Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Xiaxia Cai, Ning Liang, Xueping Cai, Qi Zhou, Qinyu Dang, Zhuo Hu, Huanling Yu
Summary: This study found that maternal APOE gene rs429358 C allele, fetal APOE gene rs440446 G allele, and fetal LPL gene rs263 T allele increased the risk of MSPH, while maternal LDLR gene rs7258950 A allele decreased the risk of MSPH. The maternal-fetal variant concordance is associated with the risk of MSPH.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Panagiotis Papatheodorou, Selina Kindig, Adriana Badilla-Lobo, Stephan Fischer, Ebru Durgun, Tharani Thuraisingam, Alexander Witte, Shuo Song, Klaus Aktories, Esteban Chaves-Olarte, Cesar Rodriguez, Holger Barth
Summary: The intestinal pathogen Clostridioides difficile produces two large exotoxins, toxin A and toxin B, which cause clinical symptoms of C. difficile-associated diseases. Inhibiting the cellular uptake and mode of action of these toxins is a promising therapeutic strategy. The sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 pathway and membrane cholesterol play crucial roles in the intoxication of cells by TcdA and TcdB, offering potential targets for novel antitoxin strategies.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hana Horackova, Rona Karahoda, Lukas Cerveny, Veronika Vachalova, Ronja Ebner, Cilia Abad, Frantisek Staud
Summary: Depression is common during pregnancy and many women are prescribed antidepressants. These drugs may disrupt serotonin homeostasis in the placenta or fetus, potentially leading to adverse effects of antidepressant use during pregnancy.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Babita Madan, David M. Virshup, W. David J. Nes, David Leaver
Summary: Cholesterol biosynthesis plays a vital role in human metabolism and its deregulation can impact cancer cell viability. The amphipathic property and shape of the cholesterol molecule contribute to its importance in cell viability and normal development. Cholesterol can also convert to metabolites with distinct functions, leading to a complex interplay between cholesterol synthesis and overall steroidogenesis. Inhibitor studies suggest a potential role of disrupted cholesterol biosynthesis, along with imported cholesterol, in cancer development.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Ananthkumar Kammala, Meagan Benson, Esha Ganguly, Enkhtuya Radnaa, Talar Kechichian, Lauren Richardson, Ramkumar Menon
Summary: This study found that fetal membrane cells have drug transport capabilities, and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) is expressed in placental cells and derived exosomes. These results suggest that the fetal membrane and exosomes may serve as important routes for drug transport during pregnancy.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Davell Carter, Marina Better, Saed Abbasi, Fareeha Zulfiqar, Rachel Shapiro, Laura M. Ensign
Summary: Conception, pregnancy, and childbirth are complex processes that have significant impact on both the mother and fetus. However, there is a lack of safe and effective treatment options in women's health and pregnancy. The physiological changes during menstrual cycle and pregnancy make drug administration and delivery more complicated, and overcoming physiological barriers is also challenging. Nanomedicine offers a unique opportunity to improve safety and minimize side effects by targeting drug delivery to the reproductive tract and other relevant organs in the mother and fetus, and has the potential to improve the management and treatment of infertility, obstetric complications, and fetal conditions.
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Louis J. Muglia, Katrien Benhalima, Stephen Tong, Susan Ozanne
Summary: This article explores the importance of improving pregnancy health for the lifelong well-being of the mother and offspring. It highlights the immediate and long-term impacts of maternal environmental factors on fetal development and maternal cardiometabolic health. Using 'omics technologies across different platforms, research on preterm birth, metabolic influences, maternal disorders, and their effects on pregnancy outcomes and child health is expected to provide new insights and preventative strategies.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caitlyn E. Bowman, Zoltan Arany, Michael J. Wolfgang
Summary: Pregnancy is a nutritionally sensitive stage, and communication between mother and fetus through metabolites is crucial. Studies on humans and animals provide insights into the metabolic adaptations of the fetus, placenta, and mother during pregnancy. Understanding the dynamic nature of maternal-fetal metabolic communication may lead to the discovery of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders in pregnancy.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Eran Ashwal, Susan Blaser, Ashley Leckie, Dilkash Kajal, Pradeep Krishnan, Karen Chong, Maian Roifman, Ants Toi, David Chitayat
Summary: This retrospective study evaluated the short- and long-term outcomes of fetuses with extension of the choroid plexus into the frontal horns. The majority of fetuses with this anomaly had favorable neurodevelopmental outcomes.
PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Geetika Bassi, Suresh Mishra
Summary: Mitochondria play a crucial role in steroidogenesis, particularly in cholesterol transport and P450scc enzyme synthesis. A study on transgenic mice reveals that PHB1 has a regulatory role in Leydig cell steroidogenesis, involving cell signaling, cholesterol homeostasis, and mitochondrial biology.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jialing Huang, Yunqing Qi, Xiaowen Zeng, Wei Huang, Da Chen
Summary: A LC-MS based methodology has been developed for simultaneous quantitation of primary immunoglobulin isotypes and subclasses in human plasma, showing good linearity, precision, and accuracy. The method has been applied to assess maternal and fetal immune status, demonstrating reliability for biomonitoring and epidemiological studies.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A
(2022)
Review
Anesthesiology
J. R. Dick, R. Wimalasundera, R. Nandi
Summary: Advances in early diagnosis, imaging, and surgical techniques have led to significant growth in fetal surgery over the past three decades. Anesthesia, particularly high-risk anesthesia for both the mother and fetus, is crucial in these procedures. Clear communication and collaboration among team members are essential for successful outcomes for patients, mothers, and fetuses.
Article
Immunology
Caroline Charlier, Julia Dina, Francois Freymuth, Astrid Vabret, Olivier Lortholary, Denise Antona, Marc Lecuit
Summary: Research shows that measles virus can be detected in the saliva and blood of pregnant women, leading to transmission to the fetus during pregnancy, resulting in asymptomatic infection at birth. Despite severe peripartum congenital measles, asymptomatic vertical transmission of the measles virus can occur in early pregnancy.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anastasia V. Poznyak, Dmitry A. Kashirskikh, Vasily N. Sukhorukov, Vladislav Kalmykov, Andrey V. Omelchenko, Alexander N. Orekhov
Summary: Atherosclerosis is a major cause of serious cardiovascular disorders, and its pathogenesis involves multiple processes. Reverse transport of cholesterol is a mechanism that plays a protective role against atherosclerosis. Disordered cholesterol metabolism can result in dyslipidemia and early atherosclerosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biology
Kanako Kobayashi, Kazuko Iwasa, Rika Azuma-Suzuki, Takeshi Kawauchi, Yo-ichi Nabeshima
Summary: 13-Klotho (13-KL) is crucial for metabolic regulation during embryonic development, as it mediates fetomaternal cholesterol transport through FGF15 signaling. Impairment of the 13-KL-FGF15 axis leads to fetal growth restriction and reduced body weight in mice.
LIFE SCIENCE ALLIANCE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tessa J. Roseboom, Susan E. Ozanne, Keith M. Godfrey, Carmen R. Isasi, Hiroaki Itoh, Rebecca Simmons, Amita Bansal, Mary Barker, Torsten Plosch, Deb M. Sloboda, Stephen G. Matthews, Caroline H. D. Fall, Lucilla Poston, Mark A. Hanson
JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Khosbayar Lkhagvadorj, Zhijun Zeng, Karolin F. Meyer, Laura P. Verweij, Wierd Kooistra, Marjan Reinders-Luinge, Henk W. Dijkhuizen, Inge A. M. de Graaf, Torsten Plosch, Machteld N. Hylkema
Summary: The study revealed that postnatal smoke exposure exacerbates the effects of prenatal smoke exposure on nicotine metabolism, leading to increased cotinine levels and Cyp2a5 mRNA expression in male offspring. Both pre- and postnatal smoke exposure were found to alter DNA methylation of Cyp2a5, with prenatal smoke exposure decreasing cotinine levels in male offspring. These adverse effects were more pronounced in males and could potentially accelerate the risk of nicotine dependence later in life when considering human health implications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Lu Sun, Rikst-Nynke Verkaik-Schakel, Knut Biber, Torsten Ploesch, Tsvetan Serchov
Summary: The research demonstrated that stress-induced depression-like behavior and antidepressant treatments are associated with epigenetic alterations of the Homer1 promoter, providing new insights into the mechanism of antidepressant treatment.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Laia Guardia-Escote, Jordi Blanco, Pia Basaure, Judit Biosca-Brull, Rikst Nynke Verkaik-Schakel, Maria Cabre, Fiona Peris-Sampedro, Cristian Perez-Fernandez, Fernando Sanchez-Santed, Torsten Plosch, Jose L. Domingo, Maria Teresa Colomina
Summary: The study demonstrates the importance of sex in epigenetic regulation, as well as the implications of CPF treatment and APOE genotype. The results indicate that sex plays a key role in the regulation of epigenetics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Daphne H. Klerk, Torsten Plosch, Rikst Nynke Verkaik-Schakel, Jan B. F. Hulscher, Elisabeth M. W. Kooi, Arend F. Bos
Summary: This study revealed differences in DNA methylation of TLR4, VEGFA, and DEFA5 in NEC infants, which may vary in relation to the time of NEC onset. These changes could influence gene expression and increase the risk of developing NEC. Additionally, the study demonstrated the potential use of human DNA extraction from stool samples as a non-invasive method for exploring the bowel of preterm infants, as well as NEC patients.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stefano Lorenzetti, Torsten Ploesch, Inga C. Teller
Summary: Breastfeeding provides overall beneficial health to the mother-child dyad and is universally recognized as the preferred feeding mode for infants. This review discusses the environmental and dietary contaminants' effects on chemicals in human milk and focuses on the short- and long-term effects of these contaminants on the human body.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Anne E. Richter, Iris Bekkering-Bauer, Rikst Nynke Verkaik-Schakel, Mariette Leeuwerke, Jozien C. Tanis, Caterina M. Bilardo, Elisabeth M. W. Kooi, Sicco A. Scherjon, Arend F. Bos, Torsten Plosch
Summary: In this study, follow-up of 21 FGR children revealed a correlation between fetal brain-sparing and specific trends in methylation levels of certain genes, which were associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes.
JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE
(2022)
Review
Physiology
Mian Bao, Naomi Hofsink, Torsten Ploesch
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic poses acute risks to human health, especially during pregnancy. Maternal immune activation (MIA) induced by bacteria or viruses can have adverse effects on offspring, impacting multiple organ systems. This review compares bacterial and viral MIA mechanisms and the potential long-term outcomes using animal models.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-REGULATORY INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Anouschka S. Ramsteijn, Rikst Nynke Verkaik-Schakel, Danielle J. Houwing, Torsten Plosch, Jocelien D. A. Olivier
Summary: This study reveals the sex-specific effects of perinatal fluoxetine exposure on brain development in juvenile rats. Males show stronger behavioral outcomes and differential gene expression in the prefrontal cortex and basolateral amygdala. Epigenetic regulation may underlie these developmental changes.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Nienke H. van Dokkum, Sofia Bachini, Rikst Nynke Verkaik-Schakel, Dyvonne H. Baptist, Sahar Salavati, Karianne E. Kraft, Sicco A. Scherjon, Arend F. Bos, Torsten Plosch
Summary: This study found that hypomethylation of NR3C1 in placental tissue is associated with poorer neurological functioning at 3 months post-term in extremely preterm infants. The findings suggest a need for further investigation on alleviating stress during pregnancy and its impact on preterm infants and their neurodevelopmental outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Naomi Hofsink, Dorieke J. Dijkstra, Violeta Stojanovska, Sicco A. Scherjon, Torsten Ploesch
Summary: Exposure to pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia (PE), has long-term effects on the health of offspring. This study examines the molecular changes in the fetal brain and liver caused by PE exposure, with a focus on gene transcription and DNA methylation. The results show altered gene expression and DNA methylation in several key regulatory genes in both fetal brain and liver, suggesting potential effects on glucose metabolism in the liver and neurogenesis in the brain. The observed sex-specific growth restriction pattern does not align with the molecular data, indicating that PE drives the molecular phenotype of the offspring rather than tissue growth.
JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Nuan Lin, Jiazhe Lin, Torsten Plosch, Pingnan Sun, Xiaoling Zhou
Summary: This study identifies a six-gene granulosa cell signature associated with oxidative stress and ovarian aging.
OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Andreas B. Gevaert, Nathanael Wood, Jente R. A. Boen, Constantinos H. Davos, Dominique Hansen, Henner Hanssen, Guido Krenning, Trine Moholdt, Elena Osto, Francesco Paneni, Roberto F. E. Pedretti, Torsten Plosch, Maria Simonenko, T. Scott Bowen
Summary: This article discusses the link between changes in epigenetic systems and cardiovascular disease, as well as the acute and chronic effects of physical activity and dietary changes on epigenetics. It proposes exercise and nutrition as potential triggers for epigenetic signals that can reshape the transcriptional programs affecting CVD phenotypes.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aafke Engwerda, Kristin M. Abbott, Marrit M. Hitzert, Conny M. A. Van Ravenswaaij-Arts, Wilhelmina S. Kerstjens-Frederikse
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Elze R. Timmers, Torsten Plosch, Marenka Smit, Ingrid H. Hof, Rikst Nynke Verkaik-Schakel, Marina A. J. Tijssen, Tom J. de Koning, Klary E. Niezen-Koning
Summary: This study found differences in the percentage of methylation of the gene encoding for the serotonin reuptake transporter between dystonia patients and healthy controls. Methylation levels were also associated with the severity of anxiety and presence of a depressive disorder. These findings suggest that there may be alterations in the serotonin metabolism in dystonia patients, which could contribute to their non-motor symptoms.
CLINICAL EPIGENETICS
(2022)
