Article
Immunology
Anya L. Arthurs, Melanie D. Smith, Mhyles D. Hintural, James Breen, Dylan McCullough, Francesca I. Thornton, Shalem Y. Leemaqz, Gustaaf A. Dekker, Tanja Jankovic-Karasoulos, Claire T. Roberts
Summary: Parturition signals the end of immune tolerance in pregnancy. The activation of placental inflammasome differs in terms of mode of delivery and neonatal sex. Assessing placental inflammasome activation may identify babies who have been exposed to aberrant inflammation at birth.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(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)
Review
Biology
Belen Gimeno-Molina, Ingrid Muller, Pascale Kropf, Lynne Sykes
Summary: Neutrophils are surveillance cells that play a key role in both sterile inflammation and infection. They are important in both term and preterm deliveries and contribute to tissue remodelling.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jose Galaz, Roberto Romero, Jonathan M. Greenberg, Kevin R. Theis, Marcia Arenas-Hernandez, Yi Xu, Marcelo Farias-Jofre, Derek Miller, Tomi Kanninen, Valeria Garcia-Flores, Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
Summary: This study provides mechanistic insights into the host-microbiome interactions within the cervico-vaginal microenvironment during premature labor and birth. The intra-amniotic delivery of LPS and IL-1 alpha triggers inflammatory responses and changes in the vaginal microbiome, leading to signs of active labor. Conversely, blocking progesterone action with RU-486 triggers local immune responses and signs of active labor without altering the vaginal microbiome. Additionally, preterm labor facilitates the ascension of cervico-vaginal bacteria into the amniotic cavity.
Review
Immunology
Yi-kai Lin, Ping Zhu, Wang-sheng Wang, Kang Sun
Summary: Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute phase protein released primarily from the liver in response to infection, inflammation and trauma. In pregnancy, SAA may function as a host-derived damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) protein and play a critical role in normal parturition and gestational disorders.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nadia Lampiasi
Summary: Mast cells and macrophages are innate immune cells that play important roles in maintaining tissue homeostasis and responding to inflammatory conditions. Their crosstalk is essential for optimal coordination of their functions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Jose Galaz, Kenichiro Motomura, Roberto Romero, Zhenjie Liu, Valeria Garcia-Flores, Li Tao, Yi Xu, Bogdan Done, Marcia Arenas-Hernandez, Tomi Kanninen, Marcelo Farias-Jofre, Derek Miller, Adi L. Tarca, Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
Summary: Preterm birth is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Sterile intra-amniotic inflammation, triggered by alarmins, is a common condition associated with preterm labor. The NLRP3 inflammasome has been implicated in this process, but its mechanisms are not fully understood. By studying Nlrp3-/- mice, researchers found that NLRP3 deficiency prevents preterm birth and neonatal mortality by inhibiting premature labor activation and reducing inflammation. Furthermore, both maternal and fetal Nlrp3 signaling contribute to alarmin-induced preterm birth. These findings highlight the importance of targeting NLRP3 signaling to prevent adverse perinatal outcomes.
TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Zhongwei Zhang, Peter B. Ernst, Hiroshi Kiyono, Yosuke Kurashima
Summary: Mast cells are widely distributed immune cells with diverse phenotypes and functions. They exhibit high functional heterogeneity and plasticity due to their unique maturation mechanism. Mast cells can adapt to different microenvironments and regulate allergy and inflammation under the peripheral immune education system. This review focuses on the mechanism and heterogeneity of mast cell migration to mucosal tissues, such as the gastrointestinal tract. The immunosuppressive properties of mast cells suggest a potential new approach for treating inflammatory and allergic disorders.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Xiao-tian Ni, Wang-sheng Wang, Yun Liu, Yi-kai Lin, Fan Zhang, Wen-jia Lei, Li-jun Ling, Fan Pan, Ya-nan Zhu, Meng-die Li, Tao Duan, Ming Liu, Kang Sun
Summary: This study demonstrates that bradykinin peptides are present in human amnion and are involved in the regulation of PTGS2 expression and PGE2 production in human amnion fibroblasts at both term and preterm birth, and this effect may be enhanced by infection.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Youyi Zhang, Chen Xu, Zhengshan Tang, Dewei Guo, Ruojin Yao, Huina Zhao, Zixi Chen, Xin Ni
Summary: The study identified furin as a key player in promoting uterine activation for labor at term. Inhibition of furin activity suppressed contraction in smooth muscle cells and affected the expression of various proteins related to labor. Additionally, TWEAK was found to be a potential substrate for furin regulation of parturition initiation.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
C. Williams, R. Fong, S. Murray, S. J. Stock
Summary: This study found that cesarean birth may increase the risk of preterm birth in subsequent pregnancies, especially when performed at full dilatation.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caterina Fede, Lucia Petrelli, Carmelo Pirri, Cesare Tiengo, Raffaele De Caro, Carla Stecco
Summary: Recent findings demonstrated that the superficial fascia is a highly innervated and vascularized fibrous layer in the middle of hypodermis, which is more complex than previously believed. This study revealed the presence of mast cells in the superficial fascia of the human abdomen, suggesting their possible involvement in inflammatory processes, tissue healing, and regeneration. Understanding the anatomical structure of the hypodermis is crucial for comprehending fascial dysfunctions and improving targeted clinical practice.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Lijia Mai, Qing Liu, Fang Huang, Hongwen He, Wenguo Fan
Summary: Mast cells play important roles in immune responses, participating not only in allergic diseases but also in host defense, immunity, and immunoregulation. Activation of mast cells releasing various mediators has effects on the nervous system, being involved in different pain conditions.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ning Liu, Haipeng Yang, Liqun Han, Mingxing Ma
Summary: Oxytocin plays different roles in males and females, especially in terms of reproduction. For women, oxytocin is crucial in processes such as menstrual cycle, pregnancy, parturition, lactation, and menopause. Disorders in oxytocin secretion can result in various women's health issues.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Valerie Steckle, Oksana Shynlova, Stephen Lye, Alan Bocking
Summary: The innate immune system plays an important role in the onset of labor, and maternal antenatal physical activity can influence immune function and timing of labor. There were no significant differences in exercise patterns between women who later had spontaneous preterm labor and those who delivered at term. Plasma concentration of IL-10 was significantly higher in women with spontaneous preterm labor, while TNF-alpha, IL-8, and MCP-1 concentrations were increased at 27 weeks gestational age.
APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY NUTRITION AND METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Alastair G. Sutcliffe, Mitana Purkayastha, Daniel R. Brison, Scott M. Nelson, Stephen A. Roberts, Deborah A. Lawlor
Summary: This study examined the effects of assisted reproductive technology on hospital admissions in children. It found that children born after assisted reproductive technology had a higher risk of hospitalization compared to naturally conceived children, but no significant difference was observed when compared to their naturally conceived siblings.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Anesthesiology
R. J. Kearns, M. Shaw, S. M. Nelson
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ernesto Bosch, Elena Labarta, Jose Zuzuarregui, Stamatina Iliodromiti, Scott M. Nelson
Summary: The capability of serum AMH measured with the Elecsys AMH immunoassay to determine ovarian response after fertility treatment was evaluated in a retrospective cohort study. AMH concentration showed a strong positive correlation with oocyte yield, and the accuracy of predicting ovarian response using AMH was high. A single determination of serum AMH before stimulation can be used to predict ovarian response and oocyte yield with high accuracy.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Abiodun Adanikin, Deborah A. Lawlor, Jill P. Pell, Scott M. Nelson, Gordon C. S. Smith, Stamatina Iliodromiti
Summary: This population-based cohort study investigated the association between birthweight centiles and early childhood developmental concerns among infants born from 37 weeks of gestation. The study found that birthweight below the 25th centile was associated with higher risks of developmental concerns, and this association was apparent at higher centiles above the conventional threshold defining small for gestational age. Mild to moderate small for gestational age may be an important contributor to the prevalence of developmental concerns.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yi-Xin Wang, Jennifer J. Stuart, Janet W. Rich-Edwards, Stacey A. Missmer, Kathryn M. Rexrode, Leslie Farland, Kenneth J. Mukamal, Scott M. Nelson, Caren G. Solomon, Abigail Fraser, Jorge E. Chavarro
Summary: In this cohort study, both irregular and long menstrual cycles were associated with increased rates of CVD, which persisted even after accounting for subsequently established CVD risk factors.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ahmed Elhakeem, Amy E. Taylor, Hazel M. Inskip, Jonathan Y. Huang, Toby Mansell, Carina Rodrigues, Federica Asta, Sophia M. Blaauwendraad, Siri E. Haberg, Jane Halliday, Margreet W. Harskamp-van Ginkel, Jian-Rong He, Vincent W. V. Jaddoe, Sharon Lewis, Gillian M. Maher, Yannis Manios, Fergus P. McCarthy, Irwin K. M. Reiss, Franca Rusconi, Theodosia Salika, Muriel Tafflet, Xiu Qiu, Bjorn O. Asvold, David Burgner, Jerry K. Y. Chan, Luigi Gagliardi, Romy Gaillard, Barbara Heude, Maria C. Magnus, George Moschonis, Deirdre Murray, Scott M. Nelson, Daniela Porta, Richard Saffery, Henrique Barros, Johan G. Eriksson, Tanja G. M. Vrijkotte, Deborah A. Lawlor
Summary: This study aimed to examine the associations of assisted reproductive technology (ART) conception with offspring cardiometabolic health outcomes and whether these associations differ with age. The researchers found small and statistically non-significant differences in offspring cardiometabolic outcomes between ART-conceived and naturally conceived offspring. The study concluded that these findings should reassure individuals receiving ART, but longer-term follow-up is needed to investigate changes in the risks of hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and cardiovascular disease over adulthood.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Scott M. Nelson, Susan R. Davis, Sophia Kalantaridou, Mary Ann Lumsden, Nick Panay, Richard A. Anderson
Summary: This systematic review aimed to determine the usefulness of serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in diagnosing menopause, predicting menopause, or predicting/diagnosing premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). The review found that lower age-specific AMH concentrations were associated with earlier menopause, but AMH alone could not accurately predict the age at menopause. However, undetectable or extremely low AMH levels may assist in the early diagnosis of POI in young women.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION UPDATE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Scott M. Nelson, Benjamin J. Ewing, Piotr S. Gromski, Sharon F. Briggs
Summary: This study aimed to compare the effects of different contraceptive methods on the levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in reproductive-age women. The study found that different contraceptive methods have varying effects on AMH, with the greatest impact occurring at lower percentiles. However, these differences in contraceptive methods are small compared to the biological variability in ovarian reserve.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Simone Isling Paerregaard, Line Wulff, Sophie Schussek, Kristoffer Niss, Urs Morbe, Johan Jendholm, Kerstin Wendland, Anna T. Andrusaite, Kevin F. Brulois, Robert J. B. Nibbs, Katarzyna Sitnik, Allan McI Mowat, Eugene C. Butcher, Sren Brunak, William W. Agace
Summary: The intestinal lamina propria contains diverse fibroblast subsets that are located in specific anatomical niches and exhibit region-specific functions. By analyzing transcriptional profiles and conducting transplantation and lineage-tracing experiments, this study reveals the ontogeny and heterogeneity of intestinal fibroblasts, as well as the functional diversity of colonic subepithelial fibroblasts.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Rafael Venson, Abha Maheshwari, Scott M. M. Nelson, Kathleen A. A. Boyd
Summary: The aim of this study was to calculate the average cost of IVF and ICSI cycles for NHS-funded treatment in Scotland. The study found that there is no standardised NHS tariff for these treatments in Scotland, and there is variation amongst different centres providing NHS services. The average cost of fresh IVF and ICSI cycles was found to be 3247 pounds and 3473 pounds, respectively, while frozen cycles averaged 938 pounds.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Moritz Oberndorfer, Paul M. Henery, Ruth Dundas, Alastair H. Leyland, Shantini Paranjothy, Sarah Jane Stock, Rachael Wood, Scott M. Nelson, Rachel Kearns, Anna Pearce
Summary: This study aims to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnancy and birth outcomes in Scotland. The data from before and during the pandemic will be compared to examine changes in maternal behavior, pregnancy and birth outcomes, and service use. The study also aims to assess the inequalities in the effects of mitigation measures on outcomes, considering various factors such as ethnicity, area deprivation, and social position.
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Rachel J. Kearns, Scott M. Nelson
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Stefano Palomba, Flavia Costanzi, Scott M. Nelson, Donatella Caserta, Peter Humaidan
Summary: This study reviewed and analyzed different interventions for preventing and reducing OHSS in IVF patients. The most effective interventions were found to be GnRH-ant co-treatment and GnRH agonist triggering, with moderate evidence. Mild ovarian stimulation and dopaminergic agonists were also effective and safe interventions.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Piotr S. Gromski, Rajendra Sadashiv Patil, Shruti Mahesh Chougule, Deepali Atul Bhomkar, Padma Rekha Jirge, Scott M. Nelson
Summary: The study found that healthy Indian women have significantly lower levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) compared to European women, and this difference increases with age. Furthermore, different causes of infertility have varying effects on AMH levels in infertile Indian women compared to healthy controls.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Osamu Ishihara, Scott M. Nelson, Joan-Carles Arce
Summary: Individualized follitropin delta dosing provides similar serum FSH concentrations and similar oocyte yield in Japanese and White IVF/ICSI patients, but the oestradiol response is higher in Japanese women.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)