Search

Perturbations to extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cell migration and invasion are associated with the development of placenta-mediated diseases. Phytochemicals found in the lowbush blueberry plant (Vaccinium angustifolium) have been shown to influence cell migration and invasion in models of tumorigenesis and noncancerous, healthy cells, however never in EVT cells. We hypothesized that the phenolic compounds present in V. angustifolium leaf extract promote trophoblast migration and invasion. Using the HTR-8/SVneo human EVT cell line and Boyden chamber assays, the influence of V. angustifolium leaf extract (0 to 2 × 104 ng/ml) on trophoblast cell migration (n = 4) and invasion (n = 4) was determined. Cellular proliferation and viability were assessed using immunoreactivity to Ki67 (n = 3) and trypan blue exclusion assays (n = 3), respectively. At 20 ng/ml, V. angustifolium leaf extract increased HTR-8/SVneo cell migration and invasion (p

Background: Over the past decade, the Ste20-like kinase SLK, has been implicated in several signaling processes. SLK repression has been shown to impair cell cycle kinetics and inhibit FAK-mediated cell migration. Here, using a gene trapped allele, we have generated mice expressing a truncated form of the SLK kinase. Results: Our results show that an SLK-LacZ fusion protein is expressed in embryonic stem cells and in embryos throughout development. We find that the SLK-LacZ fusion protein is less efficient at phosphorylating substrates resulting in reduced cell proliferation within the embryos and angiogenic defects in the placentae of the homozygous mutant animals at embryonic day (E) 12.5. This results in marked developmental defects and apoptotic lesions in the embryos by E14.5. Conclusions: Homozygotes expressing the SLK-LacZ fusion protein present with an embryonic lethal phenotype occurring between E12.5 and E14.5. Overall, we demonstrate a requirement for SLK kinase activity in the developing embryo and placenta. Developmental Dynamics 243:640–651, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Maternal floor infarction is a relatively rare condition characterized clinically by severe early onset fetal growth restriction with features of uteroplacental insufficiency. It has a very high recurrence rate and carries a significant risk or fetal demise. Pathological characteristics include massive and diffuse fibrin deposition along the decidua basalis and the perivillous space of the basal plate. We present a case of recurrent maternal floor infarction and propose diagnostic clues as well as potential therapeutic options.

Sildenafil citrate therapy for severe early-onset intrauterine growth restriction. BJOG 2011;118:624-628. Currently, there is no effective therapy for severe early-onset intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Sildenafil citrate vasodilates the myometrial arteries isolated from women with IUGR-complicated pregnancies. Women were offered Sildenafil (25 mg three times daily until delivery) if their pregnancy was complicated by early-onset IUGR [abdominal circumference (AC)< 5th percentile] and either the gestational age was

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preeclampsia (PE) are leading causes of perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Many studies have found association between low levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) proteases in the first trimester maternal circulation and the risk of subsequent development of PE and/or IUGR. These results are generally interpreted to reflect decreased production of the proteases by the placenta, leading to reduced proteolysis of IGFBPs and lower free levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF), resulting in diminished feto-placental development. However, the association between low circulating levels of placental proteins early in pregnancy and the subsequent development of IUGR and/or PE could be due to low exchange in the placenta and not due to reduced production. In contrast, late in pregnancy, the circulating levels of these proteins and their expression in the placenta are often elevated in PE, which may reflect upregulation to compensate for abnormal placental development, that is an adaptive mechanism to increase IGFBP proteolysis, increase local IGF levels and promote feto-placental growth. Further research into the biological mechanisms underlying these associations will aid the identification of high-risk pregnancies and the development of therapeutic targets for diseases for which there are presently no preventative measures.

Objective This document summarizes the limited experience of SARS in pregnancy and suggests guidelines for management. Outcomes Cases reported from Asia suggest that maternal and fetal outcomes are worsened by SARS during pregnancy. Evidence Medline was searched for relevant articles published in English from 2000 to 2007. Case reports were reviewed and expert opinion sought. Values Recommendations were made according to the guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.

Objectives: To evaluate comparatively two management modalities in women with singleton pregnancies and with clinical risk factors for PTB (based on obstetric and gynecologic history): transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) surveillance of the cervical length and placement of CC indicated by cervical shortening (therapeutic cerclage, TC) versus prophylactic (elective) cerclage (PC). Methods: Data Sources and Study Selection: A search of entries in electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE) was supplemented with references cited in original articles to identify randomized trials and case-control studies comparing pregnancy outcomes after cervical surveillance and TC versus PC in a high-risk population of pregnant women with singleton pregnancies. Case and control groups consisted of women with singleton pregnancies matched for obstetrical and gynecological risk factors for preterm birth. The outcomes assessed were preterm delivery before 35 weeks or prior to 24 weeks of gestation. Studies were excluded if there was no matched control group or if only the abstract was available. Results: Of 5 studies identified, 3 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 367 patients were evaluated, 215 in the cervical surveillance arm and 152 with PC. Compared to women with PC, those who were followed by cervical surveillance, had no increased risk of preterm delivery before 24 or 35 weeks, respectively (RR 1.41; 95%CI 0.58–3.41; RR 1.24; 95%CI 0.75–2.04, respectively). The conservative approach achieved a 62% reduction in the number of patients undergoing CC placement. Conclusions: Serial TVU of the cervix with ultrasound-indicated TC appears a safe alternative to traditional PC and it spares a significant number of pregnant women an intervention with potential inherent complications.