Articles tagged with Placenta
Researchers uncover the placenta distinguishes between antibodies and albumin, allowing for the design of long-acting biologic medicines with reduced fetal exposure. Fusion of IgG antibodies to albumin inhibits transport across the placenta, enabling the development of safer treatments during pregnancy.
Exposure to even moderate levels of multiple air pollutants during critical stages of pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth. The study found that a mixture of ozone and fine particulate matter posed the strongest relationship to early preterm birth.
A new study has developed an inexpensive and rapid method for measuring placental volume using two-dimensional ultrasound equipment. The Estimated Placental Volume (EPV) method shows near-perfect correlation with the current gold standard, making it a promising alternative for identifying pregnancies at risk of stillbirth.
A new wearable monitoring system called OMEGA aims to replace outdated fetal heart rate monitoring technology with a unified real-time assessment of fetal oxygen delivery and adaptive capacity. The system could potentially reduce C-section rates and improve maternal and fetal health outcomes, saving millions in healthcare costs.
Low molecular weight phthalates associated with lower birthweight, while organophosphate mixtures linked to higher estimated fetal weight. Angiogenic biomarkers also play a key role in linking exposures to fetal development.
A new trial from China finds that giving tranexamic acid to women with placenta praevia undergoing caesarean birth leads to a significant reduction in severe bleeding after delivery. The treatment also showed no evidence of an increase in serious adverse events.
A recent study found that failing the glucose challenge test was associated with babies having higher birth weights, a risk factor for future obesity and diabetes. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes were also more likely to give birth to large babies.
Researchers find that nanoparticles from biodegradable plastics like PLA can cross the placenta and disrupt fetal growth in pregnant mice. This raises concerns about the health effects of these plastics on human fetuses.
A novel AI model has been developed to accurately detect placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in pregnancy, a life-threatening condition often undetected by current screening methods. The model was retrospectively reviewed on 2D obstetric ultrasound images from 113 patients at high risk for PAS and found to be accurate in detecting all cases.
Researchers are studying microchimeric cells that can play complex roles in a person's body, including healing wounds and regulating the immune system. However, more research is needed to understand their role in health outcomes, particularly pregnancy complications and autoimmune diseases.
Researchers found that tangled or irregular collagen at old uterine scars breaks down normal boundary between uterus and placenta, creating permissive environment for abnormal attachment. Persistent inflammation and immune cells also interfere with normal scar remodeling.
Flinders University researchers discovered a biological process that could explain some stillbirths and pave the way for early detection. The study found that molecules called circular RNAs build up in the placenta too quickly during pregnancy, compromising its ability to nourish the baby.
Researchers used human pluripotent stem cells to model early placental formation, discovering VGLL1 plays a crucial role in turning stem cells into placental stem cells. The study's findings could lead to improved embryo quality and viability, especially for in vitro fertilization.
A new study led by Prof. Maayan Salton and Dr. Tal Schiller found that gestational diabetes alters the placenta's genetic messages, causing hundreds of errors in protein synthesis. The key protein SRSF10 appears to contribute to this process, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for mitigating its effects.
Researchers have discovered how ancient viral DNA influences placenta development and pre-eclampsia, a life-threatening pregnancy disorder. The study identified a gene, EPS8L1, that is overexpressed in placentas from women with pre-eclampsia, providing potential biomarker for early detection.
Research reveals that Bifidobacterium breve in pregnant mothers regulates the placenta's hormone production, reducing complications and improving fetal growth. The study opens up a new approach to assessing pregnancy health through gut microbiome analysis.
Dr. Alex Tsompanidis proposes placental hormone production shaped human cognitive capabilities, redefining autism origins and neurodiversity. His research could lead to screening protocols and support for children with developmental differences.
Scientists have achieved a major breakthrough by 3D bioprinting miniature placentas, which can accurately replicate the human placenta. This technology has the potential to transform pregnancy research by allowing for the study of serious complications like preeclampsia.
A pediatric investigation study reveals that male fetuses prioritize growth while female fetuses focus on placental development under gestational hypertension. The findings support the growth strategy hypothesis and suggest sex-specific differences in fetal responses to prenatal stressors.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute investigated epigenetic changes in marsupial embryos, finding that DNA demethylation is not universally required for early mammalian development. Instead, this process may have evolved specifically to help form the placenta.
Researchers have discovered a crucial biological mechanism by studying mouse embryo development, revealing how placenta-derived factors promote the expansion of liver progenitor cells. The study uncovers the role of IL1α in enhancing organoid growth under hypoxic conditions.
A small study found 19 types of microplastic particles in cat placentas and fetuses during early pregnancy. The researchers suggest that microplastics may accumulate in cat placentas and potentially impact fetal health, highlighting the need for limits on plastic use and mitigation strategies.
Research reveals that placental DNA methylation influences expression of genes associated with psychiatric disorders, suggesting genetic risk manifests during prenatal stage. The study identifies schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression disorder as most strongly linked conditions.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that Zika virus builds tiny tunnels called tunneling nanotubes to transport material needed to infect nearby cells, including in placental cells. This allows the virus to cross the placental barrier without raising alarm in the immune system.
Elevated KLF12 levels impair placental development and lead to miscarriages. Researchers propose KLF12 as a biomarker for high-risk pregnancies and explore strategies to normalize its levels.
A Japanese study found that smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of placental abruption by 2.8%, while second-hand smoke exposure contributes an additional 3.0% risk. The study highlights the importance of preventing all smoke exposure in public spaces and homes to safeguard maternal and fetal health.
A new study in rodents reveals that oxytocin can delay an embryo's development for days to weeks after conception, a phenomenon known as diapause. This finding may offer new insights into pregnancy and fertility issues faced by humans.
Researchers discovered that Zika virus uses a tunneling strategy to spread in placental cells, hijacking mitochondria to augment its propagation and survival. The study found that the formation of tiny tunnels is driven exclusively by a Zika protein called NS1, which triggers tunnel formation in uninfected cells.
Researchers from Flinders University applied gene editing to explore the role of enzyme ACE2 in healthy placental development. They found that ACE2 plays a key role in helping cells grow properly and that a genetic variation is linked to major pregnancy complications.
The new method enables accurate detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives (PACs) in placental samples, providing critical insights into maternal and fetal health. This breakthrough could inform public health measures and improve fetal and maternal health outcomes.
Researchers discovered higher levels of microplastics and nanoplastics in preterm placenta compared to term births. The findings suggest that plastic accumulation may contribute to the risk of preterm birth.
The study reveals that epigenetic mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation, control the development of functioning blood vessels in the mouse placenta. In humans, this process is connected to a deficiency of the methyltransferase enzyme DNMT3A, which can contribute to placental insufficiency and fetal growth retardation.
A recent study by the University of Helsinki found that placentas from fresh embryo transfers are smaller on average compared to those from frozen embryo transfers. The researchers also identified altered gene function and DNA methylation in ART-conceived children, particularly in relation to metabolism and growth.
A new tool developed by Penn State researchers uses computer vision and artificial intelligence to analyze placenta images, detecting abnormalities and risks such as neonatal sepsis. The PlacentaCLIP+ model has the potential to transform neonatal and maternal care in low- and high-resource settings.
A new AI tool called PlacentaVision can rapidly evaluate placentas at birth to detect abnormalities associated with infection and neonatal sepsis. This could lead to improved health outcomes for both mothers and babies, particularly in areas with limited medical resources.
Researchers have developed an mRNA cure for pre-eclampsia using a lipid nanoparticle, reducing maternal blood pressure and improving fetal health. The therapy, tested in pregnant mice, has shown promising results and is poised to move forward to human trials.
A new gene therapy has shown promise in reversing a condition that causes significant stillbirths and premature deliveries globally. The therapy, developed by University of Florida Health researcher Helen N. Jones, successfully boosted placental function and delivered normal-weight offspring in guinea pig models.
Researchers at Nanjing University confirm link between SLC25A1 protein and congenital heart defects caused by placental problems. The study found that loss of SLC25A1 leads to placental growth issues, which in turn cause heart defects.
Researchers develop gene therapy to improve placental function, which can lead to healthier babies and adults. The treatment involves nanoparticles loaded with DNA that encodes for a human protein, and has shown promise in short-term studies with monkeys.
Metformin, a widely prescribed diabetes drug, may increase risks of obesity and diabetes in newborns when given to pregnant women. The study found that the drug accumulated in the fetal kidneys, liver, and other organs, leading to growth restriction, which has been linked to an elevated risk of obesity and insulin resistance in childhood.
Research highlights correlation between preeclampsia and COVID-19 in pregnant women, identifying biomarkers for differential diagnosis. The review article emphasizes the pathophysiological similarities between the two conditions, including shared pathways involving the renin-angiotensin system and ACE2.
A recent study found that children born to mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of lower birth weight, shorter stature, and smaller head circumference. The researchers believe that the placenta's inability to meet the baby's demands due to PCOS-related hormonal imbalances may be the cause.
Professor Vicki Clifton's team has identified a sex-specific variant of the glucocorticoid receptor isoform that enhances inflammation in the placenta during maternal stress. This finding could transform how clinicians approach pregnancy complications and neonatal care, leading to targeted interventions based on placental function.
A new study suggests that boosting T-regulatory cells may improve the chance of healthy pregnancy and reduce miscarriage risk. Researchers found that treatment with interleukin-2 and antibodies targeting these cells improved pregnancy outcomes in mice, reducing miscarriage rates from 30% to 11%.
A study published in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research found six proteins that could be used as targets for diagnosing and treating early-onset preeclampsia. These proteins may be linked to cardiovascular complications or the estrogen cycle, suggesting a promising first step toward improved detection and treatment.
A new study found that the effects of alcohol exposure on an embryo prior to implantation can be detected in the late-gestation placenta. The research revealed significant molecular changes in the placenta, including DNA methylation alterations that could serve as a molecular signature for detecting alcohol exposure.
A retrospective analysis of over 2,600 patients found that Black children were more likely to suffer severe graft-versus-host disease but overall survival rates improved across all racial groups. The study suggests that cord blood transplants are a vital lifeline for many patients and improve care for those without a matched donor.
A nationwide cohort study revealed a higher risk of placental problems, premature births, and severe bleeding in subsequent deliveries following uterine artery embolization. Babies born to mothers who underwent UAE also had a higher chance of major birth defects, particularly heart problems.
Researchers argue that placental pathology is underutilized clinically and deserves routine obstetric and neonatal care, as well as more research attention.
A Rutgers University study reveals that women who conceive through IVF and experience placental abruption are twice as likely to deliver early compared to those with only one factor. The research analyzed nearly 79 million hospital deliveries in the US over two decades, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of ART pregnancies.
A study in mice found that the bacteria Bifidobacterium breve supports healthy brain development in fetuses, improving nutrient transport and cell processes. This discovery suggests using probiotics during pregnancy may support fetal brain health and future treatments for growth restriction could focus on maternal gut health.
Researchers developed the Stroop-CN model to diagnose minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in cirrhotic patients. The model uses a simple Stroop test to identify cognitive impairment, and was found to be accurate even in patients with reduced quality of life.
A Nigerian study found a significant association between placental malaria and low birth weight among primigravidae. The research used cross-sectional data from 357 women and discovered that non-uptake of intermittent preventive therapy for malaria was independently associated with placental malaria.
A study found that overexpressing a gene responsible for amino acid transport in the placenta can cause fetal growth to increase by 27%, while also providing insights into pregnancy complications like IUGR and obesity. The research has therapeutic implications, potentially informing treatments to prevent or treat these conditions.
Testing immune cells in the placenta may reveal when maternal immune activation negatively affects fetal brain development and lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. Placental macrophages have been found to share transcriptional profiles with fetal brain microglia, suggesting a potential biomarker for fetal brain health.
Researchers created panoramic view of infection pathways in human placenta, highlighting potential drug targets for severe pregnancy complications. The study used 'mini placenta' models to map placental response to infections in early development, revealing secondary inflammation as a cause of complications.
Researchers found that expectant mothers who quit smoking had a lower birth weight relative to the weight of their placenta compared to those who continued smoking. This suggests that quitting smoking may help restore the balance between placental weight and birthweight, with potential benefits for both mother and child health.
Researchers found that accelerated aging biology in the placenta contributes to peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a rare form of pregnancy-related heart failure. The study identifies underlying aging-related biology contributing to maternal heart failure and provides evidence from both patients and animal models.
A new study has identified a deficit in the placental expression of IGFBP1 and low circulating levels as associated with insulin resistance during pregnancy. The findings suggest that measuring IGFBP1 levels could help identify people at risk of developing gestational diabetes early in pregnancy.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a novel imaging platform to visualize the growth of the placenta throughout pregnancy. The approach provides detailed images of blood flow and oxygen metabolism, shedding light on how lifestyle factors and health complications affect placental development.