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PubMed2001

Placenta and myometrium--the two main sources of fibrinolytic components during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: Placenta is a known source of some fibrinolytic components in pregnancy. The aim of the present study is to find out whether myometrium can be a parallel source. STUDY DESIGN: The study group consisted of 34 women (16 primaparas and 18 multiparas, 39.0 +/- 0.2 years) in the 36-40th week of gestation with some obstetric complications: preeclampsia - 11, fetal distress - 9, breech presentation - 3, placenta previa - 1, repeat caesarean birth - 10 cases (20 women were the control group). The strips of myometrium as well as samples of venous blood and placenta were collected at the time of caesarean section. The tissue extracts were prepared. The components of the plasminogen activator system were measured, i.e. tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 2 (PAI-2). An immunoenzymatic method (ELISA) was used. Spearman and Pearson's correlation coefficients were the main tools of the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The concentration of the fibrinolytic components in blood plasma, placenta and myometrium were as follows (ng/mg of total protein): tPA: 0.15 +/- 0.07 (blood plasma), 0.12 +/- 0.05 (placenta), and 1.42 +/- 1.02 (myometrium); uPA: 0.01 +/- 0.005 (blood plasma), 1.09 +/- 0.25 (placenta), and 0.52 +/- 0.13 (myometrium); PAI-1: 2.86 +/- 0.90 (blood plasma), 30.67 +/- 9.31 (placenta), and 22.29 +/- 11.29 (myometrium); PAI-2: 2.86 +/- 0.90 (blood plasma), 750.89 +/- 170.29 (placenta), and 24.84 +/- 8.03 (myometrium). CONCLUSION: Besides placenta, myometrium is another important source of fibrinolytic components in pregnancy.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Trisomy 21 placentas: histopathological and immunohistochemical findings using proliferating cell nuclear antigen.

OBJECTIVE: The cause of growth retardation in trisomy 21 and other autosomal trisomies is not known, but may be the result of defective cell proliferation, slowing of the cell cycle, or placental structural abnormalities. Abnormalities of the fetal cell cycle may be reflected in placental growth and can be detected using proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). METHODS: Twelve second-trimester and six third-trimester trisomy 21 placentas were examined histopathologically and stained immunohistochemically using antibodies to PCNA. Normal age-matched placentas were used as controls. RESULTS: The second-trimester trisomy 21 placentas all exhibited many large irregular hypovascular villi. The third-trimester trisomy 21 placentas showed two patterns: (i) many large, irregular hypovascular villi, and (ii) relatively normal-appearing villi with only a few abnormal villi and focal hypervascularity. PCNA staining was significantly greater in second-trimester placentas when compared to third-trimester placentas for both trisomy 21 and controls. There was no significant difference in PCNA staining in trisomy 21 placentas when compared to the normal age-matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: PCNA staining indicates no significant differences in proliferation between normal and trisomy 21 placentas. Trisomy 21 placentas show villus abnormalities, including hypovascularity.

Chorionic Villi↗
PubMed1999

Quantitative computer image analysis of chondroitin sulfate A expression in placentas infected with Plasmodium falciparum.

Most pathological conditions resulting from infection with the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum occur as a consequence of the sequestration by several adhesion molecules of parasite-infected red blood cells (IRBCs). Recent reports have provided evidence that placental vascular endothelial ligands for IRBCs were mostly restricted to chondroitin sulfate A (CSA). The expression of CSA in malaria-infected placentas was investigated in a prospective case-control study in a hypoendemic area (Dakar, Senegal). The tissue distribution of CSA was measured in the terminal villi by immunostaining combined with image processing in 20 infected and 20 noninfected frozen sections of placenta. The villous surface immunostained by anti-CSA antibody was higher in infected than in noninfected placentas (p<0.03), in placentas with active infection than in those with past chronic infection (p<0.05), and in infected placentas with positive imprints than in those with negative imprints (not significant; p=0.06). Labeling was found in the extracellular matrix and in endothelial and stromal cells of all the placentas. Syncytiotrophoblast immunostaining was detected in all placentas associated with active or active chronic infection (n=7) but in only 4/13 placentas with past chronic infection (p<0.01). The presence of P. falciparum in the imprint was significantly correlated with immunostaining of CSA in syncytiotrophoblasts (p=0.003). These results suggest that CSA can play an important role in the sequestration of P. falciparum in human placentas during the acute phase of infection.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Distribution of vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein messenger ribonucleic acid in rat placenta and duodenum.

The vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein (CaBP), cholecalcin or calbindin, is one of the best documented molecular expressions of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, the hormonal metabolite of vitamin D. In this report, DNA/RNA hybridization assays have been used to examine cholecalcin (CaBP) mRNA production in the placenta and duodenum of 21-day pregnant rats. A cloned CaBP cDNA which codes for the rat intestinal 9000 mol wt cholecalcin (9KCaBP) was radiolabeled and used in hybridization assays to explore 1) the size and relative quantities of CaBP mRNA extractable from placenta and duodenum by molecular hybridization, and 2) the localization and quantification, by in situ hybridization histochemistry, of CaBP mRNA in specific cells in rat placenta and duodenum. Northern hybridization studies show that the [32P]cDNA sequence hybridizes to a single 500- to 600-nucleotide species in the placenta as in the duodenum and, therefore, demonstrate identical 9KCaBP mRNA processing in both tissues. Dot blot hybridization studies show that the concentration of 9KCaBP mRNA was greatest in the duodenum, while that of the inner (fetal) placenta was about 50% the duodenal level. Considerably less CaBP mRNA was found in the outer (maternal) placenta. The observed differences in 9KCaBP mRNA levels correlate well with the in vivo variations in 9KCaBP concentrations. In situ hybridization histochemistry using [3H]cDNA reveals that 9KCaBP mRNA visualized by silver grains was concentrated in the inner placenta over the cytoplasm of syncytial cells in the trophoblastic epithelium of the labyrinth and much less frequently in the cells of the outer placenta. In the duodenum, 9KCaBP mRNA was found only in the absorptive epithelial cells from the crypt region to the upper part of the villi. The silver grains were distributed throughout the cytoplasm of the columnar cells; they were densest in the perinuclear region and rarest in the nuclear region. The concentration was greater in the cells at the villous tips than in those of the crypts. This difference in 9KCaBP mRNA levels correlates well with the distribution of the protein itself along the villi. CaBP mRNA quantities detected by hybridization histochemistry showed greater labeling in the syncytial cells of the trophoblastic epithelium of the labyrinth than in the absorptive epithelial cells of the upper part of the villi (200% less), indicating accumulation of CaBP mRNA at a greater rate in the trophoblastic epithelium than in the absorptive epithelial cells. These results indicate that in the rat, 9KCaBP is synthesized in both the absorptive cells of the duodenum and the cells of the trophoblastic epithelium of the placenta.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Immunoreactive growth hormone-releasing hormone in rat placenta.

It has been shown that immunoreactive and biologically active GH-releasing hormone (GHRH)-like material is present in rat placenta. To investigate the role of placental GHRH, we measured it in human and rat placenta of different gestational stages, using specific RIA systems. GHRH and somatostatin contents in median eminence, pituitary GH contents, and plasma GHRH levels were also quantified in rats. Immunoreactive GHRH was detectable in rat placenta [13 days of gestation, 1.4 +/- 0.4 (+/- SD); 16 days, 1.4 +/- 0.2; 20 days, 1.7 +/- 0.4 ng/g] but not in human placenta (less than 0.06 ng/g in both full-term and mid-term placenta). GHRH concentrations in rat placenta did not change significantly during pregnancy, but total contents increased progressively in relation to placental growth. GHRH and somatostatin contents in median eminence of pregnant rats were not different from those of control female rats. In contrast, rat pituitary GH contents in pregnant rats were significantly lower than those of control female rats. Immunoreactive GHRH was not detectable in plasma of either pregnant rats or nonpregnant rats. Molecular sieve chromatography revealed two peaks of immunoreactive GHRH in rat placental extracts: a major peak eluted in the position of synthetic rat GHRH and a minor peak in the higher molecular weight region. In contrast, a single peak in the position of rat GHRH was observed in rat median eminence extracts. Detection of immunoreactive GHRH in rat placenta but not in human may suggest that the mechanism of GHRH gene expression in placenta is species specific. Failure of detection of immunoreactive GHRH in rat maternal circulation suggests that placental GHRH may not affect the maternal hypothalamic pituitary axis. Presence of high molecular weight materials of immunoreactive GHRH in rat placenta but not in median eminence suggests that posttranslational processing of the GHRH precursor molecule may be different in the two organs. Placental GHRH may have a paracrine function or may be secreted into fetal circulation and contribute to fetal growth.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Identification of proteins immunochemically related to human pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein in the rat placenta.

Human pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (hPS beta G) consists of a set of glycoproteins present in placenta and maternal serum. This study characterized proteins in rat placenta that show immunological cross-reactivity with antisera to hPS beta G. Immunocytochemical studies using two independent preparations of anti-hPS beta G showed intense specific staining within basophilic cytotrophoblast cells of the basal zone of the gestation day 15 rat placenta. In contrast, basophilic cytotrophoblasts located in the labyrinth did not stain. Subsequent experiments used gel electrophoresis and immunoblot analysis to compare PS beta G in human placenta and serum with immunoreactive proteins in rat placenta and serum. A set of two or three proteins was detected in human villous tissue and pregnancy serum with apparent mol wt (Mr) ranging from 54,000-76,000. In contrast rat placenta showed a major immunoreactive protein with 120,000 Mr, while rat serum contained bands of 48,000 64,000 and 69,000 Mr. Explant cultures of rat basal zone tissue secreted two [35S]methionine-labeled proteins that were immunoreactive, a major 120,000 Mr species and a minor 76,000 Mr form, with pI values of 4.6-5.5; tunicamycin inhibited the secretion of both species. Thus, a 120,000 Mr glycoprotein appears to be the major tissue and secreted form of rat PS beta G analog in day 15 placenta. Finally, the cytochemical localization of PS beta G-like proteins in rat placenta showed a progressive gestational shift from giant trophoblast cells in the parietal yolk sac placenta on day 12 to the basal zone cytotrophoblast cells by day 15. Data indicate that the pregnant rat may provide an animal model for investigation of the biological function of PS beta G during late gestation.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Changes in interleukin-6 and IGF system and their relationships in placenta and cord blood in newborns with fetal growth restriction compared with controls.

OBJECTIVES: The IGF system is central to fetal growth. Recently, the relationships between cytokines and the IGF system have been shown in specific tissues. It is unknown whether these occur in the placenta. The aim of this study was to assess whether interleukin-6 (IL-6) modulated the IGF system. METHODS: Whole villous tissue and cord serum were collected from fetal growth restriction (FGR) neonates diagnosed before birth with altered Doppler velocimetry and controls. Sixteen FGR and 20 controls, born after week 32 of gestation from elective Caesarean sections, were compared. Total RNA was extracted from the placenta samples, reverse transcribed, and real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR was performed to quantify cDNA for IGF-I, IGF-II, IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-1, IGFBP-2, and IL-6. The same proteins were assayed in placenta lysates and cord serum using specific commercial kits and western immunoblotting. RESULTS: FGR subjects had significantly more IGFBPs-1 and -2, and IL-6 mRNA and corresponding proteins in the placenta. In particular, the less phosphorylated isoforms of IGFBP-1 were highly increased. IL-6 and IGFBPs-2 mRNA, and IL-6 and IGFBP-1 peptides were positively and significantly correlated in the placenta. The IGF-II peptide was also significantly increased in FGR placentas. In cord serum, IGFBPs-1 and -2 were significantly more elevated in the FGR neonates. Serum IL-6 was significantly and positively correlated with both IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2. CONCLUSIONS: The placenta of FGR neonates has higher IGF-II, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, and IL-6 contents compared with controls. At birth, IGFBPs-1 and -2 are increased in the cord blood of FGR neonates. IL-6 and IGFBP-2 gene expressions are closely related in the placenta. We suggest that the increase in IL-6 and IGFBP-2 could be subsequent to hypoxia and nutrient deficiency. As IGFBP-2 has a strong affinity for IGF-II, which is crucial for fetal growth, it could be an important bioregulator of IGF-II in the placenta.

Control Groups↗
PubMed2003

[Villitis of unknown etiology in placentas of pregnancies with hypertensive disorders and of small-for-gestational-age infants].

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study are to analyze the frequency and the histopathological features of the villitis of unknown etiology (VUE) in placentas of pregnancies with hypertensive disorders and of small-for-gestational-age infants (SGA). METHODS: Two hundred and thirteen placentas from pregnancies without clinical or laboratorial evidence of infection were studied. These cases were subdivided according to: a) maternal condition in: non-complicated pregnancy (NCP)- 151 cases, pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH)- 37 and sustained chronic hypertension (SCH)- 25 and b) newborn weight in: small for gestational age (SGA)- 38 cases and adequate for gestational age (AGA)- 175. Of these placentas, 81 belong to the random sample, which was used to determine the frequency of VUE in the population studied. Eight blocks were taken from placental parenchyma and the histological sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Frequency tables of categorical data were analyzed using the chi- square test and Fisher test; statistical significance was considered for p< 0.05. RESULTS: The frequency of VUE in the placentas was 30.8% in the random sample, 39% in NCP, 29.7% in PIH, 32% in SCH, 34.2% in SGA infants and 37.1% in AGA infants. Placentas of pregnancies with hypertensive disorders were more affected by villitis with parenchymatous component (PIH - 27.0%, SCH - 28.0%). This lesion was also the predominant villitis in the placentas of the SGA infants (31.5%). In contrast, in placentas of NCP and AGA infants, the principal kind of villitis was basal, not associated to a parenchymatous component (16.5% and 14.8% respectively). In the majority of the cases the villitis was mild. CONCLUSION: In the population studied, the frequency of VUE is high (around 30%). The lesion occurs in a similar frequency in placentas from NCP, PIH, SCH, SGA and AGA infants, but basal villitis not associated to a parenchymatous component affects mainly the placentas of NCP and AGA infants. It is possible that this kind of villitis could be an expression of an antigenic stimulation diverse from villitis with a parenchymatous component.

Chorionic Villi↗
PubMed2004

Drug transfer and metabolism by the human placenta.

The major function of the placenta is to transfer nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the foetus and to assist in the removal of waste products from the foetus to the mother. In addition, it plays an important role in the synthesis of hormones, peptides and steroids that are vital for a successful pregnancy. The placenta provides a link between the circulations of two distinct individuals but also acts as a barrier to protect the foetus from xenobiotics in the maternal blood. However, the impression that the placenta forms an impenetrable obstacle against most drugs is now widely regarded as false. It has been shown that that nearly all drugs that are administered during pregnancy will enter, to some degree, the circulation of the foetus via passive diffusion. In addition, some drugs are pumped across the placenta by various active transporters located on both the fetal and maternal side of the trophoblast layer. It is only in recent years that the impact of active transporters such as P-glycoprotein on the disposition of drugs has been demonstrated. Facilitated diffusion appears to be a minor transfer mechanism for some drugs, and pinocytosis and phagocytosis are considered too slow to have any significant effect on fetal drug concentrations. The extent to which drugs cross the placenta is also modulated by the actions of placental phase I and II drug-metabolising enzymes, which are present at levels that fluctuate throughout gestation. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in particular have been well characterised in the placenta at the level of mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity. CYP1A1, 2E1, 3A4, 3A5, 3A7 and 4B1 have been detected in the term placenta. While much less is known about phase II enzymes in the placenta, some enzymes, in particular uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferases, have been detected and shown to have specific activity towards marker substrates, suggesting a significant role of this enzyme in placental drug detoxification. The increasing experimental data on placental drug transfer has enabled clinicians to make better informed decisions about which drugs significantly cross the placenta and develop dosage regimens that minimise fetal exposure to potentially toxic concentrations. Indeed, the foetus has now become the object of intended drug treatment. Extensive research on the placental transfer of drugs such as digoxin and zidovudine has assisted with the safe treatment of the foetus with these drugs in utero. Improved knowledge regarding transplacental drug transfer and metabolism will result in further expansion of pharmacological treatment of fetal conditions.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Histological characteristics of placentas from assisted reproduction programs.

Placentas from assisted reproduction programs are a poorly investigated research material. The aim of this investigation was to perform microscopic examination of placentas from assisted reproduction programs and to compare them with placentas from spontaneous pregnancies. The investigation comprised 12 placentas from assisted reproduction programs and 12 placentas from spontaneous pregnancies. We found a statistically significant increase of villous edema in investigated placentas (p = 0.001). We also found a statistically significantly increased incidence of microcalcifications in placentas from assisted reproduction programs (p = 0.04). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in regard to syncytial knots (X2 = 0.67, p > 0.25). Microscopic examination showed that placentas from assisted reproduction programs present with more frequent pathological findings. Further investigations of placentas from assisted reproduction programs could provide better understanding of different pathological conditions of pregnancies and labor in women with artificial insemination.

Female↗
PubMed2002

[Relationship between pathological changes and the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in the placenta of patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension complicated by intrauterine growth retardation].

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship of the pathological changes with the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1) in the placenta of patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) that is complicated by intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). METHODS: Tissue specimens of the placenta were respectively collected from 30 patients with PIH complicated by IUGR, 28 patients with IUGR, 25 patients with PIH and 30 normal women after delivery. After HE and PAS staining, the tissue sections were observed microscopically to detect morphological changes in the placenta. Immunohistochemical examination was employed to detect the expression of the VCAM-1 in the decidual vascular endothelium, syncytiotrophoblast and villous capillary vessel of the placenta in these tissue specimens. RESULTS: Significant pathological changes were observed in 22 placentas of the patients with PIH complicated by IUGR, with the incidence of 73.33 %. The pathological changes exemplified by stromal fibrosis, fibrinoid necrosis and leucocyte infiltration of the villi, increase in villous syncytial nodules, decrease in villous vascular tissues, hyperplasia of cytotrophoblasts and basal lamina thickening were more prevalent in the placentas of patients with PIH complicated by IUGR than in normal women (P<0.05). The expression of VCAM-1 in the decidual vascular endothelium and placental villous capillary vessels was observed to be significantly higher in the placentas with pathological changes than in those without (P<0.05), which was the opposite to the changes in the expression in the syncytiotrophoblast (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Significant pathological changes can be present in the placenta of patients with PIH complicated by IUGR, and may be intimately related to abnormal expressions of VCAM-1 in the placenta.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Late midtrimester pregnancy termination in the presence of placenta previa.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the operative outcome in women undergoing late midtrimester pregnancy termination by dilatation and evacuation in the presence of complete placenta previa. STUDY DESIGN: The records of 306 consecutive women undergoing pregnancy termination at 19-24 weeks' gestation from January 1997 to December 2000 were reviewed and divided into those with and without complete placenta previa based on an ultrasound examination before the procedure. These two groups were then compared for differences in patient characteristics, previous gynecologic history and operative outcome, reflected by operative time, need for blood transfusion, discharge time, postoperative bleeding and postoperative fever. RESULTS: Complete placenta previa occurred in 2.6% of patients (8 of 306). Significantly more women with placenta previa were married (P = .04). There was also a significant difference between the two groups considering the indication for pregnancy termination, as all patients with placenta previa underwent late midtrimester termination due to structural and chromosomal fetal malformations, whereas 33.8% of patients without placenta previa demonstrated fetal malformations (P = .005). Furthermore, significantly more women with placenta previa had had previous pelvic surgery (P = .01). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to age, percentage of smokers, number of previous abortions, parity or number of previous cesarean sections. There was no significant difference in the number of inserted Laminaria, operative time, need for blood transfusion, postoperative morbidity and duration of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Late midtrimester pregnancy termination by dilatation and evacuation in the presence of placenta previa appears to be safe and apparently does not increase maternal morbidity as compared with the outcome in patients without placenta previa undergoing the same procedure.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed2003

[Effects of iron-deficiency anemia on placenta and birth weight].

OBJECTIVE: To determine placenta alterations in iron deficiency anemia cases and the effect of this condition on birthweight. PATIENTS, MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty three women with term-pregnancy and their newborns were included. Patients with iron deficiency anemia were those with an hemoglobin of less than 11.0 g/dL and serum ferritin below 12 micrograms/L. Outcome variables were: placenta weight, placenta weight/newborn weight ratio, macroscopic and microscopic alterations on placenta, weight and height of the newborn. RESULTS: The frequency of iron deficiency anemia was determined in 26 patients, 17%. The placenta weight in the group of women with a diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia was 558 +/- 105 g and in the group of women without this diagnosis 527 +/- 107 g (p = 0.18). Placenta weight/newborn weight ratio was higher in the anemia group patients (p = 0.04). The most frequent microscopic lesions observed were intervillous thrombosis, infarcts and fibrosis. The birthweight and length of newborn was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: A trend towards an increase in placenta weight and in the placenta weight/newborn weight ratio in patients fulfilling the anemia criteria was observed, but a significant effect on the weight and height of the newborn was not determined, suggesting that the changes present in the placenta would be enough to ensure a fetal growth.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Effect of placenta previa on fetal growth and development].

A retrospective study of 151 fetuses born of mothers with placenta previa in the maternity and our hospital in 1984-1991 was done. This study aimed at determining whether placenta previa affects growth and to what extend. We recorded the birth weight, crown-heel length, head and chest circumferences of each of the 151 fetuses. After calculating the average of each item. According to gestational week and type of placenta previa, they were compared with the 50th percentile numbers in normal fetuses of the same gestational age. The results were among the 151 features, born of mothers with placenta previa 19 (12.6%) suffered from intrauterine growth retardation, 80(53.0%) with birth weight less than normal fetuses, and 52(34.4%) with birth weight basically the same as normal fetuses. Most of the fetuses with birth weight less than normal, were born of mothers with total or partial placenta previa while most of those with birth weight basically the same as normal fetuses. At 28th to 32nd week were born mothers with lowly placenta previa of gestation there was no obvious difference between the birth weights of fetuses of placenta previa mothers and normal pregnancies (P greater than 0.05). But from 33rd week to 40th week, the difference became obvious (P less than 0.05); the chest circumference in fetuses of total and partial placenta previa cases obviously less (P less than 0.05). So we may say that placenta previa affects fetal weight gain, especially from 33rd week and the chest circumference, in the last three weeks.

Birth Weight↗
PubMed2004

Placenta previa in a referral hospital in Oman.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of placenta previa associated pregnancies, to find out the strength of association of identified risk factors with the major placenta previa associated pregnancies and to identify predictors for preterm outcome. METHODS: Records of women with placenta previa, who delivered at Nizwa Hospital, Al-Dakhliya region, Sultanate of Oman between October 1998 and September 2002, were analyzed retrospectively utilizing a case control approach. RESULTS: An incidence of 0.6% for placenta previa was noted in our study. Nearly two thirds (64.8%) of the pregnancies resulted in antepartum bleeding. Pregnancies with major placenta previa constituted 72% of all the subjects. Higher parity (>/=5), maternal age (>/=30) and history of previous abortion had high odds of association with major placenta previa of 2.1, 2.4 and 2.5. Antepartum hemorrhage was not significantly associated with pregnancies presenting with major placenta previa (odds ratio [OR] 1.3; p>0.05). The proportion of preterm deliveries was 55.5% in the study. There was a significant association between preterm outcome and presence of antepartum hemorrhage (OR 10.8; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In spite of higher maternal age, parity and previous abortions having high odds of presenting in pregnancies with major placenta previa, no significant statistical association could be proven. Also, no significant difference among pregnancies presenting with major or minor placenta previa as regards the preterm outcome, could be established. Antepartum hemorrhage, irrespective of severity, was a strong predictor of preterm outcome.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Lipopolysaccharide induces the expression of interleukin-1alpha distinctly in different compartments of term and preterm human placentae.

The aim of the study was to investigate the stimulatory effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on IL-lalpha production in different compartments of term and preterm placental tissues. Homogenates from amnion, chorion, and from fetal (subchorionic placental tissues, maternal decidua, and mid-placental tissue before and after perfusion of isolated placental cotyledons of 5 term placentas and 4 placentas obtained after preterm birth (28-34 W of gestation) were examined. Isolated placental cotyledons were dually perfused LPS (100 ng/kg perfused placental tissue) was perfused into the maternal side during 10 hours. Homogenates of the samples were examined by ELISA for IL-1alpha levels, and paraffin sections of the samples were stained by immunohistochemical staining, to characterize the cellular origin of placental IL-1alpha. Paired t test and ANOVA determined statistical significance. In the homogenates, there was a tendency towards higher IL-lalpha levels in all preterm placental compartments as compared to the term compartments before perfusion. A significant increase was observed only in the chorion compartment (p = 0.035). LPS had significantly increased IL-la levels only in the decidua compartment of term placentas as compared to other placental compartments (p = 0.0004), and had decreased IL-1alpha levels in the mid-placenta (p = 0.034). In preterm placentas, addition of LPS did not affect the expression levels of IL-1alpha in either fetal or maternal compartments as determined by ELISA and immunohistochemical staining. IL-la levels in the chorion compartment of preterm placenta were significantly higher as compared to term placenta. LPS affects placental tissues of term and preterm placentas differently. Also, in the term placentas, LPS affected the different compartments differently. Thus, IL-1alpha may have a key role (as a autocrine/paracrine factor) in the regulation of normal and pathological pregnancy and parturition.

Autocrine Communication↗
PubMed2005

[Relationship between placenta previa and maternal age, parity and prior caesarean deliveries].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of placenta previa and to asses the relationship between the incidence of placenta previa and maternal age, parity, prior abortion and cesarean deliveries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of all patients with the diagnosis of placenta previa during the period between 1992 and 2002 at Hospital in Chojnice were reviewed. To determine the relationship between the incidence of placenta previa and maternal age, parity, prior abortion and cesarean deliveries the statistical analyses were carried out. The level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: From a total 11,091 deliveries 24 (0.2%) women had placenta previa. The occurrence of placenta previa increased with maternal age and was the highest in women aged 35 or older--0.8% of all deliveries and the lowest in women aged <25 years--0.07%. The incidence of placenta previa in women with previous deliveries was significantly higher compared to the group of primiparas and increased as the number of prior deliveries increased. The association between previous abortion and cesarean section and placenta previa was not confirmed. CONCLUSION: Advancing maternal age and multiparity appears to increase the occurrence of placenta previa. In this study the relationship between previous abortion and cesarean section was not confirmed.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed1990

[Individual anatomical variability of arteries of the fetal surface of human placenta].

Two hundred and ten placentas of 36-40-week-old pregnancies, terminating in birth of a functionally full-bodied child have been investigated. The placental arteries form is compared with the form of the placenta, with the place of the umbilical cord fixation, with the placental areas, with the number of the umbilical arteries, etc. A close connection is stated between the form of the placenta and its arterial bed. Round, oval, triangle placentas at a certain position of the umbilical cord root are characterized with loose forms of the arteries, while at a lateral, marginal and membranous types of the umbilical cord fixation magistral forms predominate. Curved, crescent, S-form, wavy loop-like forms of the main arterial magistral on the foetal surface of the placenta are also considered as magistral ones. The loose forms are noted in placentas with additional lobuli and in multilobular placentas. There is a definite dependence between forms of the arteries, area of the placenta and amount of cotyledons. At one marginal form one arterial magistral has been found, it successively branches along the whole placenta, at another magistral form the umbilical arteries divide into 12 sectorial branches.

Anthropometry↗