Vitamin B12 status in term pregnant women and the cord blood samples of their newborns: A cross-sectional study.

In India, total vitamin B12 (Vit B12) and its active form (active B12) have not been studied in mother's blood and cord blood. We hypothesized that total and active B12 levels are sufficiently maintained in cord blood despite low levels in mothers. Two hundred term pregnant mother's blood and cord blood was collected and analyzed for total Vit B12 (radioimmunoassay method) and active B12 levels (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).

Impact of maternal iron deficiency anaemia on the expression of the newly discovered multi-copper ferroxidase, Zyklopen, in term placentas.

In the present study, we investigated the effect of maternal iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) on expression of the newly discovered iron transporter, Zyklopen in term placenta, in 200 pregnant women. Placental expression of Zyklopen was studied by mRNA analysis and immunohistochemistry for the protein. In addition neonatal anthropometric parameters were also analysed.

Expression of iron transport protein Divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) increases in response to maternal iron deficiency anemia in near term to term placenta.

Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency disorder in pregnant women. During pregnancy, placental transport protein Divalent metal transporter1 (DMT1) plays a crucial role in transit of iron across placenta. The developing fetus is observed to be immune to anemia despite presence of anemia in the mother.

Effect of Maternal Iron Deficiency Anaemia on the Expression of Iron Transport Proteins in the Third Trimester Placenta.

During pregnancy, iron is transferred from mother to fetus with placental iron transport proteins (Transferrin receptor, Divalent metal transporter/DMT1, ferroportin/FPN1 and Zyklopen). The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of maternal iron deficiency anemia on placental iron transporters. Two hundred pregnant women, in third trimester of pregnancy were divided into anemic (Hemoglobin/Hb < 11g/dl) and non-anemic groups (Hb ≥ 11 g/dl).