Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Yijun Yang, Justin Kurian, Giana Schena, Jaslyn Johnson, Hajime Kubo, Joshua G. Travers, Chunya Kang, Anna Maria Lucchese, Deborah M. Eaton, Maoting Lv, Na Li, Lorianna G. Leynes, Daohai Yu, Fengzhen Yang, Timothy A. McKinsey, Raj Kishore, Mohsin Khan, Sadia Mohsin, Steven R. Houser
Summary: The study suggests that metabolic syndrome in obese pregnant women may lead to pathological cardiac remodeling, increasing the risk of chronic heart disorders.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Citlalli Osorio-Yanez, Marco Sanchez-Guerra, Maritsa Solano, Andrea Baccarelli, Robert Wright, Alison P. Sanders, Martha Maria Tellez-Rojo, Marcela Tamayo-Ortiz
Summary: This study found associations between blood cadmium levels and radius z-scores during pregnancy, as well as a negative association between bone lead concentrations in the patella and radius z-scores.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anqi Sun, Huijing Ye, Zhihui Xu, Jingqiao Chen, Wei Xiao, Te Zhang, Xiaotong Sha, Shaowei Bi, Tianyi Zhou, Huasheng Yang
Summary: This study used RNA sequencing to analyze orbital connective tissues of patients with TAO and identified the relaxin signaling pathway as an important regulator in TAO fibrosis pathogenesis. Serelaxin was found to have antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects in TAO, with the downstream Notch pathway being activated. The antifibrotic effect of serelaxin was dependent on RXFP1.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Malamo E. Countouris, Flordeliza S. Villanueva, Kathryn L. Berlacher, Joao L. Cavalcante, W. Tony Parks, Janet M. Catov
Summary: Women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) have significant differences in left ventricular structure and function a decade after delivery, especially when accompanied by current hypertension. Continued surveillance and targeted therapies may be necessary for cardiovascular disease prevention in these individuals.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Zenab Mohseni-Alsalhi, Emma B.n.j. Janssen, Jil Delmarque, Sander M. J. van Kuijk, Marc E. A. Spaanderman, Chahinda Ghossein-Doha
Summary: Preeclampsia is associated with cardiac remodeling, leading to an increased risk of heart failure. We developed a prediction model to detect and predict abnormal cardiac remodeling in formerly pregnant women, which may help reduce the risk of clinical heart failure.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
M. L. Boutet, G. Casals, B. Valenzuela-Alcaraz, L. Garcia-Otero, F. Crovetto, M. S. Civico, A. Borras, D. Manau, E. Gratacos, F. Crispi
Summary: The study found that embryos transfer impacts fetal cardiac remodeling and suboptimal function, with more pronounced changes after fresh embryo transfer compared to frozen embryo transfer. Fetuses conceived by assisted reproductive technologies showed larger atria, more globular ventricles, and thicker myocardial walls, as well as signs of suboptimal systolic and diastolic function as compared to spontaneously conceived pregnancies.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Yi Ching Chen, Aleksandr Voskoboinik, Andre La Gerche, Thomas H. Marwick, Julie R. McMullen
Summary: Studies have extensively researched the differences between physiological and pathological ventricular hypertrophy, while the differences between physiological and pathological atrial enlargement remain poorly understood.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Patricia Rodrigues Lourenco Gomes, Eloisa Aparecida Vilas-Boas, Eduardo de Almeida Leite, Ana Claudia Munhoz, Camila Ferraz Lucena, Fernanda Gaspar do Amaral, Angelo Rafael Carpinelli, Jose Cipolla-Neto
Summary: The study shows the crucial role of melatonin in the functionality and remodeling of the endocrine pancreas during pregnancy and early lactation. Lack of melatonin impairs glucose metabolism and insulin secretion regulation, suggesting a mechanism independent of its antioxidant effects and potentially dependent on MT2 receptors. Changes in cell death and proliferation mechanisms also indicate the importance of melatonin in pancreatic remodeling during crucial periods.
JOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lizandra Maia de Sousa, Bianca Gazieri Castelucci, Paula Andrea Saenz Suarez, Ingrid Iara Damas, Fernanda Viviane Mariano, Paulo Pinto Joazeiro, Silvio Roberto Consonni
Summary: Pregnancy and childbirth lead to adaptations in the birth canal, but successive deliveries can affect joint recovery. In multiparous senescent animals, key molecules involved in the maintenance of progenitor cells at the symphyseal enthesis may be altered, potentially compromising joint recovery.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Eng Shi Ong, Christina Liu Ying Oh, Joseph Choon Wee Tan, Su Yi Foo, Chen Huei Leo
Summary: The study used PHWE to extract bioactive phytochemicals from different parts of okra, revealing that okra seeds have the highest antioxidant capacity and antidiabetic effects, likely due to their higher levels of polyphenolic compounds. Okra seeds also showed a reduction in vascular inflammation.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Rebekka Vogtmann, Jacqueline Heupel, Florian Herse, Mahsa Matin, Henning Hagmann, Ivo Bendix, Kristin Kraeker, Ralf Dechend, Elke Winterhager, Rainer Kimmig, Angela Koeninger, Alexandra Gellhaus
Summary: By overexpressing hsFLT1 in mice, the study found that circulating maternal hsFLT1 is sufficient to induce typical maternal preeclampsia-like symptoms, impairing spiral artery remodeling independently from the fetoplacental compartment.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Amy A. Sarma, Samantha M. Paniagua, Emily S. Lau, Dongyu Wang, Elizabeth E. Liu, Martin G. Larson, Naomi M. Hamburg, Gary F. Mitchell, Jorge Kizer, Bruce M. Psaty, Norrina B. Allen, A. Titia Lely, Ronald T. Gansevoort, Emily Rosenberg, Kenneth Mukamal, Emelia J. Benjamin, Ramachandran S. Vasan, Susan Cheng, Daniel Levy, Rudolf A. de Boer, John S. Gottdiener, Sanjiv J. Shah, Jennifer E. Ho
Summary: This study aimed to explore the relationship between the number of live births and cardiac structure and function. The findings showed that an increased number of live births was associated with worse cardiac structure and function, including impaired left ventricular fractional shortening and cardiac mechanics. Additionally, a higher number of live births was associated with an increased risk of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, while a lower risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction was observed.
JOURNAL OF CARDIAC FAILURE
(2023)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Surawee Chuaiphichai, Grace Z. Yu, Cheryl M. J. Tan, Christopher Whiteman, Gillian Douglas, Yasmin Dickinson, Edward N. Drydale, Mahesh Appari, Wei Zhang, Mark J. Crabtree, Eileen McNeill, Ashley B. Hale, Adam J. Lewandowski, Nicholas J. Alp, Manu Vatish, Paul Leeson, Keith M. Channon
Summary: Abnormal uteroplacental remodeling resulting from maternal endothelial BH4 deficiency can lead to hypertension and fetal growth restriction during pregnancy. Supplementing with reduced folates can restore endothelial BH4 levels, reduce blood pressure, and normalize fetal growth, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for pregnancy-related hypertension like preeclampsia.
Article
Biophysics
Sae-Il Murtada, Marcos Latorre, Jay D. Humphrey
Summary: Pregnancy leads to significant remodeling of uterine arteries, which partially recovers postpartum, driven by collagen turnover and other intramural changes. In contrast, the remodeling of the ascending aorta is modest and fully recovers postpartum.
BIOMECHANICS AND MODELING IN MECHANOBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Alexander S. F. Berry, Meghann K. Pierdon, Ana M. Misic, Megan C. Sullivan, Kevin O'Brien, Ying Chen, Samuel J. Murray, Lydia A. Ramharack, Robert N. Baldassano, Thomas D. Parsons, Daniel P. Beiting
Summary: The study reveals that parity is an important factor modulating the gut microbiome during pregnancy, impacting the community of bacteria that colonize the offspring gut early in life, potentially influencing host metabolism. The results underscore the importance of considering parity in human microbiome studies during pregnancy and in infants.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adam L. Valkovic, Martina Kocan, Brad Hoare, Sarah Marshall, Daniel J. Scott, Ross A. D. Bathgate
Summary: This article introduces a new BRET-based cGMP sensor called CYGYEL, which enables efficient and rapid detection of cGMP activity in plate-based assays and successfully detects cGMP signals in different cell types.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Yann W. Yap, Natalie J. Hannan, Euan M. Wallace, Sarah A. Marshall
Summary: Nrf proteins have been found to play a crucial role in placental-derived oxidative stress-induced pregnancy disorders. Successful silencing of Nrf proteins in human cells has been achieved for further research.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Anida Velagic, Jasmin Chendi Li, Cheng Xue Qin, Mandy Li, Minh Deo, Sarah A. Marshall, Dovile Anderson, Owen L. Woodman, John D. Horowitz, Barbara K. Kemp-Harper, Rebecca H. Ritchie
Summary: This study demonstrates that in T2DM, NO · resistance in the heart and vasculature can be circumvented by the HNO donor Angeli's salt, preserving inotropic and lusitropic responses. These findings have important therapeutic potential for cardiovascular emergencies such as acute ischemia and heart failure.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
S. Rowson, M. Reddy, D. L. De Guingand, A. Langston-Cox, S. A. Marshall, F. da Silva Costa, K. R. Palmer
Summary: This study found that using placental-specific sFLT-1 e15a performs comparably to total sFLT-1 in diagnosing preeclampsia, which is particularly helpful in diagnosing early-onset preeclampsia.
Article
Developmental Biology
Courtney Barber, Yann Yap, Natalie J. Hannan, Euan M. Wallace, Sarah A. Marshall
Summary: Preeclampsia is a serious condition during pregnancy that can lead to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. This study found that activin A, a protein produced by the placenta, can cause dysfunction in blood vessels by impairing the relaxation of the blood vessel walls. This dysfunction may contribute to the widespread endothelial dysfunction seen in women with preeclampsia. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying preeclampsia and may lead to the development of new treatments for this condition.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yi Zhang, Amelia Yilin Lee, Kanitthamniyom Pojchanun, Cheng Pau Lee, Aiwu Zhou, Jia An, Michinao Hashimoto, U-Xuan Tan, Chen Huei Leo, Gladys Wong, Chee Kai Chua, Aakanksha Pant
Summary: Three-dimensional food printing can help consumers accept and consume alternative proteins more easily by printing final products that resemble familiar natural foods in terms of taste, texture, and appearance. This study focuses on optimizing multicomponent food inks fortified with alternative proteins for 3D printing using response surface methodology (RSM). The addition of xanthan gum as a shear thinning and hydrating agent optimized the printability and syneresis of the six protein inks. This RSM-based approach has the potential to be widely adopted in 3D food printing.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chen Huei Leo, Su Yi Foo, Joseph Choon Wee Tan, U-Xuan Tan, Chee Kai Chua, Eng Shi Ong
Summary: This study aims to extract bioactive compounds from orange peel waste (OPW) using a green extraction method called pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE). The results showed that extraction temperatures of 60 degrees C and 80 degrees C yielded distinct bioactive compounds with better antioxidant capacity. Specifically, treatment with 60 degrees C OPW extracts inhibited vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in vitro, suggesting its vasoprotective effects mediated by anti-inflammatory effects.
Article
Biology
Natasha de Alwis, Natalie K. Binder, Sally Beard, Yeukai Tm Mangwiro, Elif Kadife, James S. M. Cuffe, Emerson Keenan, Bianca R. Fato, Tu'uhevaha J. Kaituiu-Lino, Fiona C. Brownfoot, Sarah A. Marshall, Natalie J. Hannan
Summary: Preeclampsia affects 2-8% of pregnancies worldwide. This study evaluates the effect of L-NAME in modeling preeclampsia in mice and its long-term effects on maternal cardiovascular health. The results show that L-NAME administration mimics key characteristics of preeclampsia but does not model the increased cardiovascular disease risk seen after preeclampsia.
LIFE SCIENCE ALLIANCE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Chen Huei Leo, Jamie Li Min Ou, Eng Shi Ong, Cheng Xue Qin, Rebecca H. Ritchie, Laura J. Parry, Hooi Hooi Ng
Summary: This study evaluates the protective effects of relaxin on diabetic kidney complications. The results show that relaxin treatment can reduce key markers of kidney fibrosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in a diabetic mouse model, and increase the levels of bile acid metabolites. Therefore, relaxin may serve as an adjunctive treatment for diabetic kidney complications.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Developmental Biology
Courtney Barber, Jennifer H. Yo, Rahana Abdul Rahman, Euan M. Wallace, Kirsten R. Palmer, Sarah A. Marshall
Summary: Activin A is a protein belonging to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily, with diverse physiological roles. Altered activin A levels are associated with the development of various diseases, making it a potential therapeutic target. In pregnancy, activin A produced by the placenta and fetal membranes contributes to gestational disorders, and it may serve as a diagnostic marker for complications like miscarriage and preeclampsia.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Meaghan J. Griffiths, Sarah A. . Marshall, Fiona L. . Cousins, Lauren R. . Alesi, Jordan Higgins, Saranya Giridharan, Urooza C. . Sarma, Ellen Menkhorst, Wei Zhou, Alison S. . Care, Jacqueline F. . Donoghue, Sarah J. . Holdsworth-Carson, Peter A. W. . Rogers, Evdokia Dimitriadis, Caroline E. Gargett, Sarah A. Robertson, Amy L. Winship, Karla J. Hutt
Summary: Female cancer survivors are at a higher risk of infertility due to the damaging effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on the ovaries. However, the effects of cancer treatments on the uterus have been understudied. This study shows that total-body gamma-irradiation (TBI) damages the uterus, leading to compromised pregnancy success. The pro-apoptotic protein Puma is identified as a key mechanism in TBI-induced uterine damage, suggesting that inhibiting PUMA may be a potential fertility preservation strategy.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Meyammai Shanmugham, Sophie Bellanger, Chen Huei Leo
Summary: Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a dietary metabolite derived from gut microbiome, is closely associated with diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, contributing to endothelial dysfunction. The mechanisms underlying TMAO-induced endothelial dysfunction involve inflammation and oxidative stress.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sarah A. Marshall, Remy B. Young, Jessica M. Lewis, Emily L. Rutten, Jodee Gould, Christopher K. Barlow, Cristina Giogha, Vanessa R. Marcelino, Neville Fields, Ralf B. Schittenhelm, Elizabeth L. Hartland, Nichollas E. Scott, Samuel C. Forster, Emily L. Gulliver
Summary: Sulforaphane promotes the growth of specific gut microbiota and produces anti-inflammatory metabolites, providing a new mechanism for treating inflammatory states.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Neville J. Fields, Kirsten R. Palmer, Daniel L. Rolnik, Jennifer Yo, Marcel F. Nold, Michelle L. Giles, Sushena Krishnaswamy, Ary Serpa Neto, Ryan J. Hodges, Sarah A. Marshall, Bruce W. Hollis
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the effects of using a broccoli sprout supplement on the duration of symptoms, maternal and neonatal outcomes, and biomarkers in pregnant women with COVID-19 infection. By conducting a pilot, double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial, researchers plan to enroll 60 pregnant women with COVID-19 and treat them for 14 days, assessing the feasibility and safety of the broccoli sprout supplement.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sakeena Si Yu Tan, Meyammai Shanmugham, Yu Ling Chin, Jia An, Chee Kai Chua, Eng Shi Ong, Chen Huei Leo
Summary: This study extracts phytochemical compounds from mangosteen pericarp using pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE) and investigates its biological effects on endothelial cells using RNA sequencing. Results show that extraction at a temperature of 120 degrees Celsius yields the highest concentrations of key phytochemical compounds and improves antioxidant capacity. Treatment of endothelial cells with the extract activates the AMPK signaling pathway and affects biological processes related to steroid biosynthesis and metabolism. Overall, this study provides important insights into the potential beneficial effects of phytochemical compounds from mangosteen pericarp on cardiometabolic health.