Review
Genetics & Heredity
Eleonora Rubini, Inge M. M. Baijens, Alex Horanszky, Sam Schoenmakers, Kevin D. Sinclair, Melinda Zana, Andras Dinnyes, Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen, Melek Rousian
Summary: The maternal environment during the periconceptional period influences foetal growth and development via epigenetic mechanisms moderated by one-carbon metabolism. Derangements in one-carbon metabolism can increase the risk of embryonic defects and long-term childhood disorders. Maternal folate levels are associated with foetal head size and brain development, with preconceptional folic acid supplement use and specific dietary patterns showing positive effects on foetal head size.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Elena Fauste, Maria Panadero, Cristina Donis, Paola Otero, Carlos Bocos
Summary: Research indicates that maternal fructose intake can have negative effects on pregnancy outcomes in offspring, including increased fat accumulation and decreased insulin sensitivity. Fructose intake also impacts fetal lipid metabolism and hormone levels.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Matladi Masete, Stephanie Dias, Nompumelelo Malaza, Sumaiya Adam, Carmen Pheiffer
Summary: Maternal diabetes, especially pregestational type 1 and type 2 diabetes, is associated with more frequent and severe pregnancy complications compared to gestational diabetes. Recent studies have shown the potential role of miRNAs in the pathophysiology of pregnancy-related disorders, including diabetes. However, there is a lack of miRNA profiling studies in pregnancies complicated by pregestational diabetes, highlighting the need for further research in this area.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Carl R. Dahlen, Lawrence P. Reynolds, Joel S. Caton
Summary: Selenium is an essential micronutrient in both vertebrates and invertebrates, and its deficiency or excess can lead to reproductive insufficiency and dysfunction in both males and females. It is associated with various complications during pregnancy and affects gamete and embryo development. Selenium has positive effects on fertility, embryonic development, and antioxidant properties. Supplementation of selenium can improve fetal growth and development, as well as influence placental and mammary gland growth. Further research is needed to explore the potential benefits of selenium supplementation in reproductive processes across different species.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sajad Jamal Pour, Shamsul Mohd Zain, Reza Vazifehmand, Zahurin Mohamed, Yuh Fen Pung, Hesam Kamyab, Siti Zawiah Omar
Summary: This study investigated the changes in microRNA expression during pregnancy in the Malay population and explored their potential as biomarkers for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The study found that certain microRNAs were significantly altered in GDM patients, and demonstrated their potential as biomarkers for the disease.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Ethics
Hatice Kuebra Ercoskun Senol, Pelin Ercoskun
Summary: In this article, the right to terminate pregnancy is discussed comparatively in terms of the situation in Turkey and the rest of the world. Certain minimum conditions, including voluntary termination, a reasonable period of exercise, and respect for the pregnant person's autonomy, must be met to fully recognize this right. Clear arrangements for cases involving anomalies, diseases, or crimes should be made to ensure practitioners are not hesitant to perform the procedure. It is also important for the State to provide easily accessible termination services for those in need.
JOURNAL OF LAW AND THE BIOSCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Xiyao Yang, Na Wu
Summary: This review summarizes the roles and potential of exosomal miRNAs and circulating miRNAs in GDM. Changes in the expression and secretion of exosomal miRNAs can be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers for GDM. Additionally, exosomal miRNAs can target metabolic pathways, leading to insulin resistance.
DIABETES METABOLIC SYNDROME AND OBESITY-TARGETS AND THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Brian J. Koos, Jeffrey A. Gornbein
Summary: This metabolomics study identified a high-accuracy model for predicting gestational diabetes mellitus in early pregnancy. The research showed that certain metabolites were independently associated with gestational diabetes mellitus and could be used as predictive markers. This finding contributes to future studies on early therapeutic interventions for gestational diabetes mellitus.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Erika E. Paulson, Emily L. Fishman, Richard M. Schultz, Pablo J. Ross
Summary: MicroRNAs play a crucial role in preimplantation embryo development, with their expression increasing during the morula and blastocyst stages. Knockdown of DGCR8 inhibits the expression of embryonically expressed miRNAs and the morula-to-blastocyst transition.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Yuri K. Sinzato, Eduardo Kloeppel, Carolina A. Miranda, Veronyca G. Paula, Larissa F. Alves, Livia L. S. Nascimento, Ana Paula Campos, Barshana Karki, Vaclav Hampl, Gustavo T. Volpato, Debora C. Damasceno
Summary: Inducing diabetes at different life moments, the D5 group showed the best results with lower costs, making it suitable for studies involving diabetes-complicated pregnancies.
LABORATORY ANIMALS
(2021)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Daniela Zuccarello, Ugo Sorrentino, Valeria Brasson, Loris Marin, Chiara Piccolo, Antonio Capalbo, Alessandra Andrisani, Matteo Cassina
Summary: This narrative review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of epigenetics in pregnancy, including the most studied mechanisms and new frontiers. It also discusses the effects of environmental factors on fetal development. Understanding epigenetic regulation in pregnancy is important for better management of pregnancies and reproductive treatments, as well as for comprehending the origin of multifactorial disorders.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jorge Lopez-Tello, Zoe Schofield, Raymond Kiu, Matthew J. Dalby, Douwe van Sinderen, Gwenaelle Le Gall, Amanda N. Sferruzzi-Perri, Lindsay J. Hall
Summary: This study demonstrates that the bacterium Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003, a key member of the maternal gut microbiota, modulates maternal body adaptations, placental structure, and nutrient transporter capacity, with implications for fetal metabolism and growth.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
De-cui Cheng, Yao Su, Feifei Li, Xianming Xu
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of insulin on reducing gestational lipid profiles and propose a real-world approach to assist clinicians. The results showed that the use of insulin in the management of gestational hypertriglyceridemia is safe and efficient, and it can improve the outcomes of newborns and mothers.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
James G. Mainprize, Martin J. Yaffe, Tanya Chawla, Phyllis Glanc
Summary: This study aims to assess the effects of ionizing radiation on the conceptus during pregnancy and explore strategies to mitigate potential harms. By combining data from peer-reviewed literature and modeling, the study estimates the total doses received from specific radiological procedures. It is found that procedures excluding the conceptus have low doses below the tissue reaction threshold, while procedures including the conceptus may approach or exceed thresholds, requiring careful risk-benefit evaluation. Emerging technologies such as whole-body DWI/MRI and ultralow dose studies are important for dose reduction strategies.
ABDOMINAL RADIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Thorsten Braun, Loreen Ehrlich, Wolfgang Henrich, Sebastian Koeppel, Ievgeniia Lomako, Philipp Schwabl, Bettina Liebmann
Summary: The study identified the presence of microplastics (> 50 μm) in placenta and meconium samples from caesarean deliveries, with polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyurethane being the main types detected. However, airborne polyurethane microplastics were also found in the operating room, indicating potential contamination sources. Further research into nano-sized plastics in human tissues is recommended.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dimitra Flouri, Jack R. T. Darby, Stacey L. Holman, Steven K. S. Cho, Catherine G. Dimasi, Sunthara R. Perumal, Sebastien Ourselin, Rosalind Aughwane, Nada Mufti, Christopher K. Macgowan, Mike Seed, Anna L. David, Andrew Melbourne, Janna L. Morrison
Summary: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of fetal blood oxygen saturation (SO2) is important for the clinical management of high-risk pregnancies. A novel MRI method is used to evaluate fetal growth and distinguish between normally grown and FGR fetuses in sheep and humans. A multi-compartment placental MRI model can detect placental SO2 and differentiate between different types of fetuses.
Article
Developmental Biology
Ashley S. Meakin, Marzieh Amirmostofian, Jack Rt Darby, Stacey L. Holman, Janna L. Morrison, Michael D. Wiese
Summary: This study validated an assay to quantify the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in different compartments of the sheep maternal-placental-fetal unit. The results showed that maternal liver had several active CYP enzymes, while placenta and fetal liver had only a few active CYP enzymes. This study provides important insights for studying drug metabolism during pregnancy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tessa A. C. Garrud, Noor E. W. D. Teulings, Youguo Niu, Katie L. L. Skeffington, Christian Beck, Nozomi Itani, Fiona G. G. Conlon, Kimberley J. J. Botting, Lisa M. M. Nicholas, Wen Tong, Jan B. B. Derks, Susan E. E. Ozanne, Dino A. A. Giussani
Summary: Antenatal glucocorticoids can accelerate fetal lung maturation and reduce mortality in preterm babies, but may have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. This study investigated the effects of two commonly used synthetic glucocorticoids, Dexamethasone and Betamethasone, on the cardiovascular system using the chicken embryo model. The results showed that Dexamethasone induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and oxidative stress, while Betamethasone caused cardiomyocyte senescence and impaired vascular function.
Article
Allergy
J. L. Robinson, K. L. Gatford, C. P. Hurst, V. L. Clifton, J. L. Morrison, M. J. Stark
Summary: Asthma in pregnant women in Australia affects about 17% of pregnancies and is associated with negative perinatal outcomes. Revised guidelines in South Australia aim to improve asthma management during pregnancy based on severity. This study explores whether the revised guidelines have reduced the impact of maternal asthma on adverse perinatal outcomes.
Review
Neurosciences
Catherine G. Dimasi, Jack R. T. Darby, Janna L. Morrison
Summary: Mammalian cardiomyocytes undergo significant maturational changes before and after birth. Immature cardiomyocytes can contribute to cardiac growth through proliferation, allowing the heart to regenerate. However, these changes come at the cost of losing cardiac regenerative capacity, leading to permanent damage in postnatal life. This poses a barrier to developing new treatments for cardiac repair and contributes to heart failure. This review focuses on studying the critical transition period of cardiomyocyte growth, exploring novel factors that may regulate and drive this process, and discussing the potential use of new biomarkers for detecting myocardial infarction and cardiovascular disease.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Selvam Paramasivan, Janna L. Morrison, Mitchell C. Lock, Jack R. T. Darby, Roberto A. Barrero, Paul C. Mills, Pawel Sadowski
Summary: Sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra-mass spectrometry, supported by advanced bioinformatics, provides a comprehensive framework for proteome analysis and biomarker discovery. However, the lack of a generic sample preparation platform for heterogeneous materials from different sources limits its broad application. We developed universal and fully automated workflows using a robotic sample preparation platform, enabling in-depth and reproducible proteome coverage of bovine and ovine specimens. The high correlation between sheep proteomics and transcriptomics datasets validates this development and suggests the potential for various clinical applications across different animal species and disease models.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOME RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Henriette Kuhle, Steven K. S. Cho, Nathaniel Barber, Datta Singh Goolaub, Jack R. T. Darby, Janna L. Morrison, Christoph Haller, Liqun Sun, Mike Seed
Summary: Over the past few decades, advanced imaging techniques have been used to assess cardiovascular physiology and cardiac function in the fetus. Technical development has been necessary to make these assessments feasible in the fetus, while an understanding of the unique physiology of fetal circulation is needed for proper interpretation of the results. This review discusses recent advances in fetal echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance, providing examples of their application in research and clinical settings, as well as future directions for these technologies.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Jack R. T. Darby, Georgia K. Williams, Steven K. S. Cho, Ashley S. Meakin, Stacey L. Holman, Megan Quinn, Michael D. Wiese, Christopher K. Macgowan, Mike Seed, Janna L. Morrison
Summary: Babies born with reduced growth face increased risk of poor outcomes. Current interventions are ineffective in improving fetal growth. Resveratrol treatment increases blood flow and oxygenation in the uterus, but high polyphenol diets may negatively affect fetal hemodynamics. This study assessed the safety of resveratrol as an intervention for fetal growth restriction.
PHYSIOLOGICAL REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Joshua L. Robinson, Kathy L. Gatford, Vicki L. Clifton, Janna L. Morrison, Michael J. Stark
Summary: This scoping review aims to describe the methodology, phenotype, and characteristics of maternal asthma models used in preclinical studies, as well as the measured outcomes in the mother and progeny. The review also aims to identify gaps in knowledge regarding maternal and progeny outcomes following maternal asthma in pregnancy.
JBI EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Mitchell C. Lock, Kimberley J. Botting, Beth J. Allison, Youguo Niu, Sage G. Ford, Michael P. Murphy, Sandra Orgeig, Dino A. Giussani, Janna L. Morrison
Summary: Chronic fetal hypoxemia increases the risk of respiratory complications at birth. Maternal antioxidant therapy has been shown to be protective for fetal growth and cardiovascular development. This study investigated the effects of maternal antenatal treatment with MitoQ on lung development in hypoxic pregnancy in sheep, and found that it promoted fetal pulmonary surfactant maturation and increased expression of key genes involved in lung development.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Brahmdeep S. Saini, Robin Ducas, Jack R. T. Darby, Davide Marini, Liqun Sun, Christopher K. Macgowan, Rory Windrim, John C. Kingdom, Rachel M. Wald, Janna L. Morrison, Mike Seed
Summary: Late gestational supine positioning affects maternal cardiac output and oxygen delivery, but not oxygen consumption in the gravid uterus, fetus, placenta, and lower limbs. Supine mothers have lower cardiac output and oxygen delivery compared to lateral positions, but higher collateral venous return.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jack R. T. Darby, Song Zhang, Stacey L. Holman, Beverly S. Muhlhausler, Caroline McMillen, Janna L. Morrison
Summary: The effects of fetal glucose infusion on cardiac growth and metabolism signaling molecules were evaluated. Results showed that despite increased fetal plasma glucose and insulin concentrations, there were no significant changes in mRNA expression and protein abundance of these molecules.
Article
Neurosciences
Catherine G. Dimasi, Jack R. T. Darby, Steven K. S. Cho, Brahmdeep S. Saini, Stacey L. Holman, Ashley S. Meakin, Michael D. Wiese, Christopher K. Macgowan, Mike Seed, Janna L. Morrison
Summary: Babies born with fetal growth restriction (FGR) have a higher risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases. FGR reduces substrate supply to the fetus, which affects cardiac growth, metabolism, and function. A study using a sheep model of placental restriction found that FGR decreases glucose and fatty acid transporters, as well as mitochondrial numbers and electron transport chain complexes in the fetal heart.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Developmental Biology
Ashley Meakin, Vicki Clifton, Jack Darby, Stacey Holman, Michael Wiese, Janna Morrison
Meeting Abstract
Developmental Biology
Ashley Meakin, Melanie Smith, Janna Morrison, Claire Roberts, Martha Lappas, Stacey Ellery, Olivia Holland, Tony Perkins, Sharon McCracken, Vicki Flenady, Vicki Clifton
