The last decade has seen rapid advances in the understanding of the central role of glucocorticoids in preparing the fetus for life after birth. However, relative to other organ systems, maturation by glucocorticoids of the fetal cardiovascular system has been ignored. Here, we review the effects of glucocorticoids on fetal basal cardiovascular function and on the fetal cardiovascular defense responses to acute stress. This is important because glucocorticoid-driven maturational changes in fetal cardiovascular function under basal and stressful conditions are central to the successful transition from intra- to extrauterine life. The cost-benefit balance for the cardiovascular health of the preterm baby of antenatal glucocorticoid therapy administered to pregnant women threatened with preterm birth is also discussed.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2019.09.005 | DOI Listing |
Metabolites
November 2024
Innovation in Paediatrics and Technologies-iPEDITEC- Research Group, Fundación de Investigación, Consorcio Hospital General, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
: Childhood obesity is a global health problem that affects at least 41 million children under the age of five. Increased BMI in children is associated with serious long-term health consequences, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and psychological problems, including depression and low self-esteem. Although the etiology of obesity is complex, research suggests that the diet and lifestyle of pregnant women play a key role in shaping metabolic and epigenetic changes that can increase the risk of obesity in their children.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMed Sci (Basel)
December 2024
Department of Perinatology, Ege University, İzmir 35000, Turkey.
Objective: This study aims to investigate the possible effects of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on fetal heart structure and the relationship of this effect with maternal blood sugar control.
Materials And Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 19 women with GDM at 24-36 weeks of gestation (case group) and 21 healthy pregnant women at the same weeks of gestation (control group) were examined. Fetal heart structure was evaluated by ultrasonography; interventricular septum (IVS) thickness, right and left ventricular sphericity indices, global sphericity index (GSI) and cardio-thoracic ratio were also measured.
Clin Pract
November 2024
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.
Maternal dyslipidemia during pregnancy may influence fetal cardiac development and function, potentially predisposing offspring to cardiovascular diseases later in life. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between maternal lipid profiles and fetal cardiac function at mid-gestation, utilizing detailed echocardiographic assessments. In this prospective cohort study conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of the Timișoara Municipal Emergency Hospital, 19 pregnant women aged 27-40 years were recruited and divided into two groups based on their triglyceride levels: Group A (triglycerides ≤ 150 mg/dL, = 48) and Group B (triglycerides > 150 mg/dL, 28).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCirc Res
December 2024
Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. (C.C., P.X., Z.Y., Y.S., E.S.L., J.D.R., M.C.H.).
Background: Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by systemic endothelial dysfunction. The pathophysiology of preeclampsia remains incompletely understood. This study used human venous endothelial cell (EC) transcriptional profiling to investigate potential novel mechanisms underlying EC dysfunction in preeclampsia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWorld J Nephrol
December 2024
Department of Nephrology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda 151001, Punjab, India.
The growing incidence of obesity and the rising trend of increased age during pregnancy have led to a high number of pregnant women with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Chronic hypertension is commonly associated with CKD and is not only the result of renal damage but is also the cause of declining renal function. Pregnancy and its unique physiological adaptations are affected by a decrease in the filtration capacity of the kidneys.
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