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.
A recent study by UNM Health Sciences researchers has found that microplastics are present in all 62 human placenta samples tested. The concentrations ranged from 6.5 to 790 micrograms per gram of tissue, with polyethylene being the most prevalent polymer found. The study suggests that microplastics may be linked to puzzling increases ...
The team created a trophoblast stem cell-based organoid model that effectively mimics the structural and biological details of the human placenta. This model will help scientists better understand general placental biology and potential drug toxicity, ultimately informing the development of safer drugs.
A study by Amsterdam UMC shows that Doppler ultrasound can detect placenta problems in small babies, identifying those at higher risk of oxygen deficiency and health issues. The measurement is added to the care plan for these undersized babies, allowing for better detection and monitoring of potential problems.
Researchers have identified genetic and cellular changes underlying placenta accreta spectrum disorder, which can cause the placenta to fail to separate from the uterus at birth. The study sheds new light on this increasingly prevalent disorder, which has devastating implications for maternal and neonatal health.
A new study by Northwestern University found that lab-trained AI models are easily misled by tissue contaminants, resulting in errors in diagnoses and vessel damage detection. The researchers suggest improving the problem of quantifying and addressing biological impurities in AI models to enhance accuracy.
Researchers used 'mini-placentas' to understand how the placenta interacts with the uterus, which is critical for fetal growth and development. The study identified key proteins involved in successful implantation and found clues on how pre-eclampsia occurs.
Researchers created a single-cell atlas of the human placenta, revealing changes in gene expression patterns among cell types. The study found that cells most affected by labor were in chorioamniotic membranes and generated inflammatory signaling.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that placental swabs are the most effective way to diagnose maternal sepsis, a condition with a devastating global impact. The research analyzed over 2,000 specimens and found that these swabs provided critical information for guiding antimicrobial treatment.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that it takes over a month for negative alcohol effects to wear off, and fathers' sperm are still negatively impacted by drinking even during the withdrawal process. The study suggests that men should abstain from alcohol at least three months prior to conceiving.
A new study finds that a hormone produced by the fetus and a mother's sensitivity to it are the causes behind nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Lowering GDF15 levels or pre-exposing women to the hormone may mitigate symptoms, providing potential ways to prevent extreme forms of pregnancy sickness.
A multicenter observational cohort study found that cannabis exposure was associated with a higher risk of small-for-gestational-age birth, medically indicated preterm birth, stillbirth, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The risk was particularly pronounced among those who continued to use cannabis beyond the first trimester.
Researchers discovered how biological information travels between mothers and babies during pregnancy. Microscopic extracellular vesicles, produced by placental cells, act as a protective mechanism transporting important biological information to emerging neurons.
A study published in Science Advances found that abnormal cell stress in the placenta's syncytiotrophoblast layer may lead to preeclampsia. Researchers also developed a mouse model to demonstrate the effects of this stress, showing similar signs of high blood pressure and kidney damage.
A new study discovered microplastics in the placentas of Hawaiʻi mothers between 2006 and 2021, with increasing presence found each year. The researchers believe microplastics may be ingested through food or inhaling dust particles, raising concerns about their impact on fetal health.
A research team at Iowa State University is developing a 'placenta-on-a-chip' model to study substance transport across the placental barrier. The project aims to integrate sensing platforms and imaging technology to advance personalized medicine and commercialization.
Researchers at Yale University found a protein, CXCR4, plays a crucial role in modulating the immune system during pregnancy. The study suggests that this protein may be targeted for new treatments of reproductive conditions such as recurrent pregnancy loss and preeclampsia.
Research suggests that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in forming a healthy placenta during pregnancy. Mice with depleted gut microbiomes had smaller placentas and less-developed blood vessels, which can deprive fetuses of nutrients. However, supplementing these mice with short-chain fatty acids restored placental growth.
Research reveals that faster placental growth increases the risk of preeclampsia and shorter pregnancy duration. Genetic variations affecting placental size also influence baby weight and mother's health.
A new study has identified 40 genetic variations linked to placental growth, which can contribute to the risk of preeclampsia and earlier delivery. Faster-growing placentas were also found to be associated with shorter pregnancies.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a potential treatment for Zika-associated fetal abnormalities using microRNA. They found that the antibiotic enoxacin can abolish placental Zika virus persistence and rescue associated microcephaly in mouse models.
Researchers at Yale University have developed an expanded classification system for pregnancy losses based on pathologic examination of loss placentas. This system accurately determined the pathologic diagnoses for over 90% of previously unexplained pregnancies, including miscarriages and stillbirths.
Researchers at Rutgers University analyzed urine samples from pregnant women to understand how the placenta regulates cadmium exposure. They found that as cadmium levels increased, free testosterone levels decreased, suggesting a link between cadmium and fetal brain development.
The placenta forms an unusual organ that requires unique cooperation between genetically mismatched maternal and fetal cells. Researchers have mapped the intricate dance between trophoblasts and the mother's immune system, shedding light on how to develop new treatments for pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and miscarriages.
A joint study reveals significant alterations in gene regulation within the placenta due to COVID-19 infection, potentially leading to abnormal blood vessel formation and fetal growth restriction. The research also identifies dysregulation of angiogenesis genes and downregulation of pregnancy-specific glycoprotein genes.
Fetuses use a copy of a gene inherited from their dad to force their mum to release as much nutrients possible during pregnancy. This 'remote-control' system is operated by genes that can be switched on or off depending on whether they are a 'dad's' or 'mum's' gene.
Researchers created a high-resolution map of the human placenta to understand how viruses interact with it during pregnancy. The study found that the placenta has immune microenvironments that can control viral growth, and in rare cases, the virus can cause significant tissue damage.
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus have found that vaping nicotine during pregnancy can be detrimental to the baby, disrupting bone and lung development. The study suggests that nicotine in e-cigarettes is just as harmful as that in traditional cigarettes.
Researchers have identified a gene in the placenta that produces a defense mechanism against viral infections, protecting fetuses during pregnancy. This discovery could lead to the development of new anti-viral treatments.
A new study from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveals the placenta's polyploid cells play a vital role in supporting healthy embryonic development. The modified cell cycle controlling polyploidy is governed by the regulatory gene Myc, which supports DNA replication and prevents premature cellular aging.
A study of 1,050 pregnant women found frequent detection of HPV, with infrequent perinatal transmission. The authors note challenges in distinguishing contamination from true infection, particularly in placentas.
The study reveals that mammals diversified before the K-Pg extinction, driven by continental drifting and stability following the mass extinction. This led to the rich diversity of mammal lineages, including carnivores, primates, and hoofed animals.
Researchers found that maternal overweight compromises the placenta's antiviral response, weakening its ability to protect the fetus. The study suggests that adequate antenatal care is crucial in preventing complications from Zika infection.
Scientists have mapped the complete trajectory of placental development, shedding light on why pregnancy disorders occur. The study reveals new information on cell communication and trophoblast development, providing a better understanding of the process.
Research found maternal obesity reduces placental formation, blood vessel density, and nutrient exchange capacity. Both obesity and gestational diabetes impact placental hormone production and inflammation markers.
Targeted RNA therapy aims to treat pre-eclampsia by delivering mRNA to placental cells, reducing maternal blood pressure and restoring fetal circulation. The treatment has shown promising results in mice, paving the way for potential treatments for human patients.
Research suggests that using cannabis in the first six to 14 weeks of pregnancy is associated with poor fetal growth and an increased risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy. The study analyzed urine samples from over 9,200 participants and found a significant link between cannabis use and adverse placental function.
A study published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that breastfeeding can reduce arsenic exposure in infants compared to formula feeding. Researchers measured arsenic levels in mothers, babies, and breast milk, revealing a clear association between maternal and neonatal arsenic exposure.
A new WVU study found nearly one in eight West Virginia infants had in utero exposure to opioids, stimulants, and/or cannabis between 2020 and 2022. The study showed a 40% increased risk of preterm birth among infants exposed to stimulants alone and a 70% increase with concurrent stimulant and cannabis exposures.
Pregnant women infected with Covid-19 may experience varying degrees of damage to their placentas, potentially harming fetal development and health. The study found that pre-Omicron variants caused more severe lesions than Omicron subvariants.
Researchers developed a blood test using circulating microparticle proteins to predict placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) cases as early as the second trimester. The study found five unique proteins that can distinguish PAS patients from control patients, enabling safe predication before delivery.
Researchers found that early prenatal alcohol exposure changes gene function and epigenome in placenta and human embryonic stem cells. These changes are associated with altered DNA methylation patterns, particularly in genes linked to nervous system development, such as DPPA4 and FOXP2.
Researchers found that excess fat triggers immune cells to overeat serotonin in the brain of developing male mice, leading to depression-like behavior. Female mice are not affected in the same way, with higher levels of oxytocin linked to social withdrawal.
Researchers found that ancient viral DNA in the human genome can act as antivirals, protecting human cells against certain viruses. The study, published in Science, provides proof of principle for this effect and reveals a potential genome defense system.
A new study found that gestational exposure to the flame retardant FM 550 resulted in altered brain development in newborn rats, with effects more pronounced in male offspring. The study also showed evidence of mitochondrial disruption and dysregulated choline and triglyceride levels in brain tissue.
A recent literature review found that vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 can effectively prevent adverse conditions such as stillbirth and infant death. Pregnant women with COVID-19 have an increased risk for stillbirth compared to uninfected women, and those who vaccinate can more effectively prevent these events.
Research reveals that pregnant smokers decrease their daily cigarette count by an average of one cigarette per day before realizing they are pregnant. This trend continues in the month following pregnancy recognition, with a decline from nine to five cigarettes per day on average.
Researchers developed a novel 3D microfluidic device to study complicated processes within the placenta, including placental malaria. The model demonstrates that CSA-binding infected erythrocytes add resistance to the simulated placental barrier for glucose perfusion and decrease glucose transfer across this barrier.