Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sabine Gies, Stephen A. Roberts, Salou Diallo, Olga M. Lompo, Halidou Tinto, Bernard J. Brabin
Summary: The study found that offspring of young mothers who received periconceptional iron supplementation were not at increased risk of malaria. However, higher child body iron stores and placental malaria were associated with an increased risk of childhood parasitemia.
MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sarah E. Steane, Vinod Kumar, James S. M. Cuffe, Karen M. Moritz, Lisa K. Akison
Summary: Prenatal alcohol exposure disrupts fetal and placental growth, while supplementation with choline can increase growth and restore one-carbon metabolism. This suggests that prenatal alcohol exposure impairs fetal development through altered placental metabolism.
Article
Developmental Biology
Viju Vijayan Pillai, Tiffany G. Kei, Shailesh Gurung, Moubani Das, Luiz G. B. Siqueira, Soon Hon Cheong, Peter J. Hansen, Vimal Selvaraj
Summary: TGF beta 1 plays a crucial role in the differentiation of trophoblast cells, and inhibition of RhoA/Rock promotes self-renewal and proliferation.
Review
Physiology
Gisela Soledad Gualdoni, Patricia Veronica Jacobo, Camila Barril, Martin Ricardo Ventureira, Elisa Cebral
Summary: Adequate placentation, placental tissue remodeling, and vascularization are crucial for successful gestation and optimal fetal growth. Recent studies have shown that abnormal placenta induced by maternal alcohol consumption may contribute to fetal growth restriction and the clinical manifestations seen in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Particularly, alcohol consumption during the periconceptional period and early gestation can lead to long-lasting changes in placenta formation and angiogenesis. Experimental evidence suggests that abnormal placenta resulting from maternal alcohol intake is associated with insufficient vascularization and defective trophoblast development in early gestation. Impaired vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) system, including nitric oxide (NO) and metalloproteinases (MMPs), has been identified as a key mechanism underlying the early placental vascular alterations caused by maternal alcohol consumption. In this review, we propose that alcohol intake during the periconceptional period up to early organogenesis alters the VEGF-NO-MMPs system in trophoblastic-decidual tissues, leading to imbalances in trophoblast proliferation/apoptosis, insufficient trophoblast development, differentiation, and migration, inadequate labyrinthine vascularization, and incomplete remodeling of decidual spiral arterioles. As a result, abnormal placenta with impaired blood perfusion, vasoconstriction, and reduced labyrinthine blood exchange may be generated. This review provides an overview of abnormal placenta associated with pregnancy complications and FASD resulting from gestational alcohol ingestion, and presents evidence of early abnormal placental angiogenesis-vascularization and growth associated with dysregulation of the VEGF system in a mouse model.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Water Resources
Xin Pi, Chengrong Wang, Shengju Yin, Lei Jin, Zhiwen Li, Linlin Wang, Jufen Liu, Yali Zhang, Aiguo Ren
Summary: This study examined the association between arsenic exposure and neural tube defects (NTDs) and found that arsenic exposure is a risk factor for NTDs. However, this risk can be attenuated by folic acid supplementation.
EXPOSURE AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Fulin Liu, Jin Zhou, Juanjuan Guo, Wen Huang, Wei Zhang, Hui Wang
Summary: This study confirmed that high maternal serum bile acid level is caused by prenatal ethanol exposure, with the up-regulation of BCRP/MRP3/OATP2B1 in the placenta through PXR up-regulation and FXR down-regulation leading to excessive bile acid transport to maternal blood.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ashley J. P. Smit, Batoul Hojeij, Melek Rousian, Sam Schoenmakers, Sten P. Willemsen, Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen, Lenie van Rossem
Summary: This study found that periconceptional maternal consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with smaller embryonic growth. Interventions promoting healthy food practices during pregnancy could be beneficial for embryonic growth.
CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sofie K. M. van Zundert, Lenie van Rossem, Sten P. Willemsen, Lindsey van der Meer, Hiske E. Ernst-Smelt
Summary: This study suggests that a higher degree of maternal vulnerability during periconception is associated with reduced embryonic growth in naturally conceived pregnancies, but not in pregnancies conceived through IVF or ICSI.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Jie Dong, Xiangyu Guo, Chenxi Qian, Jingjing Wang, Hui Lei, Shuqiang Chen, Xiaohong Wang
Summary: IVF leads to enlarged mouse placentas with excessive glycogen storage in late pregnancy. Multiple genes involved in glycogen generation and glycogenolysis had lower mRNA levels in IVF placentas. Moreover, the expression levels of glycogen synthase, phosphorylase, Glut1, and Glut3 were significantly decreased in IVF placentas. The phosphorylation activities of Akt Ser473 and Gsk3 beta Ser9 were inhibited in IVF placentas.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sofie C. Husen, Nicolina D. H. E. Kemper, Attie T. J. Go, Sten P. Willemsen, Melek Rousian, Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the influence of periconceptional maternal folate status on the size of human embryonic head and brain structures. The results showed U-shaped associations between maternal folate status and head volume and head circumference, but no significant associations with other brain structures.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Sarah E. Steane, Arree M. Fielding, Nykola L. Kent, Isabella Andersen, Daniel J. Browne, Ellen N. Tejo, Emelie M. Gardebjer, Jacinta I. Kalisch-Smith, Mitchell A. Sullivan, Karen M. Moritz, Lisa K. Akison
Summary: Choline supplementation can ameliorate fetal growth restriction associated with prenatal alcohol exposure and improve placental efficiency. It increases fetal weight, decreases brain to liver ratio, and enhances placental efficiency.
ALCOHOL-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Hailing Shao, Shuangjia Pan, Yehui Lan, Xianjun Chen, Dongru Dai, Lingli Peng, Ying Hua
Summary: This study demonstrates that tanshinone IIA can increase amniotic fluid volume in pregnant mice by downregulating the expression of placental AQPs and inhibiting the activity of GSK-3 beta. It may be a potential option for the treatment of idiopathic oligohydramnios.
CELL AND TISSUE RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shinya Matsuzaki, Yutaka Ueda, Satoko Matsuzaki, Hitomi Sakaguchi, Mamoru Kakuda, Misooja Lee, Yuki Takemoto, Harue Hayashida, Michihide Maeda, Reisa Kakubari, Tsuyoshi Hisa, Seiji Mabuchi, Shoji Kamiura
Summary: The placenta has important physiological functions and complications related to abnormal placentas are not well studied. This study reviewed 48 studies published between 1974 and 2022 to determine the outcomes and prevalence of patients with abnormal placentas. The cumulative prevalence of different types of abnormal placentas was reported, along with their associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sofie van Zundert, Simone van der Padt, Sten Willemsen, Melek Rousian, Mina Mirzaian, Ron van Schaik, Regine Steegers-Theunissen, Lenie van Rossem
Summary: This study investigated the effects of maternal animal and plant protein intake on prenatal growth and birthweight. The results showed that higher maternal animal protein intake was associated with increased embryonic growth and birthweight, while no significant associations were found between maternal plant protein intake and prenatal growth and birthweight.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Fen Li, Meng-Meng Wang, Qing-Hua Liu, Zhang-Wen Ma, Jun-Jiao Wang, Zi-Yi Wang, Jia-Wei Tang, Jing-Wen Lyu, Zuo-Bin Zhu, Liang Wang
Summary: This study investigates the important roles of two glycogen degradation enzymes in the structural alterations of glycogen in E. coli. The research concludes that glycogen phosphorylase plays a dominant role in glycogen structural stability control.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Nirajan Shrestha, Simone Sleep, Tessa Helman, Olivia Holland, James S. M. Cuffe, Anthony Perkins, Andrew J. McAinch, John P. Headrick, Deanne H. Hryciw
Summary: Maternal high linoleic acid diets have significant impacts on offspring's circulating lipids, fatty acids, and cardiac function, particularly affecting later dietary modifications in female offspring.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Linda A. Gallo, Tania F. Gallo, Danielle J. Borg, Karen M. Moritz, Vicki L. Clifton, Sailesh Kumar
Summary: The study found that planned moderate/late preterm births significantly decreased during the COVID-19 lockdown, while there was no impact on extremely or very preterm infants, spontaneous preterm births, or stillbirth rates. A non-significant spike in spontaneous preterm births was observed from late April to early May 2020.
AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Nykola Louise Kent, Sharat Chandra Atluri, James Sebastian Martin Cuffe
Summary: Hypothyroidism during pregnancy leads to glucose intolerance through reduced insulin secretion and signaling, decreased placental lactogen secretion, and impaired beta-cell expansion.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sheridan L. Helman, Sarah J. Wilkins, Daniel R. McKeating, Anthony Perkins, James S. M. Cuffe, Gunter Hartel, Nuno Faria, Jonathan J. Powell, Gregory J. Anderson, David M. Frazer
Summary: The study demonstrated that IHAT is as effective as ferrous sulfate in increasing maternal hemoglobin, hepatic iron, and fetal iron in iron-deficient pregnant mice, with no significant oxidative stress. IHAT has shown to be a safe and effective alternative for treating iron deficiency in pregnant mice, indicating potential for human pregnancy.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Vicki L. Clifton, Sailesh Kumar, Danielle Borg, Kym M. Rae, Roslyn N. Boyd, Koa Whittingham, Karen M. Moritz, Hannah E. Carter, Steven M. McPhail, Brenda Gannon, Robert Ware, Barnaby J. W. Dixson, Samudragupta Bora, Cameron Hurst
Summary: This study aimed to examine the impact of COVID-19 lockdown and post lockdown on the mental health of pregnant women and their partners. The results showed a significant decrease in severe anxiety among pregnant and postpartum women during lockdown, and the odds of severe anxiety returned to pre-COVID-19 levels after the lockdown. The lockdown and post-lockdown period did not have a significant effect on the depression, anxiety, and stress levels of the partners.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yi Ying Ong, Wei Wei Pang, Navin Michael, Izzuddin M. Aris, Suresh Anand Sadananthan, Mya-Thway Tint, Jonathan Tze Liang Choo, Lieng Hsi Ling, Neerja Karnani, S. Sendhil Velan, Marielle V. Fortier, Kok Hian Tan, Peter D. Gluckman, Fabian Yap, Yap-Seng Chong, Keith M. Godfrey, Shiao-Yng Chan, Johan G. Eriksson, Mary F-F Chong, Mary E. Wlodek, Yung Seng Lee
Summary: This study examined the effects of the timing of introduction of complementary foods and the duration of breastfeeding on body fat partitioning and cardiometabolic risk in children. The results showed that shorter breastfeeding duration and earlier introduction of complementary foods were associated with increased child adiposity and cardiometabolic risk. Longer duration of breastfeeding may protect against the cardiometabolic risk associated with early introduction of complementary foods.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Elliott S. Neal, Vinod Kumar, Karin Borges, James S. M. Cuffe
Summary: Vitamin B-12 deficiency is common in individuals with diabetes mellitus, and it may contribute to impaired glucose homeostasis. In a study using rats, B-12 deficiency led to a prediabetic-like phenotype characterized by glucose intolerance and increased ketogenesis. The deficiency was associated with reduced liver anaplerosis, altered one-carbon metabolite levels, and decreased B vitamins in the liver, which likely contributed to deficits in glucose handling. These findings highlight the importance of adequate B-12 intake for metabolic health and suggest that B-12 deficiency may promote the development of metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus.
JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Emily S. Dorey, John P. Headrick, Tamara M. Paravicini, Mary E. Wlodek, Karen M. Moritz, Melissa E. Reichelt
Summary: The central question of this study is to explore the cardiovascular consequences of periconceptual ethanol on offspring throughout their lifespan. The main finding of the study is that periconceptional alcohol exposure has sex-specific effects on heart growth, with aging female offspring showing decreased cardiac output. This study highlights the importance of understanding the effects of alcohol exposure during pregnancy on cardiac development and function.
EXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Sarah E. Steane, James S. M. Cuffe, Karen M. Moritz
Summary: Prenatal alcohol consumption can have a range of effects on pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. One major mechanism behind these effects is altered DNA methylation and gene expression. Maternal intake of micronutrients like folate and choline can modify the effects of alcohol consumption on development, but more research is needed to fully understand their impact.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Developmental Biology
Nykola L. Kent, Sharat C. Atluri, Karen M. Moritz, James S. M. Cuffe
Summary: Maternal hypothyroidism affects placental nutrient transporter expression, placental morphology, and placental metabolism, thereby leading to fetal growth restriction. It reduces fetal weight, impairs placental efficiency, and alters the ratio of the junctional zone to the labyrinth zone. Additionally, it induces changes in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in the placenta, with sex-specific effects on mitochondria and nutrient transporters.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Majed A. Suwaydi, Ching Tat Lai, Alethea Rea, Zoya Gridneva, Sharon L. Perrella, Mary E. Wlodek, Donna T. Geddes
Summary: There is a lack of understanding about the daily variations in hormones and macronutrients in human milk (HM) and inconsistent sample collection protocols between studies. This study investigated these variations by collecting milk samples from 22 lactating women before and after each breastfeed or expression. The results showed variations in hormone and nutrient concentrations, as well as circadian rhythms in milk volume. Standardized and rigorous sampling procedures considering both within-feed and circadian variations are necessary for a precise understanding of the impacts of these components on infant health, growth, and development.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Navin Michael, Suresh Anand Sadananthan, Wen Lun Yuan, Yi Ying Ong, See Ling Loy, Jonathan Y. Huang, Mya-Thway Tint, Natarajan Padmapriya, Jonathan Choo, Lieng Hsi Ling, Michael S. Kramer, Keith M. Godfrey, Peter D. Gluckman, Kok Hian Tan, Johan G. Eriksson, Yap-Seng Chong, Yung Seng Lee, Neerja Karnani, Fabian Yap, Lynette Pei-Chi Shek, Marielle V. Fortier, Karen M. Moritz, Shiao-Yng Chan, S. Sendhil Velan, Mary E. Wlodek
Summary: Characterizing maternal and foetoplacental factors can enable early identification of children at risk of developing prehypertension/hypertension, beyond birthweight. Foetal growth deceleration and high foetoplacental vascular resistance are associated with an increased risk of prehypertension/hypertension at age 6 years.
JOURNAL OF HYPERTENSION
(2022)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Lucy A. Bartho, Joshua J. Fisher, Sarah L. Walton, Anthony Perkins, James S. M. Cuffe
Summary: This study investigates the changes in mitochondria and cellular aging processes in the developing placenta. The findings provide insights into how placental aging contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY
(2022)
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Jenny Kuo, Lisa K. Akison, Mark D. Chatfield, Peter Trnka, Karen M. Moritz
Summary: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of urine and serum biomarkers not currently used in routine clinical practice to predict acute kidney injury (AKI) in premature infants. The results showed that uNGAL may be a promising biomarker for the diagnosis of AKI in premature infants.
JOURNAL OF NEPHROLOGY
(2022)
