Effects of maternal methyl donor intake during pregnancy on ileum methylation and function in an intrauterine growth restriction pig model

Background Intrauterine growth retardation(IUGR)affects intestinal growth,morphology,and function,which leads to poor growth performance and high mortality.The present study explored whether maternal dietary methyl donor(MET)supplementation alleviates IUGR and enhances offspring’s growth performance by improving intestinal growth,function,and DNA methylation of the ileum in a porcine IUGR model.Methods Forty multiparous sows were allocated to the control or MET diet groups from mating until delivery.After farrowing,8 pairs of IUGR and normal birth weight piglets from 8 litters were selected for sampling before suckling colostrum.Results The results showed that maternal MET supplementation tended to decrease the IUGR incidence and increased the average weaning weight of piglets.Moreover,maternal MET supplementation significantly reduced the plasma concentrations of isoleucine,cysteine,urea,and total amino acids in sows and newborn pig-lets.It also increased lactase and sucrase activity in the jejunum of newborn piglets.MET addition resulted in lower ileal methionine synthase activity and increased betaine homocysteine S-methyltransferase activity in the ileum of newborn piglets.DNA methylation analysis of the ileum showed that MET supplementation increased the methyla-tion level of DNA CpG sites in the ileum of newborn piglets.Down-regulated differentially methylated genes were enriched in folic acid binding,insulin receptor signaling pathway,and endothelial cell proliferation.In contrast,up-regulated methylated genes were enriched in growth hormone receptor signaling pathway and nitric oxide biosyn-thetic process.Conclusions Maternal MET supplementation can reduce the incidence of IUGR and increase the weaning litter weight of piglets,which may be associated with better intestinal function and methylation status.

Using laparoscope to remove an ectopic intrauterine device in the anterior wall of urinary bladder:A case report

BACKGROUND An intrauterine device(IUD)is a contraceptive device placed in the uterine cavity and is a common contraceptive method for Chinese women.However,an IUD may cause complications due to placement time,intrauterine pressure and other factors.Ectopic IUDs are among the most serious complications.Ectopic IUDs are common in the myometrium and periuterine organs,and there are few reports of ectopic IUDs in the urinary bladder,especially in the anterior wall.CASE SUMMARY A 52-year-old woman was hospitalized due to a urinary bladder foreign body found via abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography(CT)examination.The patient had a 2-year history of recurrent abdominal distension and lower abdominal pain,accompanied by frequent urination,urgency,dysuria and other discomfort.Ultrasound examination revealed foreign bodies in the bladder cavity,with calculus on the surface of the foreign bodies.CT revealed a circular foreign body on the anterior wall of the urinary bladder,suggesting the possibility of an ectopic IUD.After laparoscopic exploration,an annular IUD was found in the anterior wall of urinary bladder,and an oval calculus with a diameter of approximately 2 cm was attached to the surface of the bladder cavity.The IUD and calculus were successfully and completely removed.The patient recovered well after surgery.CONCLUSION Abdominal ultrasound and CT are effective methods for detecting ectopic IUDs.The IUD is located in the urinary bladder and requires early surgical treatment.The choice of surgical method is determined by comprehensively considering the depth of the IUD in the bladder muscle layer,the situation of complicated calculus,the situation of intravesical inflammation and medical technology and equipment.

Relationship between ultrasound parameters of the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries and intrauterine fetal distress

BACKGROUND By comprehensively analyzing the blood flow parameters of the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries,doctors can more accurately identify fetal intrauterine distress,as well as assess its severity,so that timely interventions can be implemented to safeguard the health and safety of the fetus.AIM To identify the relationship between ultrasound parameters of the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries and intrauterine distress.METHODS Clinical data of pregnant women admitted between January 2021 and January 2023 were collected and divided into the observation and control groups(n=50 each),according to the presence or absence of intrauterine distress.The ultrasound hemodynamic parameters of the uterine artery(UtA),fetal middle cerebral artery(MCA),and umbilical artery(UmA)were compared with neonatal outcomes and occurrence of intrauterine distress in the two groups.RESULTS Comparison of ultrasonic hemodynamic parameters,resistance index(RI),pulsatility index(PI),and systolic maximal blood flow velocity of UmA compared to diastolic blood flow velocity(S/D),revealed higher values of fetal MCA,PI,and S/D of UmA in pregnant women with UtA compared to controls(P<0.05),while there was no difference between the two groups in terms of RI(P<0.05)The incidence of a neonatal Apgar score of 8-10 points was lower in the observation group(66.7%)than in the control group(90.0%),and neonatal weight(2675.5±27.6 g)was lower than in the control group(3117.5±31.2 g).Further,cesarean section rate was higher in the observation group(70.0%)than in the control group(11.7%),and preterm labor rate was higher in the observation group(40.0%)than in the control group(10.0%).The incidence of fetal distress,neonatal growth restriction and neonatal asphyxia were also higher in the observation group(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION Fetal MCA,UmA,and maternal UtA hemodynamic abnormalities all develop in pregnant women with intrauterine distress during late pregnancy,which suggests that clinical attention should be paid to them,and monitoring should be strengthened to provide guidance for clinical intervention.

Dosage Formula in Anesthesia for Manual Intrauterine Aspiration Post-Abortion in Resource-Limited Settings

Setting: Provincial General Reference Hospital of Bukavu, General Reference Hospital of Panzi, General Reference Hospital of Ciriri, General Reference Hospital of Nyatende and Biopharm Hospital Center. Objective: Contribute to the improvement of the anesthetic ECP of patients benefiting from MVA for incomplete abortion, Describe the methodology used for adoption of the dosage formula in Anesthesia for MVA, present the mathematical demonstration leading to the dosage formula in anesthesia for MVA. Materials and Methods: Our study was descriptive by mathematical demonstration of obtaining the equilibrium constant of the dosage formula of bipuvacaine 0.1% and Fentanyl 50 µg% adapted to the weight and specific size of patients treated anesthetically in MVA cases for incomplete abortion. We also carried out an operational research by first determining the interval where our equilibrium constant is included and secondly by means of the ends of the intervals found correlated to the ends of intervals of possible weights and sizes in the being normal human female of childbearing age to arrive at the real numerical value of the equilibrium constant of the BUKAVU Dosage Formula in the case of anesthesia for MVA during the management of incomplete abortions. Results: TWO-STAGE OPERATIONAL RESEARCH: • Determination of the interval where the equilibrium constant x = −0.95 x x by crossing the means between the extremes of volumes of anesthetic drugs giving a satisfactory sensory block without hemodynamic disturbance and the extremes of normal weight and height for women of childbearing age. We ended up with X = 0.37. Conclusion: At the end of our study which had the general objectives of contributing to the improvement of the anesthetic PEC of patients receiving MVA for incomplete abortion and specific objectives of describing the methodology used for adoption of the dosage formula in Anesthesia for MVA and present the mathematical demonstration which resulted in the dosage formula in nesthesia for MVA, it appears that the dosage formula of Bukavu, in case of intrathecal spinal analgesia of MVA for incomplete abortion provides precision on the specificity of the doses of bipuvacaine hypobarre 0.1% and Fentanyl 50 µg% reported to each patient according to her weight and height. Its application could therefore reduce morbidity and mortality and improve patient-practitioner comfort in the event of MVA for incomplete abortion following the dosage precision it provides.

Effect of Intrauterine Laser Therapy at the IVF Success Rate on Infertile Patients with a History of IVF Failure: A Pilot Non-Blinded Study

Backgrounds: While there’s developing proof aimed toward improving embryo implantation thru a focal point on great development, restrained studies have been performed on enhancing endometrial receptivity. Intrauterine Laser Therapy (LT) can be powerful in selling endometrial cell proliferation, therefore enhancing the achievement of assisted reproductive techniques (ART). The contemporary look at aimed to research the effectiveness of effective intrauterine lasers in growing endometrial thickness and the achievement of being pregnant rate. Materials and Methods: In the current clinical randomized trial (RTC) study, the infertile women (20 - 42 years old) referred to the infertility clinic in 2023-2024 who were candidates for IVF treatment with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) history were included. The patients were divided into two main groups: the intervention group;low level laser therapy (LLLT) after hormone administration) (n = 52) and the control group (hormone administration without LT) (n = 52). The IVF success rate and change in endometrial thickness before and after the LT were compared in groups. Results: There was a significant difference between groups (p Conclusion: It appears that the incorporation of Intrauterine LT in the realm of infertility could significantly impact as a novel supplementary treatment in improving endometrial receptivity and pregnancy rate.

Postpartum intrauterine device contraception: A review

AIM： To review the safety （infection, perforation） and efficacy （expulsion, continuation rates, pregnancy） of intrauterine device （IUD） insertion in the postpartum period. METHODS： MEDLINE, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies of IUD insertions at different times during the postpartum period. Time of insertion during the postpartum period was documented speci-fically, immediate post placenta period （within 10 min）, early post placenta period （10 min to 72 h）, and de-layed/interval period （greater than 6 wk）. Other study variables included mode of delivery, vaginal vs cesarean, manual vs use of ring forceps to insert the IUD. RESULTS： IUD insertion in the immediate postpartum （within 10 min of placental delivery）, early postpartum （10 min up to 72 h） and Interval/Delayed （6 wk onward） were found to be safe and effcacious. Expulsion rates were found to be highest in the immediate postpartum groups ranging from 14% to 27%. Immediate post placental insertion found to have expulsion rates that ranged from 3.6% to 16.2%. Expulsion rate was significantly higher after insertion following vaginal vs cesarean delivery. The rates of infection, perforation and unplanned pregnancy following postpartum IUD insertion are low. Method of insertion such as with ring forceps, by hand, or another placement method unique to the type of IUD did not show any signifcant difference in expulsion rates. Uterine perforations are highest in the delayed/interval IUD insertion groups.Breastfeeding duration and infant development are not affected by delayed/interval insertion of the non-hormonal （copper） IUD or the Levonorgestrel IUD. Timing of the Levonorgestrel IUD insertion may affect breastfeeding. CONCLUSION： IUD insertion is safe and efficacious during the immediate postpartum, early postpartum and delayed postpartum periods. Expulsion rates are highest after vaginal delivery and when inserted during the immediate postpartum period. IUD associated infection rates were not increased by insertion during the postpartum period over interval insertion rates. There is no evidence that breastfeeding is negatively affected by postpartum insertion of copper or hormone-secreting IUD. Although perforation rates were higher when inserted after lactation was initiated. Randomized controlled trials are needed to further elucidate the consequence of lactation on postpartum insertion. Despite the concerns regarding expulsion, perforation and breastfeeding, current evidence indicates that a favorable risk beneft ratio in support of postpartum IUD insertion. This may be particularly relevant for women for whom barriers exist in achieving desired pregnancy spacing.

Effects of Intrauterine Growth Restriction on Gene Expression in Small Intestine of Piglets

[ Objective] To profile the differentially expressed genes in small intestine between piglets with intrauterine growth restriction （IUGR）, describe the relationships between growth performance and gene expression in IUGR piglets, and thus provide a theoretical basis for further research. [Metbed] Eight suckling piglets at the age of 21 d Efour with normal body weight （NBW） of （1 503 ± 310） g and four with low BW of （806 ±35） g] were killed, and the intestinal samples were collected. Gene expression was detected by Affymetrix Porcine GeneChip and further confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. [ ReseltJ Microarray analysis showed that there were 156 differentially expressed genes in the small intestine between the IUGR piglets and the age-matched NBW piglets, including 61 down-regulated genes and 95 up-regulated genes, The up-regulated genes included protein tyrosine phosphatase, myosin, troponin, heat shock protein, metallothionein, arginine vasopressin-induced 1, ribosomal protein L6, apoptosls antagonizing transcription factor, muscle creatine kinase, mannosidase, lysozyme, folliculin, urate transporterchannel protein, pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductese-like, and adenine phosphor-dbosyltransferase. The down-regulated genes included protein kinase, arachidohate 12-1ipoxygenase, transcription factor A, GTP-GDP dissociation stimulator 1, serine （or cysteine） proteinase inhibitor, fetuin, dolichol-phosphate-mannose synthase, apolipoprotein H, argininosuccinate synthetase 1, iron-regulated transporter, alpha-2-macroglobulin, immunoglobulin superfamily, thioltransferase, and guanylate binding protein 2. The gene expression profile changed in the small intestine of piglets with intrauterine growth restriction, providing a theoretical basis for eady intervention in growth restriction.

Importance of abdominal X-ray to confirm the position of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system:A case report

BACKGROUND Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems(LNG-IUSs)gradually release levonorgestrel into the uterus and is effective against hypermenorrhoea and dysmenorrhea.Complications associated with the insertion include expulsion,displacement,and uterine perforation.Ultrasonic identification of copper intrauterine devices(IUDs)is possible due to echogenicity from the copper coils.However,the barium sulfate coatings of LNG-IUSs do not always provide hyperechoic images.Both barium sulfate and copper are radiopaque and clearly identifiable on X-ray.Thus,X-ray imaging is required to locate LNG-IUSs.CASE SUMMARY A 46-year-old woman with hypermenorrhoea due to submucosal myomas was treated with LNG-IUS at another hospital.Three LNG-IUS insertions had apparently been followed by spontaneous expulsion,although objective confirmation using imaging was not performed.The patient was referred to our institution for surgery.At the first visit,there appeared to be no device in the uterus,and none was observed on transvaginal ultrasound.However,two LNGIUSs were observed in the pelvis on abdominal plain X-rays prior to surgery.Hysteroscopic myomectomy was performed,and the two LNG-IUSs were found to have perforated the myometrium.The devices were safely removed during surgery,and the submucosal myomas were also removed.The perforated section of the myometrium was minimal+ADs-therefore,a repair operation was not required.CONCLUSION Plain abdominal X-rays facilitate the determination of whether an LNG-IUS is in the uterine cavity.Therefore,it is important to confirm a device’s location,regardless of whether spontaneous expulsion is suspected,prior to inserting another device.

A randomized controlled clinical trial: Interruption of intrauterine transmission of hepatitis B virus infection with HBIG

AIM： To evaluate the efficacy of interruption of intrauterine infection of HBV with HBIG in pregnant women with positive HBeAg and HBsAg.METHODS： A prospective randomized controlled trial was adopted. Sixty cases with positive HBeAg and HBsAg were coincident with the criteria of inclusion, and 8 cases were excluded. Fifty-two cases were analyzed （28 cases in trial group and 24 in control group）. All cases in trial group received 200 IU HBIG intravenously every 4 wk for 3 times from the 28^th wk. The cases of control group received placebo in the same way. All pregnant women were detected for HBeAg and HBV-DNA at the beginning of the trial and end of the trial （delivery）. The cord blood of all newborns were collected for detecting HBeAg and HBV-DNA simultaneously.RESULTS： For investigation of HBeAg of newborns in trial group, 6 of 28 cases of newborns had positive HBeAg, the HBeAg positive rate being 21.4%, the total rate of 95% CI being 8%-41%. In control group, 19 of 24 cases of newborns had positive HBeAg, HBeAg positive rate was 79.2%, the rate of 95%CI being 5%-93%. By statistical analysis, 2= 17.26, P 〈 0.01, RR = 0.27, 95% CI （6.3 × 10^-6, 8.6 × 10^-5）. For investigation of HBV-DNA of newborns in trial group, 7 of 28 cases of newborns had positive HBV-DNA, HBV-DNA positive rate being 25%, the total rate of 95% CI being 11%-45%. In control group, 20 of 24 cases of newborns had positive HBV-DNA, HBV-DNA positive rate was 83.3%, the total rate of 95% CI being 63%-95%. By statistical analysis, X^2 = 17.62, P 〈 0.01, RR = 0.30, 95% CI （1.5 × 10^-5, 1.7× 10^-4）. The results indicated that there was significant difference in HBeAg positive rate and HBV-DNA positive rate of newborns between the two groups. In trial group, 7 of 28 newborns had HBV-DNA positive, but the HBV-DNA load of newborns was lower than that of their mothers. In control group, 20 of 24 newborns still had HBV-DNA positive, and the HBV-DNA load of newborns was close to those of their mothers. Statistical analysis indicated that there was no significant difference in HBV- DNA load between postnatal women without HBIG intervention and their filial generations （T = 81.5, P 〉 0.1）. CONCLUSION： It is effective and safe to prevent intrauterine infection of HBV with HBIG from the 28^th wk in pregnant women with positive HBeAg and HBsAg. In clinical application, those pregnant women with negative HBeAg and positive HBV-DNA also need to be interrupted by HBIG.

Relationship between IFN-γ gene polymorphism and susceptibility to intrauterine HBV infection

AIM： To explore the susceptibility of children to intrauterine HBV infection by studying the relationship between IFN-γ gene polymorphism, including IFN-γ＋874A/T single nucleotide polymorphism（SNP） and CA repeat microsatellite polymorphism and intrauterine HBV infection. METHODS： A TaqMan fluorescence polymerase chain reaction in the IFN-γ＋874A/T single nucleotide polymorphism was tested in the intrauterine HBV infection group（group Ⅰ） and the normal immune children group（group Ⅱ）. Capillary electrophoresis was performed in the above two groups to assay the IFN-γ, CA repeat microsatellite polymorphism. RESULTS： Frequencies of AA, AT and TT genotypes were 67.4%, 19.6% and 13.0% in the intrauterine HBV infection group, and 45.2%, 30.1% and 24.7% in the normal immune children group, respectively. A significant difference was found in the frequency distribution of IFN-γ＋874 genotype between the two groups （x^2 = 5.102, P = 0.02389）. In the intrauterine HBV infection group the AA genotype was more common than in the normal immune group. Frequency of IFN-γ＋874A allele was 77.17% in the intrauterine HBV infection group, and 60.27% in the normal immune children group. In the intrauterine HBV infection group the IFN-γ＋874A allele was more common than in normal immune group. A significant difference was found in the frequency distribution between the two groups （x^2= 7.238, P= 0.02389, OR = 2.228, 95% CI = 1.244-3.992）. （CA12）^＋/（CA12）^＋ of IFN-γ CA microsatellite polymorphism was 11.90% in the intrauterine HBV infection group and 26.47% in the normal immune children group. A significant difference was found in the frequency distribution between the two groups （x^2 = 5.64, P = 0.0176）. Frequency of IFN-γ CA repeat was 25% in the intrauterine HBV infection group and 43.38% in the normal immune children group. The frequency of IFN-γ CA repeat was less in the intrauterine HBV infection group than in normal immune group. A significant difference was found in the frequency distribution between the two groups （x^2 = 7.548, P= 0.0060）. CONCLUSION： There is a relationship between IFN-γ＋874A/T SNP and intrauterine HBV infection as well as between IFN-γ CA microsatellite polymorphism and intrauterine HBV infection. IFN-γ gene polymorphism might be important in determining individual＇s susceptibility to intrauterine HBV infection.

Safety of menstrual blood-derived stromal cell transplantation in treatment of intrauterine adhesion

BACKGROUND Intrauterine adhesion(IUA)can cause serious damage to women’s reproductive health,yet current treatment methods are difficult to achieve satisfactory results.In our previous studies,we demonstrated that menstrual-derived stromal stem cells(MenSCs),with high proliferative capacity and self-renewal ability,have a powerful therapeutic effect in patients with severe IUA.However,safety assessment of MenSCs transplantation is essential for its further application.AIM To evaluate the short-,medium-,and long-term biosafety of MenSCs via intrauterine transplantation in a rat model of IUA,with a focus on toxicity and tumorigenicity.METHODS MenSCs were injected into the sub-serosal layer of the uterus in an IUA rat model,for 3 d,3 mo,and 6 mo separately,to monitor the corresponding acute,sub-chronic,and chronic effects.Healthy rats of the same age served as negative controls.Toxicity effects were evaluated by body weight,organ weight,histopathology,hematology,and biochemistry tests.Tumorigenicity of MenSCs was investigated in Balb/c-nu mice in vivo and by colony formation assays in vitro.RESULTS Compared with the same week-old control group,all of the IUA rats receiving MenSC transplantation demonstrated no obvious changes in body weight,mainorgan weight,or blood cell composition during the acute,sub-chronic,and chronic observation periods.At the same time,serum biochemical tests showed no adverse effects on metabolism or liver and kidney function.After 4 wk of subcutaneous injection of Men SCs in Balb/c-nu nude mice,no tumor formation or cell metastasis was observed.Moreover,there was no tumor colony formation of Men SCs during soft agar culture in vitro.CONCLUSION There is no acute,sub-chronic,or chronic poisoning,infection,tumorigenesis,or endometriosis in rats with IUA after Men SC transplantation.The above results suggest that intrauterine transplantation of Men SCs is safe for endometrial treatment.

Relationship between Maternal PBMC HBV cccDNA and HBV Serological Markers and its Effect on HBV Intrauterine Transmission

Objective To investigate the relationship between maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) hepatitis B virus(HBV) covalenty closed circular deoxyribonucleic acid(cccDNA) and other HBV serological markers and its effects on HBV intrauterine transmission. Methods We enrolled 290 newborns and their hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg) positive mothers. HBV cccDNA in PBMC and HBV DNA in serum were detected by a real‐time PCR‐TaqM an probe while HBV serological markers were detected with an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Results There was a positive correlation between the levels of PBMC HBV cccD NA and serum HBV DNA and HBeA g(r = 0.436 and 0.403, P < 0.001). The detection rate of pattern A [‘HBsA g(+), HBeA g(+), and anti‐HBc(+)’] was significantly higher in the PBMC HBV cccD NA positive group than in the control group(χ^2 = 48.48, P < 0.001). There was a significant association between HBV intrauterine transmission and PBMC HBV cccD NA(χ^2 = 9.28, P = 0.002). In the presence of serum HBV DNA, HBeA g, and PBMC HBV cccD NA, the risk of HBV intrauterine transmission was three times higher(OR = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.30‐10.42) than that observed in their absence. The risk of HBV intrauterine transmission was the greatest(OR = 5.89, 95% CI: 2.35‐14.72) when both PBMC HBV cccD NA and pattern A were present. A Bayesian network model showed that maternal PBMC HBV cccD NA was directly related to HBV intrauterine transmission. Conclusion PBMC HBV cccDNA may be a direct risk factor for HBV intrauterine transmission. Our study suggests that serological markers could be combined with PBMC‐related markers in prenatal testing.

Double versus single homologous intrauterine insemination for male factor infertility： a systematic review and meta-analysis

Male factor infertility affects 30%-50% of infertile couples worldwide, and there is an increasing interest in the optimal management of these patients. In studies comparing double and single intrauterine insemination （IUI）, a trend towards higher pregnancy rates in couples with male factor infertility was observed. Therefore, we set out to perform a meta-analysis to examine the superiority of double versus single IUI with the male partner＇s sperm in couples with male factor infertility. An odds ratio （OR） of 95% confidence intervals （CIs） was calculated for the pregnancy rate. Outcomes were analysed by using the ManteI-Haesel or DerSimonian-Laird model accordingto the heterogeneity of the results. Overall, five trials involving 1125 IUI cycles were included in the meta-analysis. There was a two-fold increase in pregnancies after a cycle with a double IUI compared with a cycle with a single IUI （OR. 2.0; 95% CI. 1.07-3.75; P〈O.03）. Nevertheless, this result was mainly attributed to the presence of a large trial that weighted as almost 50% in the overall analysis. Sensitivity analysis, excluding this large trial, revealed only a trend towards higher pregnancy rates among double IUI cycles （OR. 1.58; 95% CI. 0.59-4.21）, but without statistical significance （P=0.20）. Our systematic review highlights that the available evidence regarding the use of double IUI in couples with male factor infertility is fragmentary and weak. Although there may be a trend towards higher pregnancy rates when the number of IUIs per cycle is increased, further large and well-designed randomized trials are needed to provide solid evidence toide current clinical practice.

Antenatal taurine reduces cerebral cell apoptosis in fetal rats with intrauterine growth restriction

From pregnancy to parturition, Sprague-Dawley rats were daily administered a low protein diet to establish a model of intrauterine growth restriction. From the 12th day of pregnancy, 300 mg/kg taurine was daily added to food until spontaneous delivery occurred. Brain tissues from normal neonatal rats at 6 hours after delivery, neonatal rats with intrauterine growth restriction, and neo- natal rats with intrauterine growth restriction undergoing taurine supplement were obtained for fur- ther experiments. The terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase （TdT）-mediated biotin-16-dUTP nick-end labeling assay revealed that the number of apoptotic cells in the brain tissue of neonatal rats with intrauterine growth restriction significantly increased. Taurine supplement in pregnant rats reduced cell apoptosis in brain tissue from neonatal rats with intrauterine growth restriction. Immu- nohistochemical staining revealed that taurine supplement increased glial cell line-derived neuro- trophic factor expression and decreased caspase-3 expression in the cerebral cortex of intrauterine growth-restricted fetal rats. These results indicate that taurine supplement reduces cell apoptosis through the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor-caspase-3 signaling pathway, resulting in a protective effect on the intrauterine growth-restricted fetal rat brain.

Resveratrol and its derivative pterostilbene ameliorate intestine injury in intrauterine growth-retarded weanling piglets by modulating redox status and gut microbiota

Background:Intestinal disorder is an important factor contributing to growth lag and high rates of morbidity and mortality of piglets with intrauterine growth retardation(IUGR).Resveratrol(RSV)and its derivative pterostilbene(PT)are natural stilbenes possessing various bioactivities,such as antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects.This study compared the protective potential of RSV and PT on the intestinal redox status and gut microbiota in weanling piglets with IUGR.Methods:Eighteen male piglets of normal body weight(NBW)and 54 same-sex IUGR piglets were chosen according to their birth and weaning weights.The NBW piglets accepted a basal diet,while the IUGR piglets were allotted to one of three groups according to their body weight at weaning and received a basal diet,an RSV-supplemented diet(300 mg/kg),or a PT-supplemented diet(300 mg/kg),respectively.Results:Compared with IUGR piglets,both RSV and PT improved the IUGR-associated decrease in jejunal villus height and increases in plasma diamine oxidase activity and D-lactate level and jejunal apoptosis of piglets(P<0.05).Administering RSV and PT also enhanced jejunal superoxide dismutase activity and the mRNA and protein expression of superoxide dismutase 2 of IUGR piglets by promoting nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)nuclear translocation(P<0.05).Comparatively,PT was more effective than RSV in elevating the villus height/crypt depth ratio and occludin mRNA and protein levels in the jejunum of IUGR piglets(P<0.05).PT was also superior to RSV in increasing Nrf2 nuclear translocation and inhibiting malondialdehyde accumulation in the jejunum of IUGR piglets(P<0.05).Additionally,RSV modulated the composition of cecal microbiota of IUGR piglets,as evidenced by increasing the prevalence of the phylum Bacteroidetes and the genera Prevotella,Faecalibacterium,and Parabacteroides and inhibiting the growth of the phylum Proteobacteria and its genera Escherichia and Actinobacillus(P<0.05).Moreover,RSV significantly increased the butyrate concentration in the cecum of IUGR piglets(P<0.05).Conclusion:PT is more potent than RSV to prevent intestinal oxidative stress,while RSV has a stronger capacity to regulate gut microbiota compared to PT.

Successful pregnancy and birth after intrauterine insemination using caput epididymal sperm by percutaneous aspiration

<abstract>Aim: To manage male infertility with obstructive azoospermia by means of percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). Methods: Ninety azoospermic patients with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (BAVD, n=58) or bilateral caudal epididymal obstruction (BCEO, n=32) requesting for fine needle aspiration (FNA), PESA and IUI were recruited. The obstruction was diagnosed by vasography and determination of the fructose, carnitine and alpha-glucosidase levels in the seminal fluid. Results: The mean sperm motility, density, abnormal sperm and total sperm count of the caput epdidymis were 16 %±22 %, (12±31) ×106/mL, 55 %±36 % and (16±14)×106, respectively. In the 90 couples, a total of 74 PESA procedures and 66 cycles of IUI were performed. Three pregnancies resulted, including one twin pregnancy giving birth to two healthy boys, one single pregnancy with a healthy girl and another single pregnancy aborted at week 6 of conception. The pregnancy rate per IUI cycle was 4.5 %. Conclusion: The birth of normal, healthy infants by IUI using PESA indicates that the caput epididymal sperm possess fertilization capacity. The PESA-IUI programme is a practical and economical procedure for the management of patients with obstructive azoospermia.

Intrauterine growth restriction alters growth performance, plasma hormones,and small intestinal microbial communities in growing-finishing pigs

Background: The interaction of the gut microbiota with key metabolic and physiological processes may be associated with poor growth outcomes in animals born with intrauterine growth restriction(IUGR).Results: Growth performance, plasma hormone concentrations, and intestinal microbiota composition were analyzed in IUGR pigs and in normal birth weight(NBW) pigs when the NBW pigs reached 25, 50, and 100 kg of body weight(BW). Compared to NBW pigs, IUGR pigs had lower initial, weaned, and final BW, and lower average daily gain and average daily feed intake in all the considered time points. In the 25 kg BW group, IUGR pigs had higher concentrations of plasma ghrelin and pancreatic polypeptide(PP), but lower insulin concentration than NBW pigs, while the situation was reversed in the 50 kg BW group. As compared to NBW pigs, IUGR pigs had higher microbial alpha diversity in the jejunum and ileum;in the 50 and 100 kg BW groups, IUGR pigs had higher Firmicutes abundance but lower Proteobacteria abundance in the jejunum, and lower Lactobacillus abundance in the jejunum and ileum;in the 25 kg BW group, IUGR pigs showed higher unclassified Ruminococcaceae abundance in the ileum;and in 25 and 50 kg BW groups, IUGR pigs showed lower Ochrobactrum abundance in the jejunum.Spearman's correlation revealed that Lactobacillus was negatively correlated with growth performance, while unclassified Ruminococcaceae was positively correlated. Predictive metagenomic analysis detected significantly different expression of genes in the intestinal microbiota between IUGR and NBW pigs, suggesting different metabolic capabilities between the two groups.Conclusions: Growing-finishing IUGR pigs showed lower growth performance, higher microbial alpha diversity, and differences in plasma hormone concentrations compared to NBW pigs. Alterations in the abundance of Firmicutes,Proteobacteria, Ruminococcaceae, Lactobacillus, and Ochrobactrum in the small intestine may be associated with IUGR, and may therefore serve as a future target for gut microbiota intervention in growing-finishing IUGR pigs.

Intrauterine cystic adenomyosis:Report of two cases

BACKGROUND Cystic adenomyosis is a special type of adenomyosis. Its clinical manifestations lack specificity. Pelvic ultrasound and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging can help clarify the diagnosis. Because cystic uterine adenomyosis is rare in clinical work, it can be easily misdiagnosed or its diagnosis can be missed. Early surgical treatment and postoperative drug treatment can alleviate dysmenorrhea,menorrhagia, anemia, and other symptoms.CASE SUMMARY Two cases complained about abnormal vaginal bleeding and were diagnosed with intrauterine cystic adenomyosis by gynecological ultrasound and pathological examination. The clinical manifestations included dysmenorrhea,hypermenorrhea, and a history of cesarean section. Both cases underwent a surgery, and chocolate-like liquid was released from the cystic mass in the uterus and the manifestations were relieved.CONCLUSION Intrauterine cystic adenomyosis could be diagnosed by pathological examination and treated by hysterectomy or hystscopy to release the liquid inside.

Study on the Cellular Molecular Mechanism of Intrauterine Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus

Objective: To study intrauterine transmission of HBV and its cellular molecular mechanism and influence on the fetus. Methods.. A total of 46 coses of pregnant women who suffered from HBV were divided into HBeAg ( + ) and HBeAg ( -) groups. HBV-DNA in serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC-) of 46 cases of pregnant women before delivery was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After placenta being delivery, HBV-DNA in serum and cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC) was also detected by PCR. Results.. The total of positive rates of HBV-DNA in serum and PBMC of pregnant women with hepatitis B were 69. 57% (32/46) and 41. 30% (19/46). The positive rates of HBV-DNA in serum of cord blood and CBMC were 56. 52%(26/46) and 21. 74% (10/46) respectively. Among them, the positive rates of HBV-DNA in serum and PBMC of pregnant women with HBeAg ( + ) were 100. 00% (25/25) and 60. 00% (15/25) respectively. The positive rates of HBV-DNA in serum of cord blood and CBMC were 88. 00% (22/25) and 32. 00% (8/25) respectively. The positive rates of HBV-DNA in serum and PBMC of pregnant women with HBeAg (-) were 33. 33% (7/21) and 19.05% (4/21) respectively. The positive rates of HBV-DNA in serum of cord blood and CBMC were 19. 05%(4/21) and 9. 52% (2/21) respectively. The positive rates of HBV-DNA in serum of cord blood and CBMC of newborns were higher in the group of pregnant women with HBeAg ( + ) than those in the group of pregnant women with HBeAg ( -) (P<0. 01 and P<0. 05). There was no HBV-DNA in serum, PBMC and CBMC of normal pregnant women and normal neonates. Conclusion: The intrauterine transmission of HBV can be existent and its transmission way not only can be induced by serum but also can be induced by PBMC. The way of intrauterine transmission of HBV induced by PBMC was concealed. The dangerous possibility of intrauterine transmission is higher in the pregnant women with HBeAg (+) than that in the group of pregnant women with HBeAg ( -).

Inhibitory Effect of LPS on the Proliferation of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells through the Notch Signaling Pathway inIntrauterine Infection-induced Rats

Periventricular white matter injury (PWMI)is very common in survivors of premature birth,and the final outcomes are a reduction in myelinated neurons leading to white matter hypomyelination.How and (or) why the oligodendrocyte lineage develops abnormally and myelination is reduced is a hot topic in the field.This study focuses on the effect of intrauterine inflammation on the proliferation of oligodendrocyte lineage cells and the underlying mechanisms.Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)(300μg/kg)was intraperitoneally injected into pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats at embryonic days 19 and 20 to establish a rat model of intrauterine infection-induced white matter injury.Corpus callosum tissues were collected at postnatal day 14(P14)to quantify the number of oligodendrocytes,the number and proliferation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), and the expression of myelin proteins (MBP and PLP).Furthermore,the expression of Writ and Notch signaling-related proteins was analyzed.The results showed that the number of oligodendrocytes in the corpus callosum tissues of LPS-treated rats was reduced,and the expression levels of myelinating proteins were down-regulated.Further analysis showed that the Notch signaling pathway was down-regulated in the LPS-treated group.These results indicate that intrauterine LPS may inhibit the proliferation of OPCs by down-regulating the Notch rather than the Writ signaling pathway,leading to hypomyelination of white matter.