Immunoexpression of placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) in the placental bed of preeclamptic women of African ancestry living with HIV infection.

Preeclampsia, a severe pregnancy complication linked to defective placentation, poses significant maternal risks and is characterized by dysregulated angiogenic factors, including placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1). Women with HIV/AIDS and receiving ART may face an increased susceptibility to preeclampsia development due to immunological and angiogenic imbalance. This study investigates the immunoexpression of these factors in the context of HIV-associated preeclampsia, utilizing morphometric image analysis.

Analysis of ICAM-1 rs3093030, VCAM-1 rs3783605, and E-Selectin rs1805193 Polymorphisms in African Women Living with HIV and Preeclampsia.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin are cell adhesion molecules that play a significant role in inflammation and are implicated in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia development and HIV infection. More specifically, the immune expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin within cyto- and syncytiotrophoblast cells are dysregulated in preeclampsia, indicating their role in defective placentation. This study investigates the associations of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin gene variants (rs3093030, rs3783605, and rs1805193, respectively) with preeclampsia comorbid with HIV infection in women of African ancestry.

The Enigmatic Interplay of Interleukin-10 in the Synergy of HIV Infection Comorbid with Preeclampsia.

Cytokines coordinate the intricate choreography of the immune system, directing cellular activities that mediate inflammation, pathogen defense, pathology and tissue repair. Within this spectrum, the anti-inflammatory prowess of interleukin-10 (IL-10) predominates in immune homeostasis. In normal pregnancy, the dynamic shift of IL-10 across trimesters maintains maternal immune tolerance ensuring fetal development and pregnancy success.

Assessment of urine metabolite biomarkers for the detection of S. haematobium infection in pre-school aged children in a rural community in Zimbabwe.

Background: Early diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis is key to its control and elimination. The current gold standard microscopic examination techniques lack sensitivity in detecting light Schistosomiasis infections in pre-school aged children thus it is urgent to develop diagnostic tools that may be integrated into control programs. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of urine metabolite biomarkers using a chemical reagent strip in the detection of S.

Placental neutrophil reverse trans-migration and maternal serum neutrophil extracellular trap expression in HIV infection co-morbid pre-eclampsia in women of African ancestry.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and placental neutrophil reverse transmigration (r-TM) are implicated in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia (PE). However, the role of the comorbidity of PE and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in placental neutrophil r-TM and serum NETs remains unknown. Human placental tissue (n = 160) and serum (n = 80) samples were obtained post-ethical approval and divided by pregnancy type and HIV status and across the study population.

Association of angiogenic factors (placental growth factor and soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1) in preeclamptic women of African ancestry comorbid with HIV infection.

Background: Preeclampsia is a significant cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like South Africa.

Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate the association between placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) in South African preeclamptic women of African ancestry, comorbid with HIV infection.

Methods: The study population consisted of women attending a regional hospital in Durban, South Africa, stratified by pregnancy type (normotensive pregnant and preeclampsia) and HIV status.

Placental progesterone and its receptor in HIV-infected pre-eclamptic women.

Given the high prevalence of HIV infection and pre-eclampsia (PE) in South Africa, this study evaluated and compared the placental immunostaining of progesterone (P) and progesterone receptors (PR) in the synergy of HIV-infected PE compared to normotensive pregnant women using immunohistochemistry interfaced with morphometric image analysis. Progesterone immunostaining was expressed widely across exchange and conducting villi within mesenchymal, endothelial, and trophoblast cells. In contrast, PR was expressed within syncytiotrophoblasts and was absent within endothelial cells.

Hesperidin improves physiological outcomes in an arginine vasopressin rat model of pre-eclampsia.

Background: Hesperidin, a flavanone commonly found in citrus fruits and herbal formulations, has emerged as a potential new therapeutic agent for modulating several diseases. Since pre-eclampsia is a growing public health threat, it may negatively impact the economy and increase the disease burden of South Africa. Phytocompounds are easily accessible, demonstrate minimal side effects, and may confer novel medicinal options as a treatment and preventive preference.

Differential expression of the angiotensin receptors (AT1, AT2, and AT4) in the placental bed of HIV-infected preeclamptic women of African ancestry.

The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) is implicated in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE). There is a paucity of data on uteroplacental angiotensin receptors AT1-2 and 4. We evaluated the immunoexpression of AT1R, AT2R, and AT4R within the placental bed of PE vs.

Immunoexpression of neuropilin-1 in the chorionic villi of HIV-infected preeclamptic South African women of African ancestry.

Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is an essential regulator of maternal immune tolerance, placentation, and angiogenesis. Its dysregulation in preeclampsia (PE) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection implicates NRP-1 in disease susceptibility and progression. Therefore, this study investigates placental NRP-1 immunoexpression in HIV-complicated preeclamptic pregnancies in South African women of African ancestry receiving antiretroviral therapy.

The Clinical Value of Rodent Models in Understanding Preeclampsia Development and Progression.

Purpose Of Review: Preeclampsia (PE) is a leading global cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The heterogeneity of this disorder contributes to its elusive etiology. Due to the ethical constraints surrounding human studies, animal models provide a suitable alternative for investigation into PE pathogenesis and novel therapeutic strategies.

Kidney injury molecule-1 and podocalyxin dysregulation in an arginine vasopressin induced rodent model of preeclampsia.

Objective: To assess renal injury in an arginine vasopressin (AVP) rodent model of preeclampsia.

Study Design: Urinary expression of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), urinary protein and creatinine was determined in rodents (n = 24; pregnant AVP, pregnant saline, non-pregnant AVP and non-pregnant saline), which received a continuous dose of either AVP or saline via subcutaneous mini osmotic pumps for 18 days, using a Multiplex kidney toxicity immunoassay. Renal morphology was assessed using haematoxylin and eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy.

Stress-Sensitive Regulators of Fetal Neurodevelopment in HIV and Preeclampsia: An Immunocytochemical Appraisal of Placental OGT and T4 Levels.

Preeclampsia and HIV are a significant burden to maternal health globally, especially in low-middle income countries such as South Africa. In the KwaZulu-Natal province, SA antenatal HIV prevalence is 41.1%, while PE is 12%.

The complement system in preeclampsia: a review of its activation and endothelial injury in the triad of COVID-19 infection and HIV-associated preeclampsia.

This review assesses the complement system and its activation, with the pathological features of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and preeclampsia (PE). The complement system is the first defensive response by the host innate immune system to viral pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 entry results in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemical mediators to create a "cytokine storm".

Unravelling the Mechanistic Role of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in Hypertension: A Risk Factor for COVID-19.

Background: This review explores the mechanistic action of angiotensin-converting enzyme- 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) in the renin-angiotensinaldosterone system (RAAS) that predisposes hypertensive patients to the adverse outcome of severe COVID-19.

Methods And Results: Entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the host cell via ACE2 disrupts the RAAS system, creating an imbalance between ACE and ACE2, with an increased inflammatory response, leading to hypertension (HTN), pulmonary vasoconstriction and acute respiratory distress. SARSCoV- 2 may also predispose infected individuals with existing HTN to a greater risk of severe COVID-19 complications.

Placental Morphology and Morphometry: Is It a Prerequisite for Future Pathological Investigations?

Successful pregnancy is dependent on implantation, nutrient and gas exchange, as well as fetal protection from the immunologic attack. Placental pathologies and preterm delivery closely correlate with the size and shape of the placenta. Additionally, normal vaginal microbiota is disturbed during viral insults such as SARS-CoV-2 and HIV, with consequent placental anomalies.

Peptide microarray analysis of in-silico predicted B-cell epitopes in SARS-CoV-2 sero-positive healthcare workers in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Immunogenic peptides that mimic linear B-cell epitopes coupled with immunoassay validation may improve serological tests for emerging diseases. This study reports a general approach for profiling linear B-cell epitopes derived from SARS-CoV-2 using an in-silico method and peptide microarray immunoassay, using healthcare workers' SARS-CoV-2 sero-positive sera. SARS-CoV-2 was tested using rapid chromatographic immunoassays and real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

Circulatory and Placental Expression of Soluble Fms-like Tyrosine Kinase- 1 and Placental Growth Factor in HIV-infected Preeclampsia.

An imbalance between angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE). Studies have shown a dysregulation of sFlt-1 and placental growth factor (PlGF) in PE. However, there are differing reports on the levels of these pro-/antiangiogenic factors in HIV-infected preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancies, possibly due to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and its immune reconstitution effect.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2: Molecular Mechanism and Therapeutic Potential in Preeclampsia Comorbidity with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infections.

This review explored the role of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) in the synergy of preeclampsia (PE), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. Downregulation of VEGFR-2 in PE promotes endothelial dysfunction and prevents endothelial cell (EC) migration, proliferation, and differentiation. The HIV-1 accessory protein, tat (trans-activator of transcription), prevents VEGFR-2 signaling via the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) ligand.