Background: Preterm delivery (PTD) is a significant public health problem associated with greater risk of mortality and morbidity in infants and mothers. Pathophysiologic processes that may lead to PTD start early in pregnancy. We investigated early pregnancy peripheral blood global gene expression and PTD risk.
Methods: As part of a prospective study, ribonucleic acid was extracted from blood samples (collected at 16 weeks gestational age) from 14 women who had PTD (cases) and 16 women who delivered at term (controls). Gene expressions were measured using the GeneChip(R) Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 Array. Student's T-test and fold change analysis were used to identify differentially expressed genes. We used hierarchical clustering and principle components analysis to characterize signature gene expression patterns among cases and controls. Pathway and promoter sequence analyses were used to investigate functions and functional relationships as well as regulatory regions of differentially expressed genes.
Results: A total of 209 genes, including potential candidate genes (e.g. PTGDS, prostaglandin D2 synthase 21 kDa), were differentially expressed. A set of these genes achieved accurate pre-diagnostic separation of cases and controls. These genes participate in functions related to immune system and inflammation, organ development, metabolism (lipid, carbohydrate and amino acid) and cell signaling. Binding sites of putative transcription factors such as EGR1 (early growth response 1), TFAP2A (transcription factor AP2A), Sp1 (specificity protein 1) and Sp3 (specificity protein 3) were over represented in promoter regions of differentially expressed genes. Real-time PCR confirmed microarray expression measurements of selected genes.
Conclusions: PTD is associated with maternal early pregnancy peripheral blood gene expression changes. Maternal early pregnancy peripheral blood gene expression patterns may be useful for better understanding of PTD pathophysiology and PTD risk prediction.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2393-9-56 | DOI Listing |
Arch Gynecol Obstet
January 2025
Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "S. Maria Della Misericordia" University Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASUFC), Udine, Italy.
Purpose: The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) on symptoms and quality of life in women who experienced third- and fourth-degree perineal tears (Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries, OASIS) during childbirth. OASIS can lead to anal incontinence and dyspareunia, having important implications regarding the quality of life and health of women but, unfortunately, there is no standard practice for postpartum care following OASIS.
Methods: In this retrospective observational study, patients diagnosed with OASIS between January 2016 and June 2023 were enrolled.
A new form of stethoscope with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities may make the difference between early detection of pregnancy-induced cardiomyopathy or end stage postpartum heart failure. The AI stethoscope is a tool that may make that difference.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFImportance: Childhood maltreatment (CM) is associated with the early onset of psychiatric and medical disorders and accelerated biological aging.
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Design: Participants were mothers of infants recruited from the community into a study assessing the effects of CM on maternal behavior, infant attachment, and maternal and infant neurobiology.
Radiol Case Rep
March 2025
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy, and Hematology, Diagnostic Imaging Area, Italy.
Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) presents unique challenges. This type of breast cancer is often more aggressive than that diagnosed in nonpregnant women, and its diagnosis is frequently delayed. Several factors contribute to this delay, including the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, such as breast enlargement, breast tenderness and increased tissue density, which can mask early signs of malignancy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFiScience
January 2025
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China.
Studies have shown that circRNAs play an important regulatory role in trophoblast function and embryonic development. Based on sequencing and functional experiments, we found that hsa_circ_0069443 can regulate the function of trophoblast cells, and its presence is found in the exosomes secreted by trophoblast cells. It is known that exosomes mediate the interaction between the uterus and embryo, which is crucial for successful pregnancy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!