Does placental VEGF-A protein expression predict early neurological outcome of neonates from FGR complicated pregnancies?

Objectives: Fetal hypoxia due to placental dysfunction is the hallmark of fetal growth restriction (FGR). Preferential perfusion of the brain (brain-sparing effect), as a part of physiological placental cardiovascular compensatory mechanisms to hypoxia, in FGR was reported. Therefore, the correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) protein expression in the FGR placentas and newborns' early neurological outcome was examined.

The Effects of Sunflower and Maize Crop Residue Extracts as a New Ingredient on the Quality Properties of Pork Liver Pâtés.

The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of ethanolic extracts from post-harvest sunflower and maize stalk residues, and their impact on the chemical composition, physicochemical parameters, lipid oxidative stability, microbiological properties, and sensory characteristics of pork liver pâtés over a 90-day storage period. Four formulations were prepared: a control group (CON), a batch with butylated hydroxytoluene as a synthetic antioxidant (BHT), 1% ethanolic extract from sunflower residues (SSRE), and 1% ethanolic extract from maize residues (MSRE). The MSRE had a higher total phenol content and showed better antioxidant activity relative to the SSRE ( < 0.

Methylation of serotonin regulating genes in cord blood cells: association with maternal metabolic parameters and correlation with methylation in peripheral blood cells during childhood and adolescence.

Background: Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) signaling is involved in neurodevelopment, mood regulation, energy metabolism, and other physiological processes. DNA methylation plays a significant role in modulating the expression of genes responsible for maintaining 5-HT balance, such as 5-HT transporter (SLC6A4), monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), and 5-HT receptor type 2A (HTR2A). Maternal metabolic health can influence long-term outcomes in offspring, with DNA methylation mediating these effects.

Interleukin-2 gene methylation levels and interleukin-2 levels associated with environmental exposure as risk biomarkers for preterm birth.

Aim: To compare interleukin-2 levels (IL-2) and IL-2 gene site 1 methylation levels between preterm newborns (PN) and full-term newborns (FN) and investigate their association with the environmental exposure of their mothers during pregnancy.

Methods: IL-2 and IL-2 gene site 1 methylation levels were assessed in 50 PN and 56 FN. Newborns' mothers filled in questionnaires about their living and occupational environments, habits, diets, and hobbies.