Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stephen J. Renaud, Mariyan J. Jeyarajah
Summary: In humans, cell fusion is restricted to only a few cell types under normal conditions. In the placenta, cell fusion is a critical process for generating syncytiotrophoblast and plays a crucial role in ensuring pregnancy health.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Adam Jaremek, Mariyan J. Jeyarajah, Gargi Jaju Bhattad, Stephen J. Renaud
Summary: Proper development of the placenta, specifically the syncytiotrophoblast, is crucial for successful pregnancy as it regulates the exchange of nutrients and gases between maternal and fetal blood. Dysregulated formation of syncytiotrophoblast can have negative impacts on maternal and fetal health. 'Omics' approaches have been used to gain multidimensional insights into the formation and function of syncytiotrophoblast, but there are still limitations and future avenues for exploration in this area.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Hematology
Cha Han, Jing-fei Dong
Summary: The study reveals a noncoagulation role of TM in maintaining placental growth and healthy embryogenesis, with IL-1 beta playing a key role in regulating TM synthesis and shedding. Solulin shows potential in preventing TM shedding and related abnormalities.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chandana Tekkatte, Scott A. Lindsay, Erika Duggan, Anelizze Castro-Martinez, Abbas Hakim, Isabella Saldana, Yan Zhang, Jun Zhou, Rachel Sebastian, Yuku Liu, Devin S. Pontigon, Morgan Meads, Tzu Ning Liu, Donald P. Pizzo, John Nolan, Mana M. Parast, Louise C. Laurent
Summary: This study identified a defined serum-free culture condition that supports the viability and metabolism of trophoblasts and the release of specific populations of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Multiplex vesicle flow cytometry revealed three separate populations of EVs derived from placental explants.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sean L. Nguyen, Soo Hyun Ahn, Jacob W. Greenberg, Benjamin W. Collaer, Dalen W. Agnew, Ripla Arora, Margaret G. Petroff
Summary: This study found that placental EVs can target maternal immune cells, associate with lung interstitial macrophages and liver Kupffer cells in an integrin-dependent manner, and may potentially cause genetic alterations in maternal cells.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Chiara Tersigni, Donatella Lucchetti, Rita Franco, Filomena Colella, Caterina Neri, Laura Crispino, Alessandro Sgambato, Antonio Lanzone, Giovanni Scambia, Manu Vatish, Nicoletta Di Simone
Summary: PE is a common pregnancy disorder characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, with aberrant expression of HLA-DR in STBEVs specifically associated with PE. Further studies are needed to define the role of abnormal placental HLA-DR expression in PE pathogenesis and evaluate the potential application of detecting circulating HLA-DR positive STBEVs in diagnosing and predicting PE in early and mid-pregnancy.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mirella Mourad, Taylor Jacob, Elena Sadovsky, Shai Bejerano, Glicella Salazar-De Simone, Tarique Rajasaheb Bagalkot, Jason Zucker, Michael T. Yin, Jennifer Y. Chang, Lihong Liu, Larisa Debelenko, Carrie J. Shawber, Morgan Firestein, Yingshi Ouyang, Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, Anna Penn, Alexander Sorkin, Ronald Wapner, Yoel Sadovsky
Summary: The severity of COVID-19 in pregnant women is associated with the processing of SARS-CoV-2 in the placenta and antiviral pathways, suggesting a role for these proteins in the placental response to SARS-CoV-2.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rachel C. C. Wilson, Jamie O. O. Lo, Gabriel Romero Jimenez, Jonathan R. R. Lindner, Ov D. D. Slayden, Victoria H. J. Roberts
Summary: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with phosphatidylserine microbubbles (MB-PS) can be used to monitor placental inflammation and identify pregnancies at risk of placental vascular compromise. This non-invasive imaging technology utilizes acoustic detection of microbubbles to examine vascular spaces.
Review
Microbiology
Caroline Lin Lin Chua, Sebastian Kah Ming Khoo, Jun Long Ernest Ong, Gaurav Kumar Ramireddi, Tsin Wen Yeo, Andrew Teo
Summary: Malaria during pregnancy can lead to the development of placental malaria, which may impair placental development and function, ultimately causing placental insufficiency, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm delivery and low birth weight.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Developmental Biology
Chang Cao, Mark D. Fleming
Summary: Fetal development relies on adequate iron supply by the placenta, and the iron transporter Fpn1 plays an essential role in this process. Using gene manipulation techniques, we created a specific Cre mouse model, which provides direct evidence for the essential role of Fpn1 in placental iron transport.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hannah E. J. Yong, Shiao-Yng Chan, Amlan Chakraborty, Gayathri Rajaraman, Sharon Ricardo, Mohamed Benharouga, Nadia Alfaidy, Frantisek Staud, Padma Murthi
Summary: This review focuses on the impact of viral infections on the placental barrier and the consequences for fetal growth and development. It specifically discusses how Zika, HIV, and SARS-CoV2 affect pregnant women and their offspring, laying the groundwork for developing therapeutics for emerging viruses.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR BASIS OF DISEASE
(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.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caroline Atyeo, Krista M. Pullen, Evan A. Bordt, Stephanie Fischinger, John Burke, Ashlin Michell, Matthew D. Slein, Carolin Loos, Lydia L. Shook, Adeline A. Boatin, Laura J. Yockey, David Pepin, Marie-Charlotte Meinsohn, Ngoc Minh Phuong Nguyen, Maeva Chauvin, Drucilla Roberts, Ilona T. Goldfarb, Juan D. Matute, Kaitlyn E. James, Lael M. Yonker, Lisa M. Bebell, Anjali J. Kaimal, Kathryn J. Gray, Douglas Lauffenburger, Andrea G. Edlow, Galit Alter
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 infection causes more severe disease in pregnant women compared to age-matched non-pregnant women. Transfer of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies across the placenta is significantly reduced compared to other infectious diseases like influenza and pertussis, but can be partially rescued by infection-induced increases in IgG and increased FCGR3A placental expression. These findings provide insights for maternal vaccine design to boost immunity in neonates.
Article
Cell Biology
Ya-Nan Wang, Yixin Ye, Da Zhou, Ze-Wen Guo, Zhelei Xiong, Xing-Xing Gong, Shi-Wen Jiang, Haibin Chen
Summary: In this study, we found that syncytin participates in angiogenesis during placental development, as observed in mice with an inducible syncytin-a gene knockout. We also found that syncytin affects the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, placental growth factor, and soluble fms-like protein kinase-1, as well as the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and the ability to induce tube formation by HUVECs. This new insight into syncytin and the pathophysiology of placenta-related diseases such as fetal growth restriction is significant.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xuan Shao, Guangming Cao, Dunjin Chen, Juan Liu, Bolan Yu, Ming Liu, Yu-Xia Li, Bin Cao, Yoel Sadovsky, Yan-Ling Wang
Summary: The syncytiotrophoblast adapts to nutrient stress by inducing macropinocytosis through repression of mTOR signaling, supporting fetal survival and growth under nutrient deprivation. Placentas derived from fetal growth restriction patients show reduced mTOR signaling, increased syncytialization, and enhanced macropinocytosis.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carlos Palma, H. David McIntyre, Carlos Salomon
Summary: Research on extracellular vesicles (EVs) has provided insights into physiological and pathophysiological conditions, particularly during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common and influential complication that affects the miRNAs and proteins within EVs, leading to metabolic changes.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Angela Titmuss, Anita D'Aprano, Federica Barzi, Alex D. H. Brown, Anna Wood, Christine Connors, Jacqueline A. Boyle, Elizabeth Moore, Kerin O'Dea, Jeremy Oats, H. David McIntyre, Paul Zimmet, Jonathan E. Shaw, Maria E. Craig, Louise J. Maple-Brown
Summary: This study found that hyperglycemia in pregnancy is associated with increased developmental risk in children, particularly in the areas of fine motor skills and problem-solving. The findings suggest that interventions targeting maternal hyperglycemia may help optimize developmental trajectories in children.
JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Faisal Altemani, Helen L. Barrett, Leonie K. Callaway, H. David McIntyre, Marloes Dekker Nitert
Summary: The abundance of nitrate-reducing bacteria in the oral microbiota is reduced in women who develop preeclampsia, indicating a potential pathway for prevention.
Article
Pediatrics
Angela Titmuss, Danielle K. Longmore, Federica Barzi, Elizabeth L. M. Barr, Vanya Webster, Anna Wood, Alison Simmonds, Alex D. H. Brown, Christine Connors, Jacqueline A. Boyle, Jeremy Oats, H. David McIntyre, Jonathan E. Shaw, Maria E. Craig, Louise J. Maple-Brown
Summary: This study found that children exposed to in utero hyperglycaemia have different growth trajectories in infancy compared to unexposed children, but similar weight and BMI by the end of follow-up. Children exposed to T2D had lower mean peak BMI in infancy.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nina Meloncelli, Emma Shipton, Jenny Doust, Michael D'Emden, Harold David McIntyre, Leonie Callaway, Susan de Jersey
Summary: This study investigated the perceptions and use of COVID-19 changes to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) screening and diagnostic recommendations among healthcare professionals in Queensland. The findings revealed that clinicians had diverse opinions on the rapid changes, with some questioning the underlying evidence base while others continued to support the changes. Clinicians in areas with higher prevalence of GDM were more concerned about missed diagnoses.
AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Anna J. Wood, I-Lynn Lee, Elizabeth L. M. Barr, Federica Barzi, Jacqueline A. Boyle, Christine Connors, Elizabeth Moore, Jeremy J. N. Oats, Harold D. McIntyre, Angela Titmuss, Alison Simmonds, Paul Z. Zimmet, Alex D. H. Brown, Sumaria Corpus, Jonathan E. Shaw, Louise J. Maple-Brown
Summary: This study aimed to determine the rates and predictors of postpartum diabetes screening among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The study found that postpartum screening rates were lower among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women compared to non-Indigenous women. Early postpartum screening should be prioritized to detect prediabetes and diabetes among high-risk populations.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sumaiya Adam, Harold David McIntyre, Kit Ying Tsoi, Anil Kapur, Ronald C. Ma, Stephanie Dias, Pius Okong, Moshe Hod, Liona C. Poon, Graeme N. Smith, Lina Bergman, Esraa Algurjia, Patrick O'Brien, Virna P. Medina, Cynthia Maxwell, Lesley Regan, Mary L. Rosser, Bo Jacobsson, Mark A. Hanson, Sharleen L. O'Reilly, Fionnuala M. McAuliffe
Summary: Gestational diabetes (GDM) affects approximately 17 million pregnancies worldwide. Women with a history of GDM are at a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease compared to those without prior GDM. Although prevention and delayed progression of GDM to type 2 diabetes is possible, it is not widely practiced. Considering the increasing rates of type 2 diabetes and CVD in women globally, it is crucial to utilize pregnancy as an opportunity for early identification and preventive intervention.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Cynthia Maxwell, Rachelle Shirley, Amy C. O'Higgins, Mary L. Rosser, Patrick O'Brien, Moshe Hod, Sharleen L. O'Reilly, Virna P. Medina, Graeme N. Smith, Mark A. Hanson, Sumaiya Adam, Ronald C. Ma, Anil Kapur, Harold David McIntyre, Bo Jacobsson, Liona C. Poon, Lina Bergman, Lesley Regan, Esraa Algurjia, Fionnuala M. McAuliffe
Summary: Obesity is a chronic, progressive, relapsing, and treatable neurobehavioral disease that affects women's health and requires a focus on optimizing health outcomes rather than weight loss. Appropriate and sensitive language, as well as trauma-informed care, is necessary when discussing obesity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Liona C. Poon, Long Nguyen-Hoang, Graeme N. Smith, Lina Bergman, Patrick O'Brien, Moshe Hod, Pius Okong, Anil Kapur, Cynthia Maxwell, Harold David McIntyre, Bo Jacobsson, Esraa Algurjia, Mark A. Hanson, Mary L. Rosser, Ronald C. Ma, Sharleen L. O'Reilly, Lesley Regan, Sumaiya Adam, Virna P. Medina, Fionnuala M. McAuliffe
Summary: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are the leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, accounting for 16% of maternal deaths in high-income countries and approximately 25% in low- and middle-income countries. HDP increases the risk of future cardiovascular disease. Failure to achieve normal cardiovascular adaptation during pregnancy is associated with the development of HDP. Women with a history of HDP may experience long-term hemodynamic alterations, predisposing them to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is crucial to identify underlying cardiovascular risk factors during pregnancy and the postpartum period and develop strategies for lifestyle and therapeutic interventions to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular disease in women with a history of HDP.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sarah Louise Killeen, Niamh Donnellan, Sharleen L. O'Reilly, Mark A. Hanson, Mary L. Rosser, Virna P. Medina, Chandni Maria Jacob, Hema Divakar, Moshe Hod, Liona C. Poon, Lina Bergman, Patrick O'Brien, Anil Kapur, Bo Jacobsson, Cynthia Maxwell, Harold David McIntyre, Lesley Regan, Esraa Algurjia, Ronald C. Ma, Sumaiya Adam, Fionnuala M. McAuliffe
Summary: The period before and during pregnancy is crucial for addressing malnutrition and reducing noncommunicable disease risks. The FIGO Nutrition Checklist is a tool designed to address these issues by assessing dietary requirements, body mass index, diet quality, and micronutrients. It generates awareness, identifies risks, and collects information for health-promoting conversations between women and healthcare professionals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Ranita J. Atcheson, Thomas H. J. Burne, Paul A. Dawson
Summary: Sulfate is crucial for foetal growth and neurodevelopment, and the SLC13A1 sulfate transporter regulates sulfate reabsorption in the kidney. Previous studies showed that severe vitamin D deficiency affects sulfate homeostasis in rodents. However, this study found that moderate vitamin D deficiency did not impact sulfate levels or the expression of the SLC13A1 gene in mice. The researchers also discovered differences in the regulation of SLC13A1 between mouse and human cells, suggesting that the effects of vitamin D deficiency on sulfate homeostasis may vary between species.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Harold David McIntyre, Jens Fuglsang, Ulla Kampmann, Sine Knorr, Per Ovesen
Summary: Hyperglycemia, resulting from diabetes and obesity, is the most common medical condition during pregnancy. It is associated with short term complications, which increase with the severity of hyperglycemia. This article explores the management of these risks during pregnancy and the long-term implications of hyperglycemia on maternal and offspring health.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Josephine G. Laurie, Shelley A. Wilkinson, Harold D. Mcintyre, Centaine Snoswell
Summary: This study conducted a cost-minimisation analysis comparing a novel, digital-based model for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) management with conventional care. The results showed that the intervention group using the digital model achieved a modest health service cost saving of approximately AU$17,441.78 (US$12,158.92) over a 12-month period, while patients saved approximately $566.56 (US$394.96) per patient. Overall, the introduction of the digital-based model resulted in a total saving of $679,872 (US$473,948.82) for the cohort of 1200 women.
AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Josephine G. Laurie, Shelley A. Wilkinson, Alison Griffin, Harold D. McIntyre
Summary: This study implemented a novel digital model of care for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and found that it provided similar clinical outcomes to traditional care, while also improving efficiency. The digital model of care has the potential for generalizability to culturally diverse GDM patients and offers important insights for service redesign in the digital era.
AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Romero Morais, Vuong Le, Catherine Morgan, Alicia Spittle, Nadia Badawi, Jane Valentine, Elizabeth M. Hurrion, Paul A. Dawson, Truyen Tran, Svetha Venkatesh
Summary: FidgetyFind is a method that detects and assesses the quality of general movements in infants. It is highly interpretable and accurate, utilizing measurements of movement variability in short video segments. The method translates these measurements into a single score, similar to the process used by domain experts. Evaluation on a large clinical dataset demonstrated the superior interpretability and accuracy of FidgetyFind compared to other published methods.
IEEE JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH INFORMATICS
(2023)
