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Daily exposure to bisphenols can affect reproductive functions due to their pseudo-estrogenic and/or anti-androgenic effects. Testicular lipids contain high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids necessary for sperm maturity, motility, and spermatogenesis. Whether prenatal exposure to bisphenols alters testicular fatty acid metabolism in adult offspring is unknown. Pregnant Wistar rats were gavaged from gestational day 4 to 21 with BPA and BPS (0.0, 0.4, 4.0, 40.0 μg/kg bw/d). Despite increased body and testis weight, the total testicular cholesterol, triglyceride, and plasma fatty acids were unaffected in offspring. Lipogenesis was upregulated by increased SCD-1, SCD-2, and expression of lipid storage (ADRP) and trafficking protein (FABP4). The arachidonic acid, 20:4 n-6 (ARA) and docosapentaenoic acid, 22:5 n-6 (DPA) levels were decreased in the BPA-exposed testis, while BPS exposure had no effects. The expression of PPARα, PPARγ proteins and CATSPER2 mRNA were decreased, which are important for energy dissipation and motility of the sperm in the testis. The endogenous conversion of linoleic acid,18:2n-6 (LA), to ARA was impaired by a reduced ARA/LA ratio and decreased FADS1 expression in BPA-exposed testis. Collectively, fetal BPA exposure affected endogenous long-chain fatty acid metabolism and steroidogenesis in the adult testis, which might dysregulate sperm maturation and quality.HighlightsIn utero BPA exposure not BPS affected testicular long-chain n-6 PUFA metabolism in offspringFetal exposure to BPA alters delta-9-desaturase indices in the adult testisBPA exposure reduced fatty acid desaturase1 expression in offspring testisFetal BPA exposure dysregulated lipogenesis in offspring testis

Maternal n-3 PUFA (omega-3) deficiency can affect brain developmentin uteroand postnatally. Despite the evidence, the impacts of n-3 PUFA deficiency on the expression of neurogenesis genes in the postnatal brain remained elusive. Since postnatal brain development requires PUFAs via breast milk, we examined the fatty acid composition of breast milk and hippocampal expression of neurogenesis genes in n-3 PUFA deficient 21d mice. In addition, expression of fatty acid desaturases, elongases, signalling receptors of free fatty acids, insulin and leptin, and glucose transporters were measured. Among the genes involved in neurogenesis, the expression of brain-specific tenascin-R (TNR) was downregulated to a greater extent (∼31 folds), followed by adenosine A2A receptor (A2AAR), dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) expression in the n-3 PUFA deficient hippocampus (p

Obesity in pregnancy induces metabolic syndrome, low-grade inflammation, altered endocrine factors, placental function, and the maternal gut microbiome. All these factors impact fetal growth and development, including brain development. The lipid metabolic transporters of the maternal-fetal-placental unit are dysregulated in obesity. Consequently, the transport of essential long-chain PUFAs for fetal brain development is disturbed. The mother’s gut microbiota is vital in maintaining postnatal energy homeostasis and maternal-fetal immune competence. Obesity during pregnancy changes the gut microbiota, affecting fetal brain development. Obesity and a high-fat diet in pregnancy can induce placental and intrauterine inflammation and thus influence the neurodevelopmental outcomes of the offspring. Several epidemiological studies observed an association between maternal obesity and adverse neurodevelopment. This review discusses the effects of maternal obesity and gut microbiota on fetal neurodevelopment outcomes. In addition, the possible mechanisms of the impacts of obesity and gut microbiota on fetal brain development are discussed.

Cytoplasmic fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) are multipurpose proteins that can modulate lipid fluxes, trafficking, signaling, and metabolism. FABPs regulate metabolic and inflammatory pathways, its inhibition can improve type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. In addition, FABPs are involved in obesity, metabolic disease, cardiac dysfunction, and cancers. FABPs are promising tissue biomarkers in solid tumors for diagnostic and/or prognostic targets for novel therapeutic strategies. The signaling responsive elements of FABPs and determinants of FABP-mediated functions may be exploited in preventing or treating these diseases.

Cerebral malaria (CM) is one of the most severe forms of P. falciparum infection, with an associated high case-fatality rate. Angiopoietins (ANG-1 and ANG-2) are important biomarkers of endothelial activation and dysfunction. This study was carried out in Maharani Hospital and associated Medical College, Jagdalpur, CG, Central India from 2010 to 2014. Based on the treatment recovery patterns, cases (n = 65) were classified as mild malaria with rapid recovery (MM-RR), n= 14; non-cerebral severe malaria with moderately fast recovery (NCSM-MFR), n= 9; CM survivors with slow recovery (CMS-SR), n= 36 and deteriorated CM non-survivors (Det-CMNS), n= 6. Plasma levels (pg/ml) of ANG-1 and ANG-2 were measured by ELISA in all the samples at the time of hospital admission and 48 hours of treatment. Levels were also measured in available samples at the third time point (time of discharge for survivors or 72 hours post-treatment in fatal cases). Data analysis was done by appropriate statistical tests using Stata 11.0 and SPSS 25.0 software. At the time of admission, ANG-2 and ratios of ANG-2/ANG-1 significantly distinguished Det-CMNS cases from MM-RR and NCSM-MFR cases with good AUC scores (0.8-0.9). Further, Det-CMNS cases could also be distinguished from MM-RR, NCSM-MFR, and CMS-SR cases by ANG-2 (AUC scores 0.9) and ratios of ANG-2/ANG-1 (AUC: 0.8-0.9) at 48 hours of treatment. Paired analysis of sequential measurement of angiopoietins revealed that compared to admission levels, the ratios of ANG-2/ANG-1 significantly declined 48 hours after treatment in MM-RR (p= 0.041), NCSM-MFR (p= 0.050), and CMS-SR (p= 0.0002) cases but not in cases of Det-CMNS (p= 0.916). In conclusion, plasma levels of ANG-2 and ratios of ANG-2/ANG-1 may serve as good biomarkers to distinguish the malaria severity at the time of hospital admission and recovery patterns upon treatment in Central India.

Early exposure to bisphenol may result in adverse reproductive health in later life. The use of bisphenol S (BPS) has increased considerably after bisphenol A (BPA) is regulated worldwide. However, little is known about the fetal exposure to BPS compared with BPA and its effects on the reproductive system in the adult male offspring. Here, we investigated the effects of orally administered BPS and BPA (0.4, 4.0, 40.0 μg/kg bw/d) during gestation (gD4-21) on testicular development by evaluating the sperm DNA damagemethylation and testicular functions in the 90 d Wistar rats. Male offspring prenatally exposed to BPS (0.4 μg/kg) had higher plasma testosterone than BPA and control. The testis histology reveals thickened membrane by producing a wide interstitial gap between seminiferous tubules, increased testicular inflammation, oxidative stress, TIMP-1 expression, and decreased VCAM-1 expression. BPS promotes apoptosis by up-regulating IL-6, cleaved caspases, and a spike in sperm DNA fragmentation. Prenatal BPS exposure reduces sperm motility mediated via impaired PI3K-AKT signaling and increases testicular TEX11 expression in the offspring. Exposure of the fetus to BPS interferes developmental programming of the male reproductive system in the offspring. BPS could be an equally potent endocrine disruptor affecting male reproductive functions.

Maternal omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) deficiency can affect offspring’s adiposity and metabolism by modulating lipid and glucose metabolism. However, the impact of n-3 PUFA deficiency on the development of fetal thermogenesis and its consequences is not reported. Using an n-3 PUFA deficient mice, we assessed fetal interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT), body fat composition, insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), glucose transporters (GLUTs), and expression of lipid storage & metabolic proteins in the offspring. The n-3 PUFA deficiency did not change the pups’ calorie intake, organ weight, and body weight. However, the offspring’s skeletal growth was altered due to excess fat to lean mass, reduced tibia & femur elongation, dysregulated IGF-1 in the mother and pups (pGPR120were downregulated while FABP3, ADRP, GLUT4 expressions were upregulated in the BAT of the deficient offspring (pSCD1, FASN, andMFSD2AmRNAs in the liver (pHighlightMaternal n-3 PUFA deficiency dysregulated the development of fetal adipose browningN-3 PUFA regulates fetal thermogenic development by altering UCP1 expressionBAT had higher metabolic sensitivity compared to WAT in n-3 PUFA deficiencyIncreased fat mass and IGF-1 played a role in promoting adiposity in n-3 PUFA deficiency

Curcumin has a protective role in placental diseases like preeclampsia and preterm birth. Very little is known about its functional effects on growth, angiogenesis, and epigenetic activities of human first trimester placenta. HTR8/SVneo trophoblasts cells were used as model for human first trimester placenta. Effects of curcumin (≥80%) in these cells were investigated using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), radioactive thymidine uptake, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), promoter DNA methylation, qRT‐PCR array, tube formation, wound healing, and immunoblot assays. PC3 (prostate cancer), JEG‐3 (trophoblast), and HMEC‐1 (endothelial) cells were used as control in various experiments. Unlike in PC3 cells, curcumin stimulated growth, proliferation, and viability in HTR8/SVneo cells. Curcumin increased tube formation, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and protein expression of proangiogenic factor VEGF receptor‐2 and fatty acid‐binding protein‐4 (FABP4) in these cells. Curcumin‐stimulated tube formation was associated with an increased expression of VEGFR2 and FABP4. The stimulatory effects of curcumin were inhibited by VEGFR2 (SU5416) and FABP4 (BMS309403) inhibitors. Curcumin also significantly increased both mRNA and protein expression of HLA‐G in HTR8/SVneo cells. Curcumin increased mRNA expression of DNMT3A and NOTCH signaling system whereas down‐regulated mRNA expression of HSD11β2. Curcumin enhanced hypomethylation of gene promoters against oxidative stress and DNA damage pathway mediators. Curcumin promotes cell growth, migration, and thus angiogenic potential of these cells. Increased expression of HLA‐G by curcumin, hitherto unknown, is a novel finding since HLA‐G not only favors the immune environment for invasive trophoblasts but also positively modulates angiogenesis.

During the last trimester of gestation and for the first 18 months after birth, both docosahexaenoic acid,22:6n-3 (DHA) and arachidonic acid,20:4n-6 (ARA) are preferentially deposited within the cerebral cortex at a rapid rate. Although, the structural and functional roles of DHA in brain development are well investigated, similar roles of ARA are not well documented. The mode of action of these two fatty acids and their derivatives at different structural-functional roles and their levels in the gene expression and signaling pathways of the brain have been continuously emanating. In addition to DHA, importance of ARA has been much discussed in recent years for fetal and postnatal brain development and the maternal supply of ARA and DHA. These fatty acids are also involved in various brain developmental processes; however, their mechanistic cross talks are not clearly known yet. This review describes the importance of ARA, in addition to DHA to support the optimal brain development and growth and functional roles in the brain.

Maternal high-fat diet (HFD) often results in intrauterine and feto-placental inflammation, and increases the risks of fetal programming of metabolic diseases. Intake of prebiotic is reported beneficial. However, its effects on HFD during pregnancy and lactation is not known. We evaluated the maternal intake of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and its impact on placental inflammation, offspring's adiposity, glucose, and lipid metabolism in their later life. Female Golden Syrian hamsters were fed with a control diet (CD, 26.4 % energy from fat) or HFD (60.7% energy from fat) in the presence or absence of FOS from preconception until lactation. All pups were switched over to CD after lactation and continued until the end. Placental inflammation was upregulated in HFD-fed dam, as measured by a high concentration of hsCRP in the serum and amniotic fluid. Neutrophil infiltration was significantly increased in the decidua through the chorionic layer of the placenta. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as COX2, NFκβ, IL-8, TGFβ mRNA was increased in the chorioamniotic membrane (p

During the last trimester of gestation and for the first 18 months after birth, docosahexaenoic acid,22:6n-3 (DHA) and arachidonic acid,20:4n-6 (ARA) deposited within the cerebral cortex at a rapid rate. The mode of action of these two fatty acids and their derivatives at different structural-function and signaling pathways levels in the brain have been continuously emanating. These fatty acids are also involved in various brain developmental processes; however, their mechanisms of action are not yet well known. Recent data suggest that there may be a need for a balanced proportion of ARA and DHA in infant formula due to their complementary benefits. This review describes the importance of maternal preferential transfer of ARA and DHA to support the infant's optimal brain development and growth and functional roles in the brain.

The dysregulation of fat metabolism is involved in various disorders, including neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and cancers. The uptake of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) with 14 or more carbons plays a pivotal role in cellular metabolic homeostasis. Therefore, the uptake and metabolism of LCFAs must constantly be in tune with the cellular, metabolic, and structural requirements of cells. Many metabolic diseases are thought to be driven by the abnormal flow of fatty acids either from the dietary origin and/or released from adipose stores. Cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of fatty acids are facilitated ubiquitously with unique combinations of fatty acid transport proteins and cytoplasmic fatty acid-binding proteins in every tissue. Extensive data are emerging on the defective transporters and metabolism of LCFAs and their clinical implications. Uptake and metabolism of LCFAs are crucial for the brain's functional development and cardiovascular health and maintenance. In addition, data suggest fatty acid metabolic transporter can normalize activated inflammatory response by reprogramming lipid metabolism in cancers. Here we review the current understanding of how LCFAs and their proteins contribute to the pathophysiology of three crucial diseases and the mechanisms involved in the processes.

Dietary components are important for the structural and functional development of the brain. Among these, docosahexaenoic acid,22:6n-3 (DHA) is critically required for the structure and development of the growing fetal brain in utero. DHA is the major n-3 long-chain fatty acid in brain gray matter representing about 15% of all fatty acids in the human frontal cortex. DHA affects neurogenesis, neurotransmitter, synaptic plasticity & transmission, and signal transduction in the brain. Studies in animals and humans show that adequate levels of DHA in neural membranes are important for cortical astrocyte maturation and vascular coupling, and helps cortical glucose uptake and metabolism. In addition, specific metabolites of DHA are bioactive molecules that protect tissues from oxidative injury and stress in the brain. A low DHA level in the brain results in behavior changes and is associated with learning problems and memory deficits. In humans, the third trimester-placental supply of maternal DHA to the growing fetus is critically important as the growing brain obligatory requires DHA during this window period. Besides, DHA is also involved in the early placentation process, essential for placental development. This underscores the critical importance of maternal DHA intake for the structural and functional development of the brain. This review describes DHA's multiple roles during gestation, lactation, and the consequences of its lower intake during pregnancy and postnatally on the children's brain development and function.

The maternal n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) deficiency on decidual vascular structure and angiogenesis in mice placenta was investigated. Namely, we studied uterine artery remodeling, fatty acid metabolism, and placental epigenetic methylation in this animal model. Weanling female Swiss albino mice were fed either alpha-linolenic acid (18:3 n-3, ALA) deficient diets (0.13% energy from ALA) or a sufficient diet (2.26% energy from ALA) throughout the study. The dietary n-3 PUFA deficiency altered uteroplacental morphology and vasculature by reversing luminal to vessel area and increased luminal wall thickness at 8.5-12.5gD. Further, placentas (F0 and F1) showed a significant decrease in the expression of VCAM1, HLAG proteins and an increase in MMP9, KDR expression. The conversion of ALA to long-chain (LC) n-3 PUFAs was significantly decreased in plasma and placenta during the n-3 deficiency state. Reduced n-3 LCPUFAs increased the placental expression of intracellular proteins FABP3, FABP4, and ADRP to compensate decreased availability of these fatty acids in the n-3 deficient mice. The N-3 PUFA deficiency significantly increased the 5-methylcytosine levels in the placenta but not in the liver. The alteration in DNA methylation continued to the next generation in the placental epigenome with augmented expression of DNMT3A and DNMT3B. Our study showed that maternal n-3 PUFA deficiency alters placental vascular architecture and induces epigenetic changes suggesting the importance of n-3 PUFA intake during the development of the fetus. Moreover, the study shows that the placenta is the susceptible target for epigenetic alteration in maternal deficiency n-3 fatty acids.

Humans are exposed to Bisphenol A (BPA) from the consumer products and plastic substances. However, impacts of low levels of BPA exposure on placental developmental processes such as first trimester trophoblast cell growth, angiogenesis and epigenetic modifications are not well studied. Low concentration of BPA (1 nM) affected cell proliferation of human placental first trimester trophoblasts using a model cell, HTR8/SVneo. BPA abolished both basal- and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-stimulated tube formation in these cells. BPA significantly down regulated mRNA expression of VEGF, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 with concomitant upregulation of 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 mRNA and protein expression in HTR8/SVneo cells. BPA also lowered CpG methylation of gene promoter associated with metabolic and oxidative stress. This study demonstrated that BPA at 1 nM not only affected cellular growth, development and angiogenic activities but also affected DNA methylation of stress response and down-regulation of angiogenic growth factors in first trimester trophoblast cells.

Adequate placental angiogenesis is critical for the establishment of the placental circulation and thus for normal feto-placental growth and development. Fatty acid-binding protein-4 (FABP4) plays a pro-angiogenic role in endothelial cells; however, very little information is available in placental first trimester trophoblast cells. Here we report that exogenously added FABP4 (exo-FABP4) stimulated tube formation (as a measure of in vitro angiogenesis) in HTR8/SVneo trophoblastic cells. HTR-8/SVneo cells were incubated in the presence of exogenously added FABP4 at different concentrations and time points. Cellular growth, proliferation, in vitro tube formation, expression of growth stimulatory-, fatty acid transporters, and angiogenic genes were investigated. Internalization of exo-FABP4 was carried out using immunocytochemistry. Radioactive fatty acid uptake was determined in the presence and absence of FABP4 metabolic inhibitor. Exo-FABP4 (10-100 ng/ml) stimulated proliferation of HTR8/SVneo cells as compared to control. Exo-FABP4 dose dependently increased growth and viability of the cells to the similar extent as done by 50 µM of arachidonic acid. Exo-FABP4-induced tube formation and proliferation were significantly inhibited by FABP4 (BMS309403) inhibitor. Exo-FABP4 stimulated the expression of growth stimulatory genes such as tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP1), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), and also prokineticin 2 (PROK2), the pro-angiogenic mediators in these cells. In addition, expressions of genes associated with proliferation and differentiation such as sonic hedgehog (SHH) and WNT1 inducible signalling pathway protein 1 (WISP1) were significantly expressed when cells were exposed to exo-FABP4. Our findings reveal a pro-angiogenic role of FABP4 in first trimester placental trophoblast cells and its regulation may have impact in placental physiology.

Cellular uptake of long chain fatty acids in human placental trophoblasts is thought to be mediated by several membrane- and cytoplasmic fatty acid-binding proteins (FABP). FABP3 was shown to be involved in long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) uptake in human trophoblastic choriocarcinoma cells, BeWo as the uptake of arachidonic acid,20:4 n-6 (ARA) was decreased in FABP3-knockdown BeWo cells. However, the regulation of expression of FABP3 in these cells is not yet well known. The aim of the present study was to examine the FABP3 expression by LCPUFAs, insulin and LXR agonists in BeWo cells. Among all these fatty acids tested, only ARA dose-dependently stimulated the expression of FABP3 protein in these cells after 24 h incubation while other fatty acids had no such effect. In addition, LXR agonist and insulin dose-dependently increased FABP3 protein expression in these cells after 24 h incubation. Insulin-stimulated FABP3 protein expression was accompanied with an increased arachidonic acid uptake. Differentiated BeWo cells had lesser expression of FABP3 protein than in the undifferentiated cells as the cellular differentiation state was measured by hCG production. In preeclamptic placental tissue, lowered expression of FABP3 protein was observed compared with those in normal pregnancy. All these data indicate that FABP3 may in be part involved in ARA uptake in these cells and its expression may be regulated by ARA, insulin, LXR and the state of cellular differentiation.

Fatty acids are essential for feto-placental growth and development. Maternal fatty acids and their metabolites are involved in every stage of pregnancy by supporting cell growth and development, cell signaling, and modulating other critical aspects of structural and functional processes. Early placentation process is critical for placental growth and function. Several fatty acids modulate angiogenesis as observed by increased tube formation and secretion of angiogenic growth factors in first-trimester human placental trophoblasts. Long-chain fatty acids stimulate angiogenesis in these cells via vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4), fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs), or eicosanoids. Inadequate placental angiogenesis and trophoblast invasion of the maternal decidua and uterine spiral arterioles leads to structural and functional deficiency of placenta, which contributes to preeclampsia, pre-term intrauterine growth restriction, and spontaneous abortion and also affects overall fetal growth and development. During the third trimester of pregnancy, placental preferential transport of maternal plasma long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids is of critical importance for fetal growth and development. Fatty acids cross the placental microvillous and basal membranes by mainly via plasma membrane fatty acid transport system (FAT, FATP, p-FABPpm, & FFARs) and cytoplasmic FABPs. Besides, a member of the major facilitator superfamily-MFSD2a, present in the placenta is involved in the supply of DHA to the fetus. Maternal factors such as diet, obesity, endocrine, inflammation can modulate the expression and activity of the placental fatty acid transport activity and thereby impact feto-placental growth and development. In this review, we discuss the maternal dietary fatty acids, and placental transport and metabolism, and their roles in placental growth and development.

During the last trimester of gestation and for the first 18 months after birth, both docosahexaenoic acid,22:6n-3 (DHA) and arachidonic acid,20:4n-6 (ARA) are preferentially deposited within the cerebral cortex at a rapid rate. Although the structural and functional roles of DHA in brain development are well investigated, similar roles of ARA are not well documented. The mode of action of these two fatty acids and their derivatives at different structural–functional roles and their levels in the gene expression and signaling pathways of the brain have been continuously emanating. In addition to DHA, the importance of ARA has been much discussed in recent years for fetal and postnatal brain development and the maternal supply of ARA and DHA. These fatty acids are also involved in various brain developmental processes; however, their mechanistic cross talks are not clearly known yet. This review describes the importance of ARA, in addition to DHA, in supporting the optimal brain development and growth and functional roles in the brain.

The study aims to investigate whether cytosolic fatty acid-binding protein-4 (FABP4) is involved in angiogenic growth factors- and fatty acid-induced tube formation in first trimester placental trophoblast cells, HTR8/SVneo. We determined the tube formation both at basal as well as stimulated levels in the absence and presence of inhibitors of FABP4 and VEGF signaling pathways. Basal level of tube formation was maximally reduced in the presence of 50 µM of FABP4 inhibitor compared with those by VEGF signaling pathway inhibitors (rapamycin, L-NAME, and p38 MAP kinase inhibitor). Whereas docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6n-3 (DHA)-, and VEGF-induced tube formation was maximally inhibited by p38 MAP kinase inhibitor (63.7 and 34.5%, respectively), however, leptin-induced tube formation was inhibited maximally by FABP4 inhibitor (50.7%). ANGPTL4 and oleic acid (OA)-induced tube formation was not blocked by any of these inhibitors. The FABP4 inhibitor inhibited cell growth stimulated by DHA, leptin, VEGF, and OA (P

Tau is a microtubule-associated protein (MAP) that is abundant in the axonal part of neurons of the central nervous system. Previous studies among African children and Vietnamese adults suffering from cerebral malaria (CM) showed the pathological significance of measuring circulatory total Tau levels. A pilot investigation was carried out to better characterise neurological pathogenesis among severe malaria patients in Central India. Serum levels of total human Tau (pg/ml) were measured by ELISA following manufacturer guidelines among hospital admitted P. falciparum malaria patients classified with different degree of severity (mild malaria = MM, non-cerebral severe malaria = NCSM, cerebral malaria survivors = CM-S and cerebral malaria non-survivors = CM-NS) using WHO, 2000 definitions, including healthy controls (HC) enroled from the hospital's blood bank. Categorical and numerical variables were analysed by applying appropriate statistical test using Stata 11.0 software. A total of 139 subjects (14 HC, 25 MM, 29 NCSM, 44 CM-S and 27 CM-NS) were included in this preliminary investigation. Serum levels of total human Tau were detected in 0% HC, 4.0% MM, 20.7% NCSM, 43.2% CM-S and 48.2% CM-NS patients. Compared to MM, percent Tau detection was significantly higher among severe malaria patients (p = 0.001). Further, compared to NCSM,% Tau detection was significantly higher in CM-S patients (Chi2 = 3.9, p = 0.048) & CM-NS patients (Chi2 = 4.7, p = 0.030). Percent Tau detection was also significantly higher among severe malaria cases presenting with multiple complications compared to those without multiple complications (p = 0.006). ROC analysis of serum Tau levels (pg/ml) revealed a fair AUC value (0.75) to distinguish CM-NS group (but not CM-S) from NCSM group. In conclusion, serum percent detection of total human Tau is associated with axonal damage among patients with different degree of P. falciparum malaria severity in Central India.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play multiple physiological roles. They regulate the structure and function of cell membranes and cell growth and proliferation, and apoptosis. In addition, PUFAs are involved in cellular signaling, gene expression and serve as precursors to second messengers such as eicosanoids, docosanoids etc. and regulate several physiological processes including placentation, inflammation, immunity, angiogenesis, platelet function, synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, bone formation, energy homeostasis, pain sensitivity, stress, and cognitive functions. Linoleic acid, 18:2n-6 (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid, 18:3n-3 (ALA) are the two essential fatty acids obtained from the diets and subsequently their long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) are accumulated in the body. The maternal plasma LCPUFAs especially accumulated in larger amounts in the brain during the third trimester of pregnancy via the placenta and postnatally from mother's breast milk. Various studies, including ours, suggest PUFA's important role in placentation, as well as in growth and development of the offspring. However, intakes of maternal n-3 PUFAs during pregnancy and lactation are much lower in India compared with the Western population. In India, n-3 fatty acid status is further reduced by higher intake of n-6 PUFA rich oils and trans fats. More data on the impacts of long term maternal n-3 PUFA deficiency on placental structure and function, gene expression, epigenetic changes and resultant cognitive function of fetus & infants are emerging. This review summarizes the impacts of n-3 PUFA deficiency in utero on fetal growth and development, adiposity, energy metabolism, musculoskeletal development, and epigenetic changes in feto-placental axis from the recently available pre-clinical and clinical data.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid found in animal fats such as red meat and dairy products [...]

During early gestation, hypoxic condition is critically maintained by optimal glucose metabolism and transporter activities. Glucose is readily available energy nutrient required for placentation. However, limited data are available on glucose uptake and its transporters during first trimester placentation processes. To this end, effects of glucose and the roles of glucose transporters (GLUTs) were investigated during hypoxia on trophoblast migration and placental angiogenesis processes using early gestation-derived trophoblast cells, HTR8/SVneo, and first trimester human placental explant tissues. Exogenously added glucose (25 mM) significantly increased tube formation (in vitro angiogenesis) in HTR8/SVneo cells with concomitant activation of AKT-PI3K pathway and increased expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) compared with those in the presence of 11 mM glucose. Cobalt chloride (CoCl2)-induced hypoxia also significantly increased glucose uptake and GLUT1 expression along with tube formation and migration of HTR8/SVneo cells. During hypoxia, addition of glucose further stimulated HIF1α expression than by hypoxia alone. Cytochalasin B (cyt-B) inhibited the glucose uptake both in the presence of 11 mM and 25 mM glucose. Insulin (1 ng/ml) stimulated GLUT1 expression and tube formation and up-regulated the expression of VEGFR2 in HTR8/SVneo cells. Insulin and glucose-stimulated tube formation was inhibited by cyt-B but had no effect on hypoxia-induced tube formation. Silencing of GLUT1 inhibited the glucose and insulin-stimulated tube formation as well as glucose uptake. However, fatty acid-stimulated tube formation was not affected in GLUT1 knockdown cells. All these data suggest that glucose uptake, glucose-stimulated tube formation, and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake of the first trimester trophoblast cells, HTR8/SVneo, are mediated in part via GLUT1.

An efficient PCR-based method to trace genetically modified food and feed products is in demand due to regulatory requirements and contaminant issues in India. However, post-PCR detection with conventional methods has limited sensitivity in amplicon separation that is crucial in multiplexing. The study aimed to develop a sensitive post-PCR detection method by using PCR-chip capillary electrophoresis (PCR-CCE) to detect and identify specific genetically modified organisms in their genomic DNA mixture by targeting event-specific nucleotide sequences. Using the PCR-CCE approach, novel multiplex methods were developed to detect MON531 cotton, EH 92-527-1 potato, Bt176 maize, GT73 canola, or GA21 maize simultaneously when their genomic DNAs in mixtures were amplified using their primer mixture. The repeatability RSD (RSDr) of the peak migration time was 0.06 and 3.88% for the MON531 and Bt176, respectively. The RSD (RSDR) of the Cry1Ac peak ranged from 0.12 to 0.40% in multiplex methods. The method was sensitive in resolving amplicon of size difference up to 4 bp. The PCR-CCE method is suitable to detect multiple genetically modified events in a composite DNA sample by tagging their event specific sequences.

Malaria is a major public health problem in India and in the Chhattisgarh state. The diagnosis of malaria presents a major challenge in remote areas The prevalence of malaria in Darbha and Kilepal Community Health Centers (CHCs) of the Jagdalpur district, Chhattisgarh affected by conflict was determined using microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the year 2015, 29.4% and 21.5% cases were found to be positive for malaria at the Darbha and Kilepal CHCs, respectively, by microscopy, and 7.4% and 1.6% of cases had mixed infections, respectively. Among the suspected cases of mixed infections and doubtful diagnoses, 21% had mixed infections with two or more species at the Darbha CHC, and 17% from the Kilepal CHC, as determined by PCR. Both the P. vivax subspecies Pv210 (56%) and Pv247 (44%) and the P. ovale curtisi subspecies were found in this area. The high proportion of mixed malaria parasitic infections detected in this study indicate the need to adequately train health staff involved in diagnosing malaria. This study showed that there is a need for site-specific data to understand the epidemiological picture and to develop appropriate intervention strategies and management guidelines for controlling and eliminating malaria in India.

The study aims to investigate the impacts of hyperglycemia in the presence of fatty acids on early placentation processes that involves tube formation, cellular growth and proliferation, and metabolic activities of the first trimester trophoblast cells. Effects of maternal circulatory glucose levels that mimic physiological (5.5 mM), pre-diabetic (11 mM) and diabetic (≥25 mM) phenotypes on tube formation (as a measure of angiogenesis in vitro), cellular viability and proliferation, fatty acid uptake and expression of genes associated with invasion, angiogenesis and fatty acid metabolism were examined using HTR8/SVneo cells. Glucose (25 mM) induced tube formation, viability, and proliferation of the first trimester trophoblast cells, HTR8/SVneo. Tube formation was, however, disintegrated in the presence of high glucose (40 mM) which was partially protected by eicosapentaenoic acid, 20:5n-3 (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6n-3 in vitro. Glucose (25 mM)-mediated induction in tube formation was favored by increased cellular uptake of [14C]EPA (p

Objectives To study the roles of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) on tube formation (as a measure of cellular angiogenesis) and expression of angiogenesis-associated genes in first-trimester human extravillous trophoblast cells. Study design The effects of recombinant human CTGF on tube forming ability were studied in the first trimester trophoblast cells using matrigel system. The expressions of genes involved in angiogenesis were studied using real time PCR microarray. Results hCTGF (26 nM) stimulated tube formation and enhanced tube length in these cells compared with control cells. However, hCTGF-stimulated tube formation was not inhibited by SU5416, a selective inhibitor of the membrane-bound tyrosine kinase activity of VEGF-2 receptor (Flk-1/KDR) indicating VEGF was not involved in the process. This was also supported by the observation that CTGF did not stimulate the expression of angiogenic factors VEGF or ANGPTL4 as determined by PCR array. To further elucidate roles of hCTGF in tube formation we then measured expression of several genes involved in angiogenesis signalling pathways. Among the genes, hCTGF increased expression of IL-8 mRNA by ∼6-fold and its protein secretion by ∼20-fold in these cells. Exogenously added IL-8 also stimulated the tube formation and proliferation in these cells. Conclusions hCTGF-induced tube formation is independent of VEGF. hCTGF stimulates production of IL-8, an important angiogenic factor in these cells. However their interrelationship in this process is yet to be known.

Background We report the first evidence of sympatric distribution of Plasmodium ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri from India. Methods Fingerprick blood samples were collected from fever cases in district Bastar, Chhattisgarh State for malaria screening by microscopy and PCR. Results Two cases of mono infection of P. ovale, and a fatal case of cerebral malaria with a mixed infection of P. vivax, P. falciparum and P. ovale were confirmed by PCR. Sequencing analysis revealed the presence of P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri. Conclusions This study highlights the need of molecular diagnosis of malaria cases in forested areas for treatment and control.

Angiogenesis is involved in the growth of new blood vessels from the existing one. Consequently, angiogenesis plays an indispensable role in tissue growth and repair including early placentation processes. Besides angiogenic growth factors (vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), placental growth factor (PlGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), fibroblast growth factors (FGF)), dietary fatty acids (c>16) also directly or indirectly modulate angiogenic processes in tumors and other cell systems. Usually n-3 fatty acids inhibit whereas n-6 fatty acids stimulate angiogenesis in tumors and other cells. Contrary to this, docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6n-3 (DHA) and other fatty acids including conjugated linoleic acid stimulate angiogenesis in placental first trimester cells. In addition to the stimulation of expression of major angiogenic factors such as VEGF and ANGPTL4, fatty acids also stimulate expression of intracellular fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) FABP-4 and FABP-3 those are known to directly modulate angiogenesis. Emerging data indicate that FABPs may be involved in the angiogenesis process. This paper reviews the fatty acid mediated angiogenesis process and the involvement of their binding proteins in these processes.

Fatty acids regulate angiogenesis although no such information is available in first trimester placental trophoblast cells despite the fact that angiogenesis is a critical step involving these cells in early placentation. We investigated effects of different fatty acids on angiogenesis, their uptake and metabolism and expression of lipid metabolic genes in first trimester placental trophoblast cells using HTR-8/SVneo cell line. Fatty acid uptake by these cells exhibited a saturable kinetics. Uptake of AA was consistently greater compared with that of EPA and DHA throughout the incubation period of 180 min. Use of triacsin C, an inhibitor of acyl-CoA synthetase, significantly inhibited fatty acid uptake as well as fatty acid induced cell proliferation in these cells. Angiogenic effect (as measured by tube formation) of these fatty acids was in the following order DHA> EPA> AA> OA. Angiogenic effect of these fatty acids (AA, EPA, OA) was significantly decreased in ANGPTL4 knocked down cells, indicating ANGPTL4 may be involved at least in part in fatty acid induced angiogenesis. In addition, these fatty acids altered expression of several lipid metabolic genes such as ADRP, FABP4, FABP3, and COX-2 those are involved in angiogenesis. All these data suggest that fatty acids regulate angiogenic processes in these cells via different mechanisms.

Objectives To study the roles of leptin on tube formation (as a measure of cellular angiogenesis) and expression of associated genes in first-trimester human extravillous trophoblast cells. Study design The effects of leptin on tube formation and fatty acid uptake in first trimester extravillous placental trophoblast cells, HTR8/SVneo, were investigated. We also investigated the effects of leptin on the expression of genes involved in angiogenesis and lipid metabolism in these cells. Results Leptin at 25 ng/ml maximally stimulated tube formation in the first trimester placental trophoblast cells, HTR8/SVneo, by increasing tube length as well as numbers (10,100 ± 150 pixels) compared with those of control cells (2900 ± 50 pixels) p > 0.05. Leptin-induced tube formation was not inhibited by the selective inhibitor of VEGF, indicating that its action was independent of VEGF. Leptin, however, significantly increased the expression of genes those are involved in angiogenesis pathways such as PECAM1, JAG1, CDH5, IL8, NRP1, SPHK1, S1PR1, CXCL 1 and 6, FGF1, EFNA3 and AKT1, as determined by PCR array. Leptin did not, however, stimulate expression of the primary angiogenic factors known in placenta such as VEGF or ANGPTL4, as determined by both qRTPCR and PCR array assays. Leptin increased 7-fold expression of FABP4, which is known to be involved in VEGF-mediated angiogenesis in endothelial cells. In addition, leptin treatment resulted a 48% increase in the uptake of docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6n-3 (DHA) which also stimulates tube formation in these cells. Conclusions Leptin may play an important role in early placentation by stimulating several genes involved in angiogenic signalling pathway and fatty acid metabolism.

Angiogenesis is the growth of new blood vessels from existing vessels. Consequently, angiogenesis plays an essential role in tissue growth and repair, and in many diseases. In fact, any disturbances to angiogenic processes may lead to inappropriate growth and development, as well as several diseases. Apart from several angiogenic growth factors such as VEGF, PlGF, ANGPTL4 and PDGF, dietary fatty acids also modulate angiogenic processes directly or indirectly. Among these fatty acids, n-3 fatty acids inhibit angiogenesis, whereas n-6 fatty acids stimulate angiogenesis. Although docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) is widely known for its antiangiogenic activity, this fatty acid stimulates angiogenesis in first-trimester placental cells via increased synthesis of VEGF. This article explores these contrasting roles of docosahexaenoic acid in angiogenic processes and its possible effects on cell growth and disease processes.

Folic acid is critical for growing infant particularly relevant to preterm and low birth weight in addition to neural tube defects (NTDs) and should be given as supplement for low birth weight (Orzalesi and Colarizi 1982). Folic acid is also known as vitamin B9 and acts as a coenzyme in the biosynthesis of purine and pyrimidine precursors of nucleic acids, which are critically important for DNA synthesis of the growing fetus during pregnancy. Its natural form is known as folate, metabolized differently than its synthetic oxidized form of folic acid. Pregnant women are at risk for folate insufficiency because for its increased demand for rapid fetal growth, placental development, and enlargement of the uterus. Inadequate folate status may cause fetal malformations, impaired fetal growth, preterm delivery, and maternal anemia. Maternal folic acid deficiency during pregnancy has been associated with neural tube defects (NTDs), miscarriage, placental abruption, IUGR, and PE. Folic acid has the potential to affect the closure of the neural tube and several epigenetic mechanisms within the placenta and the fetus. As fetal growth is totally dependent on maternal folic acid reserve, therefore, pregnant women are advised to receive folic acid supplement starting from periconceptional period. It is possible that folic acid plays other growth-promoting activities in early development such as implantation and development of the placenta and in improving endothelial function. Due to these indispensable functions, folic acid supplements are considered at the late first trimester or early second trimester (Fekete et al. 2010). Folic acid is increasingly required for rapid growth and cell proliferation during the initial phases of pregnancy. Folic acid deficiency is critical in development stages that determines long-term disease outcome. The chapter emphasizes the functional aspect of folic acid and its implication in human development during early placentation. This review discusses well-designed intervention trials to provide a latest update on the output of the efficacy of folic acid supplementation in mitigating and preventing disease etiology. The information is also obtained from observational studies where a large number of samples are associated. The priority is given to human clinical studies; if not available, animal data are reviewed; and in vitro studies are included to understand its mechanism on cellular function. Evidences are now accumulating that periconceptional folic acid supplement starting before 12 weeks of conception has several benefits on the pregnancy outcome through improved feto-placental growth and development activities (Cawley et al. 2016b) In this review, the impact of folic acid supplements on placental growth and development activities is discussed with special emphasis on their effects in early pregnancy.

The “Fetal origins hypothesis” states that individual born small due to maternal malnutrition is predisposed to adult disease. The hypothesis is skewed more towards malnourished mothers and does not specify to include placental factor. In contrast, poor placentation mainly due to inadequate vascular adaptation at the utero-placental interface is far more reasonable cause of reduced fetal growth in adequately nourished populations (Henriksen and Clausen 2002). Now, substantial evidences exist that suboptimal maternal nutrition can regulate newborn in both the cases. Immediate impact of optimum maternal diet or its deviation on placental growth and fetal birth weight would be the key to understand their beneficial effect on placentation process. The availability and supply of nutrients to the developing fetus depend on maternal nutritional status which in turn depends on their nutrient stores, dietary intake, and obligatory requirements during pregnancy (Ramakrishnan et al. 2012). During development, there are critical periods when system and organs undergo maturation; those stages are susceptible to be programmed. The pregnancy-specific stages that span from the preconception to the birth are subjected to be influenced by macro and micronutrients that affect both maternal health and fetus development subsequently. Data so far highlighted the importance of nutrition during pregnancy typically focusing on the second and/or the third trimester by which time major organogenesis would have been completed. However, nutritional impact just before conception and/or during first trimester, when women are typically unaware of their pregnancy status, is scanty. It is likely that preconception, conception, implantation, organogenesis, and placentation will be influenced by status of the maternal periconceptional nutrition. These effects may lead to regulate overall health of childbearing women, their reproductive potential, and birth outcome.

The process of embryo implantation is a highly sophisticated and synchronized event between activated implanted embryo and a receptive endometrium. Proper development of embryo and implantation of blastocyst largely depends on optimal endometrial receptivity. The process of embryo implantation occurs within restricted period of time known as “window of implantation” which is highly regulated by two prominent hormones such as estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4). Endometrial receptivity for implantation occur independent of embryo activation. The precise mechanism of each of these hormones on regulation of implantation and endometrium receptivity is not clear. Endometrium is composed of many cell types that include epithelial, endothelial, stromal, and nonresident immune cells. Stromal cells play crucial roles during embryo invasion to the uterine walls.