Dietary supplementation with 0.4%L-arginine between days 14 and 30 of gestation enhances NO and polyamine syntheses and water transport in porcine placentae

Background:Most embryonic loss in pigs occurs before d 30 of gestation.Dietary supplementation with L-arginine(Arg) during early gestation can enhance the survival and development of conceptuses(embryo/fetus and its extraembryonic membranes) in gilts.However,the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown.Methods:Between d 14 and 30 of gestation,each gilt was fed daily 2 kg of a corn-and soybean-meal based diet(12% crude protein) supplemented with either 0.4% Arg(as Arg-HCl) or an isonitrogenous amount of L-alanine(Control).There were 10 gilts per treatment group.On d 30 of gestation,gilts were fed either Arg-HCl or L-alanine 30 min before they were hysterectomized,followed by the collection of placentae,embryos,fetal membranes,and fetal fluids.Amniotic and allantoic fluids were analyzed for nitrite and nitrate [NOx;stable oxidation products of nitric oxide(NO)],polyamines,and amino acids.Placentae were analyzed for syntheses of NO and polyamines,water and amino acid transport,concentrations of amino acid-related metabolites,and the expression of angiogenic factors and aquaporins(AQPs).Results:Compared to the control group,Arg supplementation increased(P < 0.05) the number of viable fetuses by 1.9 per litter,the number and diameter of placental blood vessels(+ 25.9% and + 17.0% respectively),embryonic survival(+ 18.5%),total placental weight(+ 36.5%),the total weight of viable fetuses(+ 33.5%),fetal crown-to-rump length(+ 4.7%),and total allantoic and amniotic fluid volumes(+ 44.6% and + 75.5% respectively).Compared to control gilts,Arg supplementation increased(P < 0.05) placental activities of GTP cyclohydrolase-1(+ 33.1%) and ornithine decarboxylase(+ 29.3%);placental syntheses of NO(+ 26.2%) and polyamines(+ 28.9%);placental concentrations of NOx(+ 22.5%),tetrahydrobiopterin(+ 21.1%),polyamines(+ 20.4%),c AMP(+ 27.7%),and c GMP(+ 24.7%);total amounts of NOx(+ 61.7% to + 96.8%),polyamines(+ 60.7% to + 88.7%),amino acids(+ 39% to + 118%),glucose(+ 60.5% to + 62.6%),and fructose(+ 41.4% to + 57.0%) in fetal fluids;and the placental transport of water(+ 33.9%),Arg(+ 78.4%),glutamine(+ 89.9%),and glycine(+ 89.6%).Furthermore,Arg supplementation increased(P < 0.05) placental m RNA levels for angiogenic factors [VEGFA120(+ 117%),VEGFR1(+ 445%),VEGFR2(+ 373%),PGF(+ 197%),and GCH1(+ 126%)] and AQPs [AQP1(+ 280%),AQP3(+ 137%),AQP5(+ 172%),AQP8(+ 165%),and AQP9(+ 127%)].Conclusion:Supplementing 0.4% Arg to a conventional diet for gilts between d 14 and d 30 of gestation enhanced placental NO and polyamine syntheses,angiogenesis,and water and amino acid transport to improve conceptus development and survival.

Maternal supplementation with n-3 fatty acids affects placental lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, the endocannabinoid system, and the neonate cytokine concentrations in dairy cows

Background The placenta plays a crucial role in supporting and influencing fetal development.We compared the effects of prepartum supplementation with omega-3(n-3)fatty acid(FA)sources,flaxseed oil(FLX)and fish oil(FO),on the expression of genes and proteins related to lipid metabolism,inflammation,oxidative stress,and the endocannabinoid system(ECS)in the expelled placenta,as well as on FA profile and inflammatory response of neonates.Late-pregnant Holstein dairy cows were supplemented with saturated fat(CTL),FLX,or FO.Placental cotyledons(n=5)were collected immediately after expulsion,and extracted RNA and proteins were analyzed by RTPCR and proteomic analysis.Neonatal blood was assessed for FA composition and concentrations of inflammatory markers.Results FO increased the gene expression of fatty acid binding protein 4(FABP4),interleukin 10(IL-10),catalase(CAT),cannabinoid receptor 1(CNR1),and cannabinoid receptor 2(CNR2)compared with CTL placenta.Gene expression of ECS-enzyme FA-amide hydrolase(FAAH)was lower in FLX and FO than in CTL.Proteomic analysis identified 3,974 proteins;of these,51–59 were differentially abundant between treatments(P≤0.05,|fold change|≥1.5).Top canonical pathways enriched in FLX vs.CTL and in FO vs.CTL were triglyceride metabolism and inflammatory processes.Both n-3 FA increased the placental abundance of FA binding proteins(FABPs)3 and 7.The abundance of CNR1 cannabinoid-receptor-interacting-protein-1(CNRIP1)was reduced in FO vs.FLX.In silico modeling affirmed that bovine FABPs bind to endocannabinoids.The FLX increased the abundance of inflammatory CD44-antigen and secreted-phosphoprotein-1,whereas prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 was decreased in FO vs.CTL placenta.Maternal FO enriched neonatal plasma with n-3 FAs,and both FLX and FO reduced interleukin-6 concentrations compared with CTL.Conclusion Maternal n-3 FA from FLX and FO differentially affected the bovine placenta;both enhanced lipid metabolism and modulated oxidative stress,however,FO increased some transcriptional ECS components,possibly related to the increased FABPs.Maternal FO induced a unique balance of pro-and anti-inflammatory components in the placenta.Taken together,different sources of n-3 FA during late pregnancy enhanced placental immune and metabolic processes,which may affect the neonatal immune system.

Spatially resolved transcriptomic profiling of placental development in dairy cow

The placenta plays a crucial role in successful mammalian reproduction.Ruminant animals possess a semi-invasive placenta characterized by a highly vascularized structure formed by maternal endometrial caruncles and fetal placental cotyledons,essential for full-term fetal development.The cow placenta harbors at least two trophoblast cell populations:uninucleate(UNC)and binucleate(BNC)cells.However,the limited capacity to elucidate the transcriptomic dynamics of the placental natural environment has resulted in a poor understanding of both the molecular and cellular interactions between trophoblast cells and niches,and the molecular mechanisms governing trophoblast differentiation and functionalization.To fill this knowledge gap,we employed Stereo-seq to map spatial gene expression patterns at near single-cell resolution in the cow placenta at 90 and 130 days of gestation,attaining high-resolution,spatially resolved gene expression profiles.Based on clustering and cell marker gene expression analyses,key transcription factors,including YBX1 and NPAS2,were shown to regulate the heterogeneity of trophoblast cell subpopulations.Cell communication and trajectory analysis provided a framework for understanding cell-cell interactions and the differentiation of trophoblasts into BNCs in the placental microenvironment.Differential analysis of cell trajectories identified a set of genes involved in regulation of trophoblast differentiation.Additionally,spatial modules and co-variant genes that help shape specific tissue structures were identified.Together,these findings provide foundational insights into important biological pathways critical to the placental development and function in cows.

Covid-19 vaccination in pregnancy and placental pathology

Objective:To describe and determine the association between Covid-19 vaccination in pregnancy and placental pathology.Methods:Conducted in a tertiary hospital in Medan,Indonesia,from April 30th 2022 to June 30th 2022,this single-center cross-sectional study involved Covid-19 vaccinated and unvaccinated women with singleton full-term pregnancies delivering live fetuses via cesarean section.Maternal characteristics,placental pathologies,and the placental index were documented at enrollment.The association between Covid-19 vaccination status and placental pathology was assessed.Results:The study enrolled 200 pregnant women,including 110 vaccinated women and 90 unvaccinated women.No significant differences were observed in birthweight(P=0.48),placental index(P=0.48),and placental pathology findings[intervillous bleeding(P=0.20),increased syncytial knots(P=0.83),chorangiosis(P=0.13),villous stromal edema(P=0.13),vascular dilation and congestion(P=0.13),and vascular wall thrombus(P=0.71)]between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups.Conclusions:This study revealed no statistically significant association between Covid-19 vaccination and placental pathology.The findings support the safety of Covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy,in regards to changes of the placental pathology.

Proteomics for early prenatal screening of gestational diabetes mellitus

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Cao et al.Through applying isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification technology coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry,the researchers observed significant differential expression of 47 proteins when comparing serum samples from pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)to the healthy ones.GDM symptoms may involve abnormalities in inflammatory response,complement system,coagulation cascade activation,and lipid metabolism.Retinol binding protein 4 and angiopoietin like 8 are potential early indicators of GDM.GDM stands out as one of the most prevalent metabolic complications during pregnancy and is linked to severe maternal and fetal outcomes like pre-eclampsia and stillbirth.Nevertheless,none of the biomarkers discovered so far have demonstrated effectiveness in predicting GDM.Our topic was designed to foster insights into advances in the application of proteomics for early prenatal screening of GDM.

Effect of exercise during pregnancy on offspring development through ameliorating high glucose and hypoxia in gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)women require prenatal care to minimize short-and long-term complications.The mechanism by which exercise during pregnancy affects organ development and whether glucose transporter(GLUT)1 plays a role in GDM offspring organ development remains unknown.AIM To determine the effect of exercise during pregnancy on the cardiac,hepatic and renal development of GDM mother’s offspring.METHODS Placenta samples were collected from humans and mice.GDM mouse models were created using streptozotocin along with a GDM with exercise group.The hearts,livers and kidneys of 3-and 8-week-old offspring were collected for body composition analysis and staining.The effects of high glucose levels and hypoxia were investigated using HTR8/SVneo.Transwell and wound-healing assays were performed to assess cell migration.Immunofluorescence accompanied with TUNEL and Ki67 staining was used to explore apoptosis and proliferation.RESULTS Exercise during pregnancy downregulated the GLUT1 and hypoxia inducible factor-1αexpression in placenta from individuals with GDM.Cobalt chloride induced hypoxia and high glucose levels also significantly decreased migration and apoptosis of HTR8/SVneo cells.In addition,exercise reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver and decreased the tubular vacuolar area in the kidneys of offspring.CONCLUSION GDM affects the growth and development of organs in offspring.Exercise during pregnancy can reverse adverse effects of GDM on the development of the heart,liver,and kidney in offspring.

The Hidden Side of the Story between the Placenta and Preeclampsia: Preliminary Results of a Prospective Cohort of Pregnant Women in Cameroon

Introduction: Pre-eclampsia is a complication of pregnancy that generally occurs in the third trimester. It is associated with a maternal and foetal mortality rate of around 27%. In view of the grim picture painted by this condition for both mother and newborn, studies have been carried out into the early detection of patients at risk of developing pre-eclampsia. These make it possible to introduce pregnancy-specific monitoring and preventive strategies to reduce the incidence of the condition. Objective: To establish the link between placental ultrasound characteristics and the onset of pre-eclampsia. Methodology: A multicentre prospective cohort study was conducted in two hospitals in Yaoundé, namely the Yaoundé Gynaecological Obstetrics and Paediatrics Hospital and the Nkolndongo Health and Social Animation Centre, in the gynaecology and radiology departments over a period of 11 months, from October 2022 to August 2023. It included pregnant women who had undergone obstetric ultrasound between 12 and 18 weeks’ gestation. In addition to routine obstetric ultrasound, we performed obstetric Doppler measurements in these patients. The resistance index of the left and right uterine arteries, the umbilical artery and the placental volume were the characteristics sought. At the end of this examination, two groups were formed: cases (pathological Doppler group) and controls (normal Doppler group). Blood pressure and urine dipstick were taken at each antenatal visit until delivery, then during the immediate postpartum period and finally at 7 days, 21 days and 42 days after delivery. Results: Sixty-seven (67) patients were included. Of these, 35 (47.8%) had pathological Dopplers. Sixteen patients had arterial hypertension associated with proteinuria and were therefore labelled as pre-eclampsia (PE). This gives a prevalence of 23.9%. Fifteen (42.8%) of these patients belonged to the exposed group and one to the unexposed group. The mean IR of the pre-eclampsia patients was significantly higher than that of the patients without pre-eclampsia;respectively 0.74 ± 0.096 and 0.49 ± 0.097 for the right uterine arteries and 0.71 ± 0.13 and 0.52 ± 0.089 for the left uterine arteries. We found that an increase in the uterine artery resistance index was significantly associated with the onset of pre-eclampsia, with a relative risk of 13.7 and a p value Conclusion: Abnormal Doppler ultrasound between 12 and 18 weeks of amenorrhoea had good overall sensitivity for predicting pre-eclampsia. Among the Doppler indices, the uterine artery resistance index was the only one significantly associated with pre-eclampsia.

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF OPIOID BINDING SITES FROM HUMAN PLACENTAE

It has been demonstrated that there are multiple opioid receptors in the brain of animals and men. The relationship between various subtype receptors and their physiological functions and the true biochemical basis about the subtypes are the most important topics by neurobiologists. Cros’s laboratory first reported that human placenta contained unique specific k opioid binding sites. Later, Ahmed made further progress.

Balloon displacement during caesarean section with pernicious placenta previa: A case report

BACKGROUND For the past few years,preventive interventional therapy has been widely used domestically and overseas,bringing great benefits to pregnant women at high-risk for complications,such as pernicious placenta previa(PPP)and placenta accreta.Nevertheless,there are still few reports on surgical complications related to interventional therapy,and its safety should be a concern.CASE SUMMARY We report a 36-year-old pregnant woman with PPP who underwent balloon implantation in the lower segment of the abdominal aorta before caesarean section.However,the balloon shifted during the operation,which damaged the arterial vessels after filling,resulting in severe postpartum haemorrhage in the patient.Fortunately,after emergency interventional stent implantation,the pa-tient was successfully relieved of the massive haemorrhage crisis.CONCLUSION It seems that massive postoperative bleeding has been largely avoided in preventive interventional therapy in high-risk pregnant women with placenta-related diseases,but surgical complications related to intervention therapy can also cause adverse consequences.It is equally important for clinical doctors to learn how to promptly identify and effectively treat these rare complications.

Effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnancy outcome:An overview

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection may have harmful effects on expectant moms,labor,and newborns born to infected mothers.There is a risk of the initiation of pregnancy with infection.Even if the gametes are non-infected,pregnancies could be exposed later for infection by coronavirus.Investigations of COVID-19 during pregnancy highlighted the non-transmission or surprising transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to the offspring.However,other studies have exhibited the potential mother-to-fetus transmission.In this way,unanswered concerns about SARS-CoV-2 fetal transmission and the particular interface(s)controlling its pathogenesis throughout pregnancy persist.This review focuses on the potential effects of SARS-CoV-2 on vertical transmission,as well as the influence of the virus on pregnancy and placenta.

Placental Abruption Following Snakebites Envenomation: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Snakebite envenomation in pregnancy is uncommon. It can lead to a poor outcome in both the mother and the fetus. We describe our approach to envenomation in pregnancy based on the currently available evidence. Case: We reported two case of snakebite in the third trimester of pregnancy having caused placental abruption with expelling a fresh still born baby and a live baby. In both cases, consumption coagulopathy occurred. managed by polyvalent anti-snake and blood transfusion. Their investigations became normal and they were discharged of hospitalization. Conclusion: Snakebite envenomation in pregnant is a maternal and fetal emergency. Treatment must be quick and well adapted.

Abdominal Pregnancy with Hemorrhagic Placenta: About a Case at the Mother and Child Health Center of Zinder

Background: In developing countries maternal mortality and morbidity are most often due to the late to consult, poverty and ignorance. Added to this is, the under-medicalization of the health system. The objective of study is to report a case of late consultation and its consequences and make recommendations to improve: case of abdominal pregnancy with hemorrhagic placenta at the Health and Mother Center (CSME) in Zinder/Niger. Clinical Observation: We describe a case of abdominal pregnancy with hemorrhagic placenta in a 24-year-old woman, without profession, resident in the city of Zinder with a low economic level, consulted for abdomino-pelvic pain. She had a notion of amenorrhea for 5 months without any consultation made. She was pale, feverish and had abdominal pain. Ultrasound revealed a 23-week-old fetus and an empty uterus. The diagnosis was abdominal pregnancy. A laparotomy was performed and a The morbidity was hysterectomy and anemia. The postoperative period course was complicated with anemia. The patient was cured on the 9th day with a good vital prognosis. Conclusion: Abdominal pregnancy occurred in a patient who presented a risk factor. Ultrasound was the key diagnostic test. Surgery was the treatment of choice and the prognosis depends on the earliness of the consultation. Community awareness and early consultation with health services can improve the prognosis of abdominal pregnancy.

Bovine Placental Bioactive Proteins Preparation and Efficacy Evaluation

Taking the qualified bovine placenta as the research object,a series of pure physical separation and extraction processes such as tissue fragmentation,ultrasound,freeze-thawed,centrifugation and filtration were used to prepare the bovine placental bioactive proteins.The results of protein concentration showed that bovine placental bioactive proteins prepared in this study could reach(11.33±2.09)mg/mL under optimal experimental condition.The determination of specific components showed that there were abundant exosome like vesicles in the product with particle size ranging from 30 to 150 nm,pie structure under transmission electron microscope and expressing CD9,CD63 and TSG101 by western blot detection.The results of cell efficacy evaluation showed that bovine placental bioactive proteins could significantly promote the proliferation of human skin fibroblasts and had anti-inflammatory effect via down-regulating IL-6 and TNF-αexpressionin RAW264.7 cells.

SHER Grade IIIb Placenta Abruptio Complicating Severe Superimposed Pre-Eclampsia at 19 WA: A Case Report

The placenta abruptio is an extremely serious pathology which involves the maternal-fetal prognosis. We report the case of a 19-year-old patient who consulted for abdominopelvic pain associated with heavy vaginal bleeding on 19SA in a context of arterial hypertension. The symptomatology suddenly worsened with the onset of hemorrhagic shock, which prompted an emergency hysterotomy. The diagnosis of placenta abruptio grade III b of SHER was evoked. Uterine atony was objectified intraoperatively and uterine compression by the B-Lynch technique was performed. The evolution of the patient was favorable after a stay of 5 days in intensive care.

Our Experience of Childbirth Complications: A Case of Placenta Percreta

We present our own experience management in pregnant women with placenta percreta. For the timely diagnosis of placenta accreta or placenta percreta, it is recommended to conduct ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies in women with placenta previa and a history of caesarean section. Objective signs of placenta accreta, identified before delivery, make it possible to make the right decision about delivery and minimize complications in the mother and newborn. A coordinated interdisciplinary approach to these complex cases and early resuscitation with blood products are critical factors in the successful management of patients affected by this disease.

Effect of Yizhikang Powder on Hemorheological Indexes in Dairy Cattle with Retained Placenta

[ Objective ] The aim of the research was to reveal the mechanism of Yizhikang powder treatment on dairy cattle with retained placenta from the hemorheological perspective. [ Method] Dairy cattle with retained placenta were treated with oral administration of Yizhikang powder. And their hemorheological indexes were measured and compared with the corresponding indicators of pre-administration group, healthy group, and control group （sick but untreated）.[ Result] There was large decrease amplitude in the indexes （whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, whole blood viscosity reduction viscosity, ESR, ESR equation K value, fibrinogen content, platelet aggregation rate, RBC deformability IF value） of treated dairy cattle with retained placenta. By t test, the indexes, except hematocrit, decreased significantly after treatment （P〈0.05） and reached the status of post partum healthy cows. The hemorheological indexes didn＇t change significantly in the control group before and after treatment. [ Conclusion] Yizhikang powder could significantly improve blood flow state and reduced the occurrence of qi stagnation and blood stasis in perinatal period.

血管内皮生长因子及其受体的研究进展

血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）家族及其受体在血管生成和血管通透性中有很重要的作用。当前VEGF家族有7个,分别是VEGF-A、VEGF-B、VEGF-C、VEGF-D、VEGF-E、VEGF-F及胎盘生长因子（placenta growth factor,PIGF）。

常用影像学检查对胎盘植入的诊断价值

胎盘植入是一种异常的胎盘附着形式,是导致产妇产后大出血的主要原因之一。近年来,随着剖宫产率的增高,胎盘植入（placenta accrete）的发生率也逐渐升高。广义的胎盘植入根据胎盘绒毛侵入子宫肌层深度分为3类：粘连性胎盘植入（placenta accrete vera）、植入性胎盘植入（placenta increta）、穿透性胎盘植入（placenta perccreta）[1]。

Determination and Analysis on Nutritional Components in Placenta of Plateau Yak

Yaks live in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau （4 km above sea level）, and the nutrient components of their placenta were determined, including 17 kinds of amino acids and 11 kinds of trace elements. The results showed that there are abundant amino acids and trace elements in the placenta of yak, equal to that of human and deer, indicating some medical and nutritional value of yak placenta.