Gestational Diabetes and T-cell (Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg) Immune Profile.

Background/aim: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication, characterized by insulin resistance and low-grade systemic inflammation with a pro-inflammatory immune system response. Our objective was to study the peripheral Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg response in GDM compared to normal pregnancy.

Materials And Methods: Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg subsets was determined by flow cytometry based on staining for specific intracellular cytokines, as well as C-reactive protein (CRP) and total IgE circulating levels.

Associations of combined polymorphisms of the platelet membrane glycoproteins Ia and IIIa and the platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 and P-Selectin genes with IVF implantation failures.

The aim of the study was to investigate the combined impact of the genetic heterogeneity of the glycoproteins Ia (GpIa) and IIIa (GpIIIa) and the platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) and P-Selectin genes on IVF embryo transfer implantation failures (IVF-ET failures). Sixty nulligravida women with previous IVF-ET failures and 60 fertile controls were genotyped for the GpIa-C807T, GpIIIa-PlA1/PA2, PECAM-1-C373G (Leu125Val) and P-Selectin-A37674C (Thr715Pro) polymorphisms by pyrosequencing. Compared with wild-type combined homozygotes, carriers of combinations of risk alleles in two gene loci were at significantly increased risk for IVF-ET failure, whereas carriers of the combination of GpIa-807T, GpIIIa-PlA2 and PECAM-1-373G alleles had OR = 52.

Polymorphisms of Platelet Glycoprotein Receptors and Cell Adhesion Molecules in Fetuses with Fetal Growth Restriction and Their Mothers As Detected with Pyrosequencing.

Background: Vascular thrombotic tendency may lead to fetal growth restriction (FGR). Altered platelet function and genetic heterogeneity may play a role in this procedure. We investigated whether maternal or fetal genotypic frequencies of genes polymorphisms for certain platelet receptor and cell adhesion molecules are altered in FGR.

Genetic heterogeneity of platelet glycoproteins Ia and IIIa is associated with in vitro fertilisation implantation failure.

Thrombophilic genetic factors have been shown to play an important role in implantation outcome after in vitro fertilisation (IVF). In this pilot study we investigated the frequencies of glycoprotein Ia (GpIa)-C807T and GpIIIa-PlA1/PlA2 polymorphisms in 60 nulligravidae women with a history of unexplained IVF implantation failures and compared them with 60 healthy fertile women. We found statistically significant associations between the GpIa-C807T and GpIIIa-PlA1/PlA2 polymorphisms and IVF implantation failure (odds ratio [OR] = 3.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed during pregnancy: clinicopathological characteristics and management.

The aim of this study was to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas in cases of pregnant women with adnexal masses, reporting an interesting case with synchronous literature review. The patient, a gravida 2, para 1, 37 year-old woman was diagnosed with a large unilateral adnexal lesion during a scheduled third trimester ultrasound assessment. A large papillary papule with a network of blood vessels showing decreased resistance in blood flow was noticed as well.

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.

Placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 are useful markers for the prediction of preeclampsia but not for small for gestational age neonates: a longitudinal study.

Objective: To determine maternal serum concentrations of placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) longitudinally in normal pregnancies, pregnancies that developed preeclampsia and pregnancies that deliver a small for gestational age (SGA) infant, in order to evaluate them as markers for the prediction of preeclampsia.

Study Design: In this case-control study we included 12 singleton pregnancies that developed preeclampsia and 104 randomly selected singleton normal pregnancies. Fourteen of the normal pregnancies gave birth to an SGA infant.

Continuous versus cyclic use of oral contraceptives after surgery for symptomatic endometriosis: a prospective cohort study.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of continuous oral contraceptive (OC) use versus the usual cyclic fashion in the recurrence of endometriosis-related symptoms after surgery.

Design: Prospective cohort trial involving patients in two tertiary care units.

Setting: Academic institution in collaboration with a private hospital.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis in marfan syndrome.

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a systemic hereditable disorder of the connective tissue with mainly cardiovascular manifestations, such as aortic dilatation and dissection. We describe a case of a 32-year-old Caucasian woman, clinically asymptomatic with MFS who presented for genetic consultation to prevent the transmission of disease to her offspring. She underwent controlled ovarian stimulation (COH), in vitro fertilization (IVF) combined with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), and a singleton pregnancy with positive fetal heart rate was revealed.

Prognostic significance and diagnostic value of PTEN and p53 expression in endometrial carcinoma. A retrospective clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study.

Purpose: To investigate the PTEN and p53 gene expression in endometrioid and serous papillary endometrial carcinomas and clarify their prognostic significance by studying the PTEN and p53 expression in relation to tumor stage and grade.

Methods: Archival pathological sections of 61 cases with endometrial cancer examined in a 5-year-period (January 2006-December 2010) were retrieved and re-examined. Immunohistochemical investigation was performed by the Ventana system.

Placental growth factor (PlGF): a key to optimizing fetal growth.

The needs of the uterus and the fetus for the provision of nutrients and oxygen, supplied by the blood flow, are understandably extremely high, with the circulatory system playing the most important role in this action. Abnormal vascular growth and transformation that create a high vessel resistance network have been associated with various pregnancy pathologies, including miscarriage, small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses with or without preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Placental growth factor (PlGF) has a major role in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in human placenta.

Impact of maternal diabetes on epigenetic modifications leading to diseases in the offspring.

Gestational diabetes, occurring during the hyperglycemic period of pregnancy in maternal life, is a pathologic state that increases the incidence of complications in both mother and fetus. Offspring thus exposed to an adverse fetal and early postnatal environment may manifest increased susceptibility to a number of chronic diseases later in life. Compelling evidence for the role of epigenetic transmission in these complications has come from comparison of siblings born before and after the development of maternal diabetes, exposure to this intrauterine diabetic environment being shown to cause alterations in fetal growth patterns which predispose these infants to developing overweight and obesity later in life.

Polycystic ovary syndrome offspring display increased oxidative stress markers comparable to gestational diabetes offspring.

Objective: To study oxidative stress (OS) markers on neonates. The specific aim was to evaluate advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) serum levels along with the hormonal/metabolic profile and their possible relationship in a cohort of polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS(N) and gestational diabetes GDM(N) neonates and their mothers PCOS(M) and GDM(M).

Design: Prospective controlled study.

Autopsy findings in fetuses with cystic hygroma: a literature review and our center's experience.

Purpose Of Investigation: To report our experience of autopsied cases of fetal cystic hygroma (CH) and discuss the role of fetal autopsy in genetic counseling.

Methods: A review of autopsy reports at our institution revealed 18 cases of fetal CH over a 10-year period (from 2000 to 2010). The clinical data, results of cytogenetic analysis and prenatal ultrasound findings were also retrieved and compared to the autopsy findings.

Molecular mechanisms of preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity/mortality. The pathogenesis of preeclampsia is still under investigation. The aim of this paper is to present the molecular mechanisms implicating in the pathway leading to preeclampsia.

Association of adiponectin and placental growth factor in amniotic fluid with second trimester fetal growth.

Background: We investigated the associations between second trimester amniotic fluid (AF) levels of human adiponectin and placental growth factor (PLGF) in small for gestational age (SGA), large for gestational age (LGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses.

Materials And Methods: Adiponectin and PLGF levels were determined by enzyme immunoassay in AF of 21 SGA, 13 LGA and 44 AGA fetuses between 15-22 weeks of gestation, derived from pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis.

Results: Adiponectin and PLGF levels were detectable in AF.

Antepartum and postpartum serum heme oxygenase-1 levels in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women.

Aim: To determine antepartum and postpartum serum heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels in pre-eclamptic (PE) and normotensive pregnant women and to investigate the relationship between HO-1 levels and severity of PE.

Patients And Methods: Ten normotensive women were compared to 9 women with mild PE and 12 women with severe PE. Serum HO-1 levels were measured at 30-34 gestational weeks and 12-14 weeks postpartum.

Obstetric hysterectomy: a review of cases over 16 years.

Emergency peripartum hysterectomy (EPH), is performed when life-threatening obstetric conditions occur. The authors attempt to assess the incidence of EPH as well as to investigate risk factors and patients' characteristics. A retrospective study of all cases of EPH performed at the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School of Athens University, from 1994 to 2009 has been conducted.

Maternal serum levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 long after delivery in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women.

Aim: To evaluate maternal TNF-alpha and IL-6 plasma levels in normotensive pregnant women, women with preeclampsia, and to examine the temporal changes in their levels from the antepartum to the postpartum period correlated with the regression of preeclampsia.

Method: A prospective study was performed in the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens. Blood samples were obtained: (1) antepartum at the time of clinical diagnosis of the syndrome, 2.

Changes in maternal serum thioredoxin (TRX) levels after delivery in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women.

Objective: To investigate changes of maternal plasma thioredoxin (TRX) levels after delivery in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women.

Methods: Ten normotensive women (group A) were compared to 17 women with severe preeclampsia (group B). TRX levels were assessed in maternal plasma, immediately after delivery and 12-16 weeks postpartum.

Antepartum and postpartum maternal plasma levels of E-selectin and VE-cadherin in preeclampsia, gestational proteinuria and gestational hypertension.

Objective: To investigate the alterations of maternal antepartum and postpartum plasma levels of sE-selectin and VE-cadherin in normotensive pregnant women, women with preeclampsia (PE), gestational hypertension (GH), and gestational proteinuria (GP).

Methods: A total of 37 pregnant women were included in the present study; 12 with PE, 10 with GH, 5 with GP, and 10 controls. sE-selectin and VE-cadherin levels were assessed in maternal plasma at three periods; before delivery, 3-6 days after delivery, and 12-14 weeks postpartum.

Maternal serum resistin concentrations in gestational diabetes mellitus and normal pregnancies.

Aim: To investigate changes in maternal serum resistin levels during pregnancy and postpartum and clarify their relationship to insulin resistance.

Methods: Thirty normal pregnant women were compared to 30 women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Serum resistin levels were collected at the time of glucose challenge test (26-28 weeks), at 38 gestational weeks and at the third postpartum day and measured with enzyme immunoassay.

Maternal circulating osteoprotegerin and soluble RANKL in pre-eclamptic women.

Objective: To evaluate alterations in the concentrations of osteoprotegerin (OPG), RANKL and the OPG/RANKL ratio in pre-eclamptic women during the puerperium.

Study Design: This cross-sectional study was performed in the maternity ward of Aretaieio Hospital in Athens, Greece. Fifteen pregnant women with severe pre-eclampsia and 15 matched controls with premature rupture of the membranes were recruited.