Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jorge Valencia-Ortega, Renata Saucedo, Martha A. Sanchez-Rodriguez, Jose G. Cruz-Duran, Edgar G. Ramos Martinez
Summary: Gestational diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic complication in pregnancy, involving various factors in its pathophysiology. Studies have observed that alterations in DNA methylation patterns and certain microRNA levels are related to the disease characteristics, highlighting the need for further research in this area.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dominik Franciszek Dluski, Ewa Wolinska, Maciej Skrzypczak
Summary: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as carbohydrate intolerance that appears or is diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy. Studies have shown that GDM can impact both pregnancy and offspring development, leading to long-term adverse health outcomes. Epigenetic changes such as histone modification, DNA methylation, and altered ncRNA function, including miRNAs, play a role in this process.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Adam Li, Zane Koch, Trey Ideker
Summary: Numerous studies have shown that epigenetic age is associated with various factors and can be computed based on DNA methylation patterns. The focus of research needs to shift from accurate age prediction to understanding the links between the epigenome and aging mechanisms. Current research areas include epigenetic clocks and investigation of the epigenome to build a mechanistic theory of aging and inform clinical practice.
JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Jae Yen Song, Kyung Eun Lee, Eun Jeong Byeon, Jieun Choi, Sa Jin Kim, Jae Eun Shin
Summary: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may affect the methylation levels of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) in the placenta, but not the serotonin receptor gene (HTR2A). The methylation level of SLC6A4 in the placenta is correlated with maternal glucose level and neonatal birth weight and head circumference.
Article
Cell Biology
Noemie Gensous, Claudia Sala, Chiara Pirazzini, Francesco Ravaioli, Maddalena Milazzo, Katarzyna Malgorzata Kwiatkowska, Elena Marasco, Sara De Fanti, Cristina Giuliani, Camilla Pellegrini, Aurelia Santoro, Miriam Capri, Stefano Salvioli, Daniela Monti, Gastone Castellani, Claudio Franceschi, Maria Giulia Bacalini, Paolo Garagnani
Summary: In this study, a targeted epigenetic clock was developed to measure biological age based on DNA methylation. The results showed that the targeted epigenetic clock can serve as a new marker for biological age and should be further evaluated in large cohorts.
Article
Cell Biology
Carter Norton, Derek Clarke, Joshua Holmstrom, Isaac Stirland, Paul R. Reynolds, Tim G. Jenkins, Juan A. Arroyo
Summary: The objective of this study was to analyze methylation patterns in placental DNA from normal pregnancies, preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) affected pregnancies. DNA was extracted, bisulfite converted and hybridized for methylation array. Differentially methylated regions were identified using the USEQ program, and gene promoters were identified using UCSC's Genome browser and Stanford's GREAT analysis. Western blot confirmed differential protein expression of commonly regulated genes. The study found some common methylation alterations between PE and IUGR, which may explain the clinical similarities observed with these obstetric complications.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Cathal McCrory, Giovanni Fiorito, Belinda Hernandez, Silvia Polidoro, Aisling M. O'Halloran, Ann Hever, Cliona Ni Cheallaigh, Ake T. Lu, Steve Horvath, Paolo Vineis, Rose Anne Kenny
Summary: The study indicates that the GrimAge clock is a significant improvement in predicting age-related decline in various clinical phenotypes compared to other epigenetic clocks, showing better predictive utility and promising to advance precision medicine.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES A-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nita Kanney, Amit Patki, Paula Chandler-Laney, W. Timothy Garvey, Bertha A. Hidalgo
Summary: There is a known association between exposure to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) in GDM-exposed offspring. This study aimed to assess this association in mothers with pregnancies complicated by GDM. The results showed a significant association between EAA and fasting insulin levels in offspring, and between EAA and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in mothers.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Olimpia Mora-Janiszewska, Anna Faryniak-Zuzak, Dorota Darmochwal-Kolarz
Summary: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a significant global problem that induces diabetogenic and obesogenic changes in an offspring's DNA through epigenetic mechanisms. Alterations in microbiota play a crucial role in this process. Identification of specific epigenetic marks may provide key solutions for personalized medicine. This manuscript summarizes available data on epigenetic changes among women with GDM and their offspring, in relation to microbiome alterations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eshaan Patnaik, Chikezie Madu, Yi Lu
Summary: Epigenetics plays a crucial role in gene regulation and tumor development. DNA methylation inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors can restore normal gene expression and be effective against cancer. Understanding epigenetic modifications and utilizing inhibitors offer new possibilities for cancer research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
William E. E. Gundling Jr, Sasha Post, Nicholas P. Illsley, Lourdes Echalar, Stacy Zamudio, Derek E. Wildman
Summary: The placenta mediates fetal growth and the cell type involved in nutrient exchange is called syncytiotrophoblast. Residence at high-altitude is associated with reduced fetal growth and complications. Altitude-related differences in placental gene expression can be attributed to DNA methylation, and a gene called DYSF shows higher expression in high-altitude placentas. A single nucleotide variant of DYSF can influence DNA methylation and this gene is under balancing selection in Andeans and Europeans living at high-altitude.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Man Li, Litao Bao, Ping Zhu, Shuxia Wang
Summary: This study investigated the impact of metformin on the epigenetic age in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The results showed an association between metformin intake and slower epigenetic aging.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Review
Physiology
Myriam Hemberger, Wendy Dean
Summary: The placenta is a unique organ system that combines maternal and fetal cell types with distinct lineage origins. It not only supplies nutrients to the fetus but also plays a pivotal role in directing proper organ formation. Understanding placental development and function is essential for pregnancy outcome and lifelong health.
PHYSIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Krisann K. Oursler, Vincent C. Marconi, Zeyuan Wang, Ke Xu, Monty Montano, Kaku So-Armah, Amy C. Justice, Yan Sun
Summary: The associations between epigenetic age acceleration markers and physiologic frailty and mortality in people with HIV provide insight into accelerated aging and support the development of interventions for preventing and treating age-related diseases in this population.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lukasz Ustianowski, Jakub Udzik, Joanna Szostak, Anna Goracy, Klaudia Ustianowska, Andrzej Pawlik
Summary: This narrative review discusses the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and explores the risk factors of GDM, including obesity, advanced maternal age, and polycystic ovary syndrome.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Nursing
Loretta A. Anderson, Sue Kildea, Kathryn Kynoch, Yu Gao, Nigel Lee
Summary: This study aimed to understand midwives' experiences with the first expression for mothers of preterm infants, including the barriers and facilitators that midwives may face. Findings showed that, despite guidelines suggesting expression within the first hour of birth, most first expressions occur much later. This suggests that midwives may not be able to support women in expressing breast milk in a timely manner due to competing clinical and organizational tasks.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Penny Haora, Yvette Roe, Sophie Hickey, Yu Gao, Carmel Nelson, Jyai Allen, Melanie Briggs, Faye Worner, Sue Kruske, Kristie Watego, Sarah-Jade Maidment, Donna Hartz, Juanita Sherwood, Lesley Barclay, Sally Tracy, Mark Tracy, Liz Wilkes, Roianne West, Nerida Grant, Sue Kildea
Summary: "Building On Our Strengths (BOOSt)" aims to expand the "Birthing on Country" program into urban and rural settings, with future scale-up to include First Nations-operated birth centers. This study will use community-based, participatory action research to develop, implement, and evaluate new care models for "Birthing on Country".
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2023)
Article
Nursing
Mpho Dube, Yu Gao, Michelle Steel, Angela Bromley, Sarah Ireland, Sue Kildea
Summary: The Australian Refugee Midwifery Group Practice service has a positive impact on perinatal outcomes, improving the results for women from a refugee background resettling in high-income countries.
Article
Nursing
Sarah Ireland, Sue Kildea, Yvette Roe, Suzanne Moore, Renee Adair
Summary: This study aims to document industry feedback on the training needs and support for developing a First Nations doula workforce. The findings show that accredited doula training would be a 'game-changer', addressing inadequacies and inequities in reproductive and maternal health services for remote-living First Nations women in the Northern Territory. Further research is needed to explore the practice of First Nations doulas in addressing perinatal inequities and workforce issues, as well as to identify funding and appropriate workforce models.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Ella Weik, Regula Neuenschwander, Brinn Edgington, Karin Jensen, Christine M. Tipper, Tim F. Oberlander
Summary: Previous studies have provided inconsistent results on whether adolescents show similar, weaker, or non-significant conditioned placebo and nocebo effects compared to adults. In this current study, the researchers used novel neutral 3D visual cues to implicitly induce conditioned placebo-like and nocebo-like effects in adolescents and adults. The results showed that adults were more influenced by the conditioning cues compared to adolescents, suggesting that thermal perception in adolescents is less influenced by conditioning.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PAIN
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Miriam E. Gladstone, Vincent Paquin, Mia A. McLean, Belinda Lequertier, Guillaume Elgbeili, Sue Kildea, Chloe Klimos, Suzanne King, Hannah G. Dahlen
Summary: This study aimed to determine the relationship between prenatal factors (infant gender and COVID-19 pandemic-related objective hardship, subjective distress, change in diet) and birthweight and gestational age at birth, and to examine whether the effects of hardship are moderated by maternal subjective distress, change in diet, or infant gender. The study found no associations between maternal objective hardship or subjective distress and birthweight or gestational age at birth, but lower birthweight was significantly associated with female gender and self-reported improvement in maternal diet.
AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nursing
Jyai Allen, Yu Gao, Julie Germain, Michelle O'Connor, Cameron Hurst, Sue Kildea
Summary: This study assessed the impact of implementing the Thompson method on direct breastfeeding at hospital discharge and exclusive breastfeeding at 3-months of age. The results showed that the implementation of the Thompson method improved direct breastfeeding trends at hospital discharge and reduced the risk of exclusive breastfeeding discontinuation at 3-months.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING STUDIES
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Nir Melamed, Omer Weitzner, Paige Church, Rudaina Banihani, Jon Barrett, Junmin Yang, Jonathan Wong, Bruno Piedboeuf, Prakesh S. Shah
Summary: This study compared the outcomes of preterm singleton and twin infants and found that twin infants born at 23-25 weeks, particularly those with same-sex and monochorionic pregnancies, had a higher risk of adverse neonatal outcomes and early-childhood outcomes compared to singleton infants.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hannah G. Dahlen, Caroline Homer, Jacqueline Boyle, Belinda Lequertier, Sue Kildea, Kingsley Emwinyore Agho
Summary: This study examines the prevalence and factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant and postnatal women in Australia. The results show that approximately 10% of pregnant women and 13% of postnatal women are hesitant to receive the vaccine. Factors such as age, education, income, and gestational period are associated with vaccine hesitancy.
Article
Nursing
Luciana Massi, Sophie Hickey, Sarah-Jade Maidment, Yvette Roe, Sue Kildea, Sue Kruske
Summary: The Australian Nurse-Family Partnership Program, tailored for First Nations mothers, has been shown to improve self-efficacy by facilitating behavior change, skill development, goal-setting, and achievement through the development of culturally safe relationships.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joshua P. Heynen, Rebecca R. McHugh, Naveenjyote S. Boora, Gabrielle Simcock, Sue Kildea, Marie-Paule Austin, David P. Laplante, Suzanne King, Tony Montina, Gerlinde A. S. Metz
Summary: Prenatal stress alters fetal programming, potentially leading to long-term adverse health outcomes. This study analyzed the urinary metabolomes of 4-year-old children exposed to the 2011 Queensland flood in utero, revealing differences in metabolic fingerprints based on maternal levels of hardship and distress. Greater prenatal stress exposure was associated with metabolic alterations related to chronic non-communicable diseases and mental illnesses. These prenatal stress-associated metabolic biomarkers may serve as early predictors of lifetime health trajectories and offer potential therapeutic strategies for mitigating adverse health outcomes.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Yu Gao, Yvette Roe, Sophie Hickey, Anvitaa Chadha, Sue Kruske, Carmel Nelson, Adrian Carson, Kristie Watego, Maree Reynolds, Jo Costello, Sally Tracy, Sue Kildea
Summary: The "Birthing in Our Community" (BiOC) service in a metropolitan center in Australia has the potential to be more effective in reducing preterm birth rates and saving costs compared to standard care.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Grace A. Thiele, Deirdre M. Ryan, Tim F. Oberlander, Gillian E. Hanley
Summary: The study used population-based data to build complex, longitudinal mental health histories, finding that preconception to postpartum depression and anxiety play a significant role in predicting adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes.