Somi
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate digitalized images obtained via B-mode sonography during different stages of pregnancy and assess the features of the canine placenta. Computational analysis of the ultrasound pictures revealed characteristic changes in grey value parameters, contrast, and local homogeneity as the pregnancy progressed.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jose M. Murrieta-Coxca, Emanuel Barth, Paulina Fuentes-Zacarias, Ruby N. Gutierrez-Samudio, Tanja Groten, Alexandra Gellhaus, Angela Koeninger, Manja Marz, Udo R. Markert, Diana M. Morales-Prieto
Summary: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a group of pathological conditions characterized by abnormal attachment of the placenta to the uterus wall, and it is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this study, altered miRNA expression, particularly in placenta-specific miRNA clusters, was identified in placenta accreta tissue compared to normal placental tissues. Dysregulated pathways associated with cell cycle regulation, inflammation, and invasion were also observed. The study provides miRNA:mRNA associations that could contribute to our understanding of PAS development.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Michalina Bralewska, Lidia Biesiada, Mariusz Grzesiak, Magda Rybak-Krzyszkowska, Hubert Huras, Agnieszka Gach, Tadeusz Pietrucha, Agata Sakowicz
Summary: This study reveals that chromogranin A gene expression level is associated with preeclampsia for the first time. The depletion in catestatin level might be a marker of developing preeclampsia. Further studies may unravel the role of Chromogranin A in the discussed disease.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rain Inno, Maris Laan
Summary: This study compared urinary, serum, and placental microRNAs in three healthy pregnant women. The results showed that the placenta had a higher enrichment of microRNAs compared to serum and urine. There were 153 microRNAs that were shared among all sample types, which may serve as candidate biomarkers for placental health. Urine samples contained specific microRNAs from chromosome 19 and chromosome 14 clusters, suggesting a selective filtering at the maternal-fetal interface. Urine can be used to monitor differentially expressed placenta-expressed microRNAs in pregnancy complications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leonardo Ermini, Anna Maria Nuzzo, Francesca Ietta, Roberta Romagnoli, Laura Moretti, Bianca Masturzo, Luana Paulesu, Alessandro Rolfo
Summary: This study examined the expression of GLUT1 and GLUT4 in placental tissue from overweight (OW) and normal weight (NW) pregnant women, revealing different responses to BPA. While GLUT1 expression increased in NW mothers and decreased in OW mothers, GLUT4 expression was lower in OW mothers. Placental biopsies showed no difference between OW and NW in terms of transporter expression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miira M. M. Klemetti, Sruthi Alahari, Martin Post, Isabella Caniggia
Summary: Disturbances in lipid metabolism are common in diabetes. This study compared the placental sphingolipid metabolism in type 1 and type 2 diabetic pregnancies and non-diabetic controls. The results showed that placental ceramide levels were lower in diabetic pregnancies, but higher in cases of preeclampsia and poor glycemic control. Sphingosine kinases (SPHK) and sphingoid-1-phosphates (S1P) were elevated in diabetic pregnancies, especially in cases of fetal macrosomia.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
David Salcedo-Tacuma, Leonardo Bonilla, Maria Cristina Geney Montes, Jorge Ernesto Nino Gonzalez, Sandra Milena Sanchez Gutierrez, Miguel Chirivi, G. Andres Contreras
Summary: In this study, RNA-seq was used to analyze the transcriptomic profile of adipose tissues in patients with gestational diabetes. The results revealed differences based on anatomical location and provided whole-transcriptome data for further exploration of unique gene expression patterns in gestational diabetes patients.
Review
Cell Biology
Milena Zarkovic, Franziska Hufsky, Udo R. Markert, Manja Marz
Summary: Non-coding RNAs have a central and regulatory role in the placenta, especially microRNAs. Syncytiotrophoblast cells act as a communication interface between the fetus and the mother through the release of extracellular vesicles containing ncRNAs. Disorders of ncRNAs in placental tissue are associated with pregnancy disorders and have potential as diagnostic markers.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Charles Megier, Katell Peoc'h, Vincent Puy, Anne-Gael Cordier
Summary: Iron and heme metabolism in normal and pathological pregnancies, particularly the impact on placental iron metabolism and the effects of iron deficiency and hemoglobin diseases on the placenta and development, are reviewed in this article.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Duaa Ahmed Elhag, Souhaila Al Khodor
Summary: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play critical roles in regulating host gene expression. They have been found to be involved in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and their aberrant expression in the placenta and/or maternal blood suggests their potential as biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis. Additionally, miRNAs have been shown to modulate key signaling pathways involved in glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation, providing insights into the pathophysiology of GDM. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the dynamics of miRNA in pregnancy, their role in GDM, and their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Olivier Ami, Jean-Christophe Maran, Albert Cohen, Israel Hendler, Eric Zabukovek, Louis Boyer
Summary: The use of childbirth simulation software can help obstetricians choose the optimal delivery mode and reduce the rates of failed labor and emergency cesarean section. This study found that including childbirth simulations in the decision-making process can decrease the number of emergency CSs, inappropriately scheduled CSs, and instrumental deliveries by up to 30.1%, 20.7%, and 20.0%, respectively. Considering predicted birthing outcomes has the potential to improve the allocation between scheduled CS and trial of labor.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hanna Ostling, Maria Lodefalk, Helena Backman, Robert Kruse
Summary: This study investigated the global expression of miRNAs and proteins in healthy term placentas and found important functions related to immune and inflammatory response, lipid metabolism, and neural development.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yirong He, Chuanya Huang, Biru Luo, Shujuan Liao
Summary: This study investigated the association between maternal body composition and macrosomia and found that body-composition-related indicators can predict the risk of macrosomia. This is important for clinicians to implement early interventions to reduce adverse perinatal outcomes.