Research

14 pages, 1348 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reduction in Placental Metal and Metalloid in Preeclampsia: A Case–Control Study

by Yanhui Hao, Wen Yu, Jiaying Wu, Yingyu Yue, Yanting Wu, Hefeng Huang and Weibin Wu

Nutrients 2024, 16(6), 769; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16060769 - 07 Mar 2024

Viewed by 743

Preeclampsia is a primary placental disorder, with impaired placental vascularization leading to uteroplacental hypoperfusion. We aimed to investigate differences in metal and metalloid content between the placentas of women with preeclampsia and healthy controls. This was a case–control study in 63 women with [...] Read more.

Preeclampsia is a primary placental disorder, with impaired placental vascularization leading to uteroplacental hypoperfusion. We aimed to investigate differences in metal and metalloid content between the placentas of women with preeclampsia and healthy controls. This was a case–control study in 63 women with preeclampsia and 113 healthy women. Clinical data were obtained from medical records. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure the placental metals and metalloids content. Compared with healthy control subjects, preeclampsia was associated with a significantly lower concentration of essential elements (magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, and selenium) in the placental tissue. After multivariable adjustment, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in selenium concentration was associated with a reduced risk of preeclampsia with an OR of 0.50 (95% CI: 0.33–0.77). The joint effects of multiple selected metals and metalloids were associated with a reduced risk of preeclampsia. The lower placental magnesium, chromium, iron, zinc, and selenium concentrations of preeclampsia cases indicate a potential link to its pathogenesis. It also provides an intriguing avenue for future research in revealing the underlying mechanisms and potential intervention strategies for preeclampsia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional and Metabolic Factors in Pregnancy Complications)

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18 pages, 4783 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Decreased Fatty Acid Oxidation Gene Expression in Pre-Eclampsia According to the Onset and Presence of Intrauterine Growth Restriction

by Alejandra Abascal-Saiz, Eva Fuente-Luelmo, María Haro, Victoria Fioravantti, Eugenia Antolín, María P. Ramos-Álvarez and José L. Bartha

Nutrients 2023, 15(18), 3877; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15183877 - 06 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1084

Abstract

Mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO) is lower in placentas with pre-eclampsia. The aim of our study was to compare the placental mRNA expression of FAO enzymes in healthy pregnancies vs. different subgroups of pre-eclampsia according to the severity, time of onset, and the [...] Read more.

Mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO) is lower in placentas with pre-eclampsia. The aim of our study was to compare the placental mRNA expression of FAO enzymes in healthy pregnancies vs. different subgroups of pre-eclampsia according to the severity, time of onset, and the presence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). By using real-time qPCR, we measured the mRNA levels of long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD), medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD), and carnitine palmitoyltransferases 1A and 2 (CPT1A, CPT2) on the maternal side (anchoring villi in the basal decidua) and on the fetal side (chorionic plate) of the placenta (n = 56). When compared to the controls, LCHAD, MCAD, and CPT2 mRNA had decreased in all pre-eclampsia subgroups globally and on the fetal side. On the maternal side, LCHAD mRNA was also lower in all pre-eclampsia subgroups; however, MCAD and CPT2 mRNA were only reduced in severe and early-onset disease, as well as CPT2 in IUGR (p < 0.05). There were no differences in CPT1A mRNA expression. We conclude that the FAO enzymes mRNA in the placenta was lower in pre-eclampsia, with higher reductions observed in severe, early-onset, and IUGR cases and more striking reductions on the fetal side. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional and Metabolic Factors in Pregnancy Complications)

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16 pages, 1757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Iodine Intake Modify the Effect of Maternal Dysglycemia on Birth Weight in Mild-to-Moderate Iodine-Deficient Populations? A Mother–Newborn Prospective Cohort Study

by Yaniv S. Ovadia, Dov Gefel, Yoel Toledano, Shani R. Rosen, Yael Avrahami-Benyounes, Ludmila Groisman, Efrat Rorman, Lihi Hen, Shlomo Fytlovich, Liora S. Katz, Eyal Y. Anteby and Simon Shenhav

Nutrients 2023, 15(13), 2914; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15132914 - 27 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1788

Abstract

It is unclear how maternal glycemic status and maternal iodine status influence birth weight among individuals with mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency (ID). We studied the association between birth weight and both maternal glucose levels and iodine intake among pregnant women with mild-to-moderate ID. Glucose [...] Read more.

It is unclear how maternal glycemic status and maternal iodine status influence birth weight among individuals with mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency (ID). We studied the association between birth weight and both maternal glucose levels and iodine intake among pregnant women with mild-to-moderate ID. Glucose values were assessed using a glucose challenge test (GCT) and non-fasting glucose levels that were determined before delivery; individuals’ iodine statuses were assessed using an iodine food frequency questionnaire; and serum thyroglobulin (Tg) and urinary iodine concentrations (UIC) were used to assess each group’s iodine status. Thyroid antibodies and free thyroxine (FT4) levels were measured. Obstetric and anthropometric data were also collected. Large-for-gestational age (LGA) status was predicted using a Cox proportional hazards model with multiple confounders. Tg > 13 g/L was independently associated with LGA (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.4–10.2, p = 0.001). Estimated iodine intake correlated with FT4 among participants who reported consuming iodine-containing supplements (ICS) after adjusting for confounders (β = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.0002–0.0008, p = 0.001). Newborn weight percentiles were inversely correlated with maternal FT4 values (β = −0.2 95% CI:−0.08–−56.49, p = 0.049). We conclude that in mild-to-moderate ID regions, insufficient maternal iodine status may increase LGA risk. Iodine status and ICS intake may modify the effect that maternal dysglycemia has on offspring weight. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional and Metabolic Factors in Pregnancy Complications)

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15 pages, 1533 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prenatal Factors Associated with Maternal Cardiometabolic Risk Markers during Pregnancy: The ECLIPSES Study

by Ehsan Motevalizadeh, Andrés Díaz-López, Francisco Martín-Luján, Josep Basora and Victoria Arija

Nutrients 2023, 15(5), 1135; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15051135 - 23 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1383

Abstract

To examine the associations of sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors with cardiometabolic risk and each of its components during pregnancy in a pregnant population from Catalonia (Spain). A prospective cohort study of 265 healthy pregnant women (39 ± 5 years) in the first [...] Read more.

To examine the associations of sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors with cardiometabolic risk and each of its components during pregnancy in a pregnant population from Catalonia (Spain). A prospective cohort study of 265 healthy pregnant women (39 ± 5 years) in the first and third-trimesters. Sociodemographic, obstetric, anthropometric, lifestyle and dietary variables were collected, and blood samples were taken. The following cardiometabolic risk markers were evaluated: BMI, blood pressure, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL-cholesterol. From these, a cluster cardiometabolic risk (CCR)-z score was created by summating all z-scores (except insulin and DBP) computed for each risk factor. Data were analyzed using bivariate analysis and multivariable linear regression. In the multivariable models, the first-trimester CCRs was positively associated with overweight/obesity status (β: 3.54, 95%CI: 2.73, 4.36) but inversely related to the level of education (β: −1.04, 95%CI: −1.94, 0.14) and physical activity (PA) (β: −1.21, 95%CI: −2.24, −0.17). The association between overweight/obesity and CCR (β:1.91, 95%CI: 1.01, 2.82) persisted into the third-trimester, whereas insufficient GWG (β: −1.14, 95%CI: −1.98, −0.30) and higher social class (β: −2.28, 95%CI: −3.42, −1.13) were significantly associated with a lower CCRs. Starting pregnancy with normal weight, higher socioeconomic and educational levels, being a non-smoker, non-consumer of alcohol, and PA were protective factors against cardiovascular risk during pregnancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional and Metabolic Factors in Pregnancy Complications)

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11 pages, 822 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Abnormal Maternal Body Mass Index and Customized Fetal Weight Charts: Improving the Identification of Small for Gestational Age Fetuses and Newborns

by Nieves Luisa González González, Enrique González Dávila, Agustina González Martín, Marina Armas, Laura Tascón, Alba Farras, Teresa Higueras, Manel Mendoza, Elena Carreras and María Goya

Nutrients 2023, 15(3), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030587 - 22 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1827

Abstract

Background: Obesity and thinness are serious diseases, but cases with abnormal maternal weight have not been excluded from the calculations in the construction of customized fetal growth curves (CCs). Method: To determine if the new CCs, built excluding mothers with an abnormal weight, [...] Read more.

Background: Obesity and thinness are serious diseases, but cases with abnormal maternal weight have not been excluded from the calculations in the construction of customized fetal growth curves (CCs). Method: To determine if the new CCs, built excluding mothers with an abnormal weight, are better than standard CCs at identifying SGA. A total of 16,122 neonates were identified as SGA, LGA, or AGA, using the two models. Logistic regression and analysis of covariance were used to calculate the OR and CI for adverse outcomes by group. Gestational age was considered as a covariable. Results: The SGA rates by the new CCs and by the standard CCs were 11.8% and 9.7%, respectively. The SGA rate only by the new CCs was 18% and the SGA rate only by the standard CCs was 0.01%. Compared to AGA by both models, SGA by the new CCs had increased rates of cesarean section, (OR 1.53 (95% CI 1.19, 1.96)), prematurity (OR 2.84 (95% CI 2.09, 3.85)), NICU admission (OR 5.41 (95% CI 3.47, 8.43), and adverse outcomes (OR 1.76 (95% CI 1.06, 2.60). The strength of these associations decreased with gestational age. Conclusion: The use of the new CCs allowed for a more accurate identification of SGA at risk of adverse perinatal outcomes as compared to the standard CCs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional and Metabolic Factors in Pregnancy Complications)

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16 pages, 949 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Mild-to-Moderate Iodine Deficiency during Pregnancy Alter Thyroid Function? Lessons from a Mother–Newborn Cohort

by Simon Shenhav, Carlos Benbassat, Dov Gefel, Shmuel Zangen, Shani R. Rosen, Yael Avrahami-Benyounes, Shlomo Almashanu, Ludmila Groisman, Efrat Rorman, Shlomo Fytlovich, Eyal Y. Anteby and Yaniv S. Ovadia

Nutrients 2022, 14(24), 5336; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14245336 - 15 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2759

Abstract

Severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy has substantial hormonal consequences, such as fetal brain damage. Data on the potential effects of mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency on the thyroid function of pregnant women and their newborns are scarce and divergent. We investigated the association between iodine [...] Read more.

Severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy has substantial hormonal consequences, such as fetal brain damage. Data on the potential effects of mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency on the thyroid function of pregnant women and their newborns are scarce and divergent. We investigated the association between iodine intake in pregnancy and maternal and neonatal thyroid function in a region with mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency. Pregnant women’s iodine status was evaluated using an iodine food frequency questionnaire, serum thyroglobulin (Tg), and urinary iodine concentration (UIC). Neonatal thyrotropin (nTSH) values were measured after birth. Obstetrics and anthropometric data were also collected. Among the 178 women (median age 31 years) included in the study, median (interquartile range) estimated dietary iodine intake, Tg and UIC were 179 (94–268) μg/day, 18 (11–33) μg/L, and 60 (41–95) μg/L, respectively. There was a significant inverse association of iodine intake with Tg values among the study population (β = −0.2, F = 7.5, p < 0.01). Women with high free triiodothyronine (FT3) values were more likely to exhibit an estimated iodine intake below the estimated average requirement (160 μg/day, odds ratio [OR] = 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–6.4; p = 0.04) and less likely to consume iodine-containing supplements (OR = 0.3, 95% CI, 0.1–0.8; p = 0.01). It is possible that thyroid function may be affected by iodine insufficiency during pregnancy in regions with mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency. The relatively small sample size of the studied population warrants further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional and Metabolic Factors in Pregnancy Complications)

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12 pages, 636 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fasting Glucose for the Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Nieves Luisa González González, Enrique González Dávila, Fernando Bugatto, Begoña Vega-Guedes, Pilar Pintado, L. Tascón, Nazaret Villalba Martin, Walter Plasencia and Ana Megía

Nutrients 2022, 14(16), 3432; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14163432 - 20 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2085

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, different non-validated tests were proposed to simplify the diagnosis of gestational diabetes (GDM). Aim: To analyse the effects of replacing the two-step approach for Early-GDM and GDM diagnosis, with a fasting plasma glucose test. Material and Methods: This [...] Read more.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, different non-validated tests were proposed to simplify the diagnosis of gestational diabetes (GDM). Aim: To analyse the effects of replacing the two-step approach for Early-GDM and GDM diagnosis, with a fasting plasma glucose test. Material and Methods: This is a cohort study consisting of 3200 pregnant women: 400 with Early-GDM, 800 with GDM and 2000 with Non-GDM diagnosed using the two-step approach. Using fasting plasma glucose for Early-GDM and GDM diagnosis, according to the recommendations of Spain, Australia, Italy and the UK during the pandemic, the rates of missed and new Early-GDM and GDM were calculated and perinatal outcomes were analysed. Results: Using fasting plasma glucose in the first trimester >100 mg/dL for Early-GDM diagnosis, the rates of post-COVID missed and new Early-GDM were 79.5% and 3.2%, respectively. Using fasting plasma glucose at 24–28 weeks <84 or >92, 95 or 100 mg/dL for GDM diagnosis, the rates of missed GDM were 50.4%, 78%, 82.6% and 92.4%, respectively, and 8.6%, 5.6% and 2.3% women with Non-GDM were diagnosed with new GDM. Conclusion: Fasting plasma glucose is not a good test for the diagnosis of GDM either in the first trimester or at 24–28 weeks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional and Metabolic Factors in Pregnancy Complications)

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14 pages, 303 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Diet and Lifestyle on the Development of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and on Perinatal Results

by Alba Yuste Gómez, Maria del Pilar Ramos Álvarez and José Luis Bartha

Nutrients 2022, 14(14), 2954; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14142954 - 19 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1897

Abstract

GDM is a multifactorial disease, so there is controversy regarding the mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis. We speculate whether lifestyle and eating habits influenced the appearance and pathogenesis of GDM. To explore this issue, the aim of the present study was to analyze [...] Read more.

GDM is a multifactorial disease, so there is controversy regarding the mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis. We speculate whether lifestyle and eating habits influenced the appearance and pathogenesis of GDM. To explore this issue, the aim of the present study was to analyze maternal diet and lifestyle characteristics in early pregnancy and their influence on the development of GDM. The study included 103 pregnant women who completed a questionnaire on nutritional knowledge, lifestyle and eating habits. Perinatal and biochemical outcomes as well as pregestational lifestyle and eating habits were compared between normoglycemic women and those who developed GDM. The results obtained showed that women who developed GDM had erroneous knowledge regarding nutrition. Consumption of white bread (p = 0.018), added sugars (p = 0.037), legumes (p = 0.025), fish (p = 0.014), butter (p = 0.010) and the performance of less physical activity (p = 0.024) correlated with glucose intolerance in pregnant women. In conclusion, we found a relationship between dietary and lifestyle habits at the beginning of pregnancy and the later diagnosis of GDM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional and Metabolic Factors in Pregnancy Complications)

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