Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bhavesh Premdjee, Asser S. Andersen, Mark Larance, Kilian W. Conde-Frieboes, Richard J. Payne
Summary: The text discusses the successful assembly of a 31.5 kDa phosphorylated IGFBP-2 protein using two ligation manifolds, incorporating phosphoserine post-translational modification and nine disulfide bonds.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Derek LeRoith, Jeff M. P. Holly, Briony E. Forbes
Summary: The IGF family of ligands, receptors, and binding proteins play critical roles in normal human physiology and disease states. IGF-I regulates cellular growth, differentiation, and survival to control overall body growth, while IGF-II has important effects prenatally and in tissue-specific roles in adults.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Mengyang Li
Summary: The GH/IGF system plays a role in growth regulation in the body. By studying the basal chordate amphioxus, it was discovered that most members of the GH/IGF system are present in amphioxus, providing strong evidence for the origin of this system in amphioxus.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Rong Huang, Mark Kibschull, Laurent Briollais, Zdenka Pausova, Kellie Murphy, John Kingdom, Stephen Lye, Zhong-Cheng Luo
Summary: The study found that fetal sex affects the concentration of myostatin in cord blood, with higher levels in male fetuses. Gestational diabetes does not affect the concentration of myostatin in cord blood. The study also revealed a strong correlation between myostatin and testosterone levels in male fetuses.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Charmaine J. Green, Miriam Span, Monique H. Rayhanna, Marisa Perera, Margot L. Day
Summary: The viability of embryos cultured in vitro is poor compared to those that develop in vivo. This study investigated the role of autocrine and exogenous IGFBP3 in mouse preimplantation embryos. Addition of exogenous IGFBP3 to embryo culture media increased the rate of development, and the effect was mediated by IGF1 and EGF receptors. Acute exposure to IGFBP3 activated the PI3-kinase/Akt pathway to promote cell proliferation and survival. Therefore, addition of IGFBP3 to IVF culture media should be considered.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shiva Nasr, Athar Nakisa, Setareh Jandaghian, Monireh Kouhi, Erfan Sadeghi, Jaleh Varshosaz
Summary: This systematic review found that flavonoid supplements do not have a significant effect on IGF-1 and IGFBP-3. However, a high soy diet has beneficial effects on components of the IGF system, which may be useful in breast cancer.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Fatemeh Meshkini, Nahid Ramezani-Jolfaie, Saman Sargazi, Cain C. T. Clark, Sepideh Soltani
Summary: A systematic review of the effects of lycopene on circulating IGF-1 and IGFBPs in adults found no consistent modifying effect of lycopene supplementation on IGF-1 and IGFBP levels. More research is needed to explore the effect of lycopene on the IGF-1 system.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Huong Thuy Le, Ho Jin Lee, Jaebeom Cho, Hye-Young Min, Ji-Sun Lee, Su-Jae Lee, Ho-Young Lee
Summary: The study demonstrates the anti-metastatic effects of IGFBP-3 in inhibiting migration and invasion of NSCLC and HNSCC cells, as well as the development of metastasized tumors in vivo. Mechanistically, IGFBP-3 disrupts the protein stability of vimentin via direct binding, providing a molecular explanation for its IGF-independent anti-metastatic and anti-tumor activities.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Haijian Sun, Shuang Wang, Zheng Yang, Lijie Tian, Xiaoxia Li, Jie Zhou, Baoli Wang
Summary: In this study, the researchers found that CHRDL1 acts as an antagonist of BMPs by binding to them and blocking their interaction with BMP receptors. They revealed that CHRDL1 suppresses osteoblast differentiation while promoting adipocyte differentiation. Mechanistic exploration showed that CHRDL1 stabilizes IGFBP3 and differentially modulates AKT/mTORC1 signaling, thereby regulating the differentiation of osteoblasts and adipocytes.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Kuan-Yu Chen, Shin-Yu Lin, Chien-Nan Lee, Hung-Tsung Wu, Ching-Hua Kuo, Han-Chun Kuo, Chia-Chi Chuang, Chun-Heng Kuo, Szu-Chi Chen, Kang-Chih Fan, Ming-Wei Lin, Chi-Tai Fang, Hung-Yuan Li
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between maternal lipids during pregnancy and placental growth factors on excess fetal growth, finding that certain free fatty acids can induce placental IGF-1 secretion, potentially linking maternal plasma lipids and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) neonates.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Kuan-Yu Chen, Shin-Yu Lin, Chien-Nan Lee, Hung-Tsung Wu, Ching-Hua Kuo, Han-Chun Kuo, Chia-Chi Chuang, Chun-Heng Kuo, Szu-Chi Chen, Kang-Chih Fan, Ming-Wei Lin, Chi-Tai Fang, Hung-Yuan Li
Summary: It was found in the study that maternal lipids during pregnancy and placental growth factors are closely associated with excess fetal growth, suggesting a potential link between certain free fatty acids and induction of placental IGF-1 secretion.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Mengying Dou, Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Yating Cheng, Sujuan Ding, Yang Liu, Bo Song, Xiangfeng Kong
Summary: Animal growth after weaning is influenced by various factors, including breed, nutrition, growth hormones, physiological stage, and environment. This study investigated the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system components in different pig breeds during weaning and found that expressions of IGF system components were affected by weaning stress and differed among the breeds.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Elena N. Alekseenkova, V. N. Babakov, S. A. Selkov, G. C. Di Renzo, I. Yu. Kogan, R. V. Kapustin
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between maternal insulin-like growth factor (IGF) levels and fetal macrosomia. The authors found that higher levels of first-trimester IGF-1 and a higher IGF-1/IGFBP-1 ratio were associated with large-for-gestational-age neonates. The IGF-1/IGFBP-1 ratio showed better performance in predicting birth weight over 4000 g.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carlos Fernandez-Pereira, Maria Aranzazu Penedo, Tania Rivera-Baltanas, Rafael Fernandez-Martinez, Saida Ortolano, Jose Manuel Olivares, Roberto Carlos Agis-Balboa
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate whether the alterations in insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) and IGF binding protein 7 (IGFBP-7) in schizophrenia patients are related to the psychiatric disorder itself or are a result of antipsychotic treatment. The results showed that drug-naive first episode patients had lower levels of IGF-2 compared to controls, but no significant change in IGFBP-7 levels. However, both IGF-2 and IGFBP-7 significantly increased after atypical antipsychotic treatment in these patients. Chronic patients, on the other hand, had higher levels of both proteins compared to controls.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michelle Z. L. Kee, Ai Ling Teh, Andrew Clappison, Irina Pokhvisneva, Julie L. MacIssac, David T. S. Lin, Katia E. Ramadori, Birit F. P. Broekman, Helen Chen, Mary Lourdes Daniel, Neerja Karnani, Michael S. Kobor, Peter D. Gluckman, Yap Seng Chong, Jonathan Y. Huang, Michael J. Meaney
Summary: This study found an association between prenatal maternal depressive symptoms and inter-individual genome-wide DNA methylation, specifically in mothers carrying female fetuses. It also revealed sex-dependent associations with depression-related genes and signaling pathways, suggesting the potential role of maternal-fetal interactions in intergenerational transmission.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Md Reduanul Hossain, Jorge M. Tolosa, Roger C. Young, Roger Smith, Jonathan W. Paul
Summary: The study compares the inhibitory effects of a range of drugs on spontaneous ex vivo contractions in pregnant women, with glycyl-H-1152 showing the strongest inhibitory potency. These data are important for a better understanding of the effectiveness of novel tocolytics and suggest the potential of glycyl-H-1152 as a new drug for preventing preterm birth.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jason Phung, Carol Wang, Jocelyn Reeders, Tamas Zakar, Jonathan W. Paul, Sonika Tyagi, Craig E. Pennell, Roger Smith
Summary: This study aimed to comprehensively determine the protein-coding transcriptomic differences between preterm nonlaboring and preterm laboring myometria with and without chorioamnionitis. The results showed that myometria from preterm patients in labor without chorioamnionitis and preterm patients not in labor were transcriptionally similar, while the presence of chorioamnionitis was associated with marked gene changes. Comprehensive bioinformatic analysis indicated that preterm labor with or without chorioamnionitis was associated with innate immune activation.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Barnaby J. W. Dixson, Danielle Borg, Kym M. Rae, Koa Whittingha, Brenda Gannon, Steven M. McPhail, Hannah E. Carter, Karen M. Moritz, Roslyn N. Boyd, Samudragupta Bora, Sailesh Kumar, Julanne Frater, Daniel Schweitzer, Paul Miller, Divya Mehter, Vicki L. Clifton
Summary: Antenatal depression affects fathers and can have negative impacts on maternal mental health and well-being. The study found that lower social support and higher sleep impairment were associated with higher levels of antenatal depression for fathers. Mothers who reported higher physical pain and poor sleep quality had higher levels of antenatal depression, stress, and anxiety. Postnatally, lower social support was associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and psycho-social well-being for mothers. While there were no significant associations between paternal antenatal depression and maternal antenatal or postnatal depression, exploratory analysis revealed that mothers whose partners reported lower antenatal social support also reported lower postnatal social support and higher postnatal depression.
ARCHIVES OF WOMENS MENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Allergy
Sreeparna Bhaumik, Jack Lockett, Zarqa Saif, Andrew Lai, Carlos Salomon, Jonathan P. Whitehead, Vicki L. Clifton
Summary: This study found that metabolic markers in obese pregnant women do not change with the presence and severity of asthma. However, differences in the associations between metabolic and inflammatory pathways were observed in women with asthma and may contribute to uncontrolled asthma in obese pregnant women.
Article
Psychiatry
Elizabeth Ditton, Brendon Knott, Nicolette Hodyl, Graeme Horton, Christopher Oldmeadow, Frederick Rohan Walker, Michael Nilsson
Summary: An app-delivered Acceptance and Commitment Training intervention can improve medical students' psychological flexibility and reduce stress, but it does not have significant effects on burnout outcomes such as exhaustion and cynicism.
JMIR MENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Elizabeth Ditton, Brendon Knott, Nicolette Hodyl, Graeme Horton, Frederick Rohan Walker, Michael Nilsson
Summary: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of delivering an individualized Psychological Flexibility skill training intervention to medical students using an app-based delivery format. The findings showed that the app successfully delivered the assessment procedures and individualized intervention as intended, and the subjective feedback from students was generally positive. However, there were challenges in engagement with the app throughout the trial. These results provide a basis for further research on the efficacy of this intervention approach.
JMIR FORMATIVE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jennifer A. Whitty, Adam P. Wagner, Evelyn Kang, David Ellwood, Wendy Chaboyer, Sailesh Kumar, Vicki L. Clifton, Lukman Thalib, Brigid M. Gillespie
Summary: This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (ci-NPWT) compared to standard dressings for preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) in obese women undergoing caesarean section (CS). The results showed that although ci-NPWT can reduce the occurrence of SSIs in obese women, it is associated with higher costs and does not improve quality of life. Therefore, routine use of ci-NPWT for preventing SSIs in obese women undergoing CS is currently not recommended.
AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
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
Developmental Biology
Zakia Sultana, Yixue Qiao, Kaushik Maiti, Roger Smith
Summary: Placental oxidative stress plays a role in both normal and abnormal placental development during pregnancy. This article discusses the potential consequences of oxidative stress-induced placental dysfunction in pregnancies with fetal death or a high risk of fetal death. The placenta generates reactive oxygen free radicals due to the metabolic demands of the developing fetus, but it also has antioxidant defense systems to counteract oxidative stress. However, uncontrolled oxidative stress can lead to abnormal placental formation, immune disturbances, and placental dysfunction, which are associated with various pregnancy-related disorders.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Marina Paul, Tamas Zakar, Jason Phung, Amy Gregson, Anna Paredes Barreda, Trent A. Butler, Frederick R. Walker, Craig Pennell, Roger Smith, Jonathan W. Paul
Summary: The mechanism by which human labor is initiated in the presence of elevated circulating progesterone levels remains unknown. Recent evidence indicates that the progesterone-metabolizing enzyme, 20 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20 alpha-HSD), may play a role in local progesterone metabolism to promote birth. AKR1C1 expression significantly increases with labor onset in term myometrium, but not in preterm myometrium. Additionally, AKR1C1 expression is associated with maternal BMI and fetal sex.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(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
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Marina Paul, Anna Paredes Barreda, Amy Gregson, Richard Kahl, Madeline King, Waleed M. Hussein, Frederick R. Walker, Roger Smith, Tamas Zakar, Jonathan W. Paul
Summary: In this study, the effects of various treatments on AKR1C1 expression in pregnant human myometrium were determined. It was found that culture-induced upregulation of AKR1C1 expression was repressed by histone/protein deacetylase inhibitors, suggesting the importance of histone deacetylase in maintaining progesterone sensitivity in the uterus.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biology
Sreeparna Bhaumik, Jack Lockett, James Cuffe, Vicki L. Clifton
Summary: This review explores the impact of glucocorticoids on female fertility, reproduction, and foetal development. It discusses the interaction of glucocorticoids with receptors in the reproductive system and their potential effects on fertility. The review also highlights the different versions of glucocorticoid receptors found in different parts of the reproductive system and their role in stress responses and pregnancy outcomes.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Tom P. Fox, Evelyn Timpani, Amanda Green, Anupam Parange, Romi Sinha, Thu-Lan Kelly, Nicolette A. Hodyl, Bernd Froessler
Summary: Routine use of intraoperative cell salvage during lower segment caesarean section is associated with a significant reduction in post-partum iron infusions, increased post-operative hemoglobin, and reduced prevalence of anemia.
ARCHIVES OF GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Sophie M. Leech, Morgan C. Gilbert, Vicki L. Clifton, Sailesh Kumar, Kym M. Rae, Danielle Borg, Marloes Dekker Nitert
Summary: Using shotgun metagenomic sequencing, the researchers assessed the microbes present in expressed breastmilk at six weeks postpartum and found that the microbial load was low and similar to controls. The microbes identified were mostly consistent with skin and oral microbes, with some samples having no identifiable bacterial sequences. The results do not provide convincing evidence for the existence of a breastmilk microbiota at six weeks postpartum, suggesting that the microbes present in breastmilk may come from the infant's mouth and surrounding skin, as well as contamination during sampling and processing.