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Pregnancy is a unique challenge for the immune system. Any disturbance in the immune system in the first trimester could result in further pregnancy complications. In this regard, the current study aimed to investigate the association between serum levels of a group of cytokines in the first trimester of pregnancy with the onset of preeclampsia (PE) and fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Background:This experimental study aims to investigate the impact of combinations of prenatal and postnatal food manipulation on body composition in rat offspring.Methods:On day 12 of gestation, 100 timed pregnant rats were randomized into two nutritional groups: standard laboratory and 50% starved. Pups born to starved mothers were subdivided, based on birthweight (BiW), into fetal growth restricted (FGR) and non-FGR. Pups were born on day 21, cross-fostered, then left undisturbed lactating until the 26th postnatal day when they underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) examination.Results:Prenatally control-fed animals had a significantly greater body weight at 26 d postnatally than the prenatally starved groups, irrespective of their postnatal diet (P < 0.001). Postnatal control diet was associated with significantly increased abdominal and total fat in non-FGR compared to FGR rats (P < 0.001). non-FGR/CONTROL rats showed higher values of abdominal fat than prenatally starved animals that were starved postnatally irrespective of their birth weight (P < 0.001). Postnatal control diet significantly increased total bone mineral content (BMC), head BMC, head area, abdominal BMC in non-FGR compared to FGR rats (P < 0.001).Conclusion:Interaction between prenatal and postnatal nutrition affects growth, abdominal adiposity, and bone accrual in Wistar rats’ offspring at 26 d of life.

This experimental study aimed to prospectively investigate the impact of combinations of prenatal and postnatal food manipulations on the metabolic profile of adult offspring. On day 12 of gestation, 67 timed pregnant rats were randomized into three nutritional groups, control: standard laboratory food; starved: 50% food restricted, FR; fat-fed: fat-rich diet, FF. Seven hundred and seventy-four (774) pups were born on day 21 and culled to 8 (4 males, 4 females) per litter to normalize rearing. Rats born to starved mothers were later subdivided, based on birthweight (BiW), into fetal growth restricted (FGR) and non-FGR. The pups were then weaned to the diet of their fostered mother until one year old. Thus, 12 groups were studied: 1. 14 rats, 2. CONTROL/FR: 12 rats, 3. CONTROL/FF: 15 rats, 4. FGR/CONTROL: 16 rats, 5. FGR/FR: 10 rats, 6. FGR/FF: 15 rats, 7. non-FGR/CONTROL: 10 rats, 8. non-FGR/FR: 17 rats, 9. non-FGR/FF: 10 rats, 10. FF/CONTROL: 15 rats, 11. FF/FR: 14 rats, and 12. FF/FF: 13 rats. During sacrifice, body weight (BW) and liver weight (LW) were measured (expressed in grams) and concentrations of serum glucose, triglycerides, HDL and NEFA were determined. Postnatal food restriction, compared to control diet significantly reduced BW (p = 0.004, p = 0.036, p< 0.001, p = 0.008) and LW (p< 0.001) in all study groups. Postnatal control diet significantly increased BW in non-FGR compared to FGR rats (p = 0.027). No significant differences were detected in biochemical parameters (excluding NEFA) between FGR and non-FGR, regardless of the postnatal diet. Interaction between prenatal and postnatal nutrition produces distinct metabolic profiles. Apart from BiW, prenatal diet had an important impact on the metabolic profile of the adult offspring, implying that intrauterine events should be considered in the estimation of the metabolic risk of an individual, independently of BiW.

Management of pregnancy complicated by severe early-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) is one of the most challenging obstetrical issues. So far, there has not been a proven option for the treatment or improvement of this condition. Improper immune response during placentation leads to inadequate trophoblast invasion and impaired utero-placental perfusion. Pentoxifylline improves the endothelial function and induces vasodilation by reducing the inflammatory-mediated cytokines. We have evaluated the effect of Pentoxifylline on fetal-placental perfusion, neonatal outcome, and the level of oxidative stress markers before and after the intervention in the setting of severe early-onset FGR.

We aimed to evaluate the impact of perinatal food manipulation on skeletal characteristics and insulin levels of Wistar rats at the age of 1 year.