Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Monika Baczkowska, Magdalena Zgliczynska, Jan Faryna, Ewa Przytula, Blazej Nowakowski, Michal Ciebiera
Summary: Placental abruption, a rare perinatal complication, involves the separation of the placenta from the uterus lining before childbirth, posing serious consequences and a high risk of maternal and fetal mortality. Disruption of immunological processes on the maternal-fetal interface plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of this condition, requiring further research to fully understand this complex process.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Melissa L. Kozakiewicz, Chad A. Grotegut, Allyn C. Howlett
Summary: The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in early pregnancy success, embryo development, and parturition, influencing uterine activation and maternal-fetal interaction, regulating pregnancy maintenance and timing of labor.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mary C. Peavey, San-Pin Wu, Rong Li, Jian Liu, Olivia M. Emery, Tianyuan Wang, Lecong Zhou, Margeaux Wetendorf, Chandra Yallampalli, William E. Gibbons, John P. Lydon, Francesco J. DeMayo
Summary: The study revealed that overexpression of progesterone receptor PGR-B leads to relaxation of uterine muscles, prolonged gestational length, and increased incidence of labor dystocia, while overexpression of PGR-A increases uterine muscle contraction without affecting gestational length.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yosuke Sugita, Yoshimitsu Kuwabara, Akira Katayama, Shigeru Matsuda, Ichiro Manabe, Shunji Suzuki, Yumiko Oishi
Summary: Preterm birth (PTB) is a leading cause of neonatal mortality and reducing the PTB rate is crucial. Cervical insufficiency (CI), a major cause of PTB, is characterized by premature cervical ripening and recurrent pregnancy loss. This study explored the molecular mechanism of CI and found that downregulation of progesterone signaling at the receptor level is responsible for abnormal cervical ripening in CI, providing new insights into the understanding of PTB.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chaolu Chen, Shuaiying Zhu, Long Bai, Meihua Sui, Danqing Chen
Summary: This study analyzed the myometrial transcriptome during parturition and found that the onset of labor was associated with an inflammatory response. Hub genes, including FPR1, were identified as being associated with the onset of labor, with FPR1 playing a novel role as a modulator of myometrial contraction.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Kazuo Ando, Julien J. Hedou, Dorien Feyaerts, Xiaoyuan Han, Edward A. Ganio, Eileen S. Tsai, Laura S. Peterson, Franck Verdonk, Amy S. Tsai, Ivana Mari, Ronald J. Wong, Martin S. Angst, Nima Aghaeepour, David K. Stevenson, Yair J. Blumenfeld, Pervez Sultan, Brendan Carvalho, Ina A. Stelzer, Brice Gaudilliere
Summary: This study investigated the maternal immune system dynamics from labor induction to the onset of active labor, successfully predicting the time after labor induction using a machine learning method. The study identified immune features such as STAT5 signaling in CD8(+) T cells and pro-inflammatory STAT3 signaling responses that were most informative for the model, providing important insights into predicting labor induction success and complications.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Natasha Singh, Bronwen Herbert, Garvin Sooranna, Nishel M. Shah, Ananya Das, Suren R. Sooranna, Mark R. Johnson
Summary: Inflammation is believed to be crucial in the initiation of labor, with different reproductive tissues showing varying levels of inflammatory mediators and transcriptional activation at different stages of labor onset. Samples from pregnant women reveal changes in cytokine levels and transcription activation in various tissues at different stages of labor onset.
Article
Biology
Yali Shan, Shiping Shen, Jing Long, Zhengshan Tang, Cichun Wu, Xin Ni
Summary: The study reveals that there is an increase in inflammatory response, particularly from macrophages, during term and preterm labor. This inflammation plays a critical role in the initiation of parturition.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Johanna M. Huusko, Heli Tiensuu, Antti M. Haapalainen, Anu Pasanen, Pinja Tissarinen, Minna K. Karjalainen, Ge Zhang, Kaare Christensen, Kelli K. Ryckman, Bo Jacobsson, Jeffrey C. Murray, Stephen F. Kingsmore, Mikko Hallman, Louis J. Muglia, Mika Ramet
Summary: Heat shock proteins and nuclear hormone receptor genes are associated with spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB); Several orthogonal datasets supported the roles of several genes in susceptibility; Studies suggest that suppression of specific heat shock proteins contributes to maintaining pregnancy.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Shafat Ali, Sabhiya Majid, Md. Niamat Ali, Shahnaz Taing, Muneeb U. Rehman, Azher Arafah
Summary: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a reproductive disease that involves two or more successive spontaneous abortions, with causes often related to dysfunction of endometrial cytokines and dysregulation of decidual cytokines. Cytokine modulatory therapies are considered promising for preventing RPL.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Physiology
Manasi Malik, Michelle Roh, Sarah K. England
Summary: The review provides a summary of studies on uterine excitation and contractions in mice, rats, guinea pigs, and humans, aiming to help new researchers understand the field and provide assistance in experimental design and result interpretation in rodent models.
Article
Immunology
Emily M. Whettlock, Ee Woon, Antonia O. Cuff, Brendan Browne, Mark R. Johnson, Victoria Male
Summary: Uterine natural killer cells (uNK) have been found to play an important role in regulating pregnancy. Recent studies have shown that uNK can be divided into three subsets, each with different functions during pregnancy. These subsets are most active during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle and have the highest frequency of interaction with placental cells. This research provides important insights for studying subfertility, recurrent miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and pre-term labor.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Anne Cathrine Staff, Heidi E. Fjeldstad, Ingrid Knutsdotter Fosheim, Kjartan Moe, Gitta Turowski, Guro Mork Johnsen, Patji Alnaes-Katjavivi, Meryam Sugulle
Summary: Physiological transformation and remodeling of uteroplacental spiral arteries play a key role in successful placentation and normal placental function. Poor remodeling is associated with early-onset preeclampsia and other major obstetrical syndromes. Acute atherosis, a foam cell lesion, is linked to poor remodeling and may be triggered by inflammatory stimulation. Understanding this uteroplacental interface is crucial for understanding the pathophysiology of preeclampsia and its short- and long-term effects on pregnancy.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Manuel S. Vidal, Ryan C. V. Lintao, Mary Elise L. Severino, Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco, Ramkumar Menon
Summary: Survivors of preterm birth face various disabilities, and addressing the rates of low birth weight, neonatal and maternal morbidities and mortalities is crucial. Research has provided theories on risk factors and clinical manifestations, but there is a lack of biomarkers for early diagnosis. To overcome current limitations, an integrated approach studying the network interaction between different tissues and organs is needed.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Sam Clark, Thomas A. Jowitt, Lynda K. Harris, Christopher G. Knight, Curtis B. Dobson
Summary: Clark et al. comprehensively explore the primary structural features underlying the activity of a complete set of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). They find that the shortest active peptides were 4 or 5 residues in length, with activity being associated with 40% arginine, and multiple adjacent tryptophan residues. This study provides insights into the design of effective AMPs.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alice May Jones, Clare Tower, Diane Green, Karolina M. Stepien
Summary: Glycogen storage disease type 1a in pregnancy requires multidisciplinary team management, with continuous monitoring of metabolic parameters, regular growth scans, and various methods to control the risks of hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis. Through comprehensive management, maternal and fetal care can be optimized, ensuring successful vaginal delivery.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Rachel C. Quilang, Sylvia Lui, Karen Forbes
Summary: The study reveals that miR-514a-3p regulates the expression of SHP-2 and affects IGF signaling and trophoblast proliferation in the human placenta, suggesting its therapeutic potential in pregnancy complications associated with altered placental growth.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Abbie Dodd, Az Alddien Natfji, Angelos Evangelinos, Antonella Grigoletto, Gianfranco Pasut, Frances Beards, Lewis Renshall, Helen M. Osborn, Francesca Greco, Lynda K. Harris
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of non-prodrug PEG-drug conjugates in reducing drug accumulation in placental tissues. Results showed that PEG was biocompatible with human placenta, with no impact on cell proliferation or apoptosis rates. Treatment with PEG did not cause significant changes in lactate dehydrogenase levels or human chorionic gonadotropin release. Cellular uptake studies demonstrated that conjugating Cy5.5 and haloperidol to PEG resulted in a significant reduction (up to approximately 40-fold) in their uptake by the placenta.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Bernadette C. Baker, Sylvia Lui, Isabel Lorne, Alexander E. P. Heazell, Karen Forbes, Rebecca L. Jones
Summary: The study identified sexually dimorphic patterns for miRNAs in maternal serum in FGR, suggesting their potential as non-invasive biomarkers for FGR and associated placental dysfunction. The miRNAs showed correlations with potential functions in placental dysfunction, offering insights into the pathogenesis of placental dysfunction and the differing susceptibility of male and female fetuses to adverse in utero conditions.
BIOLOGY OF SEX DIFFERENCES
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lewis J. Renshall, Frances Beards, Angelos Evangelinos, Susan L. Greenwood, Paul Brownbill, Adam Stevens, Colin P. Sibley, John D. Aplin, Edward D. Johnstone, Tambet Teesalu, Lynda K. Harris
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of using EGF-loaded, peptide-decorated liposomes to improve placental function. GPS-decorated liposomes containing EGF significantly increased amino acid transporter activity in healthy placental tissues, but were ineffective in those from pregnancies with FGR. Targeted liposomes represent a safe and useful tool for developing new therapies for placental dysfunction.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chloe A. Brady, Charlotte Williams, Gauri Batra, Elaine Church, Clare L. Tower, Ian P. Crocker, Alexander E. P. Heazell
Summary: CHI is a rare placental lesion characterized by maternal macrophages infiltration, posing risks of fetal growth restriction, miscarriage, or stillbirth. Immunomodulatory medications, such as prednisolone and hydroxychloroquine, have shown promising results in reducing lesion severity and improving livebirth rates in subsequent pregnancies for women with a history of CHI.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Zhiyong Zou, Lynda K. Harris, Karen Forbes, Alexander E. P. Heazell
Summary: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is closely related to placental dysfunction and hypoxia. The decreased signaling of estrogen-related receptor gamma (ESRRG) in hypoxic conditions may contribute to hypoxia-induced placental dysfunction in FGR. The ESRRG agonist DY131 has the potential to restore hypoxic damages and could be used as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of placental dysfunction.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Zhiyong Zou, Lynda K. Harris, Karen Forbes, Alexander E. P. Heazell
Summary: This study demonstrates that BPA affects the ESRRG signaling pathway in a sex-specific manner in human placentas, providing a possible biological mechanism to explain the differential effects of BPA exposure on male and female fetuses observed in epidemiological studies.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Emily Eisner, Shon Lewis, Charlotte Stockton-Powdrell, Ria Agass, Pauline Whelan, Clare Tower
Summary: This study developed a smartphone app to improve access to postnatal depression (PND) treatment. The app was found to be feasible, acceptable, valid, and safe, and it also overcomes some of the limitations of conventional health visitor-delivered screening.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Azziza Zaabalawi, Lewis Renshall, Frances Beards, Adam P. Lightfoot, Hans Degens, Yvonne Alexander, Ragheb Hasan, Haris Bilal, Brigitte A. Graf, Lynda K. Harris, May Azzawi
Summary: This study investigates the use of liposome-encapsulated TMS to improve vasodilator function in patients undergoing CABG. The results demonstrate that TMS-loaded liposomes can enhance vasodilation by inhibiting CYP1B1 and reducing reactive oxygen species, and suggest the potential of TMS-loaded liposomes as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hypertension in CABG patients.
Review
Respiratory System
Emma J. Ragel, Lynda K. Harris, Richard A. Campbell
Summary: ARDS is a severe form of lung injury leading to respiratory failure, with no robust pharmacological treatments available. The optimal treatment for COVID-19 ARDS may differ from ARDS developed from other illnesses due to differences in pathology. New therapeutic interventions developed for CARDS may hold strong potential in treating ARDS developed from other illnesses.
BMJ OPEN RESPIRATORY RESEARCH
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Developmental Biology
Zhiyong Zou, Lynda K. Harris, Karen Forbes, Alexander E. P. Heazell
Article
Rheumatology
Ryan Malcolm Hum, Trixy David, Yen June Lau, Hajira Iftikhar, Sue Thornber, Louise Simcox, Ian Bruce, Clare Tower, Pauline Ho
Summary: This study aimed to describe maternal and fetal outcomes in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases attending a joint rheumatology and obstetric clinic in the UK. Electronic records of 98 patients were analyzed, revealing favorable outcomes such as a high live birth rate, low miscarriage rate, and high median birth weight. Such joint obstetric/rheumatology clinics may be beneficial in other centers given the limited reported data on pregnancy outcomes.
RHEUMATOLOGY ADVANCES IN PRACTICE
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Zhiyong Zou, Lynda K. Harris, Karen Forbes, Alexander E. P. Heazell
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2022)