Vertical transmission of Human papillomavirus: experience from a center of southern Italy.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) represents a group of DNA viruses, sexually transmitted, and widely accepted as a cause of invasive squamous cell carcinomas. The virus prevalence is critical worldwide. However, the possibility of perinatal transmission during pregnancy is not well understood as well as the risks for the newborn.

The pattern of expression of Notch protein members in normal and pathological endometrium.

The objective of this study was to investigate the pattern of expression and the localization of Notch-1, Notch-4 and Jagged-1 in physiological and pathological human endometrium and to evaluate the expression levels of two major regulators of the G1 checkpoint, namely cyclin D1 and p21. Sixty samples of physiological endometrium and 60 samples of pathological endometrium were used for the study. Evaluation of the expression level and the distribution of Notch pathway members and cell-cycle proteins was performed by immunohistochemistry.

Distribution of Notch protein members in normal and preeclampsia-complicated placentas.

Notch proteins are a transmembrane receptor family that is structurally and functionally conserved from worms to humans. The mammalian family of Notch proteins consists of several genes encoding Notch receptors and related Notch ligands. Notch signaling is involved in different aspects of the cell-fate decision tree: differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis.

Mid-trimester fetal-placental velocimetry response to nifedipine may predict early the onset of pre-eclampsia.

The effect of nifedipine on fetal-placental blood flow at 22-24 weeks in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) was evaluated. Twenty patients with PIH were submitted to the Doppler evaluation of fetal-placental perfusion at 22-24 weeks. The systo-diastolic (SID) ratio and the pulsatility index (PI) of uterine, umbilical and middle cerebral arteries and systemic blood pressure were recorded before and 7 days after nifedipine administration (10 mg/ per os 3 times/day until delivery).

The serine protease HtrA1 is upregulated in the human placenta during pregnancy.

The placenta has a dynamic and continuous capacity for self-renewal. The molecular mechanisms responsible for controlling trophoblast proliferation are still unclear. It is generally accepted that the simultaneous activity of proteins involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix degradation plays an important role in correct placental development.