Notch2 and Notch3 suppress the proliferation and mediate invasion of trophoblast cell lines.

Notch signaling pathways play important roles in cell fate and many diseases, including preeclampsia, the dysregulation of which may be the main cause of maternal mortality. This study aimed to investigate the roles of Notch2 and Notch3 in proliferation and invasion in trophoblast cell lines (BeWo and JAR). Small hairpin RNAs targeting Notch2/Notch3 and Notch2/Notch3-overexpression vectors were designed, constructed and transfected into BeWo and JAR cells.

Accuracy of sonographic fetal weight estimation prior to delivery in a Chinese han population.

Objective: To compare the sonographic-estimated fetal weights (EFW) calculated with the Hadlock formula and with the Woo formula in a group of Chinese pregnant women.

Methods: We prospectively recruited term pregnancies for sonographic biometric examination. EFWs were calculated according to two formulas and compared with the corresponding birth weight (BW).

Effects of Notch2 and Notch3 on Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis of Trophoblast Cell Lines.

Aims: To investigate the effect of Notch2 and Notch3 on cell proliferation and apoptosis of two trophoblast cell lines, BeWo and JAR.

Methods: Notch2 and Notch3 expression in BeWo and JAR cells was upregulated or downregulated using lentivirus-mediated overexpression or RNA interference. The effect of Notch2 and Notch3 on cell proliferation was assessed by the CCK-8 assay.

Expression of notch family proteins in placentas from patients with early-onset severe preeclampsia.

Objectives: This study is aimed to identify the expression of Notch family proteins in placentas from patients with early-onset severe preeclampsia.

Study Design: The expression of Notch family proteins in placentas was investigated by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results: The profile of distribution of all Notch family proteins in placentas from patients with early-onset severe preeclampsia is similar to that in normal placentas.

Notch signaling pathway and human placenta.

Notch signaling was evolutionarily conserved and critical for cell-fate determination, differentiation and many other biological processes. Growing evidences suggested that Notch signaling pathway played an important role in the mammalian placental development. All of the mammalian Notch family proteins had been identified in human placenta except Delta-like 3, which appeared to affect the axial skeletal system.

[Perinatal management and pregnancy outcome in pregnant women with pulmonary hypertension complicating cardiac disease].

Objective: To evaluate the pregnancy outcome of women with pulmonary hypertension complicating cardiac disease.

Methods: Clinical data of 61 cases of pregnant women with pulmonary hypertension from Jan 1996 to Aug 2004 were analyzed and they were divided into three groups: 32 cases of slight group [pulmonary hypertension from 30 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) to 49 mm Hg], 23 cases of moderate group (pulmonary hypertension from 50 mm Hg to 79 mm Hg) and 6 cases of severe group (pulmonary hypertension equal to or higher than 80 mm Hg).