Articles tagged with Placenta
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Researchers aim to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis by studying the molecular mechanisms of transmission and placenta development. The team will investigate how Toxoplasma gondii infection affects fetal development and explore potential treatments.
A team of researchers from the University of Vienna has shown that the widespread food estrogen zearalenone migrates through the placenta and is partially converted to other harmful substances. The study found that even small concentrations could have a greater impact on the embryo than previously assumed.
Researchers have discovered that zearalenone, a widespread food estrogen, can pass through the placenta and affect fetal development. The study found that even low concentrations of zearalenone can have a significant impact on the unborn child's hormonal balance.
A recent study found that African-American preterm births are associated with chronic inflammation of the placenta and underdeveloped vessels, leading to poor growth and increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairments. These abnormalities suggest that the fetus was not receiving enough oxygen and nutrients from the placenta.
A recent study found that women with malfunctioning natural killer cells may be at a higher risk of developing placental accreta. If confirmed in humans, this discovery could lead to new preventative measures and reduce the need for fertility-ending surgeries.
A study led by UC Riverside professor David Reznick found that female fish with placentas form new species twice as fast as those without, due to their ability to choose mates. This connection between mothering and evolution suggests a key role for females in shaping the formation of new species.
Research found that interferon production alters placental development, potentially causing serious complications. Interferon-induced transmembrane proteins block syncytin fusion activity, preventing viral entry but also hindering fetal growth.
A team of scientists at Duke University Medical Center has discovered a previously unidentified route for antibodies to be transferred from the mother to the fetus, which could lead to safer and more effective vaccines. This finding provides a potential way to control when and how certain antibodies are shared.
A study of over 600 infant genomes found that variations in the SLIT2 gene may contribute to premature births by activating the mother's immune system. The researchers also discovered a link between the SLIT2-ROBO1 signalling pathway and multiple pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia and ectopic pregnancy.
Researchers found that early alcohol exposure restricted placenta growth and blood vessel formation, leading to reduced nutrient delivery to the embryo. This study has significant implications for understanding pregnancy-associated conditions like fetal growth restriction.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have discovered Cdx2 cells, a type of placental stem cell, that can regenerate healthy heart cells after heart attacks in animal models. These cells have the ability to target injury sites and avoid rejection by the host immune system, making them promising for regenerative therapy.
Research finds that placental hormone allopregnanolone plays a crucial role in fetal brain development, and its disruption can lead to brain injuries associated with ASD. The study suggests that subtle changes in utero may set the stage for neurodevelopmental disorders later in life.
Researchers used 3D modeling to understand nutrient exchange in the human placenta, a process critical for fetal growth. The study found that terminal villi geometry determines solute exchange capacity between mother and fetus.
A major breakthrough in artificial womb technology has demonstrated its ability to support extremely preterm babies equivalent to a human fetus at 24 weeks of gestation. The study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology shows that the technology can maintain stable, growth-normal state for five days.
Researchers developed a microfluidic model of the placenta, allowing for the study of caffeine transport from mother to fetus. The model showed that some caffeine does pass through, raising questions about maternal intake and fetal exposure. Further studies aim to personalize the technology and explore effects on individual cells.
A study published in Environment International found that PFAS substances, commonly used in consumer products, accumulate in fetal tissue throughout pregnancy. The study also revealed higher levels of these chemicals in male fetuses than female, highlighting the need for further research on their effects.
Cambridge researchers have discovered that placentas can adapt to function properly despite poor diets or low oxygen during pregnancy, impacting on pregnancy outcomes and lifelong health. This adaptation helps the placenta transport sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, mitigating complications such as fetal growth restriction.
A new study has found that Rift Valley fever virus can cause high rates of stillbirth in pregnant rats and human tissue, with the virus evading the mother-child barrier more efficiently than other vertically transmitted viruses. The research aims to develop vaccines to prevent the virus from causing miscarriage and birth defects.
Researchers have developed 'mini-placentas', cellular models of the early stages of placenta formation, to study early pregnancy and reproductive disorders. These miniature functional models closely resemble normal first-trimester placentas and may provide insights into pre-eclampsia, miscarriage, and chromosomal abnormalities.
Researchers created a detailed atlas of fetal and maternal cells in the first trimester, revealing 20 distinct cell types and gene expression profiles. The findings could inform further research into pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and pre-term birth.
Researchers mapped over 70,000 single cells at the uterus-placenta junction to understand maternal immune system modifications. This study provides a reference map for healthy pregnancy development, shedding light on disorders such as miscarriages and pre-eclampsia.
Research suggests Zika virus may use the same immune transfer route as dengue to infect Hofbauer cells in the placenta, leading to increased viral binding and entry. This finding has implications for understanding Zika's ability to cross the placental barrier.
A study by ISGlobal and partners found that prenatal exposure to malaria significantly alters a newborn's innate immune response, particularly if the placenta is infected. This type of exposure may affect a baby's risk of developing malaria during their first year of life.
Research reveals a single missing gene in mothers leads to miscarriages due to placenta problems, including fewer blood vessels and altered shape. The study provides new insights into recurrent miscarriage in humans and lays the foundation for further research on placenta development.
Scientists successfully inserted human DNA into transgenic laboratory mice, allowing them to study the biology of preterm birth. They discovered a stress hormone called corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and its interaction with a transcription factor called DLX3 in the placenta.
New research finds tiny particles of carbon in placentas, suggesting air pollution can affect foetal development. The study reveals that sooty particles from the mother's lungs can reach the placenta via the bloodstream.
Scientists at TU Wien have successfully created an artificial placenta model that closely resembles the natural organ, providing new insights into the exchange of important substances between mother and child. The research uses a high-resolution 3D printing process to produce customized hydrogel membranes populated with placenta cells.
Scientists created a placenta-on-a-chip to study how bacterial infections trigger preterm birth. The device mimics the placental barrier's response to infection, potentially leading to new treatments for this condition.
Researchers found that genes associated with schizophrenia alter early brain development indirectly by influencing placenta health, leading to a fivefold increased risk of developing the disorder. The study also discovered a sex bias in schizophrenia incidence, with males more likely to be affected due to the placenta's role.
A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found a surplus of pathogenic bacteria in placentas from premature births, supporting the hypothesis that maternal infection may cause preterm birth. The research also discovered evidence of placental bacteria in healthy pregnancies, challenging conventional wisdom.
Research finds that placental ALLO levels increase during pregnancy, especially in preterm births, which may affect fetal brain development. Higher ALLO levels have been linked to improved neurological outcomes in some cases.
A large study found no increased risk of serious health problems in babies born to mothers who consumed their placentas. The research also identified some motivations behind the practice, including a desire to prevent postpartum depression.
A novel marmoset model of human Zika virus infection offers new opportunities for understanding the virus's impact on congenital disease in humans. The researchers found that infection of marmoset dams recapitulates the human infection more faithfully than other animal models.
Scientists have discovered higher levels of humanin in placentas of women who gave birth to underweight infants. This protein may play a role in protecting the fetus during placental failure. The study highlights the importance of understanding the causes of low birthweight and its potential impact on adult health.
A new study reveals that 68% of genetic mutations causing fetal death affect the placenta, highlighting its critical role in development. Placental defects often occur alongside brain, heart, and circulation issues.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have demonstrated the feasibility of their organ-on-a-chip platform in studying drug transport across the human placental barrier. The study found that the placenta-on-a-chip successfully emulated the protective mechanism against toxic drugs, paving the way for its use as a screening platform.
Research suggests that C-sections are associated with a decreased risk of urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse, but an increased risk of asthma, obesity, and pregnancy complications. The study analyzed data from over 29 million participants and found mixed results on the long-term effects of C-sections.
Exposure to a widely used flame retardant chemical mixture can disrupt placental function, leading to altered production of the neurotransmitter serotonin. This study found evidence of endocrine, inflammatory and neurotransmitter signaling pathway disruption in placentas.
Researchers found that Zika virus infection in pregnant rhesus monkeys caused placental tissues to become thickened and inflamed, leading to decreased oxygen levels and impaired fetal development. The study's findings may provide important insights into preventing Zika virus infection and disease during pregnancy.
Researchers developed a new MRI technique to detect placental perfusion abnormalities in pregnancies with fetal congenital heart disease. Global placental perfusion decreased and regional variation increased as pregnancies progressed, indicating early warning signs of placental dysfunction.
A University of Liverpool-led trial found that sildenafil, commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction, is ineffective in improving outcomes for pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction. The study recruited 135 pregnant women with severely growth-restricted fetuses and found no benefits from administering sildenafil.
A recent study published in Women and Birth found that consuming placenta capsules has limited benefits for new moms, including no significant impact on postpartum mood or maternal bonding. However, the study did show detectable changes in hormone concentrations in mothers taking placenta capsules.
Researchers identify DLX5 gene as key player in preeclampsia, a complex disease affecting 4% of pregnancies. An in vitro model demonstrates the disorder's dysregulation and opens door to new treatments.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki identified a genetic variation associated with damage caused by maternal alcohol consumption. The study found that this variation affects epigenetic marks on placentas and newborn head size, depending on inherited genetic factors.
Researchers found that older wombs have trouble supporting placenta growth, leading to poor blood supply and birth defects. The study suggests that aging wombs may contribute to increased risks of pregnancy complications in humans.
Researchers have discovered a fetal gene associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia, which affects around 5% of all pregnancies worldwide. The genetic variant identified is linked to the FLT-1 protein, which damages the mother's vascular system and leads to symptoms such as high blood pressure.
Researchers found that winter foals were smaller than their spring and fall counterparts, suggesting a critical impact of reduced metabolism on fetal growth. Despite this, some benefits emerged from the study, including the potential for earlier foaling that can give young horses a head start in competitions.
Researchers have developed a mouse model to study Zika virus transmission, finding that the virus can be transmitted sexually from males to females and vertically from pregnant women to their fetuses. The study suggests that the placenta may be a key barrier in preventing Zika virus infection of the fetus.
Researchers developed a novel framework using 3D MRI to characterize the shape, volume, morphometry, and texture of placentas during pregnancy. The framework accurately predicted pregnancies complicated by FGR with 86% accuracy, and estimated birth weight reasonably well.
The study reveals that TLK2 is vital for placenta and embryo viability in mice, with implications for human intellectual disabilities. The researchers found that mutations in the TLK2 gene may cause impaired placental function, leading to insufficient oxygen during development and potential neurological disorders.
Researchers developed a computational model to estimate blood flow conditions in the human placenta, leveraging villous tree structures and active contractions. The results showed that displacement caused by contraction can help maintain robust blood circulation even under changed mechanical properties.
A major international study found that some features in a baby's DNA can increase the risk of its mother developing pre-eclampsia. The condition affects up to 5% of pregnancies and can cause serious complications including high blood pressure and organ damage.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found a correlation between slower placental oxygen transport and lower newborn birth weights, brain, and liver volumes. Researchers used MRI to map oxygen delivery across the placenta in real-time, revealing differences in regional function that can predict fetal growth.
Researchers discovered specific genetic changes in placentas of women who gave birth to growth-restricted infants, which sabotage placental blood vessel growth and fetal nourishment. These changes can be used as a biomarker to predict normal pregnancy and newborn health.
Scientists identify a specific placental sugar that binds tightly to the Zika envelope protein, allowing it to cross the placenta and cause birth defects. Researchers are developing a strategy to block this interaction using a nanoparticle coated in the same sugar.
A new mouse model reveals that the Zika virus can cross the placenta and lead to high percentages of miscarriages and thin brain tissue in babies. The study's findings suggest a mechanism by which the virus may be evading antiviral proteins, highlighting potential targets for treatment or vaccine development.
A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that most healthcare providers and patients are unaware of the potential benefits and risks of consuming placenta after childbirth. Women who reported a history of mental health disorders were more likely to consider trying placentophagy.
A recent UT Southwestern Medical Center study found that microRNA-515-5p affects placental development in ways that could contribute to preeclampsia. The research suggests miRNA-515-5p might be used to identify women at risk for the condition and potentially lead to a new treatment target.
A Yale study reveals how the Zika virus crosses the maternal-fetal barrier, affecting infant brain development. Researchers found that specific placenta cells are susceptible to infection, potentially leading to fetal brain damage.
Scientists at EMBL discovered that cell contraction strength determines whether cells move inwards to form the embryo or stay on the surface to become the placenta. The study found that unequal inheritance of apical proteins affects cell contraction, leading to the formation of either embryonic or placental tissues.