Endometrioid adenocarcinoma arising from colon endometriosis.

Endometriosis-associated intestinal tumors represent the malignant transformation of gastrointestinal endometriosis. Approximately 50 cases have been reported in the literature. They are most commonly found among women aged 30-60 years, whereas exogenous hormone therapy and obesity are primary risk factors for the malignant transformation of endometriotic lesions.

National curves of foetal growth in singleton foetuses of Greek origin.

Background: Foetal growth monitoring is an essential component of prenatal care with postnatal impact. The aim of the study was to construct reference ranges for foetal biometric parameters in Greek foetuses and to compare them with previously published models.

Materials And Methods: Measurements from 1200 Greek foetuses were used to construct normal curves for biparietal diameter (BPD), occipitofrontal diameter (OFD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femoral length (FL) and the BPD/FL ratio according to the methodology described by Royston and Wright (1998).

Maternal serum osteocalcin at 11-14 weeks of gestation in gestational diabetes mellitus.

Background: Recent studies support that osteocalcin (OC), apart from its skeletal role, is implicated in glucose homoeostasis. Aims of this study were to examine the first-trimester maternal serum concentrations of OC in pregnancies that developed gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to create a first-trimester prediction model for GDM.

Design: Case-control study in a prospective cohort of pregnant women.

Elevated placental growth factor concentrations at 11-14 weeks of gestation to predict gestational diabetes mellitus.

Objective: To examine maternal serum concentrations of placental growth factor (PlGF) at 11-14 gestational weeks in pregnancies that developed gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to create first trimester prediction models for GDM.

Methods: Case control study including 40 GDM cases and 94 controls. PlGF, biophysical and biochemical markers and maternal-pregnancy characteristics were analyzed.

Cord blood galectin-1 and -3 concentrations in term pregnancies with normal restricted and increased fetal growth.

Objective: To determine levels of galectins (gal)-1 and -3 (implicated in angiogenesis/immunologic mechanisms) in intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR), large (LGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) pregnancies, as these groups differ in fat mass, angiogenic patterns and immune responses.

Methods: Cord-blood (UC) gal-1 and -3 concentrations were measured in 30 IUGR, 30 LGA and 20 AGA singleton full-term infants and their mothers (MS).

Results: IUGR, LGA and AGA groups did not differ in gal-1 and -3 concentrations.

Cord blood netrin-1 and -4 concentrations in term pregnancies with normal, restricted and increased fetal growth.

Objective: To determine levels of the possible angioregulatory molecules netrin-1 and -4, in intrauterine-growth-restricted (IUGR), large for gestational age (LGA) (both groups characterized by altered angiogenic mechanisms) and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) pregnancies.

Methods: Cord blood (UC) netrin-1 and -4 concentrations were measured in 30 IUGR, 30 LGA and 20 AGA infants and their mothers (MS).

Results: Netrin-1 and -4 concentrations did not differ in all groups.

Maternal serum levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and their complex MMP-9/NGAL in pregnancies with preeclampsia and those with a small for gestational age neonate: a longitudinal study.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine maternal serum concentrations of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and MMP-9/NGAL complex longitudinally in pregnancy, in normal pregnancies, in pregnancies that developed preeclampsia and in pregnancies that delivered a small for gestational age infant (SGA).

Methods: Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, MMP-9, and MMP-9/NGAL were determined in the first, second, and third trimesters in 33 normal pregnancies, 12 pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia, and 14 pregnancies that delivered a SGA neonate.

Results: Median NGAL concentration (ng/mL) in normal pregnancies increased significantly from 12.

Adipokines vaspin and omentin-1 are up-regulated in large for gestational age infants at term.

Objective: Large- (LGA) and appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) infants differ in body fat mass and metabolic/endocrine mechanisms. We aimed to investigate in LGA and AGA infants possible alterations in cord blood levels of insulin and the adipokines vaspin and omentin-1 which are secreted by the adipose tissue and are implicated in insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome.

Methods: Cord blood vaspin, omentin-1 and insulin levels were prospectively measured in 61 LGA and 36 AGA singleton full-term infants.

Cord blood nesfatin-1 in large for gestational age pregnancies.

Objective: To investigate possible alterations in cord blood levels of adipokine nesfatin-1 (secreted by adipose tissue and pancreatic β-cells and implicated in glucose metabolism and insulin resistance), as well as insulin, in large (LGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) pregnancies, granted that these groups differ in body fat mass and metabolic/endocrine mechanisms.

Materials And Methods: Cord blood nesfatin-1 and insulin concentrations were prospectively measured in 40 LGA (9 born from diabetic and 31 from non-diabetic mothers) and 20 AGA singleton full-term infants as well as their mothers.

Results: Cord blood nesfatin-1 concentrations were significantly lower in LGA compared to AGA neonates (b=-0.

Cord blood chemerin and obestatin levels in large for gestational age infants.

Objective: To investigate possible alterations in cord blood levels of adipokines, chemerin and obestatin (secreted by adipose tissue and associated with later development of insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome), as well as insulin, in large for gestational age (LGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) pregnancies, granted that these groups differ in body fat mass and metabolic/endocrine mechanisms.

Methods: Cord blood chemerin, obestatin, and insulin concentrations were prospectively measured in 40 LGA (9 born from diabetic and 31 from nondiabetic mothers) and 40 AGA singleton full-term infants.

Results: Cord blood chemerin concentrations were significantly higher in LGA compared with AGA neonates (b = 38.

Detection of congenital heart defects throughout pregnancy; impact of first trimester ultrasound screening for cardiac abnormalities.

Objective: To evaluate prospectively the efficacy to screen for congenital heart defects (CHD) during the first trimester nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound examination by assessing the four chambers' view of fetal heart.

Methods: Pregnancies that were examined prospectively by ultrasound in the first trimester (11th-14th week), the second (19th-24th week) and third trimester were included in the study. 3774 fetuses were examined and fetal heart was assessed during the NT scan by examining the four chambers view.

Perinatal collagen turnover markers in intrauterine growth restriction.

Objective: To investigate bone and connective tissue collagen turnover in intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) pregnancies, by determining circulating markers of type I collagen synthesis (carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen [PICP], representing bone formation) and degradation (cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen [ICTP], representing bone resorption) as well as type III collagen synthesis (N-terminal propeptide of type-III procollagen [PIIINP], reflecting growth and tissue maturity).

Methods: Plasma PICP, ICTP and PIIINP concentrations were measured in 40 mothers and their 20 asymmetric IUGR and 20 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) full-term fetuses and neonates on postnatal day 1-(N1) and 4-(N4).

Results: Fetal PICP, fetal and N4 ICTP, as well as fetal, N1 and N4 PIIINP concentrations were higher in the IUGR group (p ≤ 0.

Levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine throughout normal pregnancy and in pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia or had a small for gestational age baby.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate maternal asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) concentrations at the three trimesters of pregnancy in uncomplicated pregnancies and in women who developed preeclampsia or had small for gestational age infants (SGA) without preeclampsia.

Methods: ADMA concentrations were retrospectively determined in the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy in 41 uncomplicated pregnancies, 10 pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia and 14 pregnancies that delivered a SGA baby. ADMA was measured with an ELISA kit.

Circulating levels of inflammatory markers in intrauterine growth restriction.

We aimed to investigate possible alterations in circulating levels of the perinatal stress markers high sensitivity (hs)-CRP, PAI-1, and S100B--probably reflecting brain and adipose tissue inflammation--in intrauterine growth-restricted-(IUGR) and appropriate-for-gestational-age-(AGA) pregnancies, given that these groups differ in fat mass and metabolic mechanisms involving aseptic inflammation. Serum hs-CRP, PAI-1, and S100B levels were measured in 40 mothers, and their 20 AGA and 20 IUGR full-term fetuses and neonates on postnatal days 1 and 4. hs-CRP, PAI-1, and S100B levels did not differ at all time points between AGA and IUGR groups.

The role of IGF-1 and ghrelin in the compensation of intrauterine growth restriction.

The role of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and ghrelin in intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) neonates in comparison to appropriate for gestational age (AGA) ones was investigated. Levels of IGF-1/insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), ghrelin, insulin, and cortisol were determined in 20 singleton, full-term IUGR and 20 respective AGA neonates at birth (umbilical cord-UC), on days 1 (d1) and 4 (d4) postnatally. The ratio of IGF-1 to birth weight was higher in IUGR than in AGA in both UC (18.

Circulating osteoprotegerin and sRANKL concentrations in the perinatal period at term. The impact of intrauterine growth restriction.

Background: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) has been associated with low bone mass in infancy and increased risk for osteoporosis development in adult life. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) are main determinants of bone resorption.

Objectives: To investigate OPG and soluble RANKL (sRANKL) concentrations in maternal, fetal and neonatal serum of IUGR patients and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) pregnancies.

Serum fetuin-A/alpha2-HS-glycoprotein in human pregnancies with normal and restricted fetal growth.

Objective: To investigate circulating concentrations of human fetuin-A (important fetal glycoprotein, involved in vascular pathology and bone metabolism) in mothers, fetuses and neonates from intrauterine-growth-restricted (IUGR, associated with low bone mass at birth and metabolic syndrome in adult life) and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) pregnancies.

Methods: Serum fetuin-A concentrations were prospectively measured in 40 mothers, the doubly-clamped umbilical cords (representing fetal state) and their 20 IUGR and 20 AGA full-term neonates on postnatal day 1 (N1) and 4 (N4).

Results: No significant differences in fetuin-A concentrations were observed between groups, or between maternal, fetal and neonatal samples in both groups.

Cord blood ischemia-modified albumin levels in normal and intrauterine growth restricted pregnancies.

Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is a sensitive biomarker of cardiac ischemia. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) may imply fetal hypoxia, resulting in blood flow centralization in favour of vital organs (brain, heart, adrenals--"brain sparing effect"). Based on the latter, we hypothesized that cord blood IMA levels should not differ between IUGR and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) full-term pregnancies.

Leptin and adiponectin concentrations in intrauterine growth restricted and appropriate for gestational age fetuses, neonates, and their mothers.

Objective: Leptin and adiponectin are two adipocytokines that play a critical role in the control of energy balance and metabolism as well as in conditions, such as insulin resistance, inflammation, and the development of the metabolic syndrome in adult life. Leptin has been associated with asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The aim of this study was to investigate the perinatal implication of leptin and adiponectin in IUGR.

Perinatal changes of circulating N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in normal and intrauterine-growth-restricted pregnancies.

Objective: To investigate changes in NT-proBNP in intrauterine-growth-restricted (IUGR) and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) pregnancies.

Methods: NT-proBNP levels were measured in 40 mothers (MS), umbilical cords (UC), and their 20 IUGR/ 20 AGA neonates on day 1 (N1) and day 4 (N4).

Results: UC, N1, and N4 NT-proBNP was lower in IUGR pregnancies (p View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Perinatal changes of plasma resistin concentrations in pregnancies with normal and restricted fetal growth.

Background: The adipocytokine resistin inhibits adipogenesis and induces insulin resistance. Intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) neonates have reduced fat mass and changes of endocrine/metabolic mechanisms, predisposing to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in adult life.

Objectives: To investigate plasma resistin concentrations in maternal, fetal and neonatal samples from IUGR and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) pregnancies and correlate them with respective insulin concentrations.

Perinatal changes of cardiac troponin-I in normal and intrauterine growth-restricted pregnancies.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) implies fetal hypoxia, resulting in blood flow redistribution and sparing of vital organs (brain, heart). Serum cardiac Troponin-I (cTnI), a well-established marker of myocardial ischaemia, was measured in 40 mothers prior to delivery, the doubly clamped umbilical cords (representing fetal state), and their 20 IUGR and 20 appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) neonates on day 1 and 4 postpartum. At all time points, no differences in cTnI levels were observed between the AGA and IUGR groups.

N-terminal parathyroid hormone-related protein levels in human intrauterine growth restricted pregnancies.

Background: N-terminal parathyroid hormone-related protein has a vital role in regulating cell growth and differentiation, uteroplacental vasodilatation, uterine muscle relaxation, and placental transport. These functions are compromised in intrauterine growth restriction. We aimed to investigate N-terminal parathyroid hormone-related protein concentrations in maternal, fetal, and neonatal plasma of intrauterine-growth-restricted and appropriate for gestational age pregnancies.

Serum cystatin C in pregnancies with normal and restricted fetal growth.

The objective of this study was to investigate circulating levels of cystatin C (an important endogenous marker of renal function) in mothers, fetuses, and neonates from intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR; characterized by impaired nephrogenesis) and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) pregnancies. Serum cystatin C levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay in 40 parturients and their 20 IUGR ( View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Perinatal circulating visfatin levels in intrauterine growth restriction.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate possible alterations in circulating levels of the adipocytokine visfatin in intrauterine growth-restricted and normal pregnancies, given that these groups differ considerably in fetal nutrition, body fat mass, and metabolic/endocrine mechanisms.

Methods: Serum visfatin levels were prospectively measured by enzyme immunoassay in 40 mothers and their 40 singleton term fetuses and neonates on postnatal days 1 and 4. Twenty neonates had intrauterine growth restriction (birth weight < or = 3rd customized centile, adjusted for parameters that influence growth potential), and 20 were appropriate for gestational age.