Review
Neurosciences
Rachel Farrelly, Margeurite Gina Kennedy, Rebecca Spencer, Karen Forbes
Summary: In high income countries, a significant percentage of pregnancies are complicated by conditions such as pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, and gestational diabetes. Despite the lack of effective preventive or treatment methods, recent research has shown the potential of studying maternal and placental extracellular vesicles as predictive and diagnostic biomarkers for these obstetric disorders. Further research is needed to enhance understanding and management of these pathologies.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Acoustics
C. A. Cluver, L. Bergman, J. Bergkvist, H. Imberg, L. Geerts, D. R. Hall, B. W. Mol, S. Tong, S. P. Walker
Summary: This study assessed whether coexisting fetal growth restriction (FGR) influences pregnancy latency and maternal and perinatal outcomes in women with preterm pre-eclampsia. The results showed that FGR is associated with shorter pregnancy latency, more emergency Cesarean deliveries, fewer successful inductions of labor, and increased rates of neonatal morbidity and mortality.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Acoustics
A. Basso, L. Youssef, A. Nakaki, C. Paules, J. Miranda, G. Casu, L. Salazar, E. Gratacos, E. Eixarch, F. Crispi, F. Crovetto
Summary: This study aims to explore the pattern of fetal cortical development in pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia (PE), with and without a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetus, compared to uncomplicated pregnancies. The results showed that pregnancies with PE, whether with a SGA or AGA fetus, had similar cortical development patterns that were comparable to those observed in small fetuses.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Caiyun Ge, Ting Geng, Lin Cheng, Yuanzhen Zhang
Summary: Maternal exposure to PCB118 was found to have adverse effects on placental angiogenesis and fetal growth. PCB118 exposure caused decreased fetal body and placental weights, increased rates of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), impaired placental histology, decreased number of blood vessels, and anomalous mRNA expression of genes related to angiogenesis in the placenta.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natasha de Alwis, Sally Beard, Natalie K. Binder, Natasha Pritchard, Tu'uhevaha J. Kaitu'u-Lino, Susan P. Walker, Owen Stock, Katie Groom, Scott Petersen, Amanda Henry, Joanne M. Said, Sean Seeho, Stefan C. Kane, Stephen Tong, Lisa Hui, Natalie J. Hannan
Summary: Elevated levels of OLAH in the placenta may be associated with placental dysfunction in pregnancies complicated by preterm preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Further research is required to understand the role of OLAH in the placenta, and whether these changes are a maternal adaptation or consequence of disease.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Victoria E. de Knegt, Paula L. Hedley, Jorgen K. Kanters, Ida N. Thagaard, Lone Krebs, Michael Christiansen, Ulrik Lausten-Thomsen
Summary: Leptin plays a crucial role in regulating pregnancy-related functions and its dysregulation during pregnancy can lead to pre-eclampsia and restricted fetal growth. The regulatory mechanisms involving leptin in pre-eclampsia are specific to each situation, and the dysregulation of leptin likely affects fetal growth through complex interactions with parallel pregnancy systems throughout pregnancy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giorgia Sebastiani, Elisabet Navarro-Tapia, Laura Almeida-Toledano, Mariona Serra-Delgado, Anna Lucia Paltrinieri, Oscar Garcia-Algar, Vicente Andreu-Fernandez
Summary: Hypoxia and oxidative stress are crucial for fetal development during pregnancy, but an imbalance in oxidative molecules can lead to complications. Antioxidants may be a promising tool for treating these complications.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ran Li, Jing Peng, Wenhui Zhang, Yunlu Wu, Renjie Hu, Rucheng Chen, Weijia Gu, Lu Zhang, Li Qin, Mianhua Zhong, Lung-Chi Chen, Qinghua Sun, Cuiqing Liu
Summary: Recent studies have found that gestational exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In this study, pregnant mice were exposed to either filtered air or ambient PM2.5, and it was found that PM2.5 exposure during gestation resulted in reduced fetal body weight and crown-rump length. Moreover, the placental blood sinusoid and expression of placental nutrient transporters and growth hormone were also affected by PM2.5 exposure. Additional tests revealed that PM2.5 exposure inhibited autophagy and activated the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in the placenta. These findings suggest that autophagy inhibition leading to placental developmental disorder might be an important mechanism for PM2.5-induced growth restriction.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
R. Aughwane, N. Mufti, D. Flouri, K. Maksym, R. Spencer, M. Sokolska, G. Kendall, D. Atkinson, A. Bainbridge, J. Deprest, T. Vercauteren, S. Ourselin, A. L. David, A. Melbourne
Summary: The study found that MRI technique can reveal differences in feto-placental oxygen saturation between normal and early-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) pregnancies, and this difference is associated with disease severity.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Acoustics
J. Gutierrez Henares, R. Gutierrez Henares, H. Perry, A. Khalil, B. Thilaganathan
Summary: Objective non-invasive assessment of maternal cardiovascular potential and kinetic energy using PKR and SMII may help distinguish pregnancies affected by specific placental disorders and those exhibiting healthy cardiovascular adaptation to pregnancy. Women with HDP and/or SGA have distinctive PKR and SMII profiles, reflecting low kinetic energy in pregnancies with SGA and high potential energy in pregnancies affected by HDP. Non-invasive assessment of potential and kinetic cardiovascular energy demonstrates high-flow and low-resistance adaptation in uncomplicated pregnancies.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Acoustics
A. C. M. Kluivers, A. Biesbroek, W. Visser, L. Saleh, H. Russcher, A. H. J. Danser, R. I. Neuman
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the levels of placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), and free PlGF in women with pre-eclampsia (PE) with or without a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonate. The findings suggest that diminished PlGF production is an important cause of low free PlGF levels, particularly in pregnancies with early-onset PE and SGA. The upregulation of sFlt-1 occurs synergistically in women with both PE and SGA.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Jorge Lopez-Tello, Amanda N. Sferruzzi-Perri
Summary: Babies with small for gestational age (SGA), defined as birthweight below the 10th percentile, may have a higher risk of neurodevelopmental abnormalities compared to babies with normal birthweight. Previous research has focused on studying the transport function of the placenta, while the role of placental hormones in fetal growth regulation remains largely unexplored. Using a mouse model, this study found that SGA fetuses had lower placental efficiency and reduced hormone production, leading to decreased brain weight and expression of certain genes related to development and metabolism. These findings highlight the importance of placental endocrine dysfunction in fetal growth and brain development in SGA babies.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Daina B. Esposito, Brian Bateman, Martha Werler, Loreen Straub, Helen Mogun, Sonia Hernandez-Diaz, Krista Huybrechts
Summary: Opioids may have an impact on placental abruption, preterm delivery, and small for gestational age, while showing no association with preeclampsia, according to a study using data from the US nationwide Medicaid Analytic Extract.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Developmental Biology
Abigail R. Anness, Aisha Baldo, David R. Webb, Asma Khalil, Thompson G. Robinson, Hatem A. Mousa
Summary: The study found that metformin may regulate multiple biomarkers implicated in the pathogenesis of PMD by reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines, suppressing the release of angiogenic factors, and increasing levels of certain proteins. These findings suggest the exciting potential for metformin as a therapeutic and preventative agent in the treatment of PMD, which warrants further investigation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
C. M. van Kammen, S. J. van Woudenberg, R. Schiffelers, F. Terstappen, A. T. Lely
Summary: Preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction are pregnancy complications that can be treated with nanomedicines, which regulate drug interaction with the placenta to enhance treatment efficacy and minimize fetal exposure. Liposomes and polymeric drug delivery systems show promising results in preventing trans-placental passage of nanomedicines, while quantum dots and silicon nanoparticles have limited research in placental insufficiency syndromes. Animal studies demonstrate positive effects on maternal and fetal health, but results are influenced by various factors. Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology of these complex diseases and ensure the safety and efficacy of nanomedicines before clinical implementation.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Alice Dempsey, Clare Mumby, Giovanna Bernatavicius, Stephen A. Roberts, Jenny E. Myers
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and clinical outcomes of metformin treatment in women with mild fasting hyperglycemia during pregnancy. The results showed that most women were satisfied with metformin treatment and it helped to lower blood glucose levels. However, the recruitment rate in the study was low, suggesting that future research may need to consider alternative approaches.
JOURNAL OF MATERNAL-FETAL & NEONATAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Holly Hope, Matthias Pierce, Edward D. Johnstone, Jenny Myers, Kathryn M. Abel
Summary: The study aims to examine the sexual and reproductive health risks associated with mental illness among women. The findings indicate that women with mental illness are more likely to experience recurrent miscarriage, termination, gynaecological diseases, sexually transmitted infections, reproductive cancers, and less likely to attend for cervical screening, highlighting significant health inequalities for this population.
ARCHIVES OF WOMENS MENTAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chiamaka Esther Amaefule, Zoe Drymoussi, Francisco Jose Gonzalez Carreras, Maria Del Carmen Pardo Llorente, Doris Lanz, Julie Dodds, Lorna Sweeney, Elena Pizzo, Amy Thomas, James Heighway, Jahnavi Daru, Soha Sobhy, Lucilla Poston, Asma Khalil, Jenny Myers, Angela Harden, Graham Hitman, Khalid Saeed Khan, Javier Zamora, Teresa Perez, Mohammed S. B. Huda, Shakila Thangaratinam
Summary: This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a randomized trial on the effects of myo-inositol in preventing gestational diabetes in high-risk pregnant women. The study found a potential reduction in insulin resistance during pregnancy with myo-inositol, but intervention in a non-powder form is needed to improve adherence.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Laura A. Magee, Mark A. Brown, David R. Hall, Sanjay Gupte, Annemarie Hennessy, S. Ananth Karumanchi, Louise C. Kenny, Fergus McCarthy, Jenny Myers, Liona C. Poon, Sarosh Rana, Shigeru Saito, Anne Cathrine Staff, Eleni Tsigas, Peter von Dadelszen
Summary: Uniform departmental management protocols should be maintained for managing hypertensive pregnant women, and regular audits of maternal and fetal outcomes should be conducted. The cause and optimal clinical management of pre-eclampsia and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy remain uncertain, therefore, it is recommended that every hypertensive pregnant woman be given the opportunity to participate in research, clinical trials, and follow-up studies.
PREGNANCY HYPERTENSION-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WOMENS CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Laura Ormesher, Suzanne Higson, Matthew Luckie, Stephen A. Roberts, Heather Glossop, Andrew Trafford, Elizabeth Cottrell, Edward D. Johnstone, Jenny E. Myers
Summary: This study found that postnatal cardiovascular morbidity persists in women with preterm pre-eclampsia six months after childbirth, particularly in the form of diastolic dysfunction and increased total vascular resistance. Earlier gestation at delivery and lower birthweight are associated with worse cardiovascular function at six months postpartum.
PREGNANCY HYPERTENSION-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WOMENS CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Laura Ormesher, Sarah Vause, Suzanne Higson, Anna Roberts, Bernard Clarke, Stephanie Curtis, Victoria Ordonez, Faiza Ansari, Thomas R. Everett, Claire Hordern, Lucy Mackillop, Victoria Stern, Tessa Bonnett, Alice Reid, Suzanne Wallace, Ebruba Oyekan, Hannah Douglas, Matthew Cauldwell, Maya Reddy, Kirsten Palmer, Maggie Simpson, Janet Brennand, Laura Minns, Leisa Freeman, Sarah Murray, Nirmala Mary, James Castleman, Katie R. Morris, Elizabeth Haslett, Christopher Cassidy, Edward D. Johnstone, Jenny E. Myers
Summary: This multicentre retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the prevalence of pre-eclampsia in women with pre-existing cardiac dysfunction and explore the relationship between pregnancy outcome and pre-pregnancy cardiac phenotype. The study found that there was a modest increase in preterm pre-eclampsia and significant increase in fetal growth restriction in women with pre-existing cardiac dysfunction. The study also found that there was no correlation between cardiac function and pregnancy outcome, but the use of antenatal ss blockers was associated with lower birthweight.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Isabelle Greatholder, Emma Tomlinson, Jack Wilkinson, Lucy E. Higgins, Mark D. Kilby, Alexander E. P. Heazell
Summary: This study aimed to explore the feasibility of an observational study to identify modifiable factors associated with adverse neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies. The results showed that twin pregnancies have different frequencies of exposures compared to singleton pregnancies, highlighting the need for twin-specific studies to identify modifiable factors and develop preventative strategies for morbidity and mortality in twin pregnancies.
ACTA OBSTETRICIA ET GYNECOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
James M. Roberts, Tekoa L. King, John R. Barton, Stacy Beck, Ira M. Bernstein, Tiffani E. Buck, Michele A. Forgues-Lackie, Francesca L. Facco, Alison D. Gernand, Cornelia R. Graves, Arundhati Jeyabalan, Alisse Hauspurg, Tracy A. Manuck, Jenny E. Myers, Trashaun M. Powell, Elizabeth F. Sutton, Elizabeth Tinker, Eleni Tsigas, Leslie Myatt
Summary: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder that affects a large number of pregnant individuals worldwide. Low-dose aspirin has been found to modestly reduce the occurrence of preeclampsia, but its long-term effects on infants are not well-studied. Expert groups have identified clinical factors and tests that can help assess the risk of preeclampsia and recommend preventive therapy. Additional care and interventions can improve outcomes for individuals at risk. A collaborative care plan has been developed to reduce the risk of preeclampsia and its associated morbidities.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Lucy Hammer, Alexander E. P. Heazell, Andrew Povey, Jenny E. Myers, John M. D. Thompson, Edward D. Johnstone
Summary: This study found that levels of ambient air pollution during pregnancy in the UK, which were all below recommended thresholds, are not associated with an increased risk of stillbirth. However, periconceptual exposure to NO2 may be associated with an increased risk, but further research is needed to investigate this association.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Thomas Willmott, Laura Ormesher, Andrew J. Mcbain, Gavin J. Humphreys, Jenny E. Myers, Gurdeep Singh, Jon O. Lundberg, Eddie Weitzberg, Carina Nihlen, Elizabeth C. Cottrell
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the role of oral microbiota profiles and oral nitrate-reducing capacity in explaining individual differences in blood pressure (BP) lowering following dietary nitrate supplementation. The results showed that women with hypertension had lower salivary nitrite concentrations and reduced abundance of nitrate-reducing bacteria compared to normotensive women. Oral nitrate reductase (NaR) activity did not differ significantly between pregnant and nonpregnant women, but it tended to be lower in hypertensive women. Oral NaR activity was associated with both baseline diastolic BP and changes in diastolic BP after acute nitrate intake.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Laura Ormesher, Stephanie A. Worton, Ashley Best, Susanna R. Dodd, Alice Dempsey, Elizabeth C. Cottrell, Heather Glossop, Catherine Chmiel, Hoi Yee Wu, Ben Hardwick, Sophie Hennessy, Edward D. Johnstone, Jenny E. Myers
Summary: Oral supplementation with L-citrulline is acceptable and increases citrulline and arginine levels in pregnant women with chronic hypertension. However, this study did not find any significant effects of L-citrulline on blood pressure and other vascular outcomes. Further research is needed to understand the pharmacokinetic changes of L-citrulline during pregnancy.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Z. Foyston, L. Higgins, D. M. Smith, A. Wittkowski
Summary: This review examines the psychological, social, and health needs of parents during pregnancy and early parenting following medicalised conception. The findings highlight parents' lack of safety during pregnancy, their protective behavior towards the unborn child, and the complex and non-linear nature of their identity transition during parenting. It suggests the need for consistent, holistic care integrating psychological services.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dexter J. L. Hayes, Jo C. Dumville, Tanya Walsh, Lucy E. Higgins, Margaret Fisher, Anna Akselsson, Melissa Whitworth, Alexander E. P. Heazell
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether interventions aimed at encouraging awareness of reduced fetal movement and/or improving its subsequent clinical management reduce the frequency of stillbirth or other important secondary outcomes. The results indicate that encouraging awareness of fetal movement may be associated with reduced neonatal intensive care unit admissions and Apgar scores of <7 at 5 minutes of age, but the effect on reducing stillbirth remains uncertain. The analysis was limited by variations in interventions, outcome reporting, and definitions.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY MFM
(2023)