Articles tagged with Placenta
Scientists propose a new therapy for preeclampsia by correcting placental defects with BH4 treatment. The treatment restores placental and fetal weight, lowers blood pressure, and resolves symptoms of excess protein in urine and cardiovascular abnormalities.
Researchers developed a novel method to monitor oxygen levels in the placenta using optical measurements and ultrasound, providing insights into its function and structure. The device showed promise in detecting placental dysfunction and differentiating between healthy and diseased placentas.
A study published in Lancet Regional Health – Americas found that malaria in pregnancy is still a major public health problem in the North of Brazil, with younger women being most at risk. The researchers believe that expansion of healthcare services and inclusion of artemisinin in therapeutic schemes contributed to the decline in cases.
A new study found evidence that multituberculates, an extinct group of mammals, likely reproduced in a placental-like manner. This discovery questions the long-held idea that marsupials were less advanced than placentals in terms of reproductive strategy.
Researchers at OHSU developed an efficient and accurate assessment of placental health using standard MRI, detecting complications early in pregnancy. The method identifies T2* values that provide key information about oxygen availability and placental blood flow.
Studies in rats have found that T-cells produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that contribute to preeclampsia complications. Researchers are exploring ways to dampen this response to reduce the risk of premature birth or worse outcomes for mother and child.
Children born to mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing infections, allergies, and other childhood illnesses by age 13. The study found that children of mothers with PCOS were 32% more likely to be admitted to hospital for various health problems.
Researchers using 'blastoids' - in vitro models of the blastocyst - discovered that early embryonic signals induce placental development and prepare the uterus. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of human fertility and potentially improve IVF procedures, fertility drugs, and contraceptives.
A water birth significantly reduces the use of epidurals, injected opioids, episiotomy, pain, and heavy bleeding after birth, while increasing mothers' satisfaction levels and the odds of an intact perineum. A water immersion also increases the likelihood of an intact perineum and reduces episodes of umbilical cord breakage.
A new study uses gene expression patterns to reconstruct the evolution of the placenta and predict its characteristics in early mammals. The research suggests that the placenta was invasive in the last common ancestor of eutherian mammals, with non-invasive placentas evolving multiple times among mammals.
A recent study published in Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences found that a specific type of gut bacteria, Bifidobacterium breve, plays a crucial role in regulating fetal growth and metabolism during pregnancy. The researchers discovered that the maternal microbiome promotes development of the placenta and healthy growth of the baby ...
Researchers discovered that midgestation leptin surge in preeclampsia leads to endothelial dysfunction, blood vessel constriction, and restricted fetal growth. This finding highlights the crucial role of leptin in pregnancy and its potential consequences on maternal and infant cardiovascular health.
A new UCLA study reveals how air pollutants affect placental cells, leading to pregnancy complications and infant health issues. Chronic exposure to traffic-related pollutants triggers immune activation, attacking vital placental cells and disrupting nutrient supply.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital studied mRNA vaccine safety in pregnant women, finding no Spike protein expression in placentas. The study provides further evidence of mRNA vaccine safety, supporting expanded vaccination efforts for vulnerable populations.
Researchers have identified the Xist gene as a critical regulator of fetal development in mice, leading to miscarriage and abnormal placentas when epigenetic instructions are missing. The study's findings suggest that failed Xist imprinting can be 'cured' by targeting specific genes involved in histone modifications.
A new Cambridge study has discovered that the sex of a fetus can affect placenta function, diet-induced maternal obesity, and stress. Designing sex-specific therapies and personalized lifestyle interventions could have lifelong health benefits for children.
Rutgers scientists found that inhaled nanoparticles can migrate from the lungs to the placenta and possibly fetal tissues after maternal exposure throughout pregnancy. This discovery raises concerns about the potential health effects of nanoparticle exposure on human fetuses.
A new video tool aims to help mothers understand that stillbirth is not their fault by explaining the aging process of the placenta. The research identifies that unexplained stillbirth is often due to 'aging of the placenta,' which is complex and not affected by the mother's behavior.
A blood test may identify risk of stillbirth and placentitis in pregnant individuals who have had COVID-19. The finding could improve care for high-risk pregnancies and lead to the development of a new screening tool.
The placenta plays an active role in transferring vitamin D to the fetus during pregnancy, according to a new study. The research found that the placenta takes up vitamin D through endocytosis, which enables it to deliver this essential nutrient to the developing fetus.
Researchers from Tokyo Tech elucidated the molecular evolution of NRK, revealing a novel mechanism regulating placental development by modulating the CK2-PTEN-AKT pathway. The study showed that NRK underwent rapid molecular evolution to acquire its function in eutherian ancestors.
A study by University of Miami researchers has identified a gene mutation associated with preeclampsia, a disease that causes high blood pressure and organ damage in mothers and babies. The team tested a possible treatment involving vitamin C and found it alleviated symptoms in models, but its effectiveness is unclear.
Researchers at UC Davis MIND Institute found a novel gene linked to autism spectrum disorder in newborns. The study analyzed DNA methylation signatures in the placenta, which reflected fetal brain development and early autism diagnosis.
A Texas A&M study found that prenatal exposure to alcohol in males can lead to increased frequency of fetal development issues, including placental inefficiency and growth restriction. The research suggests that male behavior and environmental factors play a role in shaping fetal development beyond just genetics.
Researchers have detected the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the blood and placentas of women who experienced stillbirths and serious pregnancy complications. The study found that the virus was widely disseminated, causing severe inflammation of the placenta and leading to stillbirths.
The COVID-19 pandemic poses significant risks to pregnant women and their newborns, particularly due to viral-induced inflammation in the placenta. Studies have linked SARS-CoV-2 infection to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth and severe neonatal illness, which may vary with specific circulating variants.
Scientists at the University of Missouri discovered that bisphenol A (BPA) exposure during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal brain development. MicroRNAs in the placenta play a key role in regulating cellular functions, including neural development. Researchers believe that microRNA packages could reach the brain through the placen...
A Rutgers study found that phthalates, commonly found in consumer products, can alter the production of essential placental hormones during pregnancy. Higher levels of phthalates have been linked to increased risk of preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Researchers have developed a technique that analyzes cell-free RNA in a mother's blood to predict healthy pregnancy outcomes and detect potential complications like preeclampsia. The approach showed promise in identifying patterns of gene expression associated with a healthy pregnancy and predicting preeclampsia risk with high accuracy.
Researchers found that the fetus uses a signal called IGF2 to control nutrient supply from the placenta. The team discovered that only the paternal copy of the IGF2 gene is active, while the maternal copy inactivates it.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that maternal hypertension genes influence infant birth weight through effects on the placenta. The researchers analyzed fetal growth data and found a significant association between maternal genetic risk score and placental weight.
A new study suggests that unborn babies could contract Covid-19 if their gut is exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, researchers say that this risk is extremely limited due to the placenta's protective shield. Vaccination against Covid-19 during pregnancy is still recommended as a way to protect the unborn baby.
A Québec research team studied the expression of three families of genes in the placenta and found associations with febrile seizure characteristics. The study, led by Professor Sarah Lippé, may help understand the underlying mechanisms of febrile seizures and their impact on children's cognitive development.
Research conducted by Mount Sinai Hospital reveals that cannabis exposure in utero can lead to higher levels of anxiety, aggression, and hyperactivity in children. Placental gene expression also shows lower immune-activating genes, predicting these outcomes.
Researchers at CNIC have identified the essential role of GPR126 in placental development, revealing its critical function in fetal growth and viability. The study also highlights a possible link between GPR126 dysfunction and pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia.
A new study published in Science Translational Medicine found that male placentas have increased immune activation and receive fewer anti-COVID antibodies from their mothers. This may help protect male fetuses but pose risks to the fetus and child.
A new study has identified unique genetic codes in the placenta that could detect pregnancy complications earlier than current tests. The researchers found specific biomarkers in maternal blood that indicate placental health and fetal well-being, allowing for real-time assessment throughout pregnancy.
A new study found that maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with changes in placental DNA methylation and poor birth outcomes. The research suggests that these epigenetic changes may affect fetal growth by altering the expression of genes involved in environmental responses, growth, and inflammation.
A review of scientific literature found pregnant women infected by SARS-CoV-2 have a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia due to reduced ACE2 availability. ACE2 plays a crucial role in placental development, blood pressure control, and fetal development, making its impairment more susceptible to serious complications.
Researchers developed a prototype device that measures placental oxygen levels using near-infrared light, potentially diagnosing common pregnancy complications. The study found that women with anterior placenta and complications had lower placental oxygen levels compared to healthy pregnancies.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered industrial chemicals in the organs of fetuses conceived decades after many countries banned the substances. The study found that 15 out of 22 persistent organic pollutants were present in every organ, with four chemicals detected in all tissues in all fetuses.
Researchers found a direct link between placental mTOR and an infant's birthweight, with implications for obesity and Type 2 diabetes in adulthood. The study suggests that manipulating mTOR in the placenta can cause permanent impact on offspring health.
Researchers discovered that hormone biomarkers from the placenta can identify women at risk for pregnancy complications, which affect around one in ten pregnant women. The study found that these biomarkers are present from the first trimester and can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
A new Northwestern Medicine study of placentas from vaccinated patients found no evidence of injury, supporting the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy. The study adds to growing evidence that vaccination can protect fetuses without increasing harm.
A new ultrasound technique has been developed to detect fetal circulation problems in the placenta, allowing for earlier diagnosis and potential prevention of harm to the fetus. The study found that 16 women out of 40 tested had placentas with fetal circulation problems.
A Yale University study found that genetic factors control developmental abnormalities, including pregnancy loss and autism. Researchers examined placental data from nearly 50 sets of twins and discovered similar frequencies of abnormal cell growths in identical twins, suggesting genetics play a key role.
A study reveals that the mouse placenta's circadian clock regulates the expression and activity of ABCB1, a drug efflux transporter, in a 24h rhythm. This finding suggests that the timing of maternal treatment could be crucial to avoid non-desirable effects on foetal development during pregnancy.
A Yale University study found that pregnant women infected with COVID-19 are more likely to experience preterm births and neonatal problems due to a robust immune response in the placenta. The researchers also discovered that the virus's ACE2 receptors are present in most placentas during the first trimester, but disappear later.
Researchers successfully generate synthetic mouse embryos containing the three fundamental cell types normally found in pre-implantation embryos. The study provides strong evidence that the system is a good model for studying early embryo development, shedding light on the mechanisms of totipotency and the causes of early pregnancy loss.
Biologists have discovered a new type of placental structure in animals, specifically in the group Cyclostomata from the phylum Bryozoa. This unique structure, called coenocytes, is formed through nuclear multiplication and cytoplasmic growth, unlike traditional cell fusion in animals.
A study in rats found that low womb oxygen can impair adult brain function and memory. Vitamin C supplements during pregnancy protected the offspring's brain health. The results suggest a potential preventative medicine approach for long-term brain health.
A study published in Nature Genetics found that a specific histone modification, H2AK119ub1, acts as a marker for inherited DNA functional modifications from the mother. The researchers discovered that without this modification, fertilized embryos can experience miscarriages and enlarged placentas.
A recent study published in Biology of Sex Differences suggests that DHA supplementation during periods of high stress may reverse the negative impact of maternal stress on unborn males. Researchers found that exposure to prenatal distress decreased placenta and embryo weight in males but not females, while DHA groups showed a reversal...
The study confirms that the placenta is a 'dumping ground' for genetic defects, harboring mutations similar to childhood cancers. It tolerates major genetic flaws, unlike other human organs.
A genetic scoring study published in PNAS found that specific genes in the placenta can predict a baby's brain size at birth and its rate of cognitive development, which may lead to schizophrenia later in life. The study suggests that targeting placental health may reduce schizophrenia risk, particularly in males.
A new study by USF Health researchers has discovered that maternal decidual cells act as reservoirs for Zika virus transmission through the placenta. The study also found that tizoxanide can effectively inhibit Zika virus in these cells, offering promise for preventing perinatal transmission and its associated health problems.
A CU Anschutz study reveals associations between placental signaling and metabolic disease in children and adults, offering potential early intervention and diagnosis of conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Placenta function can illuminate future disease in adults and children.
A study found that a cell-surface estrogen receptor called GPER1 plays a critical role in protecting the fetus from maternal inflammation caused by viral infections. The researchers discovered that GPER1 helps to suppress type I interferon signaling, which can lead to serious developmental abnormalities and fetal death.
Researchers identified genes associated with decreased placental invasion and increased chemokine production in babies born with microcephaly. This finding provides insight into why only some babies exposed to Zika virus during pregnancy develop anomalies.
A portable device has been created to mimic the placenta's oxygenation role for pre-term newborns in respiratory distress. The artificial lung uses a fine membrane to release carbon dioxide and uptake oxygen while protecting blood from infection, improving survival rates and reducing brain damage.