Decorin derived antiangiogenic peptide LRR5 inhibits endothelial cell migration by interfering with VEGF-stimulated NO release.

Excessive angiogenesis plays critical roles in many human diseases including cancer. We have previously shown that human decorin derived 26 amino acids peptide Leucine Rich Repeat 5 (LRR5) inhibits multiple aspects of angiogenesis including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulated migration of endothelial cells (ECs). In this study, we have characterized the molecular mechanism of LRR5 which reveals that its anti-migratory effect on ECs is mediated by inhibiting VEGF-stimulated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation and nitric oxide (NO) release.

Paternal contribution of HLA-G*0106 significantly increases risk for pre-eclampsia in multigravid pregnancies.

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Structural or functional alterations of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G present at the maternal-fetal interface may predispose women to PE. We tested the HLA-G gene for association with PE in a case-control study of 83 PE and 240 normotensive Malay women.

The association between maternal depression and frequent non-routine visits to the infant's doctor--a cohort study.

Background: Perinatal depression is common, but women typically do not seek help for it. We studied its association with frequent non-routine physician visits, which may be a form of help-seeking behaviour.

Methods: A prospective cohort study of women in their 34th to 38th week of pregnancy at the outpatient obstetrics clinic at a Singapore tertiary hospital was done.

Antenatal education and postnatal support strategies for improving rates of exclusive breast feeding: randomised controlled trial.

Objective: To investigate whether antenatal breast feeding education alone or postnatal lactation support alone improves rates of exclusive breast feeding compared with routine hospital care.

Design: Randomised controlled trial.

Setting: A tertiary hospital in Singapore.

Use of fetal electrocardiogram for intrapartum monitoring.

Introduction: Intrapartum fetal monitoring is essential for the identification of fetal hypoxia to reduce perinatal morbidity and mortality. Cardiotocography is associated with low specificity for fetal acidosis and poor perinatal outcome leading to unnecessary operative deliveries. ST waveform analysis of the fetal electrocardiogram has been shown to be a promising adjunctive intrapartum assessment tool.

Selected organochlorine pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl residues in house dust in Singapore.

Although the use of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has been prohibited in Singapore since 1980, OCPs and PCBs still can be detected in the environment and represent a potential threat to public health. In this study, OCPs and PCBs were measured in house dust samples collected from 31 homes across the island-state of Singapore. Organochlorine pesticides, such as hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), chlordanes and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) were tested, with a range of View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Identification of nestin-positive putative mammary stem cells in human breastmilk.

Stem cells in mammary tissue have been well characterised by using the mammary stem cell marker, cytokeratin (CK) 5 and the mature epithelial markers CK14, CK18 and CK19. As these markers have never been reported in cells from breastmilk, the aim of this study has been to determine whether mammary stem cells are present in expressed human breastmilk. Cultured cells from human breastmilk were studied by using immunofluorescent labelling and reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Simple antenatal preparation to improve breastfeeding practice: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To address the impact of simple antenatal educational interventions on breastfeeding practice.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was carried out in a tertiary referral center from May 2002 to December 2004. A random sample of eligible low-risk antenatal patients was recruited from clinics in the National University Hospital, Singapore.

Persistent organic pollutants and adverse health effects in humans.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are synthetic chemicals that have an intrinsic resistance to natural degradation processes, and are therefore environmentally persistent. The introduction of POPs into the environment from anthropogenic activities resulted in their widespread dispersal and accumulation in soils and water bodies, as well as in human and ecological food chains, where they are known to induce toxic effects. Due to their ubiquity in the environment and lipophilic properties, there is mounting concern over the potential risks of human exposure to POPs.

Levels of persistent organic pollutant residues in human adipose and muscle tissues in Singapore.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), due to their persistence and bioconcentration in lipid-rich tissue, bioaccumulate in food chains, resulting in elevated concentrations in humans. This study was performed to determine and compare levels of POPs in human adipose and muscle tissues in the female population of Singapore. In total, 36 human adipose tissues and 8 human muscle tissues were collected from volunteer expectant mothers admitted to the National University Hospital Singapore for cesarean section delivery between August 2003 and January 2005.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in house dust in Singapore.

The use of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) as flame retardants in Singapore is not strictly regulated; therefore these compounds can be readily found in furniture, electronic devices, and building materials. This study was the first of its kind to be conducted in Singapore to measure concentrations of PBDEs in house dust. Samples were collected from 31 homes in various locations across the island-state of Singapore, and a total eight PBDEs congeners were measured.

Determination and occurrence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in maternal adipose tissue from inhabitants of Singapore.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), as a specific group of brominated flame retardants (BFR), are used in a variety of consumer products including electronics and household furnishings. In recent years, a marked increase in the levels of PBDEs in human biological tissues and fluids, especially breast milk, has been reported in several countries. However, few data are available from countries in the Asia-pacific region, including Singapore.

Does the route of administration of misoprostol make a difference? The uterotonic effect and side effects of misoprostol given by different routes after vaginal delivery.

Objective: To compare the postpartum uterotonic effect and side effects of misoprostol administered by different routes.

Study Design: Fifty women were given misoprostol 400 microg either by the oral solution, oral tablet, rectal or vaginal route, or intramuscular syntometrine 1 ml after spontaneous vaginal delivery. Pre- and post-treatment uterine activity were measured with intrauterine pressure catheters.

Current strategies for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage in the third stage of labour.

Purpose Of Review: Despite evidence that active management of the third stage of labour reduces the incidence of postpartum haemorrhage, expectant management is still widely practised. Factors accounting for this situation include the desire for a more natural experience of childbirth, the philosophy that active management is unnecessary in low-risk women, and avoidance of the adverse effects of conventional uterotonic agents. This review will evaluate the various strategies currently used for the prevention of primary postpartum haemorrhage.

Misoprostol: a quarter century of use, abuse, and creative misuse.

Misoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analog originally intended for use to prevent NSAID-induced gastric ulcers. However, because of its cervical ripening and uterotonic property, misoprostol has become one of the most useful drugs in obstetrics and gynecology. Misoprostol has proven to be a very convenient and flexible drug because of its formulation as a tablet that is stable and that can be administered orally, rectally, vaginally and by the sublingual route.