Late gestation heat stress alters O regulation in placenta and neonatal heifers.

Introduction: Maternal hyperthermia (i.e. heat stress) can adversely affect placental development and function, with severity varying based on pregnancy stage.

GLUT1 exacerbates trophoblast ferroptosis by modulating AMPK/ACC mediated lipid metabolism and promotes gestational diabetes mellitus associated fetal growth restriction.

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been associated with several fetal complications, such as macrosomia and fetal growth restriction (FGR). Infants from GDM associated FGR are at increased risk for adult-onset obesity and associated metabolic disorders. However, the underlying mechanisms of GDM associated FGR remain to be explored.

Mid-Pregnancy Placental Transcriptome in a Model of Placental Insufficiency with and without Novel Intervention.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects between 5-10% of all live births. Placental insufficiency is a leading cause of FGR, resulting in reduced nutrient and oxygen delivery to the fetus. Currently, there are no effective in utero treatment options for FGR, or placental insufficiency.

Learning curve for the perinatal outcomes of radiofrequency ablation for selective fetal reduction: a single-center, 10-year experience from 2013 to 2023.

Objectives: To investigate the perinatal outcomes of SR using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in MC pregnancies, identified factors affecting these outcomes, and assessed the associated learning curve.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all consecutive MC pregnancies that required RFA from September 2013 to April 2023 at our institution. The perinatal outcomes were compared on the basis of various indications, and binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for cotwin loss.

Relationships between Fetal and Neonatal Outcomes and Spectrum of COVID-19 Disease in Pregnant Women.

Background: Due to the high prevalence of COVID-19 and the prevention and control of adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women, including vertical transmission, this study was performed to describe the fetal and neonatal outcomes of pregnancy with a spectrum of COVID-19 disease during pregnancy in Iran.

Materials And Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed the medical records of 258 pregnant women admitted to the Forghani Hospital, Qom, Iran, from 18 February 2020, to May 10, 2021. PCR-RT or respiratory compromise in the presence of marked radiographic changes of COVID-19 in the lungs, or both COVID-19 disease confirmed COVID-19 disease.

Prenatal Origins of Obstructive Airway Disease: Starting on the Wrong Trajectory?

From the results of well-performed population health studies, we now have excellent data demonstrating that deficits in adult lung function may be present early in life, possibly as a result of developmental disorders, incurring a lifelong risk of obstructive airway diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Suboptimal fetal development results in intrauterine growth restriction and low birth weight at term (an outcome distinct from preterm complications), which are associated with subsequent obstructive disease. Numerous prenatal exposures and disorders compromise fetal development and these are summarized herein.

Evaluation Of Maternal And Fetal Findings In Patients With Pemphigoid Gestationis.

Objective: To evaluate the maternal and fetal outcomes of 12 pregnant women diagnosed with pemphigoid gestationis, in conjunction with a review of the literature.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on the medical records of 12 patients diagnosed with pemphigoid gestationis who presented  between January 2014 and January 2024.

Results: Twelve pregnant patients with pemphigoid gestationis were included in the study.

Value of two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography in evaluation of cardiac function in small fetuses.

Background: Small fetuses include constitutional small for gestational age (SGA) and fetal growth-restricted (FGR) fetuses. Various adverse intrauterine environments can lead to FGR which has higher risk of abnormal perinatal outcome. The fetal heart is very sensitive to the effects of a negative intrauterine environment.

Both Feed Restriction and Transition Period Suppressed Adipose Tissue MRNA Abundance of Genes Involved in Lipogenesis and Lipolysis in Fat-Tailed Ewes.

This study sought to investigate the consequences of the induced feed restriction during the transition period on the mRNA abundance of genes entangled in lipogenesis and lipolysis in the tail adipose of fat-tailed sheep. Twenty fat-tailed ewes were randomised into the control (Control; n = 10) and restriction (Restriction; n = 10) groups. Control animals were fed 100% of the balanced diet pre-(Week -5 to parturition) and post-partum (parturition to Week 5).

Umbilical Cord Abnormalities.

The umbilical cord is the connection between mother and fetus through which gases and nutrients are exchanged. It's remarkable structure allows for freedom of movement while providing a cushioned, protected conduit from mother to fetus. Fetal development and survival are dependent upon the umbilical cord.

Advancing diagnosis and early risk assessment of preeclampsia through noninvasive cell-free DNA methylation profiling.

Background: Aberrant embryo implantation and suboptimal placentation can lead to (severe) complications such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction later in pregnancy. Current identification of high-risk pregnancies relies on a combination of risk factors, biomarkers, and ultrasound examinations, a relatively inaccurate approach. Previously, aberrant DNA methylation due to placental hypoxia has been identified as a potential marker of placental insufficiency and, hence, potential (future) pregnancy complications.

Placental and Fetal Metabolic Reprogramming in Pregnancies with Intrauterine Growth Restriction.

The high-altitude hypoxia model demonstrates that insufficiently oxygenated placentas activate compensatory mechanisms to ensure fetal survival, hinging on the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether and when similar mechanisms are also activated during intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). A retrospective observational study evaluated a series of umbilical cord blood samples, which provide a realistic representation of the fetal intrauterine status, collected from a cohort of preterm and term neonates, both affected and not affected by IUGR.

OPtimal TIming of antenatal COrticosteroid administration in pregnancies complicated by early-onset fetal growth REstriction: results of a large, multicenter cohort study (the OPTICORE study).

Background: Early-onset fetal growth restriction as consequence of placental insufficiency frequently requires iatrogenic, preterm birth. Administration of antenatal corticosteroids reduces risks of neonatal morbidity and mortality following preterm birth and is most beneficial if the neonate is delivered within two weeks following treatment. International guidelines on fetal growth restriction pregnancies do not provide directives regarding the timing of antenatal corticosteroids, resulting in practice variation.

Impact of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, Climate, and Air Pollution on Pregnancy Outcomes: A Scoping Review.

Environmental pollutants, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), air pollution, and climate change, are increasingly recognized for their potential impact on pregnancy outcomes. EDCs, found in pesticides, industrial chemicals, and personal care products, are associated with preterm birth and fetal growth restriction, primarily through hormonal interference. Air pollution, notably PM, NO, and O, has been linked to increased rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth.

Abnormal microRNA expression profile at early stages of gestation in pregnancies destined to develop placenta previa.

Background: Placenta previa is the abnormal implantation of the placenta into the lower segment of the uterus, is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes such as placenta accreta spectrum disorders, antepartum and postpartum hemorrhage, fetal growth restriction, prematurity, stillbirth and neonatal death, thrombophlebitis, and septicemia. The aim of the study was to assess retrospectively how the later onset of placenta previa affects the microRNA expression profile in the whole peripheral blood during the first trimester of gestation.

Methods: Regarding the occurrence of the association between aberrant microRNA expression profiles at early stages of gestation and later onset of various pregnancy-related complications, we selected for the study pregnancies developing placenta previa as the only pregnancy-related disorder.

Stem Cell Markers LGR5, LGR4 and Their Immediate Signalling Partners are Dysregulated in Preeclampsia.

Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptors 5/4 (LGR5/LGR4) are critical stem cell markers in epithelial tissues including intestine. They agonise wingless-related integration site (WNT) signalling. Until now, LGR5/LGR4 were uncharacterised in placenta, where analogous functions may exist.

Impact of Maternal Smoking on Obstetric and Neonatal Outcomes in Twin Pregnancies: A Narrative Review.

Maternal smoking, including both traditional cigarettes and electronic ones, is a significant modifiable risk factor associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, especially in twin pregnancies. This narrative review aims to explore the impact of maternal smoking on obstetric and neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies, which inherently carry a higher risk of complications. A literature search was conducted using the PubMed and EMBASE databases, selecting studies published between January 1994 and October 2024.

Counselling in Fetal Medicine: Complications of Monochorionic Diamniotic Twin Pregnancies.

Twin pregnancies are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality compared to singletons. Among all twins, monochorionic pregnancies are at higher risk of specific and non-specific complications compared to dichorionic pregnancies. Therefore, it is of great importance to properly counsel future parents with monochorionic pregnancies regarding the risks of adverse outcomes and the modalities of monitoring and intervention of the potential complications.

Fetal Growth Associated with Maternal Rheumatoid Arthritis and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are at a twice-higher risk of developing adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm births and infants with a low birth weight. We aimed to evaluate fetal growth among patients with and without rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (RA and JIA). We conducted a population-based cohort study in Denmark from 2008-2018, which included 503,491 singleton pregnancies.

Chronic Inflammation Offers Hints About Viable Therapeutic Targets for Preeclampsia and Potentially Related Offspring Sequelae.

The combination of hypertension with systemic inflammation during pregnancy is a hallmark of preeclampsia, but both processes also convey dynamic information about its antecedents and correlates (e.g., fetal growth restriction) and potentially related offspring sequelae.

Perinatal Outcomes in Appropriately Grown Monochorionic Diamniotic Twins With Intermittent Absent and Reversed End-Diastolic Umbilical Artery Flow Compared to Selective Fetal Growth Restriction Type III.

Objectives: Umbilical artery Doppler intermittent absent and reversed end-diastolic flow (iAREDF) is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality in monochorionic twins with selective fetal growth restriction. The clinical significance of umbilical artery iAREDF in appropriately grown monochorionic twins is not well described.

Methods: This is a single-institution retrospective cohort study describing characteristics and outcomes of monochorionic diamniotic twins with appropriate for gestational age growth and umbilical artery iAREDF in comparison to monochorionic diamniotic twins with selective fetal growth restriction and iAREDF, or sFGR type III.

Adverse Obstetric Outcomes in Pregnancies With Major Fetal Congenital Heart Defects.

Importance: Understanding the risk profile of obstetric complications in pregnancies with fetal major congenital heart defects (MCHDs) is crucial for obstetric counseling and care.

Objective: To investigate the risk of placenta-related adverse obstetric outcomes in pregnancies complicated by fetal MCHDs.

Design, Setting, And Participants: This cohort study retrieved data from June 1, 2008, to June 1, 2018, from the Danish Fetal Medicine Database, which includes comprehensive data on more than 95% of all pregnancies in Denmark since the database was instituted in 2008.

Melatonin supplementation to sows in mid to late gestation affects offspring circadian, myogenic, and growth factors in pre and postnatal skeletal muscle.

The neuroendocrine hormone melatonin is associated with circadian rhythms and has antioxidant and vasodilative properties. In cattle, melatonin rescues fetal growth during maternal nutrient restriction in a seasonally dependent manner, but melatonin research in swine is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of dietary melatonin supplementation during mid to late gestation on circadian rhythm and muscle growth and development of the longissimus dorsi in utero and postnatally.

IGF-1 LR3 Does Not Promote Growth in Late Gestation Growth Restricted Fetal Sheep.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin are important fetal anabolic hormones. Complications of pregnancy, such as placental insufficiency, can lead to fetal growth restriction FGR) with low circulating IGF-1 and insulin concentrations and attenuated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), which likely contribute to neonatal glucose dysregulation. We previously demonstrated that a one-week infusion of IGF-1 LR3, an IGF-1 analog with low affinity for IGF binding proteins and high affinity for the IGF-1 receptor, at 6.

Atopic dermatitis and the outcomes of pregnancy and offspring: A nationwide population-based study in Taiwan.

Background And Objectives: Studies have identified increased risks of pregnancy complications in expectant mothers with atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the associations between maternal AD and adverse pregnancy or offspring outcomes in Asians remain unexplored. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between maternal AD and adverse pregnancy and offspring outcomes in Taiwan.